The 30 best places to visit in Argentine Patagonia

For this place, we have an irrefutable premise: “Photos will never do it justice.” It’s a site that will literally leave you breathless — not only because of its beauty but because you have to hike 10 kilometers to get there. But we promise it’s eternally worth it. It’s the closest you can get to Mount Fitz Roy, one of the most impressive and mysterious peaks in the world.

Tip: We suggest visiting Laguna Capri on the way back to rest and admire the beauty of the place.

Where: Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, El Chaltén, Santa Cruz.

This must-see will cost you just a few pesos but requires a significant effort to leave your bed before dawn (considering the cold that usually hits this part of Patagonia). The day before, you need to hire a taxi to take you the 7 kilometers from the town center to the Panoramic Point on Route 23. It’s just a few minutes you’ll never forget: the 3 kilometers of Fitz Roy’s rock turning violet, orange, and red while the sun rises behind you.

Tip: You can take advantage and have breakfast at Mathilda, a cozy café on the town’s main avenue. Their cakes are a specialty.

Where: Punto Panorámico de El Chaltén, sobre la RP 23, Santa Cruz.

From the boardwalk to the city center passing by Laguna Nimez, these are some recommended spots to visit in town, best done by bike. Traffic is calm, allowing you to go at your own pace.

Tip: Keep in mind the city has some uphill and downhill stretches, so a good physical condition is advisable.

Where: Several bike rental spots are available in the city center.

The “once in a lifetime” experiences also belong on this list, and definitely, visiting the Perito Moreno Glacier falls into that category. With the mini-trekking excursion — one of the most expensive tours here — you can feel like you’re on another planet for a few minutes, literally surrounded by ice, crevices, and small lagoons. The walk is done wearing crampons and lasts about 2 hours.

Tip: The trip is crowned with a whisky on the rocks, made with ice from the glacier itself.

Where: Starts at the “Bajo de las Sombras” dock inside Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, Santa Cruz.

On a trip to El Calafate, you can’t miss Perito Moreno, El Chaltén, and a Patagonian ranch. This place has over 100 years of history and is located within Los Glaciares National Park. You can visit the Nibepo Aike ranch for the day, take a walk, watch a sheep shearing demonstration, and taste a traditional Patagonian lamb.

Tip: You can also stay overnight at the ranch and do other activities such as boating and multi-day horseback rides.

Where: From El Calafate, it’s 56 kilometers along RP 15, a gravel road.

It’s no exaggeration to say it might be the brewery with the best views in the country. With a pint in hand (for us, an Amber Lager, please), you can sit on a wooden chair, rest your feet on a log, and contemplate the views of the mountains and Lake Nahuel Huapi. What seems rustic turns into the world’s greatest luxury.

Tip: Don’t miss the tour of the microbrewery where Patagonia’s different beer varieties are brewed.

Where: KM 24.7 on the Circuito Chico, Bariloche, Río Negro.

For those who don’t feel like hiking much, there are options too. To reach it, you just need to do a half-hour trek on a shaded and easy trail. Once there, find a comfortable rock and enjoy the view: one arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Cerro Capilla in the background.

Tip: We recommend bringing something warm to drink.

Where: The trail starts at Bahía López and is about 2 kilometers long.

It’s one of those places that make you say: “Wow, Argentina is such a beautiful country!” On this trip, the destination isn’t what matters, but the journey: it includes several stops with waterfalls, hikes, panoramic views, and lakes.

Tip: We recommend stopping at the Lago Espejo and Lago Correntoso viewpoints. The water color will surprise you.

Where: On Route 40 from San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura (or vice versa).

An unmissable waterfall in the south? This is one of them. One hour by car along the Seven Lakes Route, and time to stretch your legs! To reach it, you must hike about 3 hours round trip, but especially if it’s warm, it’s worth it for a refreshing dip (in icy water, by the way). There are several waterfalls with natural pools to cool off.

Tip: The waterfall isn’t as secret as many say. In summer, many families usually bring chairs and coolers.

Where: 15 kilometers from the entrance to Villa Traful, along the Seven Lakes Route, Villa La Angostura.

Called by many the “Caribbean” of Patagonia, this place is worth visiting for the turquoise color of Lácar Lake’s waters. However, if you want a quiet spot without crowds, it’s definitely not the best choice. In recent years, it has become very popular and lost the intimacy that many southern Argentine destinations cherish.

