Snow, gastronomy, and a magical forest: ways to enjoy winter in Villa la Angostura

Between snow-capped mountains, fairytale forests and surrounded by lakes, Villa La Angostura invites you to enjoy Patagonia in winter .

This mountain town offers a picture of serenity and charm with its stone and wood buildings in perfect harmony with nature.

Immersed in the spectacular surroundings of Nahuel Huapi National Park , this town in Neuquén is also the gateway to Los Arrayanes National Park , the only place in the world where a natural forest of this unique species grows.

Its beaches, waterfalls, and forested trails transform with each season. Now, in winter, they turn white.

Villa La Angostura is 83 kilometers from Bariloche , in the heart of the Seven Lakes Route , and combines nature, gastronomy, and village tranquility. Here are some suggestions for enjoying the winter.

If there's one photo you can't miss in Villa la Angostura, it's the one where the small Correntoso River —one of the shortest in the world—rises from Lake Correntoso and flows into Lake Nahuel Huapi.

A place to enjoy the views of the two lakes from one of its bridges and the sound of the river.

The Villa La Angostura boutique ski resort is 15 minutes from downtown and offers unbeatable views of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes Mountains.

It boasts 200 hectares of alpine ski slopes for all levels, with guaranteed snow for beginners at an altitude of 1,500 meters. It features 24 slopes of four difficulty levels, four off-piste routes, 11 lifts—including two quadruple gondolas—and a 6-kilometer uninterrupted descent.

Cerro Bayo stands out for its adapted ski program, considered one of the most developed in the country. This Patagonian resort is a pioneer in Latin America in receiving the IRAM ISO 14001 environmental management certification, a seal that reinforces its commitment to the surrounding nature.

In addition to skiing, those seeking other experiences can enjoy tubing, ziplining, or snowshoeing in an environment that combines adventure and connection with the landscape.

One-day lift pass, mid-season, $89,800 for adults. Off-season, $79,800.

Created in 1971 as an independent protected area of Nahuel Huapi National Park, Los Arrayanes preserves a unique forest of trees that are over 650 years old and reach over 15 meters in height. This forest is concentrated on the Quetrihué Peninsula (which means “where there are myrtle trees” in Mapuche). It offers a walk in a cinnamon-colored atmosphere, with the sun filtering through the trunks.

The landscape is completed with forests of coihues and ñires, as well as lagoons such as Hua Huan and Patagua, home to the huillín, an endangered otter.

This Patagonian park covers 1,796 hectares and can be visited year-round, although the best time to visit is spring and summer.

Among its curiosities is the legendary log confectionery built by Antonio Lynch, former director of National Parks, which was popularly credited—although unfounded, according to National Parks—with inspiring Walt Disney for "Bambi."

Entrance to Los Arrayanes National Park costs $7,000 pesos per person (Argentine residents). Access is via La Mansa and La Brava ports in the north of the peninsula, and Puerto Quetrihué in the far south.

First, you have to go to the port area, and from there, you can visit the forest on a 12-km walk (you'll see native species of the Patagonian Andean forest, the shell of an old ranch, and the Patagua Lagoon along the way). The route can also be done by bike, or combined, for example, by walking and returning by boat.

Round trip by boat: $35,000 with the Catamarán Argentina company: it has daily departures to the Arrayanes Forest from Bahía Brava in Villa La Angostura (reference rate July 2025, does not include entrance to the NP).

Designed for those looking to enjoy the snow without skiing, this excursion combines unique landscapes and activities .

The tour begins with a visit to the Río Bonito waterfall and continues to the base of Cerro Bayo , where the chairlift takes you up to 1,500 meters and accesses panoramic views of the mountain range and Lake Nahuel Huapi.

On the hill there is free time for lunch or to join a snowshoe hike.

The experience includes transportation and use of the ski lift and costs $75,000 per person (Rucán Turismo, does not include lunch or snowshoeing). It ends with return to the hotel.

Just a few meters from the center of Villa La Angostura , on Arrayanes Avenue 450, the Paseo Encantado Market has a design that combines the modern with the rustic and a natural environment that enhances its charm at any time of day.

It offers an interesting culinary offering, ranging from lamb and Patagonian trout to homemade hamburgers, craft beer, hot chocolates, and cafes for breakfast or a snack.

It also has tourist apartments on the first floor, Hertz car rentals, and even a paddle tennis court.

On a central corner, on Av. Arrayanes 295 and Pascotto, Café Antibes stands out as an ideal meeting point for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

It has a handcrafted menu made with fresh products, without additives or preservatives , which invites you to take a break between walks through the city.

Its menu ranges from specialty coffees —with blends roasted in Italy or Colombian beans—to original cappuccinos like the “Luna de Avellaneda” with Nutella and cream, or the “Curda Irlandesa” with Baileys.

There are also waffles, French toast with berries, croissants, puddings, muffins, bagels, and toast ; savory options like salads, gourmet sandwiches, soups, and full brunches ; as well as juices, lemonades, smoothies, and gluten-free and vegan pastries .

A place to relax amidst the aromas, books, and board games, in the heart of Patagonia.

Located in Akol Barrio Náutico, Akol Resto offers Patagonian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake.

Its menu pays homage to the region's natural beauty with dishes featuring Patagonian trout and lamb, mushrooms, herbs, and fine fruits.

They offer tapas like Nikkei tiradito with Limay river trout or potato millefeuille with truffle oil; main courses like braised lamb and koji ribeye; and desserts that offer textures from dulce de leche to cinnamon churros with creme brulee and chocolate.