Argentina is a vast country with an almost endless range of different landscapes to visit and be dazzled by. Steppes, valleys, jungles, bush, forests and plains with other-worldly rock formations and boulders are just some of the natural wonders on offer. And of course that also includes lakes: pristine bodies of water to enjoy accompanied, of course, by a glass of wine. Here, we share a selection of some of the most beautiful lakes in Argentina to keep in mind for your next trip.
Argentine lakes
Plenty has been said and written about Argentine Patagonia, but it will never be enough. This unique land, which rivals even the most beautiful European landscapes, spans 1200 million (!) square miles, making it one of the most exquisite and beautiful regions in the world. Argentine Patagonia stretches from the Andes mountains to the Atlantic Ocean and throughout this expanse you’ll find incredible mountains, plains, and beautiful lakes.
Nahuel Huapi
One of Argentina’s most famous and beautiful lakes, Nahuel Huapi was formed by a glacier, which explains its richly intense shade of blue. It has seven branches, each of which offers visitors its own charms: Campanario, Tristeza, Blest, Machete, Rincón, Última Esperanza and Huemul.
In addition to its majestic waters, Nahuel Huapi boasts pretty beaches for picnics, water sports, swimming – if you’re ready to brave the freezing ice-melt waters – and is an excellent place for a good glass of Pinot Noir such as 45 Rugientes from Otronia, made with grapes from Chubut or perhaps wines that hail from San Patricio del Chañar such as Saurus Barrel Fermented by Familia Schroeder or Mantra Reserva by Secreto Patagónico.
Essential stops are the Del Centenario, Melipal, Playa Serena and Villa Tacul beaches.
Lago Argentino
Lago Argentino is the largest and most southerly lake in Argentine Patagonia and the third largest in South America. It’s deep, with a depth of 150 meters that in some areas goes as deep as 500 meters, making it one of the 20 deepest lakes on the planet.
There’s no doubt that one of Lago Argentino’s main attractions is the opportunity to take a boat to view the Perito Moreno, Upsala, and Spegazzini glaciers and Onelli Bay, sailing from Punta Bandera, 30 miles from El Calafate.
While you’re there, why not take the chance to enjoy a glass of a good Cabernet Franc like Desierto Pampa from the pampas winery Bodega del Desierto, Humberto Canale Gran Reserva from Alto Valle de Río Negro or perhaps a more full-bodied option such as FIN Cabernet Franc from Bodega del Fin del Mundo in Neuquén?
Lago Lácar
This is where travellers have the chance to go on an unforgettable trip navigating the waterfalls of San Martín de los Andes, enjoying incredible views from majestic cliff tops.
Lago Lácar, which was also made by a glacier, is another of Argentina’s unmissable lakes due to its spectacular water, but also its beaches; Catritre, Quila Quina, Yuco and Nonthue, and bays that form a dream-like topography.
Located in a deep valley, the famous town of San Martín de los Andes is perched on its shore. Lácar is an ideal place to commune with nature and enjoy the waters to their fullest, with boat trips, diving and camping all readily available. What should you toast this lovely setting with? We recommend a flavorful white such as Chardonnay 006 from Bodega Aniello or Familia Miras Semillón, both from Río Negro, or, from Chubut, the vibrant Adamaow Sauvignon Blanc or Casa Yague Rosé from Trevelín.
Lago Correntoso
Set inside the stunning Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, Lago Correntoso is one of the essential lakes of the Province of Neuquén. Embraced by the Belvedere mountain, and others, it is reached via Ruta Nacional 40.
The waters of the Correntoso come from Lake Espejo via the Ruca Malén river. Bluish-green in color, in contrast to Nahuel Huapi and other mountain lakes, the temperature here is a little warmer.
It’s certainly a favorite destination of travelers to the area, especially those from Villa La Angostura, one of the most popular towns among those who love Argentine Patagonia.
The shores of the Correntoso are fully equipped with camping facilities and its warmer waters make it the perfect place for a swim, rowing, kayaking, canoeing or boat trips. Let’s set the scene: the sunset is perfectly reflected in the lake waters and to celebrate you indulge in a glass of Invader Chenin Blanc, a Pet Nat made by Matías Riccitelli with grapes from Río Negro, Rosa de los Vientos Brut Nature by Familia Schroederer or Malma Cuvee Reserve Extra Brut. Pretty much as good as it gets.
Lago Puelo
Located in the Province of Chubut, Lago Puelo is another great Argentine lake. Its turquoise waters contrast with the wonderful greens of the surrounding landscape, which shifts gradually from Patagonian Andean forests to the Valvidian bush. The National Park of the same name was founded in 1971 to specifically protect this region, which had previously been a part of the Parque Nacional Los Alerces.
Close by is the legendary town of El Bolsón – the heart of the Argentine hippie movement – which offers a wide range of hotels, cabins, campgrounds and water sports such as fishing, sailing and kayaking. To toast the local beauty, we suggest a Verum Reserva Semillón, a Humberto Canale Rosé Noir or the Contracorriente Gewurztraminer from Trevelin, Chubut, all of which might just be the cherry on top of the whole experience.
Lago Espejo
This is the first of the celebrated Seven Lakes. With slightly warmer waters than its six siblings, Lago Espejo is certainly an obligatory stop on any journey across Argentine Patagonia. The name Espejo, or mirror, suits it perfectly: the waters are crystalline, and its proximity to the mountains makes for a wonderful illusion: the mountain peaks and sky are reflected in the surface to create a mirror effect, as though the landscape goes on forever. Easy to access, it’s only 9 miles from the center of Villa La Angostura. With its beaches and natural pools it’s excellent for water sports and, to round off your day, why not uncork a bottle of Araucana Río de los Ciervos Pinot Noir from Río Negro or Noemía Malbec?
Lago Huechulafquen
Those who know best say that this is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Province of Neuquén. Lago Huechulafquen is in the Department of Huiliches and forms a system with two other lakes, the Paimún and the Epulafquen. The name derives from the Mapuche: “huechu” means big, and “laufquen”, lake. It’s an ideal site for camps and also has a range of inns, cabins and lodges.
For those looking to go a little further still, there’s a catamaran service from Puerto Canoas to Lago Epulafquen, where you can visit a volcanic landscape with incredible views of the Lanín Volcano. It’s also a paradise for anyone who likes fly fishing. Pair the local cuisine and produce with a Chacra 55 Pinot Noir, the extreme Viñas de Nant y Fall Pinot Noir from Chubut, or Riccitelli Old Vines de Patagonia Bastardo, and you won’t go far wrong.
