Lakes & Volcanoes of Chile and Argentina

Argentina and Chile share two sides of the Andes, slicing a boundary through the lake and volcano region. My recent memories from being here are filled with the joy of connecting with nature and exploring the landscapes, especially the area around the lakes, where you can kayak, raft down a lazy river, and even fish.Another favourite memory? The truly warm and authentic local hospitality — it feels like everyone’s doors are open to you, especially when you're welcomed to share a Patagonian roast lamb with chimichurri sauce and a local craft beer! I’ve always felt a genuine desire from the locals to share their culture with visitors on my many visits.There’s also something special about being in a different part of Patagonia; never mind the imaginary ‘border’ of Chile and Argentina, Patagonians, by nature of living in one of the remotest regions on earth, define themselves not by country, but by dint of living in this incredible region. Here are some important things to know about this part of the world.

<h3>The Andes Mountains</h3>The longest continental mountain range in the world, the mighty Andes are 7,000 kilometres (4,300 miles) long, spanning seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. These mountains form the ridge that traces the western contours of South America. In the world’s highest mountain range outside of Asia, the highest elevation is Mont Aconcagua in Argentina, at 6,961 metres (22,838 feet) above sea level. The fauna number 3,500 species, with two-thirds of them endemic to the mountain range. There are nearly 600 species of mammals, over 1,700 species of birds, over 600 species of reptiles, and nearly 400 species of fish.

<h3>Villarrica Volcano</h3>On the Chilean side of the border, the Villarrica Volcano sits on the shore of Villarrica Lake (and the town of Villarrica, along with a national park). Close to the town of Pucón, Argentina, this is one of Chile’s most active volcanoes, also known to the Mapuches as Rucapillán, the ‘devil’s house’. You will see its snow-covered cone, likely with plumes of smoke and steam rising from its top. There is an intermittent lava lake found at its centre. It recently erupted in 2015, causing evacuations. One popular activity is climbing the volcano, which depends on the ever-changing weather conditions. The trek takes about 3-5 hours, clad in crampons and snow gear. On the way back down from the summit, you can toboggan all the way down!

<h3>Bariloche</h3>The largest city in the region, with a population of just over 100,000, Bariloche (the full name of the town: San Carlos de Bariloche) is nestled between the southern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the foothills of the Andes. South America’s largest ski resort is located here, with skiing, trekking, mountaineering, and other outdoor pursuits to be had. If you look around, you may be surprised to see Alpine architecture, a nod to the region’s European heritage, as many German immigrants settled here in the late 1800s from Germany, Austria, Slovenia and more — hence the many chocolate shops and fondue establishments!A curious footnote to all this is that in the waning days of the Second World War, then-president Juan Peron’s ties with Germany meant that a number of former Nazis ended up living in Bariloche (including Josef Mengele, who spent some time in Bariloche before heading to Brazil, and SS commander Erich Priebke, who lived here for fifty years and was later extradited to Italy in the mid-1990s after being discovered).

<h3>The Mapuche People</h3>The Mapuche indigenous people have been around since at least 600 years BCE, and are the most numerous first peoples in South America, with a population of more than 1.5 million. Most Mapuche live in south-central Chile, southwestern Argentina and parts of present-day Patagonia. There was conflict as the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the 16thC through 18thC, with much resistance from the Mapuche. As the Spanish gave way to Chilean independence, the Mapuche were moved to reservations and their traditional lands used for agriculture, with some land disputes continuing to this day.A collection of various groups of people linked by their common language, Mapudungun, Mapuche means ‘the people of the earth’. Truly connected to the land, much of the culture features healing ceremonies and the use of traditional herbal medicine. There are traditions of the Mapuche shaman, known as a machi (usually female), who performs ceremonies to heal and ward off enemies or evil. There is also a rich tradition of textile-making (woven blankets or ponchos) that is passed down from one generation to the next, along with silverwork due to trade with Spaniards and Chileans.

<h3>Nahuel Huapi National Park</h3>The oldest national park in Argentina, established in 1934, Nahuel Huapi National Park also one of the largest in the region, encompassing several ecozones in the foothills of the Andes and Nahuel Huapi Lake. The altitude of the park rises up to 3,574 metres (11,726 feet) and spans nearly 2 million acres of land. From white-topped peaks that feature year-round snow, this is the perfect place to explore the lakes, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and deep forests of the Andes. On its western side, it's bounded by the Chilean border.

