Arrayanes Forest
The world's only native arrayán forest, on the Quetrihué Peninsula. In autumn the colors are unique; in winter it's blanketed in snow.
A local guide to the best activities and excursions in Villa La Angostura: the Arrayanes Forest, Cerro Bayo, the Seven Lakes Route, trails, beaches and lake trips. Curated by Casa Aicu for your stay.
Everything you can do during your stay
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The world's only native arrayán forest, on the Quetrihué Peninsula. In autumn the colors are unique; in winter it's blanketed in snow.
A 12 km one-way trail inside the National Park, on foot or by bike, leading to the Arrayanes Forest along the lake. Views of Nahuel Huapi and Correntoso.
A classic VLA hike: a 50 m free-falling waterfall and a panoramic viewpoint over Nahuel Huapi. Medium difficulty, 3–4 h.
Two operators sail daily to the Arrayanes Forest. Futaleufú from Bahía Mansa (3 km) and the Patagón Catamaran from Bahía Brava — 3 h total with 1.5 h in the Forest with licensed guides.
A full-day excursion combining Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. A modern small-capacity catamaran (30 pax) with onboard catering. Departs from Bariloche — ideal as a day trip from VLA.
A cruise with a board of smoked fish, cheeses and Patagonian wines aboard, departing from Puerto Manzano. Over 10 years of experience.
A pioneer company with over 30 years on Lake Nahuel Huapi. A varied fleet of different vessels. Trips to the Arrayanes Forest, bays and custom tours. The only operator with its own pier.
A unique experience: dive in crystal-clear mountain water with superb visibility. Intro dives or certified dives. From age 10. They even dive under snow.
A zipline circuit through the native forest. La Piedra Recreation Center has 4 canopy sections, climbing, rappel and a 360° harnessed trampoline.
VLA's ski resort: runs for all levels, modern chairlifts, beginner lessons and a snowpark. 10 km from downtown.
The chairlift climbs to 1,500 m a.s.l. with views of Nahuel Huapi. At the top: trekking, an inflatable slide, panoramic dining and adventure activities.
Fly over Nahuel Huapi, Mount Tronador and the seven lakes from above. A unique experience that turns the landscape into something entirely new.
Mamuschka, Benroth, En el Bosque Chocolate, Ñuke Lemu — all on Av. Arrayanes. Many offer free tastings. A must on rainy days.
Summer's most iconic event (Feb 14–17, 2026). Float parade, national music acts, 90+ producers, garden contest. Draws ~10,000 people.
The most famous circuit in Andean Patagonia: 105 km between VLA and San Martín de los Andes along seven lakes. By car, motorcycle or bike.
An island within Nahuel Huapi with trekking circuits, the Arrayanes Forest, viewpoints and exclusive beaches. Access only by boat from Bariloche or Arrayanes.
A glacial valley at 1,460 m a.s.l. The 'locals' backyard': rock walls, total silence, waterfalls. Full day, medium difficulty.
A 45-min trail off the Seven Lakes Road to a waterfall with an emerald pool. Very easy, ideal for the whole family.
Short trails and privileged views of two of the region's clearest lakes. Options from 1 h to a full day.
A 9-ha municipal reserve with a 1 km loop trail around a small Andean-Patagonian forest lagoon. A unique microclimate, 52 native species, the 'Love Arrayán' (intertwined cypress and arrayán) and abundant birdlife. Free access, year-round.
A high viewpoint over Lake Correntoso and Nahuel Huapi with panoramic mountain views. Reached via RN 40 north, 1,300 m past the Río Correntoso bridge, turning toward the mountain at the 'Las Bandurrias' sign.
A panoramic view of Lake Correntoso and the world's shortest river joining two lakes at the same level. Vehicle access on RN 40, a quick stop with roadside parking.
A 400–500-year-old coihue tree in a colihue cane maze. Requires a licensed guide. Full-day expedition.
Classic sailboat trips from Puerto Manzano: 2 h trips around Cumelén and Las Balsas bays, or 3 h to the Arrayanes Forest.
Private boat trips on Nahuel Huapi with a board of smoked fish, cheeses and drinks aboard. Arrayanes Forest, bays and sunset on the lake. Boat rentals too.
Rental or guided tours on Lake Correntoso and Lake Espejo. Pablo Beheran (Patagonia Infinita) takes families to the calmest spots. No age limit.
