Villa la Angostura.
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Overview

Villa la Angostura is a town in Neuquén. Set in the Andean highlands on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the town is a popular entry point to natural attractions including two national parks, dense forests, and nearby mountain peaks for rock climbing.

Understand

Villa La Angostura is a small town in the southwest of Neuquen, Argentina. It is a gateway to the Nahuel Huapi National Park and the Los Arrayanes National Park.

Climate Villa la Angostura is usually described as having an alpine-like climate with cold weather and snow from May through September and warm, sunny days from November through March, though even then you'll want to pack a sweater or light jacket because nights can get cold. Most precipitation falls as snow during the cold weather months but the region is green and verdant with showers possible at anytime and occasionally steady rains that can last for several days.

Oficina Turismo Villa la Angostura. Official visitor information center. Can provide advice about lodging and local attractions and activities.

Get in

The nearest airport with commercial flights is in San Carlos de Bariloche.

Get around

Taxi services are available in town, but mountain biking is the most popular way to get around when the weather is good, though walking works perfectly well since the town is small. Horseback treks are also available. Snowshoes and cross-country skis are helpful in the cold weather months of June-September.

See

The landscape is really beautiful. The village is on the Nahuel Huapi, one of the biggest lakes in the Province. Also it is on the slope of the mountains not very high (1,800-1,900 m). At the other side, crossing the lake there is a nice city: Bariloche.

There is a summer landscape and a winter landscape, covered by snow. There is a port where you can see "Quetrihue peninsula" which means "Where “arrayanes” grow.

There is a footpath of 12 km. that ends in Los Arrayanes National Park. There is an amazing forest of huge “arrayanes”. These special trees are natives species and they are very high and very old (300 years) When you walk through the footpath you can see other species as notros, cohiues, ñires and lengas. This forest is very famous and unique in the whole world. In the middle of the forest there is a lagoon called "Patagua" where ducks and birds live. Inside the park there is a little house called "Walt Disney house", because that place inspired his movie “Bambi”

Museo de Arte Contemporaneo Conrad Meier. Small regional art museum with a collection of mostly drawings and paintings with a photography gallery and several modern sculptures.

Do

Cerro Bayo. Small ski area with 22 trails and 13 lifts, including 2 gondolas. Skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, ski school, a freestyle class for teenagers, and an adaptive skiing program for disabled persons.

Playa Lago Correntoso. Lakeside beach with crystal clear cool waters. Kayaks available for rent but no food for sale, so bring what you need. No restrooms available.

Fishing Villa la Angostura is surrounded by lakes and rivers. It is considered one of Argentina's best trout fishing areas. Anglers must purchase a Continental Patagonian Sport Fishing License which is good in national parks throughout Patagonia. Fishing licenses are sold on a per-day, weekly, or seasonal basis. Argentinian residents pay considerably less. Discounted licenses are available for teenagers. Children under 12, senior citizens over age 65, and disabled fishermen can fish free. Fishing licenses are sold at sporting goods stores, local tourism offices, or at National Parks administrative offices.

The most popular places to fish in Villa la Angostura include: Correntoso River: The shortest river in the world, famous for its fly fishing and large trout runs. Lake Nahuel Huapi: The meandering huge lake is ideal for trolling from a boat or for casting from docks or the shoreline. Lake Correntoso: Known for its crystal-clear waters and large trout.

Cabalgatas Montahue. Horse rentals and guided horseback treks through forested trails. Horses are gentle and guides attentive.

Ruca Kuyen. Casual golf resort that includes a wellness spa, overnight accommodations, and an on-site restaurant. The golf course is 9 holes with fairways up to 140 meters. It is designed to accommodate beginning golfers and those with a high handicap.

Cumelen Country Club. Private golf community whose 18-hole course is open only to residents and those visitors who rent homes on the property through the property owner. The club includes waterfront access and a clubhouse.

Bicycling is very popular in Villa la Angostura. It's a great way to buzz around town and the gentle hills of nearby national parks are perfect for getting a little workout while exploring the outdoors in a clean, low impact manner. Popular routes are the trails in Los Arrayanes National Park, the 7 Lakes route, and the road up to the Cerro Bayo ski resort where the chair lifts run during summer months so you can bring the bikes to the top of the mountain and ride bikes down the ski trails. Several bike shops in town will rent bikes to visitors:

Langosta Rental. Rental bikes are in good condition and not very old. This business also rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for those who want to explore the lake.

Fuera de Piste. Full-service mountain bike shop. Rents bikes plus accessories like panniers, lightweight tents, sleeping bags etc. They also can advise you on touring routes and provide maps for longer multi-day rides.

ProShop Bike. Sales, service, rentals and good local advice. Bikes are all in good condition with some like new. Friendly staff.

Bayo Abajo. Bike rentals in warm weather, ski rentals in cold weather.

Festivals Fiesta Nacional de los Jardines (National Garden Festival): Each February, the town's most iconic event takes place to celebrate the blossoming summer gardens. The festival began in the 1990s and promotes the beautification of the town through gardening. Includes a flower parade, craft markets, and live music.

Aniversario de la Fundación (Founders Anniversary): Annual even held on May 15, when the town commemorates its founding with civic and nationalistic parades down Avenida Arrayanes and a tribute to the founders at Plaza los Pioneros.

