Concierge Service
“Excellent facilities (room lobby,restaurant, spa), espectacular view and a great service. Manager and employees always prepare to fulfill your needs. The restaurant is also highly recommendable. High quality meal and excellent service. I strongly recommend to visit this unbelievable place.� Antoni from TripAdvisor.-
Le Compte de Cierges
Ignacio Centroni
Host and soul of the house “Nacho”, member of Clefs D’Or Concierge International, is our keeper of the Candles. He will guide you to the best experiences at Las Balsas and Villa La Angostura.
T
Villa La Angostura - Patagonia Argentina at 780 meters above sea level, is situated inside the Nahuel Huapí’s National Park, in the northern shores of Nahuel Huapí’s Lake.
Osorno (CHL)
Neuquén
Villa La Angostura Bariloche
Buenos Aires
Concierge Mr. Ignacio Centroni - Clefs D’Or Member since 1999
he French term “Concierge”
cierge through the golden keys
evolved from the “Compte
in the lapel of his uniform. These Spanish fluently.
de Cierges” (keeper of the
gold crossed keys are the symbol
candles), who tended to visiting
of the organization: “Clefs D’Or”.
nobles in castles of medieval
They are a symbol of security
era. In upscale establishments,
and quality of service. From here
a concierge is often expected to
you can call a wide and varied
“achieve the impossible”, deal-
range of resources to make your
ing with any request a guest may journey something truly unique, have, no matter how apocryphal
ensuring your experience more
or strange, relying on an exten-
rewarding. The sensible advice,
sive list of personal contacts
anecdotes, clear instructions
with various local merchants
and, especially, his attentive lis-
and service providers.
tening, our Concierge will make
You may recognize our Con-
its best ally. He speaks English,
Portuguese, French, Italian and
For any help, please feel free to contact him directly via e-mail: concierge@lasbalsas.com.ar
NORTHERN AREA TRAILMAP Ask our menu of trails nearby our property. You are welcome to check our suggestions upon arrival within the Concierge service
My Seasonal Menu Different options suggested by our Concierge Ignacio to enjoy our National Park Ignacio suggest some big must’s
flora using the same old paths
Nahuel Huapi National Park with
for wade the best spots of
outdoors options to enjoy our
the pioneers used many decades
our experienced guides. It is a 2
northern Patagonia. Catch &
National Park in the best way.
before. This is a half day tours with
hours ride and no advance experi-
release mandatory. In this case
professional local guides on private
ence is needed to enjoy this trip.
we always recomend to book the
Northern bays & Arrayanes forest:
service basis
activity in advance. Includes in and Tributo Montaraz: Get ready to
out transfer (50 min drive from Las
room, and embark yourself in a
Kayaking / Leading the Oars: Enjoy
become a passionate naturalist for
Balsas), professional english speak-
lake cruise. Discover the famous
kayaking among the bays and
a day. Discover species of fauna
ing fishing guide, full board regime
Myrtle protected forest with our
shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake. De-
& flora from the Southern shore
and fishing equipment included.
local guides.
parting from Las Balsas pier with a
Forests in North Patagonia with ex-
Be ready for PATAGONIA! It is a
local guide. No advance experience
perienced naturalist guides. Enjoy
Other options are available on
4 hours tour on a boat cruise on
is needed to enjoy this trip. This is
yourself listening & watching en-
demand:
private service
also a private service basis of about demic birds. Get identification tips
• Mountain bike
basis with tapas, snacks & drinks
3 hours tour that includes profes-
• Canopy
included. Bird watching and Fishing
sional guide plus equipment
Make two steps away from your
and learn uses for native plants.
