2 Best Sights in The Lake District, Argentina

Traversing both land and lakes, this popular excursion allows you to see Chile and Argentina at their most pristine and can be done in either direction in one or two days. Travelers board a boat at Puerto Pañuelo, west of Bariloche, and cross to Puerto Blest, at the western extreme of Lago Nahuel Huapi. From there, a short bus ride takes you to Laguna Frías, a cold glacial lake that ices over in winter. After crossing to Puerto Frías on the opposite shore, you pass through Argentine customs, then board another bus that climbs through lush rainforest before descending to the lakeside stopover of Peulla. You'll clear Chilean customs just before reaching a lodge alongside Lago Todos los Santos, where you'll have time for lunch. You may then spend the night at the lodge (recommended) or head straight to Chile by catamaran from Peulla, enjoying volcano views along the way. (An overnight stay is mandatory in winter.) The boat trip ends at the port of Petrohué. From there, your final bus ride skirts Lago Llanquihue, stopping at the Petrohué waterfalls and arriving at last in the the town of Puerto Varas. Guides usually speak English, but to be on the safe side, do this trip with a tour group such as Cruce Andino.

This stunning national park is notable for having the highest concentration of lakes in Argentina. The largest of them, Lago Nahuel Huapi, covers 550 square km (212 square miles) and has eight arms—the longest of which runs 18 by 3 km (11 by 2 miles)—reaching deep into forests of coihue, cypress, and lenga trees. Intensely blue across its vast expanse and aqua green in its shallow bays, the lake meanders into lagoons and misty inlets where the mountains, covered with vegetation at their base, rise straight up out of the water.

Inside the park, nearly every water sport imaginable can be arranged through travel agencies, tour offices, or hotels. Boating is particularly popular, with options ranging from a placid Isla Victoria outing to challenging white-water rafting adventures. Information offices throughout the park offer tips about tackling the miles of mountain and woodland trails. For the more enterprising, small towns like Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful afford opportunities for off-the-tourist-trail explorations on foot or horseback. Since most of the park is at a low elevation (under 1,829 meters, or 6,000 feet), getting around in winter is not difficult—just cold. Visits in other seasons bring the rewards of spring flowers, long summer days, and spectacular fall foliage.