Villa La Angostura

Where to stay

Most budget beds cluster along the main drag of Avenida Arrayanes and the streets immediately behind it, keeping you within walking distance of the bus terminal and the lakefront promenade. Staying closer to the port puts you near the boat departures for the Quetrihue Peninsula, while the blocks further inland toward the Cerro Bayo foothills are quieter but require a short walk or taxi back to the center after dark.

Getting around

• The town is a gateway to Los Arrayanes National Park, where the famous arrayanes forest and Patagua Lagoon are a short, easy walk from the town edge. You can hike the trails independently for a fraction of the cost of a guided tour, and the park entrance fee is modest.
• Buses from San Carlos de Bariloche are the standard way to arrive, taking about 90 minutes. The Terminal de Omnibus is small and located on Topa Topa street; agree on fares with taxis beforehand if you need a ride to your hostel, as meters are rarely used.
• Cerro Bayo is the local ski resort, just a few kilometers from town. In winter, many hostels offer packages that include lift tickets, but buying them directly at the resort or through independent agencies in town is often cheaper than booking through your accommodation.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and easiest to book in the shoulder months of April and October, when the weather is unpredictable but crowds are thin. Prices spike during the Argentine school holidays in July (winter sports) and December through March (summer hiking and lake activities), with rates highest around Christmas and New Year.