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Traful Lake
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Lake Traful is an under-the-radar destination within the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Neuquén Province. Known for its extraordinary transparency and the steep mountains that frame it, the lake has some of the most serene landscapes in Patagonia. Its most unique feature is the Submerged Forest (Bosque Sumergido): decades ago, a landslide caused an entire slope of about 60 cypress trees to slide into the lake. Because the water is so cold and nutrient-poor, the trees remained standing upright and are perfectly preserved underwater today. The tops of some trees can be seen breaking the surface, while the rest are visible through the clear water down to 30 meters. The small village of Villa Traful on the southern shore maintains a rustic charm, offering a peaceful alternative to the more crowded tourist hubs of Bariloche or Villa La Angostura.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: saltos cascada · Cerro Alto · Cerro Mallín de la Cruzada
- Nearby: San Martín de los Andes (17 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 31 | 24 | 32 | 58 | 118 | 155 | 129 | 121 | 63 | 54 | 39 | 30 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access is generally via the famous Route of the Seven Lakes (Ruta 40) and then onto a branching gravel road that leads directly into the highly pretty and rustic village of Villa Traful.
Best season
The most beautiful time to experience the magical surroundings and the famous sunken forest is from late spring to early autumn (November to April), when daytime temperatures are remarkably mild.
Terrain & paths
The landscape beautifully combines magnificent forest paths under large trees with rocky coves along the crystal-clear lake. Hikes up to the Mirador del Viento involve steep, often quite dusty trails.
What to bring
Dust-resistant clothing, excellent sun protection, and naturally a camera for the fantastic scenic views are highly recommended. If planning boat trips, be sure to pack a thick, reliable windbreaker.
Parking
In the small center of Villa Traful and right at the very popular Mirador del Viento viewpoint, there is usually ample parking available, although things can certainly get tighter during the absolute peak season.
Safety
Extreme caution is urgently required when driving on the unpaved, winding, and notoriously slippery gravel roads in the area. The deep lake can feature dangerous unseen currents and is far too cold for swimming.
Time needed
A relaxing stay in the welcoming village and the classic hike up to the elevated viewpoint easily fills half a day. However, those genuinely interested in guided boat trips should commit to a full, rewarding day.
Geography
Facts
- Surface area of approximately 70 square kilometers
- Located at an altitude of 970 meters above sea level
- Famous for the underwater Submerged Forest of cypress trees
- Water transparency allows visibility down to 20-25 meters
- Part of the northern sector of Nahuel Huapi National Park
- Popular site for scuba diving and professional sport fishing
- Villa Traful is the only permanent settlement on its shores
- Feeds into the Limay River system via the Traful River
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Traful Lake (7)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is special about Lago Traful?
The lake is famous for its 'sunken forests' (Bosque Sumergido), which you can explore by diving.
Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, the water is clear, but very cool all year round due to the meltwater origin.
Are there campsites nearby?
Yes, Villa Traful has several campsites in the heart of nature.
When is the best time to visit?
The summer from December to March is well-suited for hiking and fishing by the lake.
Is a car necessary for the visit?
Yes, a private vehicle is strongly recommended as public transport hardly exists there.
Traful Lake: where is it located?
Traful Lake is located in Argentina.
Traful Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include saltos cascada, Cerro Alto, Cerro Mallín de la Cruzada.
Traful Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Traful Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Lake Traful is an under-the-radar destination within the Nahuel Huapi National Park in Neuquén Province.
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