Buy

Villa la Angostura offers unique Patagonian crafts, many of which would make great souvenirs to bring back home. The town has some excellent artisan markets and boutique shops along the main thoroughfare, Avenida Arrayanes. Look for locally handcrafted wool scarves and sweaters, silver jewelry with designs inspired by the Mapuche indigenous culture, and locally crafted chocolates.

Coiron Patagonia. Excellent selection of handcrafted and artisanal products made in Patagonia. Includes wool products, belts and other leather products, jewelry, artisanal regional chocolates and much more.

Viejo Pastor. Cold weather gear and outdoor sporting apparel including boots, athletic shoes, jackets, gloves and more.

Harapos Patagonia. Gift shop specializing in knives.

Eat

Casual restaurants invited diners to come eat at any time of day, but the town's better restaurants observe two serving times: 3pm for lunch, and 8pm for dinner; the restaurants close from 3pm to 8pm. Be aware that many restaurants accept cash only. Some of the restaurants that accept credit cards will add a surcharge of up to 10%.

La Casita de la Oma. You can have your afternoon tea here.

Cantina Napolitano. Here you can have dinner, or stay for a drink as well.

El Desquite. Upscale tavern restaurant with innovative Argentinian cuisine featuring homemade stews like mondongo, grilled meats like succulent lamp chops and more.

El Esquiador. Family-run local restaurant serving hearty regional Argentinian cuisine. The Ciervo a la Casadora is recommended.

Ay Ay Ay Maria!. Casual restaurant that serves an Argentinian representation of Mexican cuisine. If the food tastes under-spiced at least the margaritas are strong and can take your mind off any shortcomings. Large portions and affordable prices.

La Morada. Cozy restaurant with soft lighting serving regional cuisine cooked homestyle. Portions are generous and there are a number of innovative combinations that seem to mix cuisines. Good bar with creative cocktails.

Nicoletto Restaurante De Pastas Caseras. Upscale Italian restaurant featuring homemade pastas and sauces. Expect innovative sauces and stuffings in the stuffed pastas, like a trout stuffed ravioli or a fresh leek sauce (not just marinara and pesto). Good wine list with several top tier Argentinian vintages.

Parilla Chop Chop. Grilled meats and seafood are the star attractions at this upscale restaurant. Lamb chops, Salman, and fresh trout are expertly grilled and served with sides that are often also prepared on the grill. Good wine list and comfortable ambiance with an outdoor patio area for good weather days.

La Locanda. Upscale restaurant serving regional Patagonian cuisine with locally sourced lake trout, lamb, and venison. Stews, grilled meats, and whole grilled fish. Good wine list.

Drink

Cerveceria Blest. Lively nightspot that brews its own beer, has live music and dancing. Beer selection includes a range of house ales, from a light blonde to some very strong IPAs. Food includes burgers, pizzas, etc.

Australis Cervecería. Cozy pub atmosphere with a limited range of house ales on tap. Serves light food including a venison sandwich.

Cervecería Epulafquen. Artesanal craft brewery with two locations in Villa la Angostura. Serves a range of ale that includes some darker brews like a robust stout and a soft, tawny Scottish ale that was eminently poundable. Casual food menu includes pizza and burgers.

Epu Centro. Artesanal craft brewery serving hearty pub grub like lamb burgers, a sausage stew, and empanadas. The dark beers are particularly well made.

Sleep

Hostería Maitén Escondido. Very alpine-like with an appealing wood deck and outdoor pool. Comfortable, spacious rooms.

Hostel la Angostura. Rustic mountain lodge with clean, spacious rooms that have large windows and heated floors. Hearty breakfast in the mornings.

La Posta de Los Colonos. Modern hotel in the town's Centro area, clean, spacious rooms. Off-street parking available.

Hostería La Roca de la Patagonia. Rustic mountain lodge with clean, comfortable rooms. Off-street parking available. Discounts for cash payments.

Hosteria Traunco. Comfortable rustic lodge with modern updates, including heated floors in the rooms. Clean rooms, friendly service, and 1 block walk to downtown commercial center.

El Faro. Upscale boutique hotel with spacious, comfortable rooms and first-class amenities including sauna and heated outdoor pool with panoramic views of the lake and distant mountains. On-site restaurant serves 3 meals a day with continental breakfast.

Sol Arrayan. Comfortable lakeside hotel with spacious rooms. Swimming pool available. On-site restaurant available though food is unremarkable.

Hosteria Aca al Sur. Comfortable, well-maintained, family friendly hotel with spacious, spotlessly clean rooms. Parking near rooms. Serves a full breakfast each morning with offerings that vary each day so you don't get bored eating the same thing.

El Bosque. Rustic mountain lodge offering rooms and suites large enough for families. Rooms are spacious and comfortably equipped and many have lake views. A heated outdoor swimming pool is available and a lounge serves cocktails in a comfortable setting with a huge stone fireplace. A wellness spa offers yoga and exercise space. Breakfast is available daily.

La Escondida Casa de Huespedes. Rustic mountain lodge with lake views. Large, comfortable, well-furnished rooms with LED TVs and plenty of hot water in the shower. No air conditioning, but it's not needed most of the year and the windows can be opened for ventilation. Heated outdoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and exercise room. Serves an ample breakfast each morning. Lounge with a roaring fire in the fireplace each evening.

Camping Dormis y Bungalows Osa Mayor. Campground in a forest Glen with tent sites that have electricity, grills, and tables.