Sand and pebble beaches with crystal-clear water. The Río Correntoso is one of the shortest rivers in the world. Lifeguards in high season.
The Correntoso is a national benchmark for fly fishing. Rainbow and brown trout. Licensed guides available. Season November–April.
The region's longest canopy: 8 sections and 1,200 m of cables over a forest of centuries-old coihues, crossing the Río Bonito at 40 m high. One of the longest ziplines in South America.
Horseback rides through forests and streams on gentle horses, suitable for the whole family. Outings from 1 to 4 h.
90cc quad bikes on forest trails, climbing and adventure activities for all ages at the La Piedra grounds.
From coastal rides on Route 237 to technical descents down Cajón Negro. MTB and e-bike rentals available downtown.
In summer the chairlift carries bikes and you ride down a 9 km scenic trail with views of Nahuel Huapi. Only for ages 12–14+ in good shape.
Slide down snow runs on an inflatable tube. A super fun family activity for all ages. No experience needed.
Cross-country circuits and snowshoe walks through the snowy forest. Gear for rent at the base of Cerro Bayo.
A snowshoe walk through the snowy Patagonian forest, guided by local experts. A silent, magical way to explore the woods in winter.
Tandem flights from the summit of Cerro Bayo, landing in town. Only with a licensed professional pilot. Best conditions in summer and autumn.
Our Lady of the Assumption Chapel (1936), the Teacher's House, sites of the first settlement and the Port waterfront. 2–3 h walk.
Photos, documents and objects from VLA's pioneers. Next to the National Parks office at the Port. Free admission.
Local and national art exhibitions. A rotating program. Free admission. Ideal for rainy days.
Workshops, photography, ceramics and painting exhibitions and shows. A year-round program.
La Casa de la Oma, La Morocha (Bahía Mansa) — the Patagonian afternoon ritual, ideal for cool or rainy days.
Epulafquen, Lagos, Aretha, Blest and Bier Club — a tasting tour of Patagonian craft beers. Some offer guided brewery visits.
The Bahía Mansa Walk and the Bus Terminal: smoked goods, berry jams, loom textiles, knives, ceramics. Open daily in season.
A heated indoor-outdoor pool, sauna, Scottish shower and wood fireplace. Massages and body treatments. 700 m from the lodging.
An exclusive spa at the foot of Cerro Bayo. Massages, body and facial therapies, hydromassage. Open to the public.
An indoor-outdoor pool with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, a Japanese ofuro with hydromassage, hot-stone massages. Open to the public 10 AM–9 PM.
A downtown massage-therapy studio (Kaolift® technique). 60–90 min sessions. Ideal to recharge mid-trip.
Magellanic woodpecker, Andean condor, chucao, huet-huet and over 100 species. COA Tintica organizes free outings. Bahía Mansa and the Laguna Calafate Reserve are the best spots.
A 42 km mountain race from Lake Espejo to downtown VLA (November 2026). One of Patagonia's most important sporting events.
An international classical music festival (Jan 19–30, 2026). Organized by the Seven Lakes Philharmonic Association with international musicians.
A week of cuisine and craft beer (December 5–12). Discounts on lodging and restaurants, live cooking with chefs, producer markets.
All museums open at night, Av. Arrayanes goes pedestrian, street shows and a small-format art fair. Free admission.
A small lakeside town 60 km away. An intense turquoise lake, lake diving (sunken planes), kayaking, fishing and dining. Full-day excursion.
The lowest border crossing in the southern Andes (1,314 m a.s.l.). Views of the snowy Puyehue Volcano. 100 km to Osorno (Chile). Open year-round.
Andean Patagonia's city, 80 km away. Circuito Chico, Cerro Campanario, Colonia Suiza, chocolate, shopping and dining. Full day.
7 free public beaches: Playa Gloria y Bill (wooden pier, sunset), Playa Picnic (sand, great for kids), Bahía Manzano (lifeguards). Crystal-clear water.
A flat, family-friendly 1.5 km walk along the Río Bonito from the Salmónidos Foundation to its mouth on Nahuel Huapi. Sandy beach, ideal with kids and year-round.
A spectacular 40 m waterfall with an emerald pool. Reached via RP 66 toward Cerro Bayo. The Canopy Cerro Bayo / Río Bonito starts from the same point.
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