Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Nahuel Huapi National Park & Lake
Nahuel Huapi National Park is comprised of
815,000 acres. Its northern end is in the prov-
ince of Nequen, while its southern end is in Río
Negro, where Bariloche is located. The jewel of
the park, which is studded with lakes, is Lake
Nahuel Huapi. Ninety-six kilometers long and
only 12 kilometers wide (60 by 7½ miles) at its
broadest point, it is irregularly shaped with
long islets (
brazos)
that extend into the land.
The view of
the Andes
as you walk
along the lake is
magnificent and
will remain
with you for the
rest of your life.
Did You Know?
The name means “Tiger Island” in
Araucano, the language of the Mapuche
Indians that lived here.
Although the activities vary, the park is used
year round. In warm weather, from October
through April, the park is used by trekkers.
Treks are organized by local tour operators and
by the Club Andino, which maintains several
refugios
(shelters) in the park. Treks follow
clearly marked trails through forested areas,
crossing streams on hanging bridges, climbing
to waterfalls, circling lagoons and stopping
near icy-blue glaciers. Your fitness level should
determine which trek you join. Club Andino
groups usually have 20-40 people and treks last
anywhere from 1½ hours to several days. The
Club Andino office is at Calle 20 de Febrero 30,
two blocks north of the Civic Center (
The National
ParkOffice is at
San Martín 24.
426-
700). Serious mountain climbers can arrange
