Patagonian Classics Part 2: Around Villa La Angostura

La Angostura means "the narrowing" and it refers to the narrowing of the lake Nahuel Huapi on which it is situated.
The Lake can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. La Angostura offers the most favourable conditions for fishing, with a reasonably sized port and professional guides. Another option is to embark from Las Balsas Hotel to the Llao Llao Hotel (a mytical hotel built by architect Bustillo, 20 kms from Barioloche). If you can´t afford to stay in either of these luxury Hotels, at least try to savour a scrumptious tea in either restaurant with a beautiful view on the Lake (I personally would choose Llao Llao Hotel for the history of this place: many presidents, kings and dignataries stayed here).
Both from Barioloche as from La Angostura you can visit the "Bosque de Arrayanes", one of very few myrtle forests in the world. If you decide to do this excursion from Bariolche, a boat will take you to the Isla Vistoria and from tehre to the forest. From La Angostura, you will get there through 12 km of pleasant paths by the Quetrihué peninsula.
The myrtle forest is enchanting and magical, a cool, dark and mostly silent place (unless you happen to be with loud fellow travellers...). The myrtle´s new shoots are extremely delicate, so please refrain from touching them. It is here that Walt Disney, on a visit to Argentina, got the inspiration for depicting the forest in the film "Bambi".
On Provincial Route 231 is a detour that climbs to the Bayo Mountain along 6 km of good gravel roads. There is also a chair lift for those who rather leave the car and enjoy the views of lakes Nahuel Huapi, Espejo and Correntoso River.