Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi is the oldest and second largest national park in Argentina. It's nestled in the foothill of the Andes, in the Argentine Lake District. The village we're staying in as well as several other settlements are actually surrounded by this massive park.
Cerro Campanario is one of the area's best and and most popular viewpoints. We ascended the hill via La Aerosillo to a height of 1,050 meters. It was a little busy at the top, but the views were well worth it.
Aerosilla Cerro Campanario
Tom and Jana enjoying the ride
Awesome Argentine flag
Argentina's Lake District, northern Patagonia
From atop Cerro Campanario
We spent the bulk of the day driving the Circuito Chico scenic loop along the southern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi on the Lao Lao Peninsula. There was no shortage of beautiful places to stop along the lake.
Shallows of Lago Nahuel Huapi
Puerto Pañuelo
Random waterfall
February is the busy season in the Lake District, and there were quite a few people around, but a short walk on Sendero de Los Arraynes brought us to a beautiful spot on Lago Perito Moreno that we had almost to ourselves.
Tom along Sendero de Los Arraynes
Lago Perito Moreno
We continued counterclockwise on the scenic loop until eventually arriving at Punto Panoramico, which I am declaring the prettiest view in Argentina! I realize we just saw a small portion of the country, but I'm still convinced. Photos don't do it justice.
Punto Panoramico, Circuito Chico
Overwhelmingly beautiful
View of many lakes
After completing the Circuito Chico, we drove to a trailhead within Nahuel Huapi National Park in Villa Los Coihues, just a couple of kilometers from our cabaña. We hiked 2.7 miles in all, first to Cascada de Los Duendes and then on to Mirador del Lago. The path got pretty steep near the top of the ridge, and the air was very smoky, but it was still a good payoff. I'd say we earned tonight's burgers and beer.
Nahuel Huapi National Park, Lago Gutierrez section
Cascada de Los Duendes
Mirador Lago Gutierrez
Tom at the top
Jana claims Argentina
Mileage: 69 km