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Nahuel Huapi, Argentina



Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapí is one of the jewels of Argentina. This a a spectacular area of lakes and rivers carved from ancient glaciers, majestic mountains, inviting valleys, meadows, Valdivian forests and wildflowers. The name comes from the Mapuche language, where nahuel is tigre, or tiger, and huapí is isla, or island. Spread over 2,927 sq mi (7,581 sq km) of Río Negro and Neuquén provinces, the park is an internationally known year-round destination for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts.

In spring, melting snow creates waterfalls by the dozens. In winter, the mountain snows draw skiers, particularly at Cerro Catedral. The glacier at Perito Moreno and iceberg-dotted lakes elicit oohs and ahs. In summer and fall, the lakes and terrain attract boaters, fly fishers, trekkers, rafters, equestrians, mountain bikers, climbers, paragliders, and 4X4 enthusiasts.

About the Nahuel Huapi area
Argentina Patagonia, the Lake District and Tierra del Fuego
San Carlos de Bariloche

Getting to Bariloche
sports and Recreation

Birders, botanists, ecologists enjoy the area as do those who prefer nightlife or shopping. The local handicrafts include pottery, wood, metal, leather goods, candles, and chocolates. San Carlos de Bariloche, the largest town in the area, is a regional mecca for musicians and artists. Lodgings around Lake Nahuel Huapi include a variety from upscale expensive resorts to more humble camp sites. You can select from hotels, hostels, bungalows, cabins, or camping. Restaurants offer you a selection of regional cuisine, typical Argentine dishes, German/Swiss cuisine, continental fare as well as barbeques and fast food.

Getting to Bariloche is easy. You can choose to fly in, take a very long bus or train ride from Buenos Aires and other Argentine cities, or relax on a combination bus and lake crossing from Chile to Bariloche across Lake Todos los Santos, Lake Frías, and Lake Nahuel Huapi. The scenery is out of this world: snowy mountain peaks above forested hills, clear, cold water and enough vista opportunities for even the most avid photographer.

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