×

Argentina🇦🇷 | townsVilla La AngosturaArrayán forest, Nahuel Huapi shore, lake beaches | things to do and best time to go

Explore San Martín de los AndesExplore Goya

Backpacking in Villa La Angostura
🌟 Highlighttown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Here's the misconception: people think Villa La Angostura is just a rich ski town where backpackers don't belong. Wrong. Tucked on the northern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake in Argentine Patagonia, it's actually a smart, walkable base with a hostel scene that rivals Bariloche's, minus the traffic. The town itself is small, you'll cover the center in twenty minutes, but that's the point: you're here for Los Arrayanes National Park, the cinnamon-bark arrayán forest, and lake beaches, not urban sightseeing. Buses from Bariloche take about an hour, and once you're here everything walkable or a short hitchhike away. Evenings are slow, cafés and asado smoke rather than clubs, so it suits travelers who want quiet nights and early trailhead starts. Compared to Bariloche, it feels calmer and pricier per bed but less chaotic, a worthwhile trade if nature is your priority.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Argentina Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in ArgentinaWhy visitors keep coming back

The real draw here is proximity: this is your launchpad for Los Arrayanes National Park, one of the only arrayán forests on Earth, reachable by a flat 12km trail or a short catamaran ride. Backpackers typically stay two to four days, using small guesthouses and family-run hostels as a base rather than a party hub. The social scene is mellow: shared kitchens, trail talk over mate, not bar crawls. Streets are walkable and compact enough that you don't need transport within town, though a bike or thumb helps for the park entrance and Mirador Belvedere. Food-wise, expect Patagonian lamb, trout, and berry-based desserts sold from small stands, especially in late summer. This town rewards slow travelers, hikers, and solo wanderers who don't mind quiet evenings in exchange for lake light and forest … read more 👉
The real draw here is proximity: this is your launchpad for Los Arrayanes National Park, one of the only arrayán forests on Earth, reachable by a flat 12km trail or a short catamaran ride. Backpackers typically stay two to four days, using small guesthouses and family-run hostels as a base rather than a party hub. The social scene is mellow: shared kitchens, trail talk over mate, not bar crawls. Streets are walkable and compact enough that you don't need transport within town, though a bike or thumb helps for the park entrance and Mirador Belvedere. Food-wise, expect Patagonian lamb, trout, and berry-based desserts sold from small stands, especially in late summer. This town rewards slow travelers, hikers, and solo wanderers who don't mind quiet evenings in exchange for lake light and forest air in the morning. If you're chasing nightlife, skip it; if you want a friendly, low-key stop between bigger Patagonian hubs, it delivers exactly that.

💡 HighlightsTop highlights of Villa La Angostura

  1. Los Arrayanes National Park (Bahía Mansa entrance): A 12km one-way trail through a rare cinnamon-colored arrayán tree forest, the only pure stand of its kind. Best walked early morning to avoid crowds; entry costs around ARS 5,000-7,000 (subject to change), takes 3-4 hours each way on foot.
  2. Mirador Belvedere: A short, moderate hike (about 1.5 hours round trip) rewarding you with views over Lago Correntoso and the valley. Free, best at sunset, no entry fee.
  3. Puerto Manzano: A quiet lakeside spot with small beaches and calm water for swimming in summer. Free to visit, reachable by local bus or a 20-minute bike ride from the center.
  4. Cascada Inacayal: A forest waterfall walk of roughly 2 hours round trip, less crowded than the arrayán trail, good for an afternoon when you want solitude. Free.
  5. El Cruce
… read more 👉
  1. Los Arrayanes National Park (Bahía Mansa entrance): A 12km one-way trail through a rare cinnamon-colored arrayán tree forest, the only pure stand of its kind. Best walked early morning to avoid crowds; entry costs around ARS 5,000-7,000 (subject to change), takes 3-4 hours each way on foot.
  2. Mirador Belvedere: A short, moderate hike (about 1.5 hours round trip) rewarding you with views over Lago Correntoso and the valley. Free, best at sunset, no entry fee.
  3. Puerto Manzano: A quiet lakeside spot with small beaches and calm water for swimming in summer. Free to visit, reachable by local bus or a 20-minute bike ride from the center.
  4. Cascada Inacayal: A forest waterfall walk of roughly 2 hours round trip, less crowded than the arrayán trail, good for an afternoon when you want solitude. Free.
  5. El Cruce craft market: Small vendors selling Patagonian chocolate, wool goods, and local jams in the town center. Best browsed late afternoon; costs vary but chocolate runs around ARS 3,000-4,000 for a decent bar.
Outside town, Cerro Bayo ski area and viewpoint, the Siete Lagos scenic route toward San Martín de los Andes, and Bariloche's chocolate district all make solid day trips. My personal favorite is the Siete Lagos drive at golden hour, the lake colors shift from teal to near-black in under an hour and it never gets old.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Villa La Angostura

