Lago La Plata
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Lago La Plata
Hidden in the province of Chubut, inland from Comodoro Rivadavia, Lago La Plata is a pristine example of the beauty that is Patagonia. It is as beautiful as it is inaccessible, and for years has only been visited by the local fishermen, looking to take advantage of the plentiful waters. More accommodation has popped up, however, and tour providers are looking more and more to this little piece of heaven. Don’t worry, though, it’s still decidedly untouched; perfect for reconnecting with nature.
The best way to get here is in a private car; public transportation is rare in this area. To get there, simply follow RP 57 from Alto Río Senguerr, until you reach the narrow strait between Fontana and La Plata. You’ll want to visit during the warmer months of the year, from October to April. The beech, coihues and ñires forests make for beautifully painted landscapes in the fall, as well.
The longest standing, and perhaps most famous, accommodation in the area is Huente Co, which is a complex of five wood cabins, with space for four to six guests each. Each has a private bathroom, hot water and gas heating. A comfortable lodge is also available, with games, a bar, and satellite TV. The restaurant at Huente Co is gourmet, and serves local and international dishes using the complex’s own herbs and vegetables. This establishment was originally frequented only by the locals here on fishing trips, but has since become a hotspot among visitors.
Huente Co is also the name of Francis Mallmann’s program in which he prepare gourmet trout sandwiches on the banks of Lago La Plata, which further brings in more visitors. While it is no longer a secret hideaway, this establishment still enjoys its peace and quiet. There are a variety of other lodges and homes sprinkled throughout the area, but it lacks a proper downtown or central location. This only helps add to the pristine nature of it all, as wherever you stay, you’ll be surrounded by the natural beauty and crisp, fresh air of the lake.
Most of the lodges provide some sort of activity, such as Bahía Arenal, which offers hiking and trekking tours and information, mountain biking resources, small boat tours and fishing excursions. The lodge sits on the edge of the lake, and four of its eight rooms have a lake view, while the other four look into the forest. The lake is said to be good for fishermen of all ability levels. It is recognized as a fruitful and pleasurable place to fish by the experts, and beginners also have fun and luck while testing the waters here.
Different tours can be found in the area, from simple day hikes to longer excursions. Grupo Fugate, for example, offers a 12-day expedition, nine days of which are spent backpacking and hiking through the forest. Camps are set up by the hikers, and no formal campsites are available, perfect for those who truly wish to disconnect from the outside world. There are many amazing places to discover in Patagonia in this travel Argentina guide.
Alto Río Senguer’s tourist information office can provide more information about the area in general, and about Lago La Plata specifically. It is not a place to be missed while in Argentina, and is a quintessential representation of the beauty of Patagonia.