National park · Argentina
Nahuel Huapi National ParkParque Nacional Nahuel Huapi
Visit Nahuel Huapi National Park: buy a day entry ticket (AR$400‑AR$800) and drive or bus to the park gate; hike Cerro Catedral in summer or ski in winter, and stay in Bariloche or Villa La Angostura nearby.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
7,050 km² (2,722 sq mi)2,722 sq mi (7,050 km²)
approximate
Established
1934
Best months
Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Wind is the main planning constraint: spring (Sep–Nov) is the windiest, and exposed trails, boats and flights can be delayed.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Book long-distance buses several days ahead in summer; seats sell out around Christmas, New Year and mid-January.
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Area
- 7,050 km² (2,722 sq mi)2,722 sq mi (7,050 km²)
- Park covers about 7 050 km² of lakes, forests and mountains; figures vary slightly between sources.
- Established
- 1934
- Best months
- Jul–Aug, Dec–Feb
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- San Carlos de Bariloche
Nahuel Huapi National Park, Argentina’s first protected area (est. 1934), spans the Andes foothills around Lake Nahuel Huapi, offering alpine scenery, forest trails and a mix of summer hiking and winter skiing.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national siteArgentina's oldest national park
Size and age
7,050 km² (2,722 sq mi)2,722 sq mi (7,050 km²) · national park since 1934
Park covers about 7 050 km² of lakes, forests and mountains; figures vary slightly between sources.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: San Carlos de Bariloche.
Why go
- Large Andean lake district with forest, mountains and glaciers.
- Access to Cerro Catedral ski area and classic Patagonian trails.
- Diverse wildlife from Andean deer to waterfowl.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarGo
- AprGo
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JanWarm, long days for lake hikes.
- FebSummer peak, good water activities.
- MarShoulder, fewer crowds.
- AprSpring, blooming flora.
- MayCool, occasional rain.
- JunStart of winter, snow on high trails.
- JulPrime ski season at Cerro Catedral.
- AugContinued ski conditions.
- SepEarly spring, melting snow.
- OctMild, good for trekking.
- NovLate spring, lake level rising.
- DecSummer start, ideal for all activities.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andean deer (huemul)Jun–Dec · Rare, sightings best in early morning. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Patagonian foxesAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Waterfowl on Nahuel Huapi lakeNov–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Buenos Aires
Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche (≈2 h), then bus or taxi 20 km (12 mi) to the park gate.Fly to San Carlos de Bariloche (≈2 h), then bus or taxi 12 mi (20 km) to the park gate.
3–4 h total
Open the page →
From Bariloche city centre
Public bus or taxi to the park entrance (San Martín & Morales).
30–45 min
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| San Martín entrance | Visitor centre, ticket office, trailheads to Cerro Catedral and Llao Llao. | Open daily; tickets sold on site. |
| Cerro Catedral area | Ski resort, mountain trails, lift access. | Seasonal (ski winter, hiking summer). |
| Llao Llao & Bosque de Arrayanes | Lake shoreline, forest walk, historic hotel. | Open year‑round; some trails require guide. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
4 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre points of each feature.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (day visitor) | ARS 400–800 | person | Price varies by age and residency (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Trekking registration permit or guide
Park rules
- Pets
- Dogs must be on leash and under control at all times.
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; free sites are primitive.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited outside designated areas.
- Guides
- Required for backcountry treks longer than 8 km (5 mi).Required for backcountry treks longer than 5 mi (8 km).
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission.
Where to stay
Near the park
Bariloche city hotels
Wide range from hostels to 5‑star hotels, 20 km (12 mi) from park gate.Wide range from hostels to 5‑star hotels, 12 mi (20 km) from park gate.
Near the park
Villa La Angostura lodges
Quiet villages 30 km (19 mi) north, good base for northern trails.Quiet villages 19 mi (30 km) north, good base for northern trails.
Safety
Sudden weather change medium
Trail navigation high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Visitor centre and main trailheads have paved paths and parking.
- Cerro Catedral lifts are wheelchair‑accessible in summer; summit trail is not.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in certified eco‑lodges; use refillable water bottles.
- Leave no trace; pack out all waste.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Nahuel Huapi National Park?
Day entry is AR$400‑AR$800 per person; reduced rates apply for children and Argentine residents (check official site).
What are the best hikes in Nahuel Huapi National Park?
Cerro Catedral summit (moderate), Llao Llao loop (moderate), and the Bosque de Arrayanes trail (easy) are popular year‑round.
When is the best time to visit Nahuel Huapi National Park?
December‑February for summer lake activities, and July‑August for skiing; shoulder months offer fewer crowds.
Do I need a permit for day hikes?
No permit for short day hikes from the main entrance; multi‑day backcountry treks require registration.
Is camping allowed inside the park?
Yes, in designated campgrounds; free wilderness sites exist but have minimal facilities.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go