Information
Landmark: Lago MorenoCity: Bariloche
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
Lago Moreno, Bariloche, Argentina, South America
Overview
Tucked just outside San Carlos de Bariloche in Patagonia, Argentina, Lago Moreno shimmers with clear glacial waters framed by dark green pines.The lake is famous for its calm, glassy surface and water so clear you can see smooth stones on the bottom, all framed by breathtaking natural scenery.It’s the ideal spot for anyone craving quiet trails and views where pine-scented air drifts over rolling hills.It’s about 20 kilometers from San Carlos de Bariloche, tucked inside Nahuel Huapi National Park in Río Negro, Argentina, where the air smells faintly of pine.It covers about 16 square kilometers-roughly 6.2 square miles, enough land to stroll across in a couple of hours.Maximum depth: 40 meters-about 131 feet, the length of a city bus.The elevation stands at 775 meters-about 2,543 feet-above sea level, high enough to feel the air turn crisp.Close by, you’ll find Lago Nahuel Huapi’s deep blue waters, the sweeping views from Cerro Campanario, and the quiet trails of the Llao Llao Peninsula.Top Things to See and Do - like wandering through the old stone market.Lago Moreno spreads out beneath snow-dusted peaks and deep green forests, offering breathtaking views that beg to be photographed or simply admired.This lake is usually calmer and emptier than Lago Nahuel Huapi, so you can sit by the shore and hear nothing but the soft splash of water against the rocks.Mirador Lago Moreno sits just off the road to the lake, where you can take in sweeping views of shimmering water, dense green forests, and jagged peaks rising in the distance.Number two.The forest around the lake has trails for every pace, from gentle walks to longer treks.One favorite, the 2.5 km Laguna El Trébol Trail, rewards you with sweeping views of Lago Moreno framed by tall pines.Lago Moreno Loop winds around the lake in a longer route, perfect for unhurried nature walks where you can hear leaves crunch underfoot.Cerro Campanario Trail isn’t right on the lake, but it rewards you with sweeping views of Lago Moreno and the deep-blue expanse of Lago Nahuel Huapi.Number three.The lake’s water lies still and glassy, perfect for gliding a kayak, steering a canoe, or balancing on a paddleboard under the morning sun.You can rent gear in nearby spots like Llao Llao, then head out for a guided lake tour or drift across the water at your own pace, the oars dipping in with a soft splash.Number four sits in neat black ink on the page, plain and certain.Lago Moreno offers a rich mix of fish-rainbow trout flashing silver in the sun and sturdy brown trout lurking below-making it a top spot for anyone who loves sport fishing.You’ll need a fishing permit, and it’s important to follow local rules on catch limits and protected species-like steering clear of the bright red rockfish in the bay.Number five.In summer, the lake’s cool, clear water invites you in, the chill biting pleasantly at your skin as you wade deeper.The water might chill you at first, but locals and travelers still flock here for a refreshing dip, their laughter echoing across the shore.Number six.Several picnic spots dot the lakeshore, where you can stretch out on the grass, feel the cool mountain breeze, and spend a lazy day soaking in the Andes’ beauty.You can sit down to a warm meal while gazing out over the lake, where sunlight glints on the water and trees sway gently in the breeze-just right for a family day out.Lago Moreno and the land around it shelter a rich mix of native wildlife, from darting hummingbirds to quiet deer in the trees.Birdwatching: This spot draws sharp-eyed birdwatchers, who often catch sight of black-necked swans gliding past, cormorants drying their wings, ducks paddling in the shallows, and bright kingfishers flashing over the lake.In the area, you might see Patagonian foxes darting through the brush, deer grazing quietly, and the occasional wild rabbit hopping across the path.Flora: Native forests blanket the region, with coihue, ñire, and lenga trees forming a lush green wall that frames the lake.How do I get to Lago Moreno-past the pines and down toward the water’s edge?By car, you can reach the lake via Ruta 77, a smooth strip of pavement winding from San Carlos de Bariloche to the Llao Llao Peninsula.It’s about a 25‑minute drive, winding through Llao Llao with glimpses of sparkling lake water along the way.You can take a public bus to get around, but if you want the freedom to stop at a lakeside café or pull over for a photo, renting a car or booking a private transfer is often easier.Summer, from December to March, is the perfect time to hit the water-think kayaking past quiet coves, swimming in warm shallows, or casting a line at dawn.With gentle air on your skin and daylight stretching into the evening, this is the perfect moment to head outside for an adventure.Autumn (April–May) paints the forest around the lake in warm golds and deep reds, making every hike or quiet walk feel like stepping into a living postcard.Winter runs from June to September, and though the air bites, the season brings a calm hush and the chance to strap on snowshoes or glide down slopes just a short drive away.Spring (September–November): It’s a beautiful season to visit, with bursts of wildflowers and hillsides waking in fresh color.Lago Moreno offers a quiet, breathtaking escape for anyone eager to soak in Patagonia’s rugged beauty, from its glassy waters to the snow-dusted peaks beyond.Clear water sparkles under the sun, forests edge the shore, and the place bursts with ways to spend the day-from hiking steep trails and casting a fishing line to gliding a kayak or diving in for a swim.Whether you’re chasing adventure or craving quiet, Lago Moreno delivers-a still, glassy expanse surrounded by rugged peaks.
