Luxury holidays in Villa La Angostura

When to go

Alfred Wainwright’s quip that 'there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing’ has never been more keenly felt than in Patagonia. However, Villa La Angostura’s climate is milder than most, with average temperatures between 3-17 degrees. From July to September, a ski resort on Cerro Bayo has plentiful runs and off-piste trails.

Getting there

• Planes

  The main hub for the Argentinian Lake District is Bariloche, with flights from Santiago, Buenos Aires and El Calafate. The area’s second airport, San Martín de los Andes, also has connections from Buenos Aires. The Smith24 team to arrange flights and transfers: 0330 100 3180.

• Boats

  In this waterside region, boats are a scenic and widely used mode of transport. Three companies: Patagonian Sailing (https://patagoniasailing.wixsite.com/index/copia-de-inicio), Velario Impaciente (https://laangostura.com/veleroimpaciente) and Bahía Bravas (www.bahiabrava.com), offer yacht charters and sailing trips around Lake Nahuel Huapi. Popular journeys include the Quetrihué Peninsula for excursions in the Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island for its indigenous cave paintings.

• Automobiles

  Many roads in the Argentinian Lake District are accessible, with long, straight stretches that don’t require much navigation. However, there are un-made roads too, so a sturdy four-wheel drive is essential, along with a basic mechanical knowledge and the ability to change a tyre. Patagonia’s vastness means it can be a long way to the next petrol station, so make sure you stock up on extra food and gas supplies. For a road trip to remember, follow the Ruta 234, or the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, which skips through seven lakes and runs for 100 kilometres between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura.