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Best lake destinations in South America

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Villa la Angostura
Patagonia's Hidden Gem
7.5
The town lies on the northwestern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake close to the Quetrihué Peninsula. Los Arrayanes National Park protects a forest of arrayán trees there. Lake Correntoso connects to the larger lake through the Correntoso River, a sport fishing destination. Cerro Bayo rises to 5,846 feet behind the town.
Highlights:
  • 🏞️ Relax along the tranquil shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi
  • ⛷️ Admire panoramic views from the Cerro Bayo ski resort
  • 🌲 Hike the enchanting trails of Los Arrayanes National Park
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
7.4
The city stands on the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, which covers 205 square miles. The lake is 47 miles long and has seven branches. It reaches a measured depth of 1,522 feet. Isla Victoria, about 12 square miles, is among its main islands. The whole lake lies inside Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Highlights:
  • 🏘️ Explore the Bavarian-style Centro Cívico and museums
  • 🥾 Hike the scenic trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park
  • 🚡 Take a cable car to Cerro Otto for panoramic views
Patagonia
Untamed Beauty at the End of the World
8.3
Ice streams carved the basins of Lago Argentino and Lake Fagnano along the Andes. The Argentine Lake District is a major tourist attraction. Nahuel Huapi's waters now feed the Limay River although they once flowed through the Valcheta depression. Lake Musters and Colhué Huapi fill depressions on the plateau.
Highlights:
  • 🐧 Explore the diverse wildlife on Peninsula Valdés
  • ❄️ Witness the massive Perito Moreno Glacier up close
  • 🥾 Hike the legendary trails of Torres del Paine National Park
Los Glaciares National Park
Where glaciers meet towering peaks
8.4
Lago Argentino covers about 546 square miles and is called the largest freshwater lake in Argentina. Its south southwestern arm ends in front of the Perito Moreno Glacier. The deepest point reaches 2,359 feet in front of the retreating Upsala Glacier. El Calafate serves as the main tourist base.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Take a boat tour on Lago Argentino to glaciers
  • 🥾 Trek Mount Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre trails
  • 🚶‍♀️ Walk along the Perito Moreno Glacier boardwalks
San Martin de los Andes
Patagonian Paradise by Lake Lácar
7.1
This town was founded on February 4, 1898 as a military outpost. It lies on the shore of Lake Lácar at about 2,100 feet. Lanín National Park covers 936,000 acres around it. The Route of the Seven Lakes passes through on National Route 40. Cerro Chapelco offers skiing nearby.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax and swim at Playa Quila Quina beach
  • ⛷️ Ski or snowboard at Cerro Chapelco Resort
  • 🛣️ Drive the scenic Route of the Seven Lakes
Laguna Colorada
Vibrant turquoise waters framed by Andean peaks
Pigmented algae and red sediments tint this shallow lake red at 14,035 feet. It covers roughly 23 square miles and averages barely over a foot deep. White borax deposits form islands against the red water. Andean, Chilean and James's flamingos breed here. Ramsar designated the wetland in 1990.
Highlights:
  • 🐦 Photograph the vivid pink flamingos in flight
  • 🚤 Take a boat ride across turquoise waters
  • 🌅 Stroll along lagoon shore at sunrise
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