Villa Traful: Enjoying nature to the fullest
Located at the shore of Traful Lake, this town was born around 1937 to provide tourist infrastructure.
As properties are inside a National Park, there are strict regulations that residents must observe to protect the environment and to maintain the wild aspect of the area. The objective has been achieved. In Traful, you breath nature.
There are two ways of getting to the town. If you are driving along Road 237 (toward Bariloche), you must turn right at Confluencia (point where Traful and Limay Rivers meet) and take Provincial Road 65 (dust road). You will travel along Traful River’s valley for around 35 kilometers until you get to Villa Traful.
The other road to get there (which can also be the way out of the town) is the Seven Lakes Road (NR 234). If you go along that road from south to north (starting at Villa La Angostura and toward San Martin de los Andes), 40 kilometers away from Villa La Angostura, you will see the fork of Provincial Road 65 on your right. Following that road, you will drive across thick forests and beautiful scenery before you get to Villa Traful some 20 kilometers later. This access road can become difficult in winter, but it is usually in good condition during the summer.
Traful is a beautiful and peaceful town, very sparsely populated (a little more than 300 permanent residents), with stone and wooden houses scattered on the hillsides, some of which are very attractive.
Near the dock, you will find the park ranger’s house, the police station, the first aid room, the gas station, the post office, grocery stores, and so on. The area, despite the big tourist flow, is one of the few places where you can still find virgin nature. The town is amid beautiful, thick and inalterable native forests that offer the view of the Patagonian Andes in all their magnificence. The access road goes through part of these forests, creating a sight you cannot miss.
Very well known at national and international level for its ichthyological richness, this area has experienced intense fishing activities, in part due to the breeding of landlocked salmon (Salmo salar Sebago), which was introduced from the United States. In general, January is the month chosen by most fishermen, so it is advisable to make reservations beforehand to assure proper accommodation.
You can also go hiking, camping, and riding. There are very good, organized campsites and inns of different categories. You can also eat “a la carte”, or enjoy a tasteful afternoon snack in one of the two tea houses. For those who prefer living in nature, the area offers wonderful places for free camping. You just need to go along the access road for some kilometers to find the place for you.
Traful Lake
This lake is 70 square kilometers big and is located over a valley of glacial origin, which runs from East to West. It is an elongated lake, its shore showing great variations. In some areas, for example where the viewpoint is, the coast resembles a cliff and some kilometers away, you can find beautiful beaches where you can enjoy the lake’s fresh waters or camp.
The lake is surrounded by imposing peaks full of thick forests and usually covered with snow. There are countless areas suitable for fly-casting fishing along the coast, and it is also an ideal place to fish from boats.
Useful addresses
Tourist office
Tel fax: (02944) 47-9020
Police department
Tel. (02944) 47-9040