Nine Argentine snow destinations to visit in July

From the immensity of the End of the World, stretching across the length and breadth of Patagonia and Mendoza, to the warmth of the picturesque villages in the Andes, Argentina unfolds its winter magic to captivate all types of travelers.

The snow season invites both pure adrenaline lovers and those seeking enjoyment with children. The options are as diverse as its landscapes: international-level ski slopes, snowshoeing among araucaria and lenga forests, historic rides aboard legendary steam trains, and unforgettable navigation between mirrored lakes and glaciers.

Each corner proposes a different way to connect with nature and enjoy the purity of mountain air.

Villa La Angostura

An extraordinary alpine experience in Neuquén, combining a magical snow-covered forest and spectacular views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Ideal for enjoying skiing and snowboarding without crowds at Cerro Bayo.

How to get there?

By plane, with a direct flight or layover from Buenos Aires to Bariloche (BRC). From there, rent a car or take a private transfer/bus, arriving in an hour and a half along the spectacular Route 40, bordering Lake Nahuel Huapi.

How to enjoy the snow in Villa La Angostura?

• Cerro Bayo Ski Center, just 10 kilometers from the center, offers excellent ski and snowboard slopes for all levels, as well as recreational options such as snowshoeing and sledding (culipatín).
• Tubing and sleds, ideal for family fun in specific areas of Cerro Bayo and its surroundings.

What else is there to do?

• Navigation to the Arrayanes Forest, a classic catamaran excursion departing from Puerto Bahía Mansa to enter this forest, unique in the world, which looks even more magical when it is snowy.
• Seven Lakes Route, an unmissable panoramic drive toward San Martín de los Andes, famous for its mountain landscapes and water mirrors.
• Hikes and trekking along short, accessible trails, such as Laguna Verde and the Quetrihue Viewpoints.

What to eat?

Local dishes made with venison, trout, and wild boar.

Sweets, chocolates, Welsh cakes, and fondue.

Artisanal beer in mountain bars, with excellent charcuterie platters.

Ushuaia

In the province of Tierra del Fuego, it is the perfect setting for extreme sports, featuring the longest ski season in the Southern Hemisphere at Cerro Castor. Snowy Fuegian forests on dog sleds and navigation through the Beagle Channel among icebergs.

How to get there?

The fastest, safest, and most recommended way to reach Ushuaia during winter vacation is by plane. Direct flights from Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) or Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires take approximately 3 and a half hours.

How to enjoy the snow in Ushuaia?

• Along National Route 3, there are winter centers offering cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sled rides pulled by husky dogs.
• Cerro Castor (@cerrocastor) is the southernmost ski center in the world, ideal for alpine skiing and snowboarding.
• The Martial Glacier is a classic near the city center, perfect for snow trekking or getting started in skiing.
• The End of the World Train, a historical route along the old prisoners' track, crossing forests and peat bogs.
• Tierra del Fuego National Park, to explore Lapataia Bay and trails covered in white.

What else is there to do?

• The Maritime and Prison Museum, a must-visit to learn about the city's history and the former convicts.
• Navigation through the Beagle Channel, which allows you to see Bird Island, Sea Lion Island, and the iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse.
• Laguna Esmeralda, a medium-high difficulty trek that in winter turns into a completely frozen and white postcard.
• Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, excursions in 4x4 vehicles through the mountain range and Fuegian forests.

What to eat?

It is the perfect season to try Fuegian lamb, fresh king crab, seafood platters, and artisanal chocolates.

Bariloche

The main snow destination in South America, located in the province of Río Negro, to ski at Cerro Catedral, have fun at Piedras Blancas park, and enjoy dreamlike landscapes, mountain architecture, and its famous artisanal gastronomy.

How to get there?

The local airport (BRC) receives daily flights from Buenos Aires (a 2-hour flight), Córdoba, Mendoza, and other Argentine cities. Also from Brazil and other countries in the region.

How to enjoy the snow in Bariloche?

• Cerro Catedral is the largest ski center in South America. It features 120 kilometers of slopes and options for all skiing levels, from beginners to experts.
• The Piedras Blancas complex has 3,000 meters of exclusive sledding tracks.
• The Nordic Ski Center and Cerro Otto (which also features a revolving cafeteria) propose snowshoeing through the forest and snowmobile rides.

What else is there to do?

