Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
330
Tips
Driving to Chile
Villa la Angostura is the last st op before you head o ver the Andes and on t o
Chile via Paso Cardenal Samore, also known as
Paso Puyehue.
The border itself
is 64km (39 miles) from town, although driving eastward, you'll hit the Argen-
tine Customs building at 34km (21 miles). It's a spectacular drive through virgin
forests in t wo adjoining national parks (Nahuel Huapi in Ar gentina and Puye-
hue in Chile). There are lovely picnic spots and shor t hiking trails en r oute. In
winter, the drive often requires chains. The border crossing itself involves first
exiting Argentina and then entering Chile. Across the border, you're within an
hour of lovely spots such as the Thermas de Puyehue hot springs and the deli-
cious seafood restaurants in the cit y Puerto Montt on the P acific Coast. Either
makes a great day trip from Bariloche or Villa La Angostura. Remember, though,
that the border closes at 11pm in summer and at 8pm in winter. If you are rent-
ing a car, be sure to tell the rental agency that you plan to drive to Chile—if you
reach the border without the proper paperwork, you will have to turn back.
11
windows o verlooking the lake; none hav e televisions. F loors ar e a bit squeaky on the
ground floor. The inn's restaurant is world-class. The spa next door doesn't quite match
the inn, and the gym should be moved out of the tranquil relaxation area, but the services
are specializ ed and indulgent. M ost things, fr om the food to the ex cursions, ar e v ery
expensive here. Nonguests can enjoy a memorable lakeside lunch at the r estaurant.
Bahía Las Balsas .
&
/fax
02944/494308.
w ww.lasbalsas.com.ar. 15 units . $480 (£325) double; $640
(£433) suite. Rates include br eakfast. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Exquisite restaurant; bar; lounge; indoor/
outdoor heated pool; spa; sauna; wat ersports equipment; room service; massage; babysitting; laundry
service.
In room:
Coffeemaker, hair dryer.
Expensive
Correntoso Lake and River Hotel
Kids
Perched above the mouth of the Corr en-
toso River and facing due w est across to the Andes, the Corr entoso Hotel was founded
in 1922 as a fishing destination for B ariloche residents who cr ossed the lake b y boat.
Now it feels like a clean, natural, and fresh mountain lodge. The lobby is stunning, with
glass ceilings, large leather couches, and an enormous fireplace. The huge library has big
sofas, heritage maps, and another fireplace. The gourmet restaurant is open to the public
and wor th a visit for the vie ws alone—hotel guests hav e access to the choicest tables.
Down at the dock, there is another charming but less formal r estaurant. The property is
full of walking trails and berry bushes. All but six of the rooms have fabulous views over
the lake. Corner r oom nos. 309 and 409 hav e the very best views. There's a lovely new
spa with a gorgeous indoor/outdoor pool, and 16 new suites tucked behind the spa. This
is a complete hotel experience and the most family-friendly of the upscale options in the
area.
Ruta 234 and R ío Correntoso, Villa la Angostura.
&
/fax
02944/15-619728
(cell). www.correntoso.com.
49 units. $287-$353 (£194-£239) double; $382-$470 (£258-£318) suite. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC,
V.
Amenities:
Restaurant; bar ; lounge; heat ed outdoor pool; spa; c oncierge; deck ; Wi-Fi.
In room:
TV,
fridge (in suites only).