<h3>Nahuel Huapi Lake</h3>Located in the lake region of northern Patagonia, and within the Nahuel Huapi National Park, this vast glacial lake takes its name from the Mapuche language, meaning “Island of the Jaguar.” A Jesuit mission was established here from 1670-1673, and another one in 1703, destroyed in 1717 due to a local dispute. There are seven branches in this lake, along with two islands: Isla Victoria and Isla Huemul. The lake is stocked with non-native fish (rainbow, brown and brook trout) ideal for recreational fishing, along with other outdoor activities like kayaking. According to legend, there is a giant cryptid living in the lake, called ‘Nahuelito’, and its sightings reportedly predate Nessie. In nearby Chile, the Puyehue-Cordón volcano complex (of four volcanoes) erupted in the year 2011, blanketing the lake’s surface in volcanic ash for a brief time.

<h3>Yerba Mate and tea culture in Argentina</h3>The national drink of Argentina, the highly caffeinated herbal tea, yerba mate, is derived from the ground leaves of the plant ilex paraguariensis, actually a member of the holly family. Rich in caffeine as well as antioxidants, cholesterol-lowering properties and vitamins B1, B2 and C, it is considered a healthy drink with medicinal properties by indigenous South Americans.First cultivated and consumed by the indigenous Guarani people in Southern Brazil, the drink's popularity spread with European colonization. Jesuits were the first to successfully commercially cultivate it (although they first tried to ban it in Argentina).&nbsp;The tea is traditionally served loose-leaf in a hollow gourd and drunk through a perforated metal straw called a bombilla. The gourd is passed around to each person for a communal drink and refilled continuously. Being highly caffeinated, it is often drunk as a morning beverage. You’ll also find a variation of yerba mate called mate cocido, which is brewed from a tea bag and served with milk and sugar.In Buenos Aires and in the Welsh regions of Patagonia, a fascinating mash-up of British and Argentine tea culture has sprung up with tea sandwiches and a late afternoon ritual, following the British tradition.<h2>Where to Stay</h2><h3><a href="http://llaollao.com/en/">Llao Llao Resort, Bariloche</a></h3>The most exclusive resort in Argentine Patagonia, Llao Llao boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding lakes, forests, and the soaring Andes mountains. A magnificent indoor and outdoor pool, 18 holes of golf, and an amazing spa are just some of the amenities on offer at this grand hideaway.

<h3><a href="http://lasbalsas.com/en/">Las Balsas Hotel</a></h3>The prestige of this Relais &amp; Chateaux property, set amidst the breathtaking Patagonian landscape, is an opportunity to encounter Argentina at its natural best. Las Balsas is a haven for those who seek the serenity of wide open spaces, whether finding refuge in the hotel’s spa or pursuing a more active agenda in the surrounding countryside.

<h3><a href="https://www.andbeyond.com/our-lodges/south-america/chile/lake-district/andbeyond-vira-vira/">Hotel Vira Vira</a>&nbsp;</h3>Set in a marvellous park and surrounded by stunning volcanoes, Vira Vira sits proudly on the shores of the peaceful Liucura River. Its gourmet restaurant uses fresh produce from the property’s farm to design the daily menu. The cozy ﬁreplace is the perfect spot to curl up with a glass of Chilean Carmenère in the evenings.

Marvel at the Andes Mountains and hike the peaks of Patagonia on a custom adventure with B&amp;R. Get in touch with Experience Designer, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/meet-the-designers/stephanie-gulledge">Steph Gulledge</a>, today.

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Latin America captivates with its vibrant cultures, rich character and incredible landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;From Costa Rica to Peru to Uruguay, Butterfield &amp; Robinson has been exploring the wonders of the region since the early 1970s—sharing our experiences and best-kept secrets with our travellers. It’s a place perfectly suited for active adventure with no shortage of things to see and do.&nbsp;Marvel at the Andes Mountains, hike the peaks of Patagonia and the Inca Trail to Machu Pichu, explore the biodiversity of the Amazon or wind down at a secluded beach. Enjoy vibrant nightlife, a burgeoning wine scene and fine cuisine. Admire art and architecture, and of course, dance!&nbsp;

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Cycle Patagonia and Chile's wine country, walk Inca trails and Costa Rica's forests on small group or private bespoke trips across Latin America, since 1970.

