Argentina is in the southern part of South America. It has a total area of 2,780,400 km² (1,074,850 sq. mi), which makes it the eighth-largest country in the world. The Spanish and Portuguese first came here in the 1400s, but it was not until the early 1500s that the Spanish built a permanent town.
It has about 45.85 million people (2021). The country has 38 provinces and one special city. In 1536, Pedro de Mendoza, the first governor of the Río de la Plata Province, started Buenos Aires, which is now Argentina’s capital.
The name Buenos Aires means “Good Air” in Spanish and was chosen because of the fresh air in the city. People also call it the “Paris of South America” because of its French-style buildings.
Argentina has many beautiful lakes, and if you have never been, you should go. Some must-see ones are Lake Nahuel Huapi with its glacier, Bogotá with its strange rock shapes, the salt lakes, and many others.
These lakes have clear blue water and amazing natural beauty. People visit them to go boating, swimming, fishing, camping, and hiking. Here are ten of the most beautiful lakes you should see in Argentina.
#1 Nahuel Huapi Lake; Argentina
Nahuel Huapi Lake is a large lake in the Andes Mountains of Argentina. It is inside Nahuel Huapi National Park and is the biggest lake in Argentina by how much water it holds. It is also the second biggest in South America after Lake Titicaca.
It is 220 kilometers long and 70 kilometers wide, with a surface area of 12,400 square kilometers.
Because it is close to the Andes, many people visit this lake. Visitors often stay for a few days.
If you plan to see the lake, check the weather, because winters here can be very cold.
#2 Argentino Lake; Lago Argentino Department, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
Argentino Lake is the largest lake in Argentina at 2,300 square kilometers and also the largest natural lake in South America. It is in the northwest of Argentina, between Jujuy and Salta provinces, near the city of El Carmen de Olavarria.
It is filled by the Desaguadero River, La Piedra, and La Diamante, and stores water for the Villarrica and Salado rivers.
#3 Lácar Lake; Lácar Department, Neuquén Province, Argentina
Lácar Lake is in the Neuquén province and is said to be the easiest lake to reach in Argentina. It is 6 km long and 3 km wide, with a surface of 12 km², and 3,000 m² of it is water.
It is a blue lake surrounded by thick forest, making it perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. There are many plants and animals here, and several ways to travel to it.
Fishing, hiking, and bird-watching are popular here. This place also has a history of producing important people in Argentine politics and culture.
#4 Traful Lake; Los Lagos Department, Neuquén Province, Argentina
Traful Lake is the second biggest of the four lakes in Los Lagos Department, Neuquén Province. It is in the towns of Traful, Capilla del Monte, Los Yébenes, and Villas de Cura. It has an area of about 20,000 hectares and is quite deep, averaging 150 meters.
It is perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, hiking, cycling, and camping. The area is also rich with lakes, mountains, and waterfalls, making it great for nature lovers.
#5 General Carrera Lake; Lago Buenos Aires Department, Santa Cruz Province, Argentina
General Carrera Lake is in southern Argentina, south of Bariloche. It is inside a protected area, surrounded by Los Glaciares National Park and other parks.
Its history goes back to Spanish explorer Pedro de Mendoza, who built a fort here. At first, it was called “Lago General José de San Martín” but got the name “Lago Buenos Aires” in 1930.
Today, the lake is a big tourist spot with nature trails, a park, a zoo, and a resort with great views.
#6 Alumine Lake; Aluminé Department, Neuquén Province, Argentina
Alumine Lake is one of the largest lakes in Neuquén Province. It is on the east side of Neuquén city and is famous for its natural beauty. It has terraced shores, which you can see from the nearby river channel.
It is 196 km² in size and about 1.5 km deep. It was made when an older lake flooded. The water level is 1.98 meters above sea level.
The area is known for aluminum production, and the lake is part of that history.
It is also a great place for rock climbing, kitesurfing, and other water sports.
#7 Laguna del Diamante; San Carlos Department, Mendoza Province, Argentina
Laguna del Diamante is a large freshwater lake in a desert area of Argentina. It is also a national park and a popular tourist spot. The lagoon is about 105 km long, with an area of about 6,440 km².
It is the main water source for San Carlos city, home to over 100,000 people. People can swim, surf, kite-surf, canoe, or paddleboard here. Animals like flamingos, pelicans, turtles, and dolphins live in the lagoon.
#8 Puelo Lake; Cushamen Department, Chubut Province, Argentina, in Patagonia
Puelo Lake is the biggest lake in Chubut Province and is like a calm oasis. A famous hiking path called Itapua leads to the lake, where there are beautiful waterfalls and rivers.
Long ago, the lake formed when a glacier melted. Birds from all over the world come here.
It is great for swimming, fishing, trekking, boating, camping, and horseback riding.
#9 Futalaufquen Lake; Futaleufú Department, Chubut Province, Argentina
Futalaufquen Lake is one of Patagonia’s most beautiful lakes. It is 400 meters long and 300 meters wide, with very clear water. Glaciers shaped its cliffs, creating waterfalls.
The Futaleufú Falls flow into the lake, and the area is full of plants and birds. A restoration project is working to return the lake to its original condition.
You can swim, camp, fish, boat, or hike here. This is where the Chubut River meets the Atlantic Ocean.
#10 Huechulafquen Lake; Huiliches Department, Neuquén Province, Argentina, in Patagonia
Huechulafquen Lake began about 9,000 years ago when the first people arrived. It is the second largest in Patagonia. A river from the Andes flows into it.
It is also called “Los Huiliches” and is part of Los Huiliches National Park.
Since the Inca times, the lake has been important for the region. It has a special ecosystem with many plants and animals. Fishing is the most popular activity here.
It also provides water and hydroelectric power for the area.