Traful Lake
Lake Andean lake in Neuquén, clear glacial waters
In the Andes of Neuquén, Lake Traful offers clear waters framed by lenga forest and granite peaks; anglers and kayakers seek trout, while hikers use trails to shoreline beaches and viewpoints within the Nahuel Huapi-Los Arrayanes area.
Traful Lake is a mountain lake in Neuquén Province in the Argentine Andes, set among forested slopes and rocky ridges and known for clear, glacial waters and mountain scenery.
Shoreline features include small beaches and rocky coves, and the lakeshore is fringed by native forest with nearby trails and viewpoints; recreational activities include fishing, boating and hiking. A lakeside settlement provides the main visitor services and access points.
The lake was formed by glacial and tectonic processes typical of Andean ranges and sits within the broader lake country of northern Patagonia.
Located in the Andean foothills of Neuquén Province in Patagonia, Traful Lake lies northwest of the city of San Carlos de Bariloche and is accessed via regional mountain roads and tracks from nearby villages.
- Access point: A small settlement called Villa Traful lies on the lake's shore and serves as the principal access point for visitors, with boat launches and trails nearby.
- Natural character: The lake is glacial in origin and is noted for clear, cold water and surrounding Andean forest, making it a popular spot for trout fishing and hiking.
How to Get to Traful Lake #
Traful is accessed by Route Provincial 65 from Villa La Angostura or other regional roads in Neuquén. The nearest town with regular services is Villa La Angostura; from there a scenic drive (often unpaved in sections) leads to Lago Traful and Villa Traful.
Tips for Visiting Traful Lake #
- Hire a boat from Villa Traful to explore the lake's hidden coves and to reach isolated swimming spots.
- Bring binoculars for birding - the lake's cliffs and islands are good places to spot waterfowl and raptors.
- Road access can be rough in places; a sturdy vehicle is recommended for independent exploration.
Best Time to Visit Traful Lake #
Summer and shoulder seasons are best for boating and hiking; winters are beautiful but colder and more remote.
Weather & Climate near Traful Lake #
Traful 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 -1°C to 22°C. Abundant rainfall (1162 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm).
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February
February is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm).
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March
March is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (225 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Heavy rain (204 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm).
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
