Lago Nahuel Huapi

Nahuel Huapi’s focal point is its namesake lake, whose several fingerlike fjords converge near the Llao Llao peninsula to form the main part of its 560-square-kilometer surface. With a maximum depth of 454 meters, it drains into the Río Limay, a major tributary of the Río Negro, east of Bariloche.

In the middle of Nahuel Huapi’s northern arm, Isla Victoria is the former site of the APN’s park ranger’s school (since relocated to the Universidad Nacional de Tucumán) that trained rangers from throughout the Americas. From Puerto Pañuelo, the Modesta Victoria sails to the island (US$13 plus US$4.50 national park entry fee) at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., continuing to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, on Península Quetrihué. To Isla Victoria only (US$6.50), Bioceánica has departures at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Note that Los Arrayanes is more accessible from Villa la Angostura, on the north shore of the lake.