Tip: There is a daily visitor limit, so we recommend arriving early. Once inside the Yuco area, you have 5 little beaches to choose from. We suggest walking to the farthest one, where there is usually more space.

Where: Lanín National Park, Neuquén.

It has everything a tea house in Patagonia should have: great pastries, a wooden structure with a fireplace burning in winter, and panoramic views. In summer, you can enjoy the wooden deck to take in the views of Lake Lácar. The Arrayán Tea House offers its own tea blends and the option to enjoy afternoon tea with a picnic basket in the middle of the forest.

Tip: On the way, you can stop at the Arrayán Viewpoint to admire the views toward San Martín de los Andes.

Where: Circuito Arrayán KM 4.5, San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén.

It’s a “natural balcony” overlooking Lake Lácar. To get there, you take a dirt road that goes into a small Mapuche community. There’s parking to leave your car and walk to the viewpoint. The path isn’t very well marked, but you’ll find it. It’s just a few minutes.

Tip: Near the viewpoint is a hidden beach, Playa Bonita, frequented by locals. It’s inside a campground with a small store and bathrooms.

Where: Accessed via the Paso Hua Hum road, San Martín de los Andes.

A unique phenomenon on the continent: 30-meter cypress trees submerged in a turquoise, crystal-clear lake. The explanation? A movement of the earth that occurred in the 1960s. It’s accessed by a boat ride lasting a little over an hour from Villa Traful.

Tip: If you visit in summer, you can spend the entire day at a 100% pristine beach on the other side of the lake.

Where: Excursions depart from Marinas Puerto Traful.

After visiting the submerged forest, a good option if it’s warm is to spend the day at La Puntilla. It’s one of the best-known beaches in the area and one of the clearest in southern Argentina. It’s important to know it’s a rocky beach, so we recommend bringing comfortable footwear and something to eat or drink.

Tip: There’s no infrastructure at the beach, so buy supplies in town.

Where: About 2 kilometers from the center, to the right of RP 65.

The Seven Lakes Route has several stops, but some are unmissable like the Correntoso River. It’s one of the shortest rivers in the world and connects Lake Correntoso with Nahuel Huapi. Until last year, there was a wooden bridge crossing the river with views on both sides. The site is currently under restoration. Still, the emerald green water and lake views deserve at least a stop to admire.

Tip: Lake Correntoso has a beach just below the bridge, perfect for summer or simply to pause and enjoy the scenery.

Where: On RN 40, 5 km from Villa La Angostura, Neuquén.

There are many Patagonias in Argentina: rustic, natural, road-trip, gastronomic, and also luxurious. The Llao Llao is one of the country’s most exclusive and traditional hotels, and we believe it’s worth visiting at least once in your life. You can book the “Tea at Llao Llao” experience to visit it. Its cypress log architecture, designed by Alejandro Bustillo, justifies the visit.

Tip: The Winter Garden, where tea is served, offers stunning views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Cerro Tronador.

Where: Av. Ezequiel Bustillo, KM 25, Bariloche.

The city has a great gastronomic offer, but Jabalí is ideal for enjoying its garden patio in summer. It’s a space surrounded by trees, with mountains in the background and cool music. It features murals by local artists and is self-service: you order your food and drinks at the bar and take them to your table.

Tip: There’s usually a DJ or live music, and young people often stay several hours after dark.

Where: Obeid 237, San Martín de los Andes.

If you like gourmet cuisine or want to treat yourself one night in San Martín de los Andes, Casa Chola is a good choice. It’s a gourmet restaurant in the city center. It only opens at night and has a few tables; it’s also a good option for cocktails.

Tip: We recommend ordering the mushroom risotto. It’s delicious.

Where: Belgrano 717, San Martín de los Andes.

Maleza is a fresh, informal place with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. It has indoor and outdoor spaces, so you can visit any time of year and in any weather. You arrive, take a table, order at the counter, then pick up your food when ready and enjoy it at your table. It’s pet-friendly and doesn’t take reservations, so we recommend going early.

Tip: Try the Mollé salad with raspberries and poached egg.

Where: 12 de Octubre 785, Bariloche.

It’s one of the few places with a 360° view of mountains, lakes, and forests. It’s like having a map of the lake region printed in the most radiant colors right before your eyes. The ascent is by chairlift in about 7 minutes, and once at the top, you can enjoy a coffee with the same stunning landscape as your backdrop.

Tip: From here, you can also see the Llao Llao Hotel, nestled in the panoramic view.

Where: Av. Bustillo, KM 17 y medio, Bariloche.

Bariloche has a vast brewery circuit with varied and quality options. Gilbert is a family-run brewery with an artisanal brewing process, located in an old 1930s stable surrounded by forests, giving it a rustic and cozy vibe. The walls of Gilbert are filled with antique objects, and the menu features traditional and hearty dishes.

Tip: The bathroom door has an endless collection of coasters from all over the world.

Where: Km 24 Circuito Chico, Bariloche.

Manush is another classic brewery in the city. Located on one of Bariloche’s busiest corners, this English-style pub serves various beers and fast dishes, with burgers as the stars. All come with brioche buns and crispy fries.

Tip: At the pub entrance, they sell branded merchandise—perfect for souvenirs.

Where: Corner of Neumeyer and Morales, Bariloche.

Located 120 kilometers south of Bariloche, it’s a nice spot for a getaway. We recommend visiting La Alazana, Argentina’s first malt whisky distillery. Also, Laberinto Patagonia, the country’s largest hedge maze, and the Regional Artisan Fair, popular for its variety.

Tip: Try the artisanal ice creams from Jauja. Although it has branches in other cities, it originated here and offers unique flavors with local ingredients.

Where: Accessible from Bariloche via RN 40.

It’s a tradition maintained and shared with tourists who come to Colonia Suiza. It involves cooking meats and vegetables underground on hot stones, covered with maqui leaves. It’s sold by portions and served on foil trays. The flavors are richly smoky.

Tip: While it cooks—taking about three hours—you can stroll through the small dirt-road village and browse shops selling crafts.

Where: About 25 km west of Bariloche on Av. Ezequiel Bustillo.

One of Patagonia’s classic treks, though not the most accessible. It lasts about 3 hours one way, with the main attraction being crystal-clear pools formed by the Azul River. The hike is medium difficulty and passes through forests, suspension bridges, and steep trails.

Tip: In summer, many visitors take a dip, although the water is quite cold.

Where: The trek starts at Estancia Wharton, in El Bolsón.

One of the most beautiful activities in Argentine Patagonia is lake navigation. This trip departs from Puerto Pañuelo in Bariloche and sails for an hour on Lake Nahuel Huapi. Disembark at the Quetrihue Peninsula to walk through a forest of ancient arrayán trees. The trip ends on Victoria Island, where you can see cave paintings.

Tip: It’s the place with the largest number of arrayán trees, even more than the Arrayán Forest itself.

Where: Excursion departs from Puerto Pañuelo, Llao Llao Peninsula, Bariloche.

A classic city tour that can be done by bike, foot, or car. It’s 60 kilometers from the center, connecting hills, beaches, and viewpoints. At km 40, we recommend stopping at the Panoramic Point, one of the most beautiful views on the whole circuit.

Tip: At km 34, there’s a trail leading to a small cemetery honoring mountaineers who died on expeditions.

Where: Starts on Av. Bustillo westward from Bariloche center.

The word “Eden” surely was invented to describe a place like Casa Cassis. It’s a dining room with several tables in the middle of a forest where all ingredients come from its organic garden. It’s the geographic origin of the famous Muller & Wolf vinegars and dressings, which you’ll find in the starters and desserts here.

Tip: The restaurant has its own garden and even its own vinegar and dressing cellar. You can tour it before or after your meal.

Where: RP 82, KM 6.5, Lago Gutiérrez, Peñón de Arelauquen, Bariloche.

The perfect plan for kids (or adults who want to have fun like kids). It’s an ice skating rink located inside one of Bariloche’s best chocolateries, RapaNui. It’s also a good spot for afternoon tea, ice cream, or tasting their chocolates.

Tip: The menu includes chocolate fondue, ideal for enjoying in winter.

Where: Mitre 202, Bariloche.

The highest mountain in Bariloche and a natural border with Chile. The whole route is a spectacle: Los Alerces waterfall, Corazón Island, various viewpoints, and the Ventisquero Negro glacier crowned by a turquoise lagoon. The road is tricky due to cliffs, so we recommend going with a guided tour.

Tip: Don’t miss having a hot chocolate with cream at the café before the trailhead to the waterfall.

Where: Take RN 40 south for 225 km.