Villa Traful is a charming alternative to visit when travelling along the Lake District. It lies between the towns of Bariloche and San Martin de Los Andes (100 Km), and 60 Km away from Villa La Angostura. It is located about 705 m. above the sea level with similar number of inhabitants.

Villa Traful and surroundings deserve more than a quick visit. From November to April the town receives visitors either for the day or as a holiday destination. It is also a fly fishing haven.

How to get there: Take route 237 (Confluencia - Villa Traful). It is a 35 Km. drive along a well maintained pebble road. First 20 km you will see what we call transition landscape from the steppe to rainforest. There are also very peculiar rock formations due to Aeolian erosion on both sides of the road.

When crossing the bridge over Cuyín Manzano river, turn left and drive for 5 Km. You will travel across the “cajón del río Cuyin manzano” where condor nests are visible. At the end of the road there is a small rural school and several local people houses. (Ask for families Chamorro or Riquelme). Local people sell fresh produce, meats and home baked bread.

On the Coast of Traful River, there are many fly fishing hot spots and areas with raging waters for rafting or Kayaking. The mountain sides are covered with ancient Cypress trees and colorful Notro flowers during Spring.

In 1997, Celebrity Ted Turner –married at that time with Jane Fonda- acquired Estancia La Primavera, a 5000 acres property – you can see the main house to the right when travelling 15 km from Confluencia to Villa la Angostura-, this property is worth 7,3 u$s million.

When taking route 65 East you can see part of the Andes Range extending to the west. The landscape changes and gives way to the original forest. Traful lake is one of the most important water mirrors in the area. The lake has a surface of 80 Km.2.

Four kilometers down to the SW, you can see Traful village. It nestles between the mountains and on the shores of the lake. The road runs through thick ancient cypress forests. Villa Traful is a small village. The construction style is in harmony with the environment. There are only a few dirt roads with a typical mountain village design. It was founded in 1963 by the National Parks Association. It has a good service infrastructure with excellent gastronomy, comfortable Inns and cabins for a relaxed stay all year round. Camping has become very popular in the last few years. Access to the lake beaches is easy with lots of pic-nic areas as well as fly fishing hot spots.