Excursions

Isla Victoria

Duration: Half day or full day

Cost: Inquire   

Note that the price of this trip covers the entry fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park (including access to Los Arrayanes National Park).

The excursion begins in Puerto Pañuelo, 25 km (15 miles) from downtown, in Llao-Llao, which can be reached via excursion transfer shuttle, by commercial bus service of the 3 de Mayo line, or by private vehicle.

A 30-minute boat trip brings you to Puerto Anchorena, located at the island’s narrow midsection, which also is the service hub. There are several options for guided or self-guided walks on marked trails, notably: Sendero Ex Vivero Nacional (the former national nursery trail), Sendero de Interpretación “Antonio Pargade” (the Antonio Pargade Interpretative Trail), Puerto Gross and the old settlement, cave paintings and Playa del Toro, and Balcón del Cerro Bella Vista (Mount Bella Vista overlook), among others. The gorgeous views, rich history and impressive natural beauty of the entire island make this a trip to enjoy to the fullest.

Those spending the entire day on the island may wish to have lunch at Restaurante Huaiquil, which reopened a few years ago and offers innovative cuisine.

The excursion continues with a boat ride to the Quetrihué Peninsula, home to the trip's other top attraction: Los Arrayanes National Park, where a boardwalk trail takes you past magnificent examples of this species, which forms a dense forest with unique characteristics: thick trunks of a striking cinnamon color blotched with white, reaching heights of 15 meters (50 feet) or more, that give the place a magical feel.

 

Circuito Chico

Duration: Half day.

Cost: inquire

Distance: 65 km (40 miles)

Note: Chair lift ticket not included

The Circuito Chico is a trip to savor and enjoy. The entire route is full of natural beauty. Various spots on the way, and scenic overlooks such as Bahía López and Punto Panorámico, are ideal for contemplating its wonders. The Cerro Campanario chairlift, located in the "middle of the landscape" (Km 17), takes you to “the height of amazement” with the most spectacular view of the area. After you’ve feasted your eyes, you can delight your palate at various teahouses and restaurants nestled into the natural beauty of the countryside. Opposite Puerto Pañuelo, the Hotel Llao Llao and the San Eduardo chapel are unique attractions for visitors.  If time permits, the gentle trails of the Llao Llao city park offer pleasant walks through the woods. Another option, a few kilometers farther on, is the traditional Swiss Colony, where you can get the feel of its unique historic rural settlement. There's more to the Circuito Chico than just sightseeing. You can shop for a variety of handmade regional products and crafts– woven and wooden goods, candles, ceramics and cosmetics, among others, are an essential part of this not-to-be-missed trip.

 

Cerro Catedral (Mount Cathedral)

Duration: Half day

Cost: inquire

Distance: 40 km (25 miles)

Note: Lift fee not included

Cerro Catedral is the most important ski resort in South America. During the winter season, it offers a wide and wide range of services and infrastructure for skiing, snowboarding and enjoying the snow and the fantastic scenery. There are various ways of getting to the top during different seasons of the year. Hotels, restaurants and a variety of shops satisfy the needs and wants of the large numbers of skiers and tourists from all over the world.

The rest of the year, there are magnificent panoramic vistas to take in, and in summer, various outdoor activities provide ways to appreciate its stunning natural beauty: Mountain biking, horseback riding, rappelling, rock climbing, hiking and backpacking are among the many possibilities for those who want to actively enjoy Catedral.

 

Cerro Otto (Mount Otto)

Distance: 5 km (3 miles) base station

Free shuttle bus that leaves from the corners of Mitre and Villegas, and of Pagano and San Martín (across from the national park headquarters). The scheduled arrival and departure times vary.

Commercial bus, 3 de Mayo line (No. 50 and No. 51).

You can also drive to the top of the mountain, a total distance of about 10 km (6 miles).

From km 1 of Avenida de los Pioneros, the road is slightly winding up to Piedras Blancas. A little farther on are the Nordic Ski Center and the Refugio Berghoff mountain cabin. From there, a narrow mountain road takes you to the upper parking area of the cable car complex, where you can continue on foot or ride the new “Funicular de la Cumbre” to the new revolving restaurant, with its spectacular views.

The traditional visit to the complex from the base station normally includes with the entrance fee a 12-minute ascent by panoramic cable car to the top of Otto, 1405 meters (4600 feet) above sea level, with its revolving restaurant, where you can admire the scenery and savor regional gastronomic delights.

 

Additional places to visit include the surprising Galería de Arte, where exact replicas of Michelangelo's sculptures of David, the Pietà and Moses are on display, created by the Pietro Bazzanti Gallery of Florence, Italy.

At the Cerro Otto cable car center, nature lovers will find innumerable ways to spend a unique day.