Family-Friendly Adventures in , Neuquen!

Mirador del Traful

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Mirador del Traful

Day 1: Travel and Arrival

Begin your adventure by driving from Bariloche to Villa Traful, a delightful journey lasting about 2 hours. This scenic route provides ample opportunities to admire the Patagonian landscape. Once in Villa Traful, check into a family-friendly lodge, exploring the quaint village in the evening.

Day 2: Exploring Mirador del Traful

After a hearty breakfast, prepare for a day at Mirador del Traful, located about 5 km from the village center. You can either hike or drive to this breathtaking viewpoint. If you choose to hike, the trail is moderately easy, suitable for children, and takes about 1-1.5 hours, allowing you to enjoy the lush Patagonian forest.

Mirador del Traful offers a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Traful and the surrounding Andes mountains. The viewpoint is famous for its vertigo-inducing cliff, which plunges 70 meters straight down into the lake. While at the lookout, engage the kids with fun facts about the local geology and the unique ecosystem.

Day 3: Leisure Activities

Spend your third day indulging in leisure activities around Villa Traful. Visit the nearby beaches like Playa Blanca or Playa Serena for some relaxation and fun in the sun. These are great spots for a family picnic, and the clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming or kayaking.

In the afternoon, consider a guided fishing trip or a boat tour on the lake, where you can learn about the local flora and fauna.

Day 4: Departure

Before heading back, stroll through the village to pick up local crafts and snacks. Drive back to Bariloche, filled with beautiful memories of your time at Mirador del Traful.

This itinerary offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and education, ideal for a family excursion in the heart of nature.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Arrayanes Forest (Bosque de Arrayanes)

Why Visit?

### Day Trip Itinerary to Arrayanes Forest (Bosque de Arrayanes) for a Family

Morning: Arrival and Boat Cruise

- Start your adventure early in the morning by driving or taking a bus to Villa La Angostura, a charming village located in the heart of Patagonia, Argentina.

- Board a boat at the Puerto Bahía Brava, which is easily accessible from the center of the village. Opt for a scenic cruise that will take you across the mesmerizing Nahuel Huapi Lake. The journey offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and lush landscapes, perfect for captivating the little ones and ensuring an exciting start to your day.

Midday: Explore Arrayanes Forest

- Arrive at Quetrihué Peninsula where the unique Arrayanes Forest is located. Disembark and follow the well-marked trails. The walk is gentle and suitable for all ages, spanning approximately 600 meters into the heart of the forest.

- Marvel at the cinnamon-colored, twisty arrayán trees, some of which are over 650 years old! These trees are rare and the forest here is one of the few places in the world where the arrayán grows densely enough to form a forest.

- Fun Fact for Kids: Tell them to keep their eyes peeled for native wildlife, such as small foxes and numerous bird species, or even a glimpse of a pudú, the world"s smallest deer.

Afternoon: Picnic and Return

- Enjoy a family picnic by the shores of the lake, where you can relax and enjoy the serenity and natural beauty. Pack some local treats like chocolate from Bariloche and fresh fruits.

- Return by boat in the late afternoon, soaking up the last views of the stunning landscape from the water.

Evening: Back to Villa La Angostura

- Wrap up your day with a casual stroll through Villa La Angostura, perhaps grabbing a gelato or dining at a local café before heading back to your accommodation.

This itinerary ensures a balance of adventure, nature, and relaxation, making your visit to Arrayanes Forest a memorable family outing.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lopez Hill (Cerro Lopez)

Why Visit?

Embark on a thrilling family adventure at Lopez Hill (Cerro Lopez), an exquisite natural gem nestled in the heart of Argentina"s Patagonia. Perfect for families, this itinerary promises breathtaking landscapes and memorable experiences for all ages.

Day 1: Arrival and Preparation

Start your journey in the charming town of Bariloche. You can rent a car or book a local tour that includes transportation to Cerro Lopez. Make sure to pack snacks, water, sun protection, and suitable clothing for hiking.

Attraction: Cable Car Ride to Refugio Lopez

Drive about 25 km from Bariloche to the base of Lopez Hill. Here, your adventure begins with a scenic cable car ride up to Refugio Lopez, which provides a perfect spot for panoramic views and photo opportunities. The ride itself is both thrilling for the kids and relaxing for adults, offering spectacular views of the surrounding peaks and lakes.