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Want sumptuous meals, world-class wines, old-world charm and zero jet lag? Bienvenido a Chile. Here, quiet roads through the countryside open up into epic ocean views along the spectacular coast. Picnics, barrel tastings and a cooking demo from one of the country’s top chefs reveal a culinary culture worth savouring. And the futuristic Vina Vik inspires all kinds of awe.

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Want sumptuous meals, world-class wines, old-world charm and zero jet lag? Bienvenido a Chile. Here, quiet roads through the countryside open up into epic ocean views along the spectacular coast. Picnics, barrel tastings and a cooking demo form one of the country’s top chefs reveal a culinary culture worth savouring. And the futuristic Vina Vik inspires all kinds of awe.

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Authentic Food

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In the Wild

Uruguay may be small, but it punches well above its weight in charm. Pedal through a private sculpture park, paddle peaceful wetlands, and cook with a celebrity chef who knows the secret to a perfect parrilla. From beachside art scenes to vineyard sips, this stylish little country serves up serenity, culture, and serious bragging rights.

South America's Best-Kept Secret

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Want to see Machu Picchu after the tourists have gone? We find the best way is to sleep next door at the stunning Sanctuary Lodge. During waking hours you’ll explore the ruins of the Sacred Valley and hike the cloud forests of the Inca Trail before hopping the Hiram Bingham Train back to Cusco for a final night dinner in an ancient Incan palace.While this is a once-in-a-lifetime, bucket-list activity, the Inca Trail itself is a challenging hike without any options for easy-outs or modifications. There is no road or helicopter support, making rescues challenging and reserved for emergencies.

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Welcome to the Sacred Valley, where llamas have the right of way and ancient Incan echoes still bounce off the ruins. Hike past soaring peaks to Machu Picchu the proper way—on foot—then toast your triumph. Cap it off with a ride on the Hiram Bingham train. Epic? Absolutely. Otherworldly? You’ll see.

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Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Zip-line cloud forests, surf the Pacific and raft rainforest canyons on a tailor-made Costa Rica journey. Privately guided adventure, built for you.

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Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Hike the Inca Trail, bike the Sacred Valley and eat at Lima's finest restaurants on a tailor-made Peru itinerary. A private Machu Picchu journey worth

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Uruguay is a discreet but exquisite blend of beauty, simplicity and luxury that places focus on quality over quantity. This is a land of dusty towns and sparkling beach resorts, rough-and-ready gauchos, subtle artists and festive plazas. Every day is different here and the diversity of landscape is unparalleled. With its up-and-coming wine industry, glamorous hotels and emerging arts scene, experience for yourself a tiny country that packs a big punch. Below are some ideas to inspire your trip.

Hamptons of the South

Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret—think barefoot luxury, boho beach towns and gaucho grit with a glass of Tannat in hand. Wander art-filled villages, dine seaside under the stars and soak in a culture that’s quietly sophisticated and wildly charming. Small in size but big on soul, Uruguay doesn’t shout. It simply winks.

Big fun in a small package1

Big fun in a small package

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Great Bikes, Great Rides

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Patagonia is where adventure whispers—loudly. Think jagged peaks, gaucho trails and silences big enough to get lost in. Hike past glaciers, watch condors cruise overhead and feel the edge of the world beneath your boots. Then hit Buenos Aires or Santiago for a tango-fuelled culture fix. Wild, vast and utterly unforgettable, this place is equal parts thrilling and humbling.

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Here, you can sail into a turquoise cove with no other boats in sight, walk barefoot down a powdery white beach, sit yourself down on lava rock and watch a baby sea lion sneak up for a closer inspection. A pantheon of the animal kingdom's strangest and most wonderful creatures await just off the coast of Ecuador, and here, you'll get closer to them than you ever thought possible. Discover Ecuador &amp; the Galapagos Islands on a private, bespoke trip—tailored-made your way. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Land of Striking Contrasts

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