Trekking day in the mountains close to Bariloche

Trekking day in the mountains close to Bariloche

5.0(100) 7h
From €127
per personViator
Kayak paddling adventure around Bariloche

Kayak paddling adventure around Bariloche

5.0(53) 7h
From €145
per personViator
Bariloche Flavours Tasting Walking Tour

Bariloche Flavours Tasting Walking Tour

5.0(30) 2h
From €91
per personViator
Fly Fishing Guided Activity in Bariloche

Fly Fishing Guided Activity in Bariloche

5.0(25) 10h
From €599
per personViator
Private Winter Trekking Experience in Bariloche

Private Winter Trekking Experience in Bariloche

5.0(22) 7h
From €136
per personViator
Trekking Day in Bariloche - Low/Medium/High difficulty

Trekking Day in Bariloche - Low/Medium/High difficulty

5.0(14) 6h
From €136
per personViator
Bariloche : Private Trekkings in the Mountain

Bariloche : Private Trekkings in the Mountain

5.0(12) 9h
From €145
per personViator
Welcome Tour & Hike to Bariloche

Welcome Tour & Hike to Bariloche

5.0(10) 5h 30m
From €136
per personViator
Horseback Riding with Asado in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

Horseback Riding with Asado in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina

5.0(10) 4h
From €257
per personViator
Fly Fishing Bariloche half day trip!

Fly Fishing Bariloche half day trip!

5.0(10)
From €445
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsNeighborhood guide to Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura splits cleanly into two zones, and knowing which one you're in shapes your whole stay.
  • El Cruce (town center): This is where the buses drop you and where most budget hostels cluster. It's walkable, has the supermarket, bus terminal, and craft shops selling chocolate and wool, and it's quiet by 11pm. Best for short stays of one to two nights since everything (park shuttle, bus onward) starts here.
  • La Villa (lakefront, 3km from El Cruce): Prettier, pricier, and closer to the Los Arrayanes trailhead and lake beaches. Fewer hostels, more upscale lodges, so budget travelers usually just visit for the day rather than sleep here. The light off the lake in early evening is worth the trip alone.
  • Ruta 231 corridor: Scattered cabins and campsites along the road toward Bariloche. Good
… read more 👉
Villa La Angostura splits cleanly into two zones, and knowing which one you're in shapes your whole stay.
  • El Cruce (town center): This is where the buses drop you and where most budget hostels cluster. It's walkable, has the supermarket, bus terminal, and craft shops selling chocolate and wool, and it's quiet by 11pm. Best for short stays of one to two nights since everything (park shuttle, bus onward) starts here.
  • La Villa (lakefront, 3km from El Cruce): Prettier, pricier, and closer to the Los Arrayanes trailhead and lake beaches. Fewer hostels, more upscale lodges, so budget travelers usually just visit for the day rather than sleep here. The light off the lake in early evening is worth the trip alone.
  • Ruta 231 corridor: Scattered cabins and campsites along the road toward Bariloche. Good if you have a tent or camper van and want cheap, quiet nights away from town noise, but you'll need transport (bus or hitchhiking) to reach the center for food and services.
Stick to El Cruce if you're bus-hopping through Patagonia on a budget; head to La Villa only for day exploring, not sleeping.

⌛️ 1 day1-day itinerary for Villa La Angostura

This is a lakeside and forest day, built around water, cypress-like arrayán trees and one very good chocolate stop, with no museum or market to anchor it.
8:30 AM: El Cruce town center
Start on Avenida Arrayanes with coffee and medialunas at one of the cafés near the main strip. The center is only a few blocks long, so you can see everything on foot and pick up a sandwich for later.
10:00 AM: Bahía Mansa
Walk or take a short taxi down to this sheltered cove on Lago Nahuel Huapi. The water is clear and cold, and the small pier is a calm place to watch boats and the Andean ridgeline before the day-trippers arrive.
11:30 AM: Bosque de Arrayanes via Quetrihué Peninsula
Walk the 12 km trail from Bahía Mansa to the peninsula’s cinnamon-barked arrayán grove and catch the boat back, or do the reverse. Entry … read more 👉
This is a lakeside and forest day, built around water, cypress-like arrayán trees and one very good chocolate stop, with no museum or market to anchor it.
8:30 AM: El Cruce town center
Start on Avenida Arrayanes with coffee and medialunas at one of the cafés near the main strip. The center is only a few blocks long, so you can see everything on foot and pick up a sandwich for later.
10:00 AM: Bahía Mansa
Walk or take a short taxi down to this sheltered cove on Lago Nahuel Huapi. The water is clear and cold, and the small pier is a calm place to watch boats and the Andean ridgeline before the day-trippers arrive.
11:30 AM: Bosque de Arrayanes via Quetrihué Peninsula
Walk the 12 km trail from Bahía Mansa to the peninsula’s cinnamon-barked arrayán grove and catch the boat back, or do the reverse. Entry to the national park is around US$10 to 15 for foreigners. The trees feel cool to the touch and the lake peeks through every few minutes. Allow about three hours with stops.
2:30 PM: Lunch by the water
Back in town, eat your packed sandwich on the shore or find a parrilla for grilled trout. Keep it unhurried, since your legs have earned a long sit.
4:00 PM: Mirador Belvedere
This one is off the usual circuit. Follow the road and steps up to the lookout for a wide view over the lake, the peninsula and the Andes. It is quiet in the afternoon and takes about an hour round trip from the center.
6:00 PM: Chocolate and craft beer
Come down for hot chocolate or a slice of cake at a local chocolatería, since the region is known for it. Move on afterward to a small brewery for a local pint.
8:30 PM: Dinner in El Cruce
Finish with a relaxed dinner of venison or lamb at a modest restaurant near the main street, then stroll back to your hostel under very dark, starry skies.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

  • Summer (December to February): Warm days around 22°C (72°F), ideal for hiking and lake swimming, but also peak crowds and highest hostel prices.
  • Autumn (March to April): Cooler, 10-18°C (50-64°F), fewer tourists, and the arrayán forest area turns gold and red, arguably the best photography window.
  • Winter (June to August): Cold, 0-8°C (32-46°F), snow at Cerro Bayo draws skiers, but many hiking trails close and daylight shrinks to under 9 hours.
  • Spring (September to November): Mild, 8-16°C (46-61°F), wildflowers appear, crowds are thin, and prices sit lower than summer.
Aim for late March. The crowds thin, the arrayán trees glow, and hostel beds drop noticeably in price compared to January.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: good for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: good for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutArgentina Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Argentina
The digital guide (393 pages) contains:
✅ 131 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 14, 21 & 30-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Argentina

El Cruce, the compact town center, is the clear choice for budget travelers. Hostels and small guesthouses cluster within a few blocks of the bus terminal, meaning you land, drop your bag, and start hiking planning immediately. It's social in a low-key way, shared kitchens and common areas where trail tips get traded over mate, but nightlife is minimal, so don't expect bars past 11pm. La Villa, the lakefront zone three kilometers away, is prettier but geared toward couples and families in lodges, with few hostel beds and higher prices; it works better as a daytime destination than a place to sleep. … read more 👉
El Cruce, the compact town center, is the clear choice for budget travelers. Hostels and small guesthouses cluster within a few blocks of the bus terminal, meaning you land, drop your bag, and start hiking planning immediately. It's social in a low-key way, shared kitchens and common areas where trail tips get traded over mate, but nightlife is minimal, so don't expect bars past 11pm. La Villa, the lakefront zone three kilometers away, is prettier but geared toward couples and families in lodges, with few hostel beds and higher prices; it works better as a daytime destination than a place to sleep. Staying in El Cruce also means you're walking distance from the supermarket, pharmacy, and craft market, useful for stocking up before hikes. Compared to Bariloche, El Cruce feels smaller and calmer, less chaotic at night but also with fewer budget dining options, so cooking your own meals in a hostel kitchen makes sense here.
Best hostels in Argentina


