Villa la Angostura, tranquility and ecology in a very exclusive place
Small, just a few streets, calm, adorned with typical mountain architecture, surrounded by impenetrable forests and lakes in a mixture that once marveled Walt Disney himself.
Villa la Angostura, a tourist center in the province of Neuquén is but a few kilometers from Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes.
La Angostura was founded the 15 of May of 1932 and is thus called since it is located in the narrow (angostura) part of the peninsula of Quetrihué, in the heart of the National Park Nahuel Huapi.
Disney visited the zone decades ago and it is said that he was inspired by the Forest of Arrayanes (located a few kilometers from town) to create the landscapes for his famous film "Bambi".
But up to a few years ago the town was only a crossing site in the way to Chile. Nevertheless, with time, its the particular almost intact nature and landscape what the tourists chose to as their final destination.
to the town.
Thus, from 1994, this villa experiences an explosive growth like few in the country and its population goes up to around the 9,000 inhabitants. About 90 percent of them carry out work related to the tourist industry. Also the number of available beds increased, counting at the present time with about 2,000.
The arrival of the rich and famous gave Villa La Angostura a more exotic atmosphere and helped bring more tourists as the Villa grew. But beyond of that, there is something distinguishes it from other towns in the Andes. La Angostura has a rigid respect for nature and has decided to stay against all odds.
In the 2002, hundreds of neighbors, professionals and industrialists denounced and managed to close the construction of a large hotel on the shore of lake Nahuel Huapi because in order to build it many arrayanes and coihues had to be torn down.
In addition, La Angostura has decrees so as not to leave the planning of the city at random. It is only possible to construct with stone and wood, and the division of the lots is under control of the municipality.
What to do
Just crossing the streets of this calm and beautiful town is in itself a joy. There is also bicycling, walking or horse back riding to the peninsula of Quetrihue, where the Forest of Arrayanes is. In winter it is possible to ski and practice other winter sports in the Bay hill.
Summer is as good an option to visit. When it is warm, the Nahuel Huapi invites to throw yourself in its shores to sunbathe or practice water sports.
The fishermen will find a paradise in the Correntoso lake and river.