• Bird watching Trout’s & flies: Prepare your
equipment available on board Riding the hills: Join the fun of
equipment and “jump” into your
Andes trails, Cascades & Mira-
horse riding through miles of
gear! Discover the Limay River
dores: Enjoy yourself going up
scenic open mountains. Enjoy the
going down stream on a
in the mountains through the
peace and quiet as you meander
cateraft boat. Learn the details and
woodlands.Discover the native
along the Bonito River. Discover
techniques of fly-fishing. Be ready
• Sailing boats
General Information
Get the best of the place by knowing Villa La Angostura at a glance The name Villa La Angostura
Buenos Aires. The closest air-
Quetrhué peninsula, causing
San Martín de los Andes, some
was coined after an isthmus
which connects the land to the narrowness called angostura (“narrow pass” in Spanish). Surrounded by lakes and forests, an extraordinary
landscape combines with the
warmth and singular beauty of the mountain architecture.
Villa La Angostura is in the
southernmost tip of Neuquen
Province at the northern bank of Nahuel Huapi Lake, right
next to the Patagonia mountain range, 473 kilometres away from Neuquen capital city,
and 1,693 kilometres away
from the Argentinean Capital,
ports is Bariloche, about 80 km
eternal glacial masses, which
remained in the surface due to
south. The alternative airport is their temperature. 120 kms through the mythic “Seven Lakes Road”.
Villa La Angostura is the
entrance gate to the Arrayanes
National Park, the only place in the world where you can find a natural forest of this species.
The formation of the big lakes
basin is traced back to the pre glacial age. The glacial age
which followed this period
covered the entire southern
region with an ice layer, by the cooling process. Important
volcanic movements and wavy
motion of the land reduced the
When these glacial masses
began to move towards the
valleys, this immense snowdrift slowly ran over all that was on their way, deepening the lakes and forming the tugged ele-
ments, a sort of natural jetties and wings which are scientifically called “moraine”.
After the ice disappeared, enormous cavities were left where
the lakes of this region began to form, and as the water covered
the moraines, another phenomenon took place: by pressing against the moraines’ walls
the water broke the jetties and
moved towards the Atlantic Ocean, forming the current
Limay River, only mouth of the waters to the ocean.
I
Brief history of the region
n the early twentieth century, more precisely in 1902, the national government created a colony called Nahuel Huapi. It was then when it settled a reserve for the people, called “Angostura” (Narrowness). Later on, and once the first settlers became established, the radio telegraph station was created where the local post office
operates today. This fostered communications and cut down the distances and the isolation of this spot. It was at that very location, at the radio telegraph station, where the foundational stone of the town that would be first called General Agustín P. Justo was placed. Afterwards, its name was changed to Correntoso (Fast Flowing)
and finally to the one it bears today: Villa La Angostura (which stands for Narrowness Village), due to its location on the narrowness of the Quetrihué Peninsula. Almost ten years passed before the subdivision of 405 hectares of the reserve and the layout of the town of Villa La Angostura were approved.
Shortly afterwards, it would become the new capital of the District of the Lakes in the territory of Neuquén. Today, Villa La Angostura is a residential and port area. Its administrative and commercial center is located in the place know as El Cruce (the Crossroads), so-called precisely for being located on the crossroads of Route F and the village road. This area experienced as much or even more progressive growth than the village itself. Finally, in 1948, the boundaries and the jurisdiction of Villa La Angostura were set in approximately 8,000 hectares. This event took place because a group of residents created the first Neighbors’ Committee in 1946, which encouraged community activities and eventually led to the creation of the Neighbors Development Committee of Villa la Angostura by the government of Neuquén. It had significant achievements for the acknowledgment of this area that has boomed ever since its origins.
Geography and climate
T
he village is located halfway between
will reach 30 °C (86 F) only a couple of
the cities of San Martín de los Andes
times every yea, and night frost happens
and Bariloche, inside the Nahuel Huapi
occasionally during the summer as well.
National Park, very close to the isthmus
Rainfall in the summer averages 70 mm to
of the Quetrihue Peninsula, where the Los
85 mm per month, with a very high vari-
Arrayanes National Park and its arrayanes
ability from one year to another.
(Luma apiculata) forest is located. The town is located 30 km south Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass that links it with Osorno in Chile.
