Villa la Angostura, Argentina

Villa Angostura is located to the south of Neuquén. It is situated 870 meters above the sea level, on the Nahuel Huapi shores.

It was categorized as “mountain village” because of its exuberant nature that includes crystal water lakes, valleys, mountains and forests. Many tourists visit Los Arrayanes National Park.

The different landscapes allow the practice of trekking, excursions, mountain bike, riding, fishing, and aquatic sports by having unforgettable experiences.

How is it possible to arrive?

It is possible to arrive here by departing from Bariloche. Twenty kilometers to the north, there is a detour towards Villa La Angostura. During the trip, it is possible to enjoy exceptional views of the Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Tourist Attractions

Camino de los 7 Lagos

It is a winding road; the route covers 110 Km. to San Martín. It crosses dense cohiues forests and mountains. During the travel, it is possible to appreciate the following lakes: Espejo, Correntoso, Espejo Chico, Villarino, Escondido, Falkner Hermoso and Machónico.
It is one of the most beautiful routes. Many expert cyclists travel across it by observing beautiful panoramic views.

Nahuel Huapi Lake

It is a lake of glacier origins that covers the rivers Negro and Neuquén. It has seven branches. Its blue waters come from the thaws. It possesses islands with beautiful landscapes, the most important one is Victoria Island.
On the river shores, there is a lot of vegetation like arrayanes and pataguas, as well as varied regional fauna which includes animals like huillín and araucan pigeon. It is possible to practice fishing, navigating, windsurfing and rafting.

Laguna Verde (Lagoon) – Selva Triste

The vegetation that surrounds the lagoon is known as “Selva Triste”. In the zone, there are many plant species like cypress, coihues, arrayanes and radales among others.

This natural reserve is located 1200 meters away from the Angostura port. Within the forest, there is a green lagoon where aquatic birds and fish live. “El arrayán del amor” is located near a small port. It is a strange formation between an arrayán tree and a cypress whose trunks and branches are entwined.

Cajón Negro

It is a valley surrounded by Inayacal, Belverde and Filo Belvedere hills. From there; it is possible to take long walks by observing landscapes with varied faun and flora.

It is also possible to arrive to crystalline waters streams. During the route, visitors can listen to the waters sound that form the Inayacal waterfall and which flow into the Nahuel Huapi Lake. It is interesting to watch the running waters all along the vegetation and listen to the birds´ song.

Waterfalls in La Angostura

Inacayal. – It is an impressive waterfall (50 meters high). It is possible to climb through paths plenty of vegetation and beautiful flowers, as well as hear birds as carpenter and rayitos.

Santa Ana and Dora. – In order to arrive to the waterfall, people should take the route 231 and then, go some kilometers to the Argentinean Custom; before, it is necessary to cross the Pantojo stream. The waterfall is 50 meters high. In its surroundings, there are beautiful regional plants like colihue cane, as well as varied mosses, ferns and climbing plants that cover the tree trunks by forming exuberant landscapes. It is also possible to arrive towards a cave with basaltic rocks that is situated behind an impressive water veil.

Río Bonito. – The water falls into a green hole and then, it goes through a split in the basaltic rocks. It is the perfect place for excursions and ecotourism.

National Parks:

Nahuel Huapi National Park

It is located to the southwest of Rio Negro. It has an important ecological value because it preserves a vast area of the Andean region in the north of Patagonia.

On the hill, the vegetation consists of small plants adapted to the harsh weather. The condor, a regional animal, lives and constructs its nest on the summit.

The low zones of the mountains and the valleys are covered by forests. One of the most singular trees is the cohiué or “El Abuelo” which is approximately 400 or 500 years old; its bark is so thick that it can be surrounded by 8 or 10 people. The red flowers of notro, the orange climbing plant mutisia and other plants make this region a wildest and colorful place.
In the park, it is possible to practice trekking and climbing to Santa Elena, Bastión, López and Catedral hills that are 1.800 and 2.400 meters high. From the summit, people will appreciate wonderful views.

Los Arrayanes National Park

By land, people can arrive to Los Arrayanes National Park by departing from Bariloche and following the routes 237 and 231 to Villa Angostura; then, people will arrive to the natural reserve in Huapi National Park. The distance is 12 Km. through a diversity of landscapes. Another way to arrive is through the lake by departing from Villa Angostura port or from Bahía Brava and arriving to Arrayanes port.

Another option is practicing trekking (12 Km). From the park entrance, people can arrive, by ship, to Quetrhué. People who love this activity will enjoy the adventure within the vegetation. (The roundtrip lasts 24 hours).

Los Arrayanes National Park was inaugurated in 1971. It preserves a peculiar forest of arrayanes in Quetrihué that is located on the shores of Nahuel Huapi. These forests are composed by unique tree species in the world; the trees have white flowers. The park covers 20 hectares and it represents an odd landscape after Perito Moreno glacier.

There are also other trees like cypress, palos santos, laurels, maitenes, cinnamons, radales, and ñires. Inside the forest, it is possible to appreciate varied fauna including the skunk, the pudu and the huillin.
Recommendations

• Take into account that inside the forest people only can rest until 4 pm, in summer, and 6 pm in winter.
• The trekking presents a medium difficulty.
• It is possible to practice mountain bike, however, it is not appropriate for beginner cyclists with few experience.
• If you practice trekking, you should carry water.
• If you practice cycling, you should take precautions and carry your own equipment.
• It is advisable to take the delimited paths because if you do not, you will get lost inside.