Gutiérrez LakeAbout Gutiérrez Lake
Lago Gutiérrez is a glacial lake in Río Negro Province in northern Patagonia, Argentina, located in the Andean foothills near San Carlos de Bariloche. It is part of the lake-and-mountain landscape that surrounds the city and is valued for outdoor recreation.
The shoreline includes small beaches and boat-launch areas used for swimming, kayaking and angling; trails and viewpoints around the lake are used for short hikes and picnic stops. The lake is fed by mountain streams and sits within the broader Nahuel Huapi region’s hydrographic network.
The basin formed through glacial action during the Quaternary; it has long been used for local recreation rather than large-scale industry. Over the 20th and 21st centuries the area developed visitor facilities and access roads from the Bariloche area.
The lake sits in the Andean foothills close to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche in Río Negro Province, Argentina, surrounded by forested hills and mountains typical of the northern Patagonian Andes.
- Location: Lies within the eastern foothills of the Andes and is a popular day-trip destination from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche.
- Recreation: Offers lakeshore recreation including beaches, kayaking and anglers targeting introduced trout species.
Nearby Attractions to Gutiérrez Lake
Best Time to Visit Gutiérrez Lake
Summer (December-February) is prime time for visiting Lake Gutiérrez from Bariloche for water sports and hiking.
Weather & Climate near Gutiérrez Lake
Gutiérrez Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1069 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 8° - 21° | 15° | 33 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 22° | 14° | 40 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 5° - 19° | 12° | 69 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 14° | 6° | 88 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 10° | 3° | 92 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 7° | 0° | 102 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -2° - 6° | -1° | 194 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 8° | 0° | 172 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 0° - 11° | 2° | 104 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 14° | 5° | 70 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 17° | 11° | 55 mm | - | - | 5.1 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 50 mm | - | - | 5.4 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Gutiérrez Lake
From San Carlos de Bariloche: drive via Route 237 and local roads (approx. 20-30 minutes depending on traffic). Regular buses and tour operators run routes that include Lake Gutiérrez and nearby Circuito Chico sights.
Tips for Visiting Gutiérrez Lake
- Drive from Bariloche (approx. 20-40 minutes depending on route) and combine the visit with the Circuito Chico scenic route for viewpoints and photo stops.
- Look for the well-marked trailheads that lead to viewpoint platforms and small beaches along the lake's shore.
- Fishing and kayaking are popular; check local outfitters in San Carlos de Bariloche for rentals and licenses.