Autumn is an amazing season in the region with a wide variety of colours and yellow leaves that cover the streets. Known for being extremely rainy, with an average
The elevation of the city centre is about
amount of 434 mm (including sleet and
790 m, the lake is at 765 m. Surrounding
snow). It is also when the first significant
mountains range from 1,500 m to about
snowfall comes. High temperatures are
2,000 m.
usually around 9 °C or 48 F, lows average
The area’s climate is with marked alpine characteristics despite relatively low
1 °C or 33 F, sometimes temperatures can reach -10 °C or 14 F.
altitudes. Summers are known for being
Winter starts and July and August are the
sunny and pleasant, with high tempera-
core months for skiing during the winter
tures usually between 18 °C (65 F) and 25
season in Villa La Angostura, when the
°C (77 F), but with cold nights between
average high ranges from 5 °C to 8 °C (40
2 °C (35 F) and 9 °C (48 F). Temperatures
F to 46 F) and lows from 0 °C to -2 °C (32
F to 28 F). Storms are very frequent and
precipitation reaches 121 mm. November
usually bring a mixture of rain, snow and
brings springlike weather, much lower
sleet; overall precipitation averages 200
precipitation (83 mm) but strong winds
mm to 300 mm monthly for the period,
and wild variations in temperature. Aver-
falling mostly as snow in the mountains
ages are 17 °C in the afternoon and 3 °C at
around the city. Snowstorms can some-
night, but it is not unusual to have a day of
times be heavy (over 20 cm or 8 inches),
rain and sleet with a high below 5 °C (40
and extreme cold waves might bring
F), or a day with sunny weather and a high
temperatures down to -18 °C (0F) or lower;
of 25 °C (77 F).
however, long stretches of intense frost are rare as Pacific storms always strike the area with milder, moist air.
Finally, December is a transition between spring and summer: winds are still very strong and freak variations occur, but the
Spring starts with the first flowers in
average high of 20 °C (68 F) and the low
September: tulips and plum blossom. In
of 5 °C (40 F) are more typical of summer
general terms, the season is extremely
weather.
variable, going back and forth between periods of extremely windy, but sunny weather, and freak cold snaps that bring night temperatures below -5 °C (23 F) and mixtures of sleet and snow. Average highs are 14 °C (57 F), lows are 1 °C (33 F), and
Geography and climate
Quetrihué Peninsula - From the port of Villa
Arrayanes Woodlands - Los Arrayanes National
Lakes & Rivers in the area
La Angostura, which is reached from El Cruce
Park is located at the southern top of Quetrihué
• Nahuel Huapi Lake - with its assorted bays,
through Nahuel Huapi boulevard south, open
Peninsula, north side of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It
peninsulas and islands, is the most important
the path that runs along the peninsula Quetri-
gets its name because it was created to preserve lake in this region. It has 550 km2 (equivalent to
hué, an elongated tongue that juts into Lake
a myrtle forest. These centenarians trees have
the entire Capital Federal, B.A), it is 764 AMSL
Nahuel Huapi. There are 12 kilometers, which
white flowers (luma) and cinnamon colored
and up to 450 meters deep.
can be done on foot, by bicycle or on horseback
bark with whitish spots. This natural reserve is
• Lago Espejo (Mirror Lake) - is a lake of glacial
to the forest of myrtle. Also you get it from the
located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park.
