Overview
An alpine town of chocolate shops and log cabins on the shore of a vast glacial lake, ringed by snow peaks and southern-beech forest. It’s the gateway to northern Patagonia — the Circuito Chico drive, endless hiking and, in winter, the best skiing in South America. Hostels here are famously social.
Top things to do
Cerro Campanario
A short chairlift to a summit regularly named one of the world’s best views — lakes and islands in every direction.
Circuito Chico
A loop drive past beaches, viewpoints and the iconic Llao Llao hotel and chapel.
Centro Cívico
The town’s grey-stone alpine square above the lake, lined with chocolate shops.
Hike Refugio Frey
A classic day hike to a mountain hut beside a glacial tarn ringed by granite spires.
Drive or bike the Circuito Chico
The region’s greatest-hits loop of forests, beaches and viewpoints.
Kayak or SUP the lake
Paddle the impossibly blue Nahuel Huapi from a quiet bay.
3-day sample itinerary
- 1
Town & Campanario
Centro Cívico, chocolate and the Campanario viewpoint.
- 2
Circuito Chico
Loop drive with Llao Llao and lakeside stops.
- 3
Big hike
Refugio Frey or Cerro Catedral trails.