Villa La Angostura

V!VA User‘s Description

Villa La Angostura in Neuquén province is located in the middle of the Nahuel Huapi and Arrayanes National Parks and is the main entrance to the Seven Lakes corridor.

Originally inhabited by the Mapuche Indian tribe, the area was infiltrated by Jesuits in the early 19th century. By 1902, though isolated because of the surrounding mountains and lakes, the Argentine government created a small settlement to help protect national borders. In 1903, the Italian pioneer Primo Capraro helped with colonization by building a sawmill and the first major hotel, Hotel Correntoso.

By April, 1928, word had spread that the area was prime for logging, farming and animal grazing. General of War, Agustín P. Justo, visited the area and pushed for a telegraphic means of communication for the European settlers. The line was finally finished on October 12th, 1932. The Argentine government began to push town growth by offering land deals, hoping to create a more defined border with Chile. In 1934, the Nahuel Huapi National Park was created, further increasing tourism. The township was nationally and regionally recognized in 1948.

Today, this area has two high tourist seasons, summer and winter. In winter the main attraction is snowboarding and skiing in Bayo ridge. Summer weather allows travelers to explore breathtaking spots such as the mountain range, Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lake Correntoso, the Arrayanes forest and the falls and rivers that make Villa La Angostura a real paradise on earth. Favorite summer activities include trekking, boating, horseback riding, mountaineering, and fly fishing. It is also possible to contract fishing and mountain guides to take you on private tours.