tectonic origin located in southern Neuquén
lake hiring trips in the port. The vegetation that
Seven Lakes Route: Known as the “Seven Lakes
Province, Argentina. The lake lies near the town
dominates the peninsula are coihues, lauras,
Route”, we will go along the section of National
of Villa La Angostura, on the route known as the
maquis, orchids and vines as mutisia reina (or-
Route 234 that joins the districts of San Martín
Road of the Seven Lakes. Its name refers to the
ange) or mutisia vicerreina (purplish), and other
de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. Known
clean and quiet waters, which reflect the land-
beautiful species. You can also listen the sounds
world-wide for the matchless beauty of its
scape like a mirror. The lake is fed by numer-
of birds like chucao, ratoneras, rayaditos and
landscapes, with panoramic natural vantage
ous streams bringing snow- and ice-melt from
cotorras australes. From the viewpoint, there
points, lakes, rivers and countless attractions
the nearby mountains. The shore of the lake
is a panoramic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi with
opening up in front of those who are willing to
alternates between volcanic sand beaches, jun-
its arms Machete, Rincon and Ultima Esperanza
discover the real seven lakes route. From North
cus, and rock walls. Among the most common
Bahía Brava, the island Fray Menendez and the
to South, the first one is Lake Lácar and next are
activities in the area are mountain biking, sport
mountain range bordering Chile.
the Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido,
fishing, windsurfing, trekking, and BMX riding.
Correntoso, Espejo and Nahuel Huapi.
• Correntoso Lake - Starting from Villa La Angostura in the direction of the Seven Lakes route,
or the border with Chile, a few kilometers away
trout from Espejo Chico and Correntoso lakes.
Snow Trekking and Nordic Ski: During the
is the bridge over the river Correntoso. The
The forest and the ravines that surround makes
winter season, this two alternatives may be
view from the bridge is wonderful to be seen
it difficult for wading and casting. In its first
taken in different trails over the mountains in
wedged between high cliffs to the Correntoso
kilometer presents palerios and slides with bot-
the area: Cerro Bayo, Inacayal, Belvedere and
river, short course of water from which the lake
tom of boccia stone. Near its mouth it takes the
O’Connor but also may include some close
Correntoso empties into the lake Nahuel Huapi.
form of a slow and very deep channel, covered
mountain through the borther with Chile like
Down over a gravel road, leads to the southern
by layers of algae and numerous submerged
the Mirador. This particular, after crossing the
shore of Lake Correntoso. The same extends
fallen tree trunks. Its waters are extremely
borther with Chile, the path goes through a
from north to south, bounded by high moun-
crystalline and never become turbid.
“Lenga” forest and up the slope of the Mirador
tains. Its waters are transparent green and has
hill, one walks with varying difficulty, accord-
irregular coastlines. Its fish fauna is very impor-
Winter Activities
ing to the climatic conditions and the state of
tant you can catch rainbow and brook trouts.
Skiing - Nearby La Angostura is the Cerro Bayo
the snow, in duration and extension that varies
• Correntoso River - The shortest river in the
and its ski centre. The resort’s base, at only
according to the climate and the desire of the
world. The river is dotted with basaltic rocks
250 m higher than the city, usually only sees
participants. This tours are organized and de-
with a fish fauna composed of rainbow trout,
sufficient snow cover for a few weeks in mid-
parting from Villa La Angostura, with specialized
brown and brook. The source of the river
winter, following large storms. However, slopes
mountain guides and because they enter Chile,
is heavily guarded area for being spawning
above the altitude of 1,200 m offer reliable
the main requirement is to have documentation
grounds for these species. In just a few meters,
snow cover, and most of the skiing takes place
that allows crossing the border. Fabian Fasce
the site brings together experts of fly fishing on
between 1,500 m and 1,780 m, where pockets
and Dolores “Lola” Moreno, are the renowned
the preferential characteristic of the “Mouth of
of snow might be found till midsummer. The
mountain guides that lead the expedition. This
Correntoso”.
view from the top is impressive, especially to-
activity can be also coordinated from Concierge
• Ruca Malen River: a short, wooded river, has
ward the west, across Nahuel Huapi lake, with
Service.
a resident population that is underdeveloped,
the majestic, heavily glaciated Cerro Tronador
serving mostly the passage and spawning of the
(3,450 m), clearly visible.
Bahia Las Balsas s/n - Villa La Angostura - NeuquĂŠn - Patagonia Norte - Argentina +54 294 4494308 | info@lasbalsas.com.ar | reservas@lasbalsas.com.ar | www.lasbalsas.com