
Lago Rivadavia Chubut Argentina
A breathtaking Patagonian gem, Lago Rivadavia enchants with its vibrant turquoise glacial waters and lush Andean forests.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for activities

Lago Rivadavia Chubut Argentina
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking Patagonian gem, Lago Rivadavia enchants with its vibrant turquoise glacial waters and lush Andean forests.
"A paradise with stunning lakes, rivers, and a beautiful forest; I would come back!"

🚗 Vehicle is Key
Public transport is scarce; a car is essential for exploring . Consider a rental for flexibility.
🥶 Cold Water Warning
The lake is beautiful but very cold! Be prepared for a bracing swim .

Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 77 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Stunning Lake Itself
Lago Rivadavia
A glacial lake with breathtaking turquoise waters, surrounded by lush Patagonian forests.

Rivadavia River Circuit Trail
Parque Nacional Los Alerces
An easy 3-km round trip offering diverse views of lakes, rivers, and streams, plus a beautiful forest.

Mirador al Lago Rivadavia Viewpoint
Arroyo del Hacha Waterfall trail
A short 1-km hike leads to this viewpoint, offering spectacular panoramic vistas of the lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Lago Rivadavia
Best Time for a Dip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle is Key
Public transport is scarce; a car is essential for exploring. Consider a rental for flexibility.
🥶 Cold Water Warning
The lake is beautiful but very cold! Be prepared for a bracing swim.
🎣 Sport Fishing Paradise
A prime spot for sport fishing enthusiasts, with various trails offering access to prime spots.
🥾 Trail Exploration
The Rivadavia River Circuit and Arroyo del Hacha trails offer stunning, accessible scenery.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle is Key
Public transport is scarce; a car is essential for exploring. Consider a rental for flexibility.
🥶 Cold Water Warning
The lake is beautiful but very cold! Be prepared for a bracing swim.
🎣 Sport Fishing Paradise
A prime spot for sport fishing enthusiasts, with various trails offering access to prime spots.
🥾 Trail Exploration
The Rivadavia River Circuit and Arroyo del Hacha trails offer stunning, accessible scenery.
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for incredible Patagonian landscapes, especially from viewpoints.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lago Rivadavia for its breathtaking natural beauty, particularly the stunning turquoise glacial waters and surrounding forests. The accessible trails, like the Rivadavia River Circuit, are highlighted as enjoyable for their scenic diversity. While the water is famously cold, many find the overall experience to be a 'paradise' and highly recommend a visit.
"Bellisimo"
Paula Lamelas
"The lake!"
Pablo Oliva
"The Rivadavia River Circuit trail was my favorite. You can see lakes, rivers, and streams all the way from the coast, as well as a stunning forest. There are campsites that offer kayaking, but the main activity is sport fishing. The entire route is easy to navigate, but it's a 3-km round trip. A paradise. I would come back!"
tania pires
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Lago Rivadavia is by car, as public transportation is limited. It's located within Parque Nacional Los Alerces, accessible via Provincial Route 71. If you're coming from Esquel or Trevelin, you'll likely drive through scenic Patagonian landscapes. Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.
While challenging, some visitors might arrange private transfers or taxis from nearby towns like Esquel or Cholila. However, having your own vehicle offers the most freedom to explore the park and its various viewpoints and trails.
The roads leading to and around Lago Rivadavia are generally well-maintained, especially Provincial Route 71. However, some sections might be unpaved or gravel, so driving cautiously is advised. Check local conditions before you go.
Lago Rivadavia is approximately 80-90 kilometers from Esquel, a journey that typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, depending on road conditions and stops.
Currently, there are no regular shuttle services directly to Lago Rivadavia. Visitors are encouraged to use private vehicles or arrange private transportation for their visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Lago Rivadavia is located within Parque Nacional Los Alerces, which has an entrance fee. The fee is per vehicle or per person, depending on the park's current regulations. It's advisable to check the official Parque Nacional Los Alerces website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Parque Nacional Los Alerces is generally open year-round, but specific visitor centers or facilities might have seasonal hours. The park itself is accessible during daylight hours. For the most accurate information, consult the park's official website.
While some national parks in Argentina offer online booking, it's best to verify this for Parque Nacional Los Alerces. You can typically purchase tickets at the park entrance stations. Check the official park website for any online ticketing options.
Discounts may be available for certain groups such as children, seniors, or students. It's recommended to inquire at the park entrance or check the official park website for details on potential discounts.
The entrance fee typically grants access to the park's main areas, viewpoints, and designated trails. It contributes to the conservation and maintenance of the park's natural beauty and infrastructure.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Visitors can enjoy stunning scenery, hiking on trails like the Rivadavia River Circuit, photography, and even a refreshing (though cold!) swim. Sport fishing is also a popular activity.
Yes, the Rivadavia River Circuit trail is a popular 3-km round trip offering diverse views. The Mirador al Lago Rivadavia viewpoint is accessed via the Arroyo del Hacha Waterfall trail, a 1-km hike.
The lake is beautiful but very cold, even in summer! Some visitors do take a dip, especially on warmer days. Be prepared for a bracing experience.
While specific sightings vary, the park is home to diverse Patagonian flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for native birds and other wildlife in the surrounding forests and along the water.
Absolutely! The Mirador al Lago Rivadavia offers spectacular panoramic views. Many spots along the drive and trails provide excellent photo opportunities of the lake and mountains.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options directly at Lago Rivadavia are very limited. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic, especially if you plan to spend a full day exploring the park. Nearby towns like Cholila or Esquel offer more dining choices.
Yes, picnicking is a great option! There are often designated picnic areas within Parque Nacional Los Alerces. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to help preserve the park's natural beauty.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch. Consider items that are easy to transport and consume outdoors. Don't forget reusable containers and bags for waste.
The closest significant grocery stores will be in towns like Esquel or Cholila. It's recommended to stock up on supplies before heading into the national park.
While some visitor centers might offer limited snacks or souvenirs, dedicated food services are generally not available within the park. Plan to bring your own provisions.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mirador al Lago Rivadavia viewpoint is a must for panoramic shots. The shores of the lake itself, the Rivadavia River Circuit trail, and any pull-offs along the scenic drive offer incredible photo opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and golden hues. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical, painting the landscape in stunning colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.
While dedicated photography tours might be rare, local guides or tour operators in Esquel or Trevelin might offer excursions that cater to scenic photography. It's worth inquiring locally.
The vibrant turquoise color of the glacial water, the surrounding Patagonian forests (lengas and coihues), the majestic mountains, and the reflections on the lake's surface are all incredibly photogenic.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit