Nahuel Huapi Lake: Our most recommended tours and activities

Bariloche: Circuito Chico with optional Cerro Catedral

1. Bariloche: Circuito Chico with optional Cerro Catedral

The trip begins with pickup from your hotel in central San Carlos de Bariloche and then embarks on a sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights. Visit some of the most iconic landmarks that San Carlos de Bariloche has to offer, and learn about this vibrant city from your local guide. Next, travel along the edge of the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake, one of the most beautiful places in Patagonia. Admire the stunning views of the deep-blue water and the contrast against the rugged mountainous region that surrounds it. The tour continues along Bustillo Avenue, where you can marvel at panoramic views across Huemul Island and Playa Bonita. Arrive at Llao Llao village on the shore of Lake Moreno, set amongst picturesque rolling green landscapes. Visit the traditional Llao Llao Hotel, which founded the village in the 1990s, and gaze upon the vast natural scenes that surround it. Then head to Saint Edward's Chapel to see its quaint wooden architecture before traveling to the foothill of Cerro Campanario. Take an optional cable car ride to the summit to admire National Geographic’s ‘eighth best view in the world’, before the tour returns to Bariloche.

San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos

2. San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos

Begin your full-day tour from your hotel in Bariloche at 8 AM.  Then, head north through the town of Dina Huapi and the bridge over the Limay River, connecting to the legendary Route 40. Along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, make your first short stop in Villa la Angostura, a town with mountain architecture ideal for walking on foot. Next, start walking an incredible path surrounded by mountains and lakes.  Make stops along the way to experience the hike to its fullest. On the Road of the Seven Lakes, see Espejo Lake, Correntoso Lake, Villarino Lake, Falkner, Escondido Lake, Machónico Lake, and Lácar Lake, before finally arriving at the city of San Martin. You will have free time to explore the city and have lunch in front of the lake before starting the return along the same path. After making your last stop at Villa la Angostura, arrive in Bariloche at approximately 6:30 PM.

Bariloche: Puerto Blest and Los Cantaros Waterfall

3. Bariloche: Puerto Blest and Los Cantaros Waterfall

Choose to meet at Pañuelo Port, or be picked up and driven to there. After setting off from Pañuelo Port, sail for an hour along Blest Branch, the most important branch of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Pass by Centinela Island where Perito Moreno's remains are buried. Marvel at the Los Cantaros Waterfall.   Afterward, disembark and hike a wooden trail buried deep in the lush vegetation of the "Valdivian Rainforest.” Arrive at Los Cantaros Lake, where you can admire a 1500-year old larch tree. Return to the boat and sail for 5 minutes to Blest Port. Visit the Bay and Frias River, famous for its emerald waters which originate from the glaciers of Mount Tronador.

Villa La Angostura and Bayo Hill Guided Day-Trip

4. Villa La Angostura and Bayo Hill Guided Day-Trip

Embark on a guided full-day trip to the village of Villa La Angostura, known as "The Garden of Patagonia". Visit nearby lake-side villages and stop at Bayo Hill to ski in the mountains.  After your early morning hotel pickup, set off from San Carlos de Bariloche towards Villa La Angostura, considered one of the most beautiful cities in Argentina.  Admire the breathtaking views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains as you drive through the famous National Route 40. On the way, make a stop at the picturesque, snow-capped Bayo Hill. Here, you can choose to spend the day skiing or continue with the tour onto the Villa La Angostura.  Be led a city tour of Villa La Angostura and visit the nearby lake villages in Bahía Manzano and Bahía Mansa. On the way back to San Carlos de Bariloche, travelers who opted to stay for a day of skiing will be picked up in Bayo Hill.

From Bariloche: Chico Circuit & Colonia Suiza Tour

5. From Bariloche: Chico Circuit & Colonia Suiza Tour

Begin your trip with pickup from your hotel in central San Carlos de Bariloche and embark on a sightseeing tour of the city’s highlights. Take the traditional Chico circuit - a 60km route through stunning natural scenery and the wonderful Bariloche landscapes. First, discover different sections of the coast along the shores of the Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes. On Ezequiel Bustillo Avenue - arrive at Playa Bonita, where you can see Huemul Island. Head to Campanario Hill for an incredible panoramic view of all the lakes and hills. Make a stop here and feel free to purchase a ticket to ascend the ticket (not included). Next, pass by the iconic Llao Llao Hotel, as well as the San Eduardo Chapel, and Puerto Pañuelo. Continue the route through Llao Llao Municipal Park, crossing Angostura Bridge where the Moreno and Huapi lakes meet. Admire the view of Lopez Bay and Capilla Hill. From there, the Llao Llao Peninsula can be seen together with the surrounding lakes, a classic Bariloche postcard. Cross the Moreno Lake bridge to El Trébol Lagoon. Then, head to visit the Colonia Suiza - the first European settlement in the region. Taste the traditional curanto, an originally Araucanian meal that was introduced from Chile by Emilio Goye - one of the first settlers. Discover several tea houses and restaurants, handicraft businesses and an important craft fair. Finally, return to Bariloche where your tour concludes.

Bariloche: Boat Tour to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest

6. Bariloche: Boat Tour to Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest

Start the tour by departing from Pañuelo Port, located in the Llao Llao Peninsula. Sail for about 1 hour until the boat reaches the Quetrihué Peninsula. Disembark, and begin your tour of the unique Myrtle Forest which is considered the only one left in the world. While walking along a wooden trail, appreciate these 100-year-old species. Find out how The Myrtle (called “quetrihué ” in the Mapuche language) is a bush with an exquisite saffron color and white flowers. Native to this region, the bush takes on tree form and creates a magical and extensive forest canopy. It is cinnamon-colored and features a thin bark that comes off and reveals some white spots underneath which make the trees unique in themselves. At the end of the trail, visit the famous "Casita del Bosque". After walking amongst the spectacular woodland, board the boat and sail onwards to Anchorena Port on Victoria Island, where you will find lush vegetation and an incredible view of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Following the trails of this beautiful and 1000-year-old island, head towards Playa del Toro, where you can see the paintings made by the indigenous peoples that once lived in the area, surrounded by a magnificent volcanic-sand beach. Finally, return by boat to Pañuelo Port where the tour ends. Upgrade your tour to include roundtrip transfers to and from a selection of hotels in Bariloche by selecting the option with transfers.

Indigenous People of Patagonia History Tour

7. Indigenous People of Patagonia History Tour

Discover he history of Patagonia's indigenous people’s history walking through Bariloche downtown. Visit the Civic Center to explore the main sections of the Museum of Patagonia, established in 1940 by the national government to promote the then-remote ski resort town. Learn more about the natural history of the area and its original inhabitants. Use your entry ticket to return later in the day to marvel at the collections of fossils, tools and implements at your own pace if you wish. Make your way to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Marvel at the amazing stained glass windows and the Via Crucis. End on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake and gaze in awe at the glacial valleys.

Other Sightseeing Options in Nahuel Huapi Lake

Want to discover all there is to do in Nahuel Huapi Lake? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Nahuel Huapi Lake

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 101 reviews

It is a walk that if it is not carried out, not much is lost. It's incredible that they "entertain" you walking through walkways to go to the restrooms, since outside of that, there is nothing else to see, how one walks through the forest, there are no views, or anything.

The tour was very good, I thought that we would not go down to the bayo hill for so long and it was a pleasant surprise not only to arrive but to be there for a good time, and well the visit to Villa la Angostura is a must if you visit Bariloche, it is worth it!

A very informative tour by Diego, a knowledgeable guide.

Beautiful experience. Very good service. Well organized