Attraction in Argentina
Villa Traful
Tiny Lake District village on impossibly blue lake surrounded by forest. Underwater forest snorkeling, kayaking, and complete tranquility without Bariloche's crowds.
Villa Traful is a tiny village on the southern shore of Lago Traful in the Neuquén Lake District of Argentine Patagonia, approximately 65 kilometers east of San Martín de los Andes and 100 kilometers north of Bariloche. While those larger centers attract hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, Villa Traful receives a fraction of that number, preserving an atmosphere of genuine remoteness in a setting of exceptional natural beauty.
The lake is one of the most visually striking in Patagonia: extraordinarily clear and deep, with a color range from turquoise near the shore to dense cobalt blue in deeper water, surrounded by steep forest slopes of coihue beech and cypress. The southern shore where the village sits faces north, receiving full sun throughout the day. Mountains rise directly from the opposite bank, creating a mirror effect in calm morning conditions.
Villa Traful's most unusual attraction is its submerged forest. A 1960 earthquake caused part of the north bank of the lake to slip into the water, sending thousands of mature cypress trees beneath the surface. In clear visibility conditions — typically autumn through spring — snorkelers and divers can explore the standing trunks in waters between 8 and 20 meters deep. This ghostly underwater landscape draws divers from across Argentina.
Above water, the village organizes kayaking excursions to waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake from the surrounding mountains. Arroyo Coa Có, accessible via a short trail from the village, reaches the base of two waterfalls through Valdivian temperate rainforest. Fly-fishing for rainbow trout and brown trout is also a major draw, with the Río Traful regarded as one of the finest trout streams in Argentina.
Accommodation is limited to a handful of cabins, campsites, and small hostels. The village has a single general store and a few small restaurants. The road from Villa La Angostura (Ruta Provincial 65) is mostly unpaved gravel — allow 90 minutes from there. Arriving with all supplies, particularly cash, is essential.
Highlights
- Submerged cypress forest for snorkeling and diving — unique underwater landscape from a 1960 earthquake
- Lago Traful — extraordinarily clear Patagonian lake with intense turquoise-to-cobalt coloring
- Arroyo Coa Có waterfall trail through Valdivian temperate rainforest
- Fly-fishing the Río Traful — one of Argentina's premier trout streams
- Genuine small-village atmosphere without the tourist infrastructure of Bariloche or San Martín
Tips
- Arrange submerged forest diving equipment in advance through local guides in the village — do not assume gear is available on arrival
- Arrive with cash; the village has no ATM and card readers are unreliable
- Accommodation is limited and fills weeks ahead during January and February — book early
- Kayak rentals are available from operators in the village; advance booking is generally not needed outside peak season
- The road from Villa La Angostura (Ruta Provincial 65) is mostly gravel — add 90 minutes to journey times and check conditions after rain
- Bring all self-catering supplies; the general store stocks basics only
FAQ
How long does a visit to Villa Traful take?
A minimum of two nights allows time for the waterfall hike, a kayaking excursion, and a lake swimming session. Divers exploring the submerged forest typically stay three to four nights to complete multiple dives in varying visibility conditions.
Is Villa Traful suitable for families with children?
Yes. The lake shore is calm and safe for swimming, the waterfall trail is manageable for children aged seven and up, and kayak tours cater for all ages. The village pace is relaxed and unhurried.
When is the underwater forest most visible for snorkeling?
Autumn through spring (April–November) offers the clearest water visibility. Summer algae blooms can reduce clarity in January and February. Water temperatures year-round require at least a 5mm wetsuit for comfortable exploration.
Accessibility
Villa Traful has limited accessibility infrastructure. The main village road and lakeside area are accessible by vehicle, but most activities — waterfall trails, kayaking, diving — involve uneven terrain or physical demands that exclude wheelchair users. The lake viewpoint from the main beach area is accessible.
When to visit
November through early January offers warm temperatures, long daylight hours, and good conditions for all activities before peak-summer crowds arrive in mid-January. April and May are excellent for the clarity of the submerged forest and autumn forest colors, with minimal other visitors.