Llao Llao Hotel & Resort

Llao Llao is one of South America’s best-known and most unique hotels, located in scenic northwestern Patagonia, between Lake Moreno and Lake Nahuel Huapi, at the feet of snow-capped peaks, offering postcard views in every direction. The hotel was built in 1940, in the style of one of Canada’s grand mountain lodge hotels, with exposed cypress timbers, massive stone fireplaces, and Norman tile roofs. It’s hard to imagine a more dramatic setting, equally alluring in summer or winter, with easy access to golfing, water sports, and some of Argentina’s best skiing—with the added benefit of off-season novelty, for travelers from the Northern hemisphere.

And as long as we’re mentioning such practical considerations as the ability to ski in July, it’s worth pointing out that due to recent economic developments, a stay at Llao Llao is quite a bit more affordable than one would have any right to expect. The more extravagant suites are still priced as luxuries, but the standard rooms are downright affordable, and though no interior design showcase, they are eminently comfortable and well-appointed—and most importantly, all of them come with picture-perfect views of the mountains or one of the lakes.

The hotel offers all the services expected of a top-class resort, including an international restaurant, La Patagonia, a spa and health club, and a golf course. The activities, of course, don’t stop at the hotel’s gates—there’s a ski rental and shuttle service, fishing expeditions, and the staff can arrange raft trips, condor watching, safaris, and long-distance treks for the more adventurous guests.

How to get there: Llao Llao is a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires. Flights come into San Carlos de Bariloche airport and from there it is a 22 mile drive.