2-Day Fun & Vibrant Friends Trip — Villa La Angostura (Summer)
A lively 2-day weekend in Villa La Angostura for a group of friends: easy hikes, a boat + magical Arrayanes forest, active water time (kayak/SUP), local bites and evening bar-hopping along Avenida Arrayanes. Summer-friendly pacing with group-friendly restaurants and playful outdoor options.
Highlights
- Hike the surreal Bosque de Arrayanes (Quetrihué Peninsula)
- Active beach time with kayaking / SUP at Playa Catritre
- Cerro Bayo chairlift + sweeping lake views and short MTB/hike options
- Evening bar-hop and lively social scene along Avenida Arrayanes
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival, forest boat + hike, afternoon water play and a lively night on Avenida Arrayanes.
Easy morning coffee & people-watching on Avenida Arrayanes
Start the day slowly with coffee and pastries on Villa La Angostura’s main street. Pick a terrace table, map the day, and book afternoon rentals if you haven’t yet.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a communal table — most cafés on Avenida Arrayanes can seat groups of 4–6; arriving together helps secure space.
- Bring a light windbreaker: lakeside breezes are pleasant but can be strong in summer mornings.
- Use this time to confirm water rental/boat tour pick-up times; many operators meet on the main street or at nearby docks.
Boat ride + hike in Bosque de Arrayanes (Quetrihué Peninsula)
Take the short public boat to the Quetrihué Peninsula and walk the famous bosque de arrayanes — cinnamon-colored trunks and fairytale forest. Gentle 2–3 km loop with many photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Book the earliest boat you can (mid-morning) to avoid peak crowds and get prime photos of the arrayanes trunks.
- Bring sunscreen and water; the path is exposed in parts and summer sun is strong.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the loop is easy but has wooden boardwalks that can be slippery from lake spray — great for group photos and quick games like 'find the perfect tree.'
Group lunch in town — relax and share plates
Head back to town for a relaxed, group-friendly lunch. Choose a place with shared plates or pizzas to keep costs communal and the vibe social.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for sharing platters or family-style options — cheaper and more social for groups of friends.
- Reserve a table in advance (summer weekends fill up quickly) and request an outdoor/sidewalk table to people-watch.
- Split the bill using app transfers or one card — many restaurants are used to groups and can help by separating checks.
Afternoon beach + kayaking / stand-up paddle at Playa Catritre
Playful water time at Playa Catritre: swim, rent kayaks or SUPs and race your friends around the small bay. Sandy shore and shallow water make it great for groups.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring waterproof phone cases—lots of playful photo opportunities (and inevitable splash fights).
- Split rentals between kayaks and SUPs so the group can swap roles: someone steers, someone snaps photos.
- If you plan to swim, stash a dry bag in a shaded spot ashore and apply reef-safe sunscreen to protect the lake.
Evening bar hop & casual dinner along Avenida Arrayanes (group-friendly nightlife)
Return to Avenida Arrayanes for early dinner followed by bar hopping — many venues have live music or DJs in high season. Keep it light and social, moving between spots so the night stays lively.
Tips from local experts:
- Start with a group dinner at 20:00 to secure a table before live music crowds arrive.
- Ask bartenders about local craft beers and share tasting rounds so everyone samples different brews.
- Plan to split into smaller sub-groups if a venue has limited table space; most bars are used to friendly, loud groups.
Day 2
Active morning on Cerro Bayo, lakeside afternoon in Puerto Manzano, and a relaxed sunset send-off.
Cerro Bayo chairlift, short hikes and viewpoint session
Catch the chairlift on Cerro Bayo for panoramic Nahuel Huapi views. Choose a short summit walk or a mellow mountain-bike-friendly trail section — perfect for group photos and light adventure.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy lift tickets in advance where possible, and arrive early to get seats together in the same chairlift run.
- If anyone in your group prefers less activity, the base area has cafés and terraces — rotate people so everyone gets the mike-moment view.
- Bring layers: temperatures can be several degrees cooler at the top even in summer; sunglasses and a hat are essential.
Lunch at the mountain base or nearby group-friendly spot
Relax after the morning with a hearty lunch near Cerro Bayo — pizzas, grilled dishes and shared salads to refuel for the afternoon.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a restaurant with larger tables or terraces so your group can spread out comfortably.
- Order a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes to keep everyone happy and avoid splitting bills by course.
- Reserve a spot if visiting on a weekend — many restaurants near Cerro Bayo cater to ski-season and summer crowds alike.
Afternoon transfer to Puerto Manzano and light boat or lakeside hangout
Drive or take a short transfer to Puerto Manzano for a relaxed afternoon—swim, picnic on the shore, or join a short local boat ride to nearby bays. Great low-key group time with photo ops.
Tips from local experts:
- Organize one car for the group or arrange a local shuttle — splitting the transfer cost keeps it budget-friendly.
- Pick up snacks and drinks in town for a DIY lakeside picnic to save money and keep the vibe casual.
- If you want a short boat rental, check with local operators at arrival; group rates are often available for 1–2 hour outings.
Sunset viewpoint & farewell drinks
Head to a nearby viewpoint or lakeside terrace for sunset drinks and a final round of group photos — a relaxed cap to the trip.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 20–30 minutes before sunset to pick the best bench or terrace spot for unobstructed views.
- Bring a portable speaker (checked volume) and a shared playlist to set a festive group mood.
- If anyone wants to keep going, note a couple of late-night cafés or bars back on Avenida Arrayanes that are open later in summer.
Optional: Last night low-key tapas or craft beer on Avenida Arrayanes
If energy remains, finish with a casual shared tapas plate or a craft beer at a laid-back bar on the main street. Keeps things flexible for tired travelers.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep this optional so anyone catching early transport can skip without disrupting plans.
- Order a couple of shared starters to keep costs down and the mood social.
- Ask staff for local beer recommendations or a house vermouth if you want a true Patagonian twist.
