Argentina’s Lake District in northwest Patagonia is a region of spectacular beauty—a landscape of dense forests, deep-blue lakes and rugged Andean peaks. In the middle of it all, perched dramatically on a hilltop, is the iconic Llao Llao Hotel & Resort.

Founded in 1935, this landmark hotel was built to attract visitors to Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s oldest national park, which was established a year earlier and is the heart of the Lake District. Llao Llao remains the ideal base for exploring the park and surrounding area.

The rustic yet luxurious lodge reflects the surroundings and incorporates an abundance of timber and stone into its architecture.

Grand salons feature antler chandeliers, chairs covered in deerskin and massive stone fireplaces—the perfect place for afternoon tea.

Our preferred accommodations at Llao Llao are in the Moreno Wing, a separate building completed in recent years on the shore of beautiful Lake Moreno. The luxurious rooms and suites have postcard views of the lake and the jagged peaks of Cerro Lopez from private terraces.

On-site restaurants serve local culinary specialties such as excellent Patagonian lamb and wine, as well as international dishes. In addition, there’s a sybaritic spa, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. Surrounded by lakes, Llao Llao also offers easy access to water activities such as swimming and kayaking.

Beyond the hotel, there is so much to see and do in the Lake District. Artisans of Leisure arranges private cruises on Lake Nahuel Huapi, fly fishing on local rivers, picnics on secluded beaches, hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, horseback riding, rappelling, tours of the Patagonian steppe, and cultural tours focused on the history of the area, which was originally inhabited by the indigenous Mapuche and Tehuelche tribes.

In winter, the Lake District becomes a snow paradise, with cross country and downhill skiing, snowboarding and other activities at the Cerro Catedral ski resort.

The entry point to the Lake District is the town of San Carlos de Bariloche, which has an airport and other facilities. Flights to and from Bariloche connect easily to Buenos Aires and the southern Patagonia destination of Calafate, both of which combine well with the Lake District.

Artisans of Leisure crafts customized tours of the highlights of Patagonia, including this special region in Argentina.

Contact one of our South America travel specialists to start planning a private Argentina tour.