Futalaufquen LakeFutalaufquen Lake at a Glance
About Futalaufquen Lake
Futalaufquen Lake is a glacial lake in the Andean region of Chubut Province, Argentina, within the boundaries of Los Alerces National Park. The lake is one of several in a chain of glacially carved basins in the Patagonian Andes and is used for recreation and access to the surrounding national park.
The lake’s shoreline includes small settlements and facilities for visitors, with boat access commonly used to reach other lakes and forested areas inside the park. Recreational activities include boating and trout fishing, and the area serves as a gateway for hiking into the surrounding Andean forests.
The lake and its immediate surroundings are protected as part of the national park, which preserves native forest, glacial landforms, and freshwater ecosystems in this part of the Patagonian Andes.
- Protected area: Part of a chain of glacial lakes in the Patagonian Andes and situated within the Los Alerces National Park system in northwestern Chubut Province.
- Activities: Popular for boating and trout fishing, with wooden piers and launch points at the main settlement on the lake shore.
What to See#
- Villa Futalaufquen: Villa Futalaufquen is the main settlement on the lake’s shore and serves as the primary access point for boat trips, lodging, and park services in the area.
Best Time to Visit Futalaufquen Lake
Southern Hemisphere summer (Dec-Feb) is best for outdoor access and milder weather.
Weather & Climate near Futalaufquen Lake
Futalaufquen Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -1°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1186 mm/year), wettest in May.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 9° - 21° | 15° | 52 mm | - | - | 4.8 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 8° - 21° | 15° | 48 mm | - | - | 4.1 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 7° - 18° | 12° | 59 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 15° | 7° | 94 mm | - | - | 3.6 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 10° | 4° | 175 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 0° - 7° | 1° | 171 mm | - | - | 2.9 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -1° - 6° | 0° | 175 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 0° - 8° | 1° | 135 mm | - | - | 3.5 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 92 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 4° - 15° | 7° | 66 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 6° - 17° | 11° | 55 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 8° - 20° | 14° | 64 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Futalaufquen Lake
Futalaufquen is reached from Esquel or other regional hubs via the Ruta Nacional and then smaller provincial roads into the lake district; driving is most common. Local bus services are limited; hire a car or arrange transport with local lodges.
Tips for Visiting Futalaufquen Lake
- If launching a boat, check wind and weather-mountain lakes can become choppy quickly.
- Hire a local guide for backcountry fishing or multi-day treks-trailheads can be poorly marked.
- The road up from the main highway is narrow; allow extra time and watch for livestock and slow-moving vehicles.