Mascardi LakeAbout Mascardi Lake
Mascardi Lake is a glacial lake in Río Negro Province, Argentina, located in the Andean lake district of northern Patagonia. It forms part of the broader lake and mountain landscape associated with Nahuel Huapi National Park.
The lake offers freshwater scenery, shoreline access and opportunities for boating, fishing and short lakeside walks rather than large built attractions. Visitors commonly use the area as a base for outdoor recreation and as part of routes through the Andean lake corridor.
The lake and its surroundings have been shaped by glacial processes and long-time use by indigenous peoples and later settlers; in modern times it is managed within the regional conservation and recreation framework of the national park area.
Situated in the Andean foothills of Río Negro Province in northern Patagonia, the lake lies within the Nahuel Huapi region and is accessed from nearby towns and routes through the national park.
- Regional setting: Located within the Andean lake system of northern Patagonia and administered by Río Negro Province.
- Recreational use: Used recreationally for boating, fishing and lakeside access within the broader Nahuel Huapi National Park region.
Best Time to Visit Mascardi Lake
Summer is the most convenient time for water-based activities; shoulder seasons are quieter but weather is less predictable.
Weather & Climate near Mascardi Lake
Mascardi Lake's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -2°C to 21°C. Abundant rainfall (1257 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 8° - 21° | 14° | 40 mm | - | - | 5.2 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 7° - 21° | 14° | 50 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 5° - 19° | 12° | 83 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 3° - 14° | 6° | 110 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 1° - 10° | 3° | 119 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | -1° - 7° | 0° | 127 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | -2° - 6° | -1° | 220 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | -1° - 8° | 0° | 183 mm | - | - | 4.2 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 0° - 10° | 2° | 116 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 2° - 14° | 5° | 80 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 4° - 17° | 11° | 67 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 62 mm | - | - | 5.3 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Mascardi Lake
Mascardi Lake is about a 35-45 minute drive west from San Carlos de Bariloche along Provincial Route 82 and then access roads into the lake’s various beaches and campsites. Local tour operators from Bariloche offer day trips and kayak rentals.
Tips for Visiting Mascardi Lake
- Combine a visit with nearby Bariloche for services and boat rentals.
- Rent a kayak to approach the lake's quieter inlets and islands - water levels vary by season so local advice is useful.
- Watch for sudden weather shifts; dress in layers and prepare for wind on open water.