Best quality hotels in Argentina

🚌 Getting aroundHow to get around Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura runs on unhurried intuition rather than rigid timetables. Buses exist and mostly stick to schedule, but the town's real rhythm is footsteps and thumbs out on Ruta 231, where hitchhiking to trailheads is normal and mostly safe. The air smells of wood smoke and damp forest most mornings, and that slow-burning pace extends to how people move: nobody's rushing, so don't expect frequent shuttle departures either.
  • Walking: The town center (El Cruce) is compact enough to cover in 15-20 minutes end to end, making it your default option for anything within town.
  • Local buses: Connect El Cruce to La Villa and the Bahía Mansa park entrance roughly every hour during high season, tickets around ARS 1,000-2,000, slower but reliable during summer months.
  • Hitchhiking (dedo): Common and generally
… read more 👉
Villa La Angostura runs on unhurried intuition rather than rigid timetables. Buses exist and mostly stick to schedule, but the town's real rhythm is footsteps and thumbs out on Ruta 231, where hitchhiking to trailheads is normal and mostly safe. The air smells of wood smoke and damp forest most mornings, and that slow-burning pace extends to how people move: nobody's rushing, so don't expect frequent shuttle departures either.
  • Walking: The town center (El Cruce) is compact enough to cover in 15-20 minutes end to end, making it your default option for anything within town.
  • Local buses: Connect El Cruce to La Villa and the Bahía Mansa park entrance roughly every hour during high season, tickets around ARS 1,000-2,000, slower but reliable during summer months.
  • Hitchhiking (dedo): Common and generally safe along Ruta 231 toward the park entrance or Cerro Bayo, especially in daylight; locals are used to it and it's often faster than waiting for a bus.
  • Bikes (rental in town center): A good middle option for reaching Puerto Manzano or La Villa, roughly ARS 5,000-8,000 per day, giving you flexibility buses don't.
  • Intercity buses (to Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes): Depart from the small terminal in El Cruce a handful of times daily, journey to Bariloche takes about an hour, book a day ahead in high season since seats fill fast.
The better way to move here: walk when you can, bike when the distance grows, and don't be shy about the thumb for trailheads. Rushing against this town's pace just means standing at empty bus stops while a local zips past on a bike, wondering why you're waiting.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Villa La Angostura sits slightly above average for Argentine Patagonia due to its smaller size and tourist demand, but it remains manageable for budget travelers who cook their own meals and hike rather than pay for tours.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUSD 12 to 20Hostels cluster in El Cruce; summer prices climb toward the top of this range.
MealsUSD 6 to 14Empanadas and set lunch menus (menu del día) stay cheap; trout or lamb dinners push higher.
Local transportUSD 2 to 6Short bus hops within town run low; hitchhiking to trailheads costs nothing.
Basic activities/entry feesUSD 5 to 12Los Arrayanes park entry and small museum fees sit in this range; hiking itself is free.
MiscellaneousUSD 3 to 8Covers chocolate, snacks, and small souvenirs from the craft market.
Total Daily
… read more 👉
Villa La Angostura sits slightly above average for Argentine Patagonia due to its smaller size and tourist demand, but it remains manageable for budget travelers who cook their own meals and hike rather than pay for tours.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUSD 12 to 20Hostels cluster in El Cruce; summer prices climb toward the top of this range.
MealsUSD 6 to 14Empanadas and set lunch menus (menu del día) stay cheap; trout or lamb dinners push higher.
Local transportUSD 2 to 6Short bus hops within town run low; hitchhiking to trailheads costs nothing.
Basic activities/entry feesUSD 5 to 12Los Arrayanes park entry and small museum fees sit in this range; hiking itself is free.
MiscellaneousUSD 3 to 8Covers chocolate, snacks, and small souvenirs from the craft market.
Total Daily BudgetUSD 28 to 60Cooking hostel meals and hiking instead of paying for tours keeps you near the lower end.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsShort trips worth adding

Villa La Angostura works well as a base for day trips, because the best targets sit within 20 to 120 minutes by road and most can be done with local buses, shared transfers or a rented bike.
Bosque de Arrayanes:
The cinnamon-barked arrayán forest on Quetrihué Peninsula is the easiest outing, and the most rewarding. The 12 km trail takes about 3 to 4 hours one way, so most people walk one leg and ride the boat for the other. Entry to the national park is roughly US$8 to 12 for foreigners, and the boat adds US$25 to 40. Go from October to April for the best conditions. First-timers often skip the boat check, so confirm the last departure before you set off, or you will face the long walk back.

