The Lake District of Argentina is a spectacular area of towering snow capped volcanoes, huge stretches of untrammelled forest, and hundreds of sky blue glacial lakes spread like jewels down the Argentine / Chilean border. This region is an outdoor wonderland and Aqua-Firma can arrange activities ranging from self drive explorations of the area and staying at tranquil lakeside retreats; through to rafting and kayaking on the region's lakes and rivers. Horse riding is a rewarding way to take in the area's forests, as are hiking trips into the region's mountainous interior; or even ice-climbing to the summit of snow clad volcanoes. In the southern hemisphere's winter (from June until August or September) heavy snowfalls provide the raw material for some of South America's finest skiing and snowboarding, combined with some excellent infrastructure.

Suggested itineraries that we could arrange include:   A relaxing stay with as many short hikes as you might like to include.

- 4 days relaxing lodge stay on the beautiful Llao Llao Peninsula, with boats trips and kayak excursions on the lake, fishing and a 1 day guided exploration of the Nahuel Huapi National Park.

- 5 days self drive itinerary with car hire and 4 nights pre-booked in selected hotel en route. Starting in Bariloche and finishing in San Martin de los Andes, this itinerary enables you to take in the magnificence of both the Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National parks at your own pace - 10,000km2 of magnificent wild lands with a snug bed and warm Argentinean hospitality at the end of each day!

- 7 days White Water and Volcano Adventure.  This includes an excellent 3 days grade 3 & 4 white water rafting on the Rio Manso, camping in the forested wilderness and with a traditional Argentine grill provided each evening. This combines with heading into the heart of Lanín National park for a fully guided ascent of the magnificent snow-capped cone of 3776m Volcan Lanín itself. A wilderness adventure to remember!

Please remember these are just suggestions - please contact us to discuss these and other options in greater depth with one of our specialists!  For further information read on:

The natural environment of the Argentine Lake district is protected by two huge national parks, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi and Parque Nacional Lanín. Park Nacional Lanin protects 3790 km² of diverse forests and lakes and includes large stands of the endangered and unique monkey puzzle trees (Araucaria araucana). This tree has changed little since dinosaurs roamed this same landmass. Snow capped Volcan Lanín in the park's central area is a beautiful cone rising to 3776m. Volcan Lanín is a popular objective for climbing expeditions and a peak which we can realistically incorporate into a broader itinerary for you. A great advantage of trekking and climbing in the Lake District is the relatively low altitude of the mountains, meaning less acclimatization is required to scale these beautiful summits. 

Lying to the South of Parque Nacional Lanin and contiguous with it, is the 7500 km² of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, centred around the 100km long Lago Nahuel Huapi. The volcanic form of Monte Tronador at 3554m provides an impressive backdrop here, and the park's rich forests provide refuge for many endangered species including the huemul and pudu, which are two species of Andean deer. Pumas stalk the forests and river otters frequent the park's watercourses. This region is famed for its excellent fishing opportunities, hiking, mountain trekking and white water rafting.

The attractive and beautifully located lake side town of Bariloche is an excellent place to begin your exploration of the Lake District. Expeditions can also be arranged using San Martin de los Andes and Junin de los Andes as additional bases.