Day 2: Hiking Adventure

After a hearty breakfast at the refugio, prepare for a guided hike suitable for families. The trails around Cerro Lopez offer varying difficulties, so pick one that suits your family’s fitness level. A popular choice is the path leading to the Mirador del Cerro Lopez, which offers stunning vistas of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the Andes.

Fun Fact: Cerro Lopez is named after a 19th-century trader, Vicente Lopez, who once used the area as a strategic lookout point.

Day 3: Picnic and Descent

Enjoy a leisurely morning with a picnic by the mountain stream, letting the kids explore the surroundings. In the afternoon, descend back to the base by cable car or on foot for those craving more adventure.

Wrap Up: Return to Bariloche

Drive back to Bariloche by late afternoon. Spend the evening relaxing by the lake, maybe even trying some famous Argentine ice cream as you reminisce about the mountainous escapades!

This trip to Cerro Lopez not only promises stunning natural beauty but also offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation for a family getaway.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Lake Gutierrez

Why Visit?

Explore the enchanting Lake Gutierrez, a gem in the heart of Patagonia, perfect for a family adventure. Nestled near the bustling town of San Carlos de Bariloche, this glacier-formed lake is easily accessible by car or local bus, which you can catch from the town center.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day at the lake’s main beach, Playa Municipal, ideal for a family picnic with its serene views and ample space for children to play. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the lake’s clear waters at your own pace. Local rental shops are readily available near the waterfront, offering hourly or daily rates.

Day 2: Hiking and Nature

Embark on a family-friendly hike along one of the many trails surrounding the lake. The Cascada de los Duendes trail is a favorite, featuring a gentle path that leads to a beautiful waterfall. The hike takes about an hour each way, perfect for little legs, and starts from the north end of the lake, easily reached by a short bus ride from Playa Municipal.

Interesting Facts

- Lake Gutierrez is known for its crystal-clear waters fed by snowmelt from the surrounding Andean peaks.

- The area is rich in wildlife, including native birds like the Patagonian woodpecker and Andean condor, making it a great spot for bird watching.

Day 3: Relax and Recreate

In your final stretch, relax at the lake"s edge or venture out for a guided fishing trip, where you can learn to catch local species such as rainbow trout. Various guided tours are available and can be booked in advance through local agencies in Bariloche.

Finish your visit with a meal at one of the lakefront restaurants, savoring Patagonian specialties as you take in the panoramic views of this magical landscape.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

San Eduardo Chapel (Capilla de San Eduardo)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Capilla de San Eduardo and Surroundings

Morning: Visit Capilla de San Eduardo

Start your day visiting the charming Capilla de San Eduardo, located in the picturesque town of Bariloche, Argentina. This stunning chapel, built in 1938, is a masterpiece of architecture with its unique stone and wood design, offering panoramic views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. To get there, rent a car or take a public bus from downtown Bariloche, which is about a 25-minute scenic drive along the lake. The chapel itself is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and peaceful surroundings, perfect for a family photo.

Lunch at Llao Llao Hotel

After exploring the chapel, head to the nearby iconic Llao Llao Hotel for lunch. Just a short 5-minute drive from the chapel, this grand hotel offers a variety of dining options with breathtaking views of the Patagonian landscape. Enjoy a relaxed meal and maybe treat yourselves to a traditional Argentine dessert!

Afternoon: Circuito Chico

Post-lunch, embark on the famous Circuito Chico, a must-do 60 km loop that starts and ends near the Llao Llao Hotel. Rent bikes for a fun family ride or drive along the circuit that offers stunning vistas, including the Punto Panoramico, a viewpoint where you can capture the essence of Bariloche’s beauty. Make stops at local artisan shops or enjoy short hikes leading off the main road.

Evening: Return to Bariloche

Conclude your day by driving back to Bariloche town. Here, you can stroll through the Centro Cívico, a quaint European-style square, ideal for evening walks and shopping for local chocolates – a sweet end to your day!

This itinerary combines cultural enrichment, scenic beauty, and relaxed family time, ensuring a memorable visit to Capilla de San Eduardo and its enchanting surroundings.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.