- Location: The provinces of Rio Negro and Neuquén, Argentina
- Nearest town: San Carlos de Bariloche, Villa la Angostura
- Area: 7050 sq. M. km
- Foundation date: October 9, 1934.
- Managing organization: National Park Administration
- Official website: nahuelhuapi.gov.ar
- Phone: +54 294 442-3111
In the west of Argentina is the oldest national park of the country - Nahuel-Uapi. Its territory crosses several climatic zones, which significantly affects biodiversity. Visit it is worth it to see with your own eyes all the richness of the plant and natural world of Argentina.
History of the Nahuel-Uapi Park
According to the researchers, the settlement began about 11 thousand years ago. The history of the Nahuel-Uapi National Park is connected with the name of the famous explorer Francisco Moreno. For his services he received from the government 75 square meters. km of reserved land. In 1903, the scientist returned the lands to the state, and already in 1934 they were transformed into an environmental zone.
Its name was given to the Nahuel-Uapi National Park in honor of the lake of the same name, on whose shores it was defeated. In translation from the local language its name means "nest of a jaguar".
Geographical location of the Nahuel-Uapi Park
This nature protection zone lies on the border of the provinces of Río Negro and Neuquén . It covers an area of 7050 square meters. km, which extends along the border of Argentina with Chile. The territory of Navel-Huapi is divided into three zones of different degrees of protection, including:
- directly a park with an area of about 474,352 hectares with a high level of protection;
- a national reserve with an area of 160,686 hectares with less strict protection;
- National reserves of Zona Centro and Zona Gutierrez.
The nature of the Nahuel-Uapi National Park is represented by lakes, inaccessible forests and majestic mountains, whose heights reach 3,500 m. On one side are the Valdivian forests, and on the other - the Patagonian steppes . In the north, the park adjoins the Lanin Park . On the other side of Lake Naul-Uapi is the National Park Los Arrananes .
Nahuel Huapi Park Attractions
In the territory of this protected area there are many natural objects that deserve special attention. Arriving in Naue-Uapi, be sure to look:
- the extinct volcano of Trondor , who, despite his condition, periodically makes awesome sounds;
- Glaciers sliding down from the mountains;
- high-altitude lake Frias, filled with water from mountain snow masses;
- Lake Nahuel-Huapi, striking in its beauty and impressive size.
According to legends, Nauelito, a local version of the Loch Ness Monster, lives in the lake. In the local shops you can find a large selection of souvenirs with the image of this descendant of dinosaurs.
Relax in the park Nahuel-Uapi
Visiting this nature protection zone is fascinating both in winter and in summer. The largest influx of tourists is observed from December to January. At this time in the Nahuel Huapi National Park the following classes are popular:
- horseback riding;
- mountain bike races;
- walks on canoes, kayaks and canoes;
- diving;
- rock climbing.
Supporters of eco-tourism walk in the park, study its nature and get acquainted with a tiny deer pood. Fans of thrill go on an adventure on the ship of Modesta Victoria, on which Che Guevara once sailed. In winter, most visitors to the Naul-Uapi National Park come to the slopes of Cerro Catedral, where you can go skiing.
The tourist center of San Carlos de Bariloche , located on one of the shores of Lake Nahuel-Huapi, is engaged in organizing leisure activities.
How do I get to Nahuel Huapi Park?
This protected area is located in the west of Argentina, almost on the border with Chile. The distance from Buenos Aires to Nahuel Huapi is more than 1500 km, so it's safer and more practical to get here by plane. Every day from the capital take off the planes of the airlines Aerolineas Argentinas and LATAM Airlines, which are already in 2,5 hours land at the airport of the city of San Carlos de Bariloche. It is an hour's drive from the park.
Tourists who prefer motor transport should take the motorway RN5 or RN237. In this case, the journey takes more than 16 hours.