• Circuito Chico, an unmissable panoramic tour that includes stunning views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Cerro Campanario (which can be accessed by chairlift), and ends in the picturesque Colonia Suiza.
• Boat excursions to Puerto Blest or Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest.



What to eat?

Hot chocolate and fondue (cheese or chocolate) in the city center.

Patagonian lamb, trout, and goulash with spätzle.

Artisanal beers.

Caviahue

An authentic "snow town" at the foot of the Andes Mountains in Neuquén. Enjoy skiing without the crowds, hiking through ancient pehuén (araucaria) forests, and the frozen version of Salto del Agrio.

How to get there?

From Neuquén capital, it is about 360 kilometers. You must take National Route 22 to Zapala and then merge onto Provincial Route 26 to Caviahue. By rental car or by bus from the terminal.



How to enjoy the snow in Caviahue?

• Just 1.5 kilometers from the center is Cerro Caviahue, an international-class ski resort ideal for families, with slopes for all levels and fewer crowds.
• Snowshoeing allows you to venture into the araucaria forests and reach the Agrio stream or the Cascada Escondida, which is usually frozen in the winter season.
• Snow groomers, the famous track vehicles that take you through high mountain landscapes and forests comfortably and safely.
• Snowmobiles, ideal for more dynamic journeys to Laguna Escondida or the border with Chile.

What else is there to do?

• Salto del Agrio, an impressive waterfall surrounded by volcanic rocks and araucarias, which in winter offers a unique postcard image as it is partially frozen.
• Guided hikes or journeys along the waterfall circuit to discover the different waterfalls of the Agrio River.

What to eat?

Patagonian lamb, stews, and local smoked products.

Artisanal beers and sweets produced with red berries, pine mushrooms, and pine nuts (the fruit of the araucaria).

Chocolate or cheese fondue, available in the town's cafes and restaurants.

Esquel

A unique Patagonian winter experience in Chubut, skiing with the excellent snow of La Hoya, exploring Los Alerces National Park tinged in white, or aboard the La Trochita steam train, plus the delights of Trevelin.

How to get there?

The local airport (EQS) receives direct flights from Buenos Aires. It is located 20 kilometers from the city center.

How to enjoy the snow in Esquel?

• Cerro La Hoya, just over 10 kilometers from the city, is ideal for skiing and snowboarding. Its southern orientation retains excellent dry snow. It has more than 30 slopes, a school for beginners, a freestyle area, and gastronomy at mountain rest stops.
• Alternatives to skiing include snowshoeing or sledding.

What else is there to do?

• La Trochita (Old Patagonian Express), a trip back in time aboard the historic steam train that runs through the Patagonian steppe to the community of Nahuelpan.
• Los Alerces National Park, a World Heritage site. In winter, the white snow contrasts with the green of the ancient alerces trees, featuring accessible viewpoints and trails.

What to eat?

The unmissable Welsh black cake, scones, raspberry tarts, and homemade bread in teahouses run by Welsh descendants in Trevelin, 25 kilometers away.

Patagonian lamb on the spit or in stews, trout, and wild game meats like venison or wild boar.

Charcuterie and smoked platters, featuring local cheeses, cold cuts, and forest mushrooms, accompanied by regional artisanal beers.

San Martín de los Andes

The gateway to the majestic Lanín National Park and the ideal starting point to travel the iconic 7 Lakes Route in Neuquén. A world-class destination to enjoy winter and snow.

How to get there?

The best option is a flight to the local airport (CPC) and, from there, a 20-minute transfer to the center.

How to enjoy the snow in San Martín de los Andes?

• Cerro Chapelco is the main ski center in the region, ideal for skiing and snowboarding. It offers schools for beginners, equipment rental, and ski lifts that go up to the cafeteria.
• Lago Hermoso Ski Resort, an exclusive and family-friendly mountain center. It offers quieter alternatives than other centers, including a ski and snowboard school, snowshoeing, snowmobile rides, and excursions to the Las Lagunas Refuge.

What else is there to do?

• Seven Lakes Route, an unmissable panoramic drive along Route 40, which allows you to appreciate lakes, snowy mountains, and viewpoints.
• Adventure tourism: horseback riding, mountain biking, and boat rides on Lake Lácar.
• Lahuen Có Hot Springs, an excellent alternative for relaxation in thermal waters surrounded by a white landscape.

What to eat?

Chocolate, artisanal beers, and smoked products.

