Arrayán trees
Orange bark.
Beatriz Nuñez — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Beatriz Nuñez — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Beatriz Nuñez — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Beatriz Nuñez — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Beatriz Nuñez — CC BY-SA 3.0
Steffen is a glacial lake of about 590 hectares in a deep valley near the southern edge of Nahuel Huapi National Park, south of Bariloche, named after the German geographer Hans Steffen, one of the area's first explorers. It is ringed by Andean-Patagonian forest left almost untouched, with tall coihues and thick colihue cane, so it feels nearly wild. Its water is usually calm, without dangerous waves, good for paddling, small boats and cold summer swims, with pebble beaches, orange-barked arrayán trees and a small wooden bridge on its shores. It is a favourite of those who know the region and want quiet away from the busier lakes, and there is a campsite. Visiting is free; access is by gravel roads, so plan a full day, and it can be paired with Lago Mascardi on the way.
Orange bark.
Away from crowds.
On still water.
Southern Nahuel Huapi National Park, on the road toward Río Manso, south of Bariloche
By car south of Bariloche on gravel roads toward Río Manso, paired with Lago Mascardi.