Lake Nahuel Huapi

Nahuel Huapi is the largest lake in northern Patagonia, on the border between the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro. From the Araucan language, the name can be translated as “Jaguar Island”. The Limay River originates in Lake Nahuel Huapi. The lake was formed during the retreat of glaciers.

Lake Nahuel Huapi is located in one of Argentina’s oldest national parks, the Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. In honor of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Nahuel Huapi National Park is named. The lake is located at an altitude of 767 meters above sea level, and the length reaches 70 kilometers, the area is 530 square kilometers. Lake Nahuel Huapi is quite deep, therefore navigable, the shores of the lake are mostly quite steep. Lake Nahuel Huapi has an unusually branched shape, and its arms stretch northwest towards the border with Chile. It is said that the local nature inspired Walt Disney to create Bambi. You can swim to the island by boat or by catamaran from Villa la Angostura or from San Carlos de Bariloche. The shape of the lake is very interesting – the central mirror of the lake has seven branches, similar to peculiar fjords. There are several islands on the lake, the most interesting are Victoria and Huemul. Traveling around the lake by boat as part of a tour, you should definitely visit the island of Victoria, on which the ancient myrtle forest reigns. On the lake is very popular kayaking, diving and kayaking, sports fishing, exciting hikes and romantic walks.