3 Best Sights in The Lake District, Argentina

Found only in this part of the Andes, the ancient Araucaria Araucana tree grows to 30 meters (100 feet) and has long spiny branches. Cones the size of bowling balls are full of pinon nuts that provided nourishment to the Mapuche, who call these trees pehuenes. The northern portion of the park near Lago Huechulafquen and Aluminé is one of the best places to view these peculiar giants.

About 1 km (½ mile) from the base of Piltriquitrón, you'll find fire-damaged beech trees that have been carved over the years by 13 notable Argentine artists. Thirty-one monumental sculptures transform the dead forest into a living gallery. Tours can be arranged through Maputur.

Set more than 200 meters (656 feet) above sea level, this park’s titular lake has warm water for swimmers, plentiful fish stocks for anglers, plus a selection of on-the-water excursions for boaters. Hiking options abound in the area as well—the most interesting of which are at the west end of the lake on the Chilean border.