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We've compiled the best of the best in The Lake District - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Head 20 km (12 miles) north of El Bolsón to see the Cascada de la Virgen, one of the area's loveliest waterfalls. It's most impressive in spring, when the runoff from the mountain descends in a series of three cascades visible from the road from Bariloche.
Ten km (6 miles) north of El Bolsón, this 20-meter (66-foot) waterfall—its Mapuche name means "flooded meadow"—is surrounded by woods and makes a nice picnic spot. It's close to El Quincho de Danilo restaurant, so if you go around lunchtime, you can feast on cordero patagónico (roast lamb) after your visit.
Founded in the 1880s by Swiss immigrants, this small settlement on the shores of Lago Perito Moreno is a popular detour for those doing the Circuito Chico. The village is plenty touristy, with its food stands, artisanal-beer trucks, and shops selling tchotchkes, but it's worth a visit on Wednesdays and Sundays for a lunch of curanto, a traditional Patagonian preparation in which beef, lamb, sausage, and vegetables are cooked over hot stones in an earthen hole. There's also frequently live music, and strolling in the surrounding woods is lovely.
In the market for a troll marionette? Or a braided bracelet? How about a tree-trunk pyrography map of Patagonia, or fresh raspberry marmalade? If such whimsies tickle your fancy, El Bolsón's artisans' fair is the place for you. Dating from the 70s and held every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday in Plaza Pagano, it's a place to stroll, sip a local craft beer, and dig the mellowness that someone put into the town's water. The food stands (and trucks) alone are reason enough to drop in.
Easy access and a family-friendly atmosphere have made Playa Catritre one of the most popular beaches in San Martín. Situated on the south side of Lago Lácar, 5 km (3 miles) from the town center, it's a great spot to enjoy a dip in the calm, clear lake waters while admiring the views of Cerro Bandurrias. Oak trees provide shade for picnics, and activities for children are available. A Mapuche-run campground is nearby. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.