Mendoza

An unmissable winter destination that combines stunning landscapes of the Andes Mountains, excellent ski slopes, world-class wine tourism, and unique regional gastronomy.

How to get there?

There are daily flights from Jorge Newbery Airport (AEP) in Buenos Aires to the local airport (MDZ) in the city of Mendoza. The flight lasts approximately two hours.

How to enjoy the snow in Mendoza?

• Las Leñas is the most renowned ski center. Located in the south of the province, it is ideal for skiers of all levels.
• For a more family-friendly and accessible environment, Los Puquios Snow Park (on Route 7) is perfect for sledding or learning to ski.
• You can also go snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and take the classic High Mountain Tour (passing by the Potrerillos Dam and Aconcagua Provincial Park).

What else is there to do?

• Wine tourism in one of the more than 250 wineries open to tourism. The Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo are the main areas for tastings and enjoying tours among vineyards with views of the mountain range.
• Thermal water centers, to relax and enjoy an incomparable contrast between the hot water and the mountain cold.
• Horseback riding through pre-mountain areas, such as Lunlunta.

What to eat?

High-end gastronomy in winery restaurants that offer multi-course menus paired with local wines, highlighting fresh ingredients and roasted meats.

Flame-roasted goat (chivo asado a la llama), Mendoza-style empanadas, humitas, pastel de choclo (corn pie).

Olive oil, the best in the country and ideal for tasting with country bread.

El Bolsón

Located in the province of Río Negro, at the foot of Cerro Piltriquitrón, it is one of the Patagonian gems. It stands out for its environment of forests and crystal-clear rivers that make it a paradise for trekking.

How to get there?

The recommended way from Buenos Aires is to fly to San Carlos de Bariloche airport and, from there, take a public bus or rent a car to travel 130 km south along National Route 40.

How to enjoy the snow in El Bolsón?

• The main center for winter activities is Laderas - Cerro Perito Moreno, just 25 kilometers from the city.
• Skiing and snowboarding on slopes ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers.
• For non-skiers, there are fun snowshoeing excursions, snowmobile rides, sleds, or snow sliding (culipatín).

What else is there to do?

• Trekking and refuges, with hikes of different levels toward the impressive Cajón del Azul Refuge or the Hielo Azul Glacier area.
• Bosque Tallado (Carved Forest), a unique open-air museum on the slope of Cerro Piltriquitrón, full of wooden sculptures.
• Regional Artisans Fair, an unmissable classic in the center, with local producers offering their work in wool, wood, ceramics, and sweets.
• Visit to Cascada Escondida and horseback riding along the Manso River.

What to eat?

 Artisanal beers in the capital of artisanal beer, featuring dozens of breweries.

Patagonian lamb, sweets with raspberries, blackberries, and elderberries (sauco).

Chocolates and fine pastries.

Smoked platters: cheeses, venison, wild boar, and trout.

Lanín National Park

Protects more than 412,000 hectares of Andean-Patagonian forests in Neuquén. Its landscape is dominated by the imposing silhouette of the Lanín Volcano and more than twenty crystal-clear lakes.

How to get there?

The main entry points are from San Martín de los Andes or Junín de los Andes. Cars may require snow chains.

How to enjoy the snow in Lanín National Park?

• Community snow parks, such as C4, Laguna Seca, or Arroyo Partido, ideal for beginners, skiing, snowboarding, and sledding.
• In Villa Pehuenia, Cerro Batea Mahuida stands out.
• Snowshoeing on guided circuits to the base of the Lanín Volcano or lenga forests.

What else is there to do?

• Trekking and hiking to explore sections of the Huella Andina trail network or take short walks like to the Lanín Volcano, Malleo River, and Tromen Lake.
• Lake excursions, with navigation on lakes Huechulafquen (with stunning views of the volcano's south face) and Lácar toward Quila Quina.
• Horseback riding, with winter circuits ideal for exploring snowy forests.

What to eat?

Roasted and smoked meats: Patagonian lamb, venison, and wild boar.

Trout, regional fish prepared in different cooking styles.

Cheeses, mushrooms, and berries.

Artisanal alfajores, shredded chocolates (chocolate en rama), and pastries with elderberry or calafate.

Pack your bags, book your tickets, and decide to live the winter of your life in Argentina. The End of the World, frozen lakes, and the most delicious hot chocolate in the mountains are just a click away.