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04 — SURROUNDINGS · A DAY BEYOND
The lake. The road. What lies beyond.
Las Balsas is a place to stay — and also a base for one of the most extraordinary landscapes in South America.
Hidden waterfalls, ancient forests, glacial lakes, and a road that connects them all. Northern Patagonia’s Lake District holds more landscape per kilometre than almost anywhere on earth. From Las Balsas, you can reach an arrayán forest over 300 years old, a submerged forest beneath a glacial lake, or follow a road that passes seven immense lakes.
Seven Lakes Route
One of South America’s great scenic drives, following Ruta 40 through two national parks. Seven lakes, each with a distinct colour and perspective of the Andes, ending in San Martín de los Andes.
DURATION
Full day
DISTANCE
108 km
ACCESS
Private vehicle
Arrayanes Forest
An ancient forest within Los Arrayanes National Park, where cinnamon-coloured trees over 300 years old grow densely enough to filter the light. Reached by boat across the bay or on foot through native woodland.
DURATION
Half day
DISTANCE
12 km
ACCESS
Boat | Foot
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Última Esperanza Bay Trail
A gentle walk through native Patagonian forest leads to the quiet shores of Última Esperanza Bay, where Lake Nahuel Huapi reveals one of its most peaceful corners, inviting a quiet connection with the landscape.
DURATION
Half day
DISTANCE
2.5 km
ACCESS
Foot
Lago Espejo - Lago Correntoso
Following a quiet stretch of the Seven Lakes Route, this walk winds through native Andean forest, linking Lake Espejo and Lake Correntoso before reaching a secluded sandy bay framed by the stillness of Patagonia.
DURATION
Half day
DISTANCE
3 km
ACCESS
Foot
Villa Traful & The Submerged Forest
A remote lakeside village reached by dirt road, where exceptionally clear water reveals a submerged forest beneath the surface, creating a quiet, otherworldly landscape.
DURATION
Full day
DISTANCE
60 km
ACCESS
4x4 vehicle
Villa La Angostura
A small alpine town with wooden architecture and rose-lined streets, home to artisan workshops, a local market, and independent restaurants. A short drive from Las Balsas, to explore at your own pace.
DURATION
Flexible
DISTANCE
3 km
ACCESS
Self-guided
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Cerro Belvedere
A forest trail climbing to the Inacayal Waterfall and a ridge viewpoint overlooking Nahuel Huapi and Lago Correntoso, with a steady ascent and changing perspectives throughout.
DURATION
Full day
DISTANCE
6 km
ACCESS
Foot
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Cerro Centinela
A steep, rewarding ascent on the back side of Cerro Centinela, finishing at a breathtaking viewpoint over the lakes and surrounding mountains. A scenic option for guests looking for a satisfying mountain adventure.
DURATION
6-7 hours
DISTANCE
4 km
ACCESS
Foot
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Cajón Negro
A demanding full-day trek into a glacial canyon above Villa La Angostura, climbing from forest into high alpine terrain. The effort is rewarded with views of the Andes rarely reached by road.
DURATION
Full day
DISTANCE
6 km
ACCESS
Guided Trek
Cerro Bayo
A boutique ski resort above the lake, with open views of Nahuel Huapi and a quieter atmosphere than larger destinations. In summer, the same slopes become trails for hiking and mountain biking.
DURATION
Half/full day
DISTANCE
15 km
ACCESS
Car
Bariloche & Circuito Chico
The largest town in the lake district, known for its alpine character and viewpoints. Circuito Chico follows a scenic loop of forest, lake, and mountain landscapes, passing Cerro Campanario and Colonia Suiza.
DURATION
Full day
DISTANCE
80 km
ACCESS
Car
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Isla Victoria
The largest island in Nahuel Huapi, reached by boat across open water. Native forest, wildlife, and a different scale of landscape, often combined with the Arrayanes crossing into a full-day itinerary.
DURATION
Half/full day
DISTANCE
30 km
ACCESS
Boat
Río Bonito Trail
A gentle forest trail follows the Bonito River to a secluded bay on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, where crystal-clear waters, native woodland and the quiet rhythm of Patagonia come together.
DURATION
Half day
DISTANCE
1.5 km
ACCESS
Foot
Inacayal Waterfall
A forest trail climbs gently to Inacayal Waterfall, where a 50-metre cascade emerges from the mountainside, rewarding the journey with the sound of rushing water and the quiet beauty of the surrounding landscape.
DURATION
Half day
DISTANCE
4.5 km
ACCESS
Foot
Ñivinco Waterfall
A forest trail winds through lush vegetation and across gentle streams before reaching Ñivinco Waterfall, where one of the region’s most remarkable cascades is revealed amid the untouched beauty of Patagonian wilderness.
DURATION
Full day
DISTANCE
15 km
ACCESS
Foot
Other Experiences
BESPOKE EXPERIENCES
Something more personal
If what you imagine goes beyond a defined activity, our concierge team will design it with you. Private lakeside celebrations, tailored outdoor journeys, and meaningful occasions can all be thoughtfully arranged, creating experiences that feel entirely personal.
There are no fixed menus and no set programmes. Only a conversation about what would make your stay truly your own.
WRITE TO US
TELEPHONE
PLAN YOUR STAY
Begin here — the rest unfolds around you.
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