This is the Bariloche & the Lake District chapter from Lonely Planet’s Argentina guidebook.

Home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery, the Lake District hosts thousands of visitors each year. People come to ski, fish, climb, trek and bask in the cool, fresh landscapes created by the huge forests and glacier-fed lakes.

• drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, a breathtaking road winding between alpine lakes and pehuén forests
• maps
• follow in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Lago Barreales
• transportation
• soak your worries away in a bubbling mud bath in the thermal resort town of Copahue
• restaurants & accommodations

Coverage includes: Neuquén, Zapala, Parque Nacional Laguna Blanca, Copahue, Caviahue, Chos Malal, Aluminé, Villa Pehuenia, Junín de los Andes, Parque Nacional Lanín, San Martín de los Andes, Cerro Chapelco, Villa Traful, Villa la Angostura, Bariloche, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi and El Bolsón.