Cerro Bayo:
This ski hill sits 9 km from the center, so it needs a short local bus or a shared taxi … read more 👉
Villa La Angostura works well as a base for day trips, because the best targets sit within 20 to 120 minutes by road and most can be done with local buses, shared transfers or a rented bike.
Bosque de Arrayanes:
The cinnamon-barked arrayán forest on Quetrihué Peninsula is the easiest outing, and the most rewarding. The 12 km trail takes about 3 to 4 hours one way, so most people walk one leg and ride the boat for the other. Entry to the national park is roughly US$8 to 12 for foreigners, and the boat adds US$25 to 40. Go from October to April for the best conditions. First-timers often skip the boat check, so confirm the last departure before you set off, or you will face the long walk back.

Cerro Bayo:
This ski hill sits 9 km from the center, so it needs a short local bus or a shared taxi (US$3 to 15). In winter, June to September, lift tickets run about US$40 to 70, plus rental. In summer the chairlift (roughly US$15 to 25) gives wide views over Nahuel Huapi, and it is a good hike-and-ride day. Many people overlook it outside ski season.

Siete Lagos Road to San Martín de los Andes:
The Route of the Seven Lakes is one of the best drives in Patagonia, and it starts right at the edge of Villa La Angostura. Buses run to San Martín de los Andes in about 2 to 2.5 hours with fares around US$10 to 20 each way. Most buses are quick and do not stop for photos, so a rental car or a tour (US$40 to 70) suits the lookouts better. Go in late spring or autumn for fewer crowds and golden foliage in April. Leave early; the return buses thin out by evening.
👉 Explore San Martín de los Andes
Bariloche:
Bariloche is about 80 km south, roughly 1.5 hours by bus for US$5 to 10 each way. It works for chocolate shops, the Circuito Chico loop and the lakefront. Skip weekends in January and July, when the roads and attractions fill up. Plan on US$30 to 50 including food.
👉 Explore San Carlos de Bariloche

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura is broadly safe, and most backpackers pass through without incident. The main thing to watch is petty opportunism, unattended bags at bus stops or lakeside picnic spots occasionally go missing, so keep valuables close rather than assuming small-town charm means zero risk. Solo travelers, including women, generally report feeling comfortable walking El Cruce after dark, though the town goes quiet early, so there's little foot traffic to blend into past 10pm. On trails like Los Arrayanes, carry water and tell someone your route, not because of crime but because cell coverage drops and help can be slow if you twist an ankle. No notable scams target tourists here, this isn't a hustle-heavy destination. Basic street awareness is all you need.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura is worth visiting in its own right, not just a stopover, mainly for Los Arrayanes National Park, home to one of the only pure arrayán tree forests on Earth. The lake beaches and Mirador Belvedere viewpoint add enough to fill two to three days comfortably. Travelers passing quickly often regret not budgeting a full day for the arrayán trail alone.
Two to three days covers the main hikes and viewpoints without rushing, including a full day for Los Arrayanes National Park and a half-day for Mirador Belvedere or Puerto Manzano's beaches. Add a fourth day if you want to fit in the Siete Lagos scenic drive or a side trip to Bariloche. Shorter visits are possible but you'll likely skip the longer trails.
Yes, it works well as a day trip from Bariloche, roughly an hour away by bus for around ARS 3,000-4,000 one way. Many travelers base themselves in Bariloche and visit just for the arrayán forest hike, though staying overnight lets you catch sunset at Mirador Belvedere, which day-trippers usually miss.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Argentine towns near Villa La Angostura

Explore more nearby:

  • San Martín de los Andes—Lago Lácar, Lanín gateway, chocolate shops| 72 km away
  • El Bolsón—Craft beer, Andean foothills, river swims| 134 km away
  • Esquel—Narrow-gauge steam train, Los Alerces gateway, wind-scoured steppe, hostel kitchens| 240 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Argentina including Villa La Angostura and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all towns

Or checkout all Argentina has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Argentina
Country photo of Argentina
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Worth visiting for the arrayán forest alone, that coppery light through the bark is genuinely rare and photos don't do it justice. The drawback: it's pricier and quieter than Bariloche, so if you want nightlife or rock-bottom hostel beds, this isn't your town. Come for the hikes, not the evenings.

✈️ When did I visit Argentina?
I have visited Argentina, together with Chile, in September 2012.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Argentina, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story