Las Balsas
PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
Set within the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park in its own private nature reserve, Las Balsas is a secluded lakeside hideaway that feels more like a private Patagonian home than a hotel. Originally built as a private house in the late 80’s, it opened its doors to guests shortly after. Not only is it the first Relais and Chateaux property in Latin America, but it is also the first hotel in Argentina to achieve B Corp status, offering travellers a carbon neutral stay.
There are 20 well designed rooms and villas which boast expansive lake views. 10 rooms are housed in the main lodge, and the remaining 10 contemporary villas are tucked into the forested hillside, with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces.
Against a stunning backdrop provided by the Andes, guests can explore the surrounding Patagonian landscape on guided walks, horseback rides, sailing trips and other outdoor excursions such as kayaking, fly fishing and wild swimming as well as skiing in the winter months.
Particularly appealing after a day spent exploring the wilderness is Las Balsas’ Spa which overlooks Nahuel Huapi. It features a heated infinity pool, year-round outdoor hot tub, sauna, gym, treatment rooms and relaxation areas. The hotel’s private dock also provides a wonderfully peaceful setting to reflect upon each day’s adventure.
Las Balsas’ restaurant focuses on Patagonian produce interpreted through Latin American and European influences, with an emphasis on sophisticated yet unfussy cuisine. Guests can choose from half board, full board or all inclusive programs.
For those seeking to experience Argentina’s Lake District without sacrificing comfort, Las Balsas strikes the right balance. Its exquisite scenery does most of the talking, and the cosy ambience, friendly service and delicious cuisine offer a quietly polished way to experience this corner of Patagonia.
Quick Facts
Number of Rooms: 20 in total. 10 rooms in the main lodge and 10 villas.
Room Categories & Descriptions:
Atelier Lago (4)
20m2 Queen or Twin bed Lakeview Bathtub with shower Located in the lodge
Studio Suite (3)
45m2 King or Twin bed Lakeview Sitting Area with desk Separate bath and shower * Located in the lodge
Corner Suite (3)
65m2 King or Twin Bed Corner position Lakeview Sitting Area with desk Separate bath and shower located in the lodge
Lake Villa (8)
120m2 King or Twin Bed Standalone structure set into the forest slope above the main house . Floor-to-ceiling glass windows Private terrace Lakeview Sitting Area with desk * Separate bath and shower
*The furthest Lakeview Villa is located only 100 m from the lodge. Access is via a clearly marked and illuminated pathway.
Butterfly Villa (2 suites comprising 1 villa)
This shares the same architecture as the villas, the difference is the configuration: two identical bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, connected by a private entrance hall. Designed for four — two couples or a family — with the privacy of two separate rooms and the ease of a shared space to return to.
** Extra beds are available in Studio Suites, Corner Suites & Villas.
Booking Options:
Half Board: Breakfast & Dinner * Two massage treatments per room
Special Full Board: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Two massage treatments per room Return airport transfers (Bariloche)
Beyond Inclusive: 3-night stay in a Lakeview Villa Return airport transfers (Bariloche)
Breakfast, Lunch (three-course menu with non-alcoholic beverages), Tasting menu dinner with wine pairing Spa & Wellness: daily 50-minute massage per person Beverages and minibar included Two guest selected excursions: navigation, kayaking, trekking, fly fishing or horseback riding Immersive trail within the Las Balsas Nature Reserve
Dates of Operation: Open Year Round
Membership: Relais & Chateaux, B Corp
Amenities: Rooms have Organico amenities, Illy Coffee Machine, pillow menu, bathrobe & slippers, minibar, in room safe, smart TV and free WIFI
Spa & Wellness: Heated Infinity Pool with Lake Views Year Round Outdoor Hot Tub Sauna Gym Treadmills Rowing Bike Weights Treatment Rooms * Relaxation Lounges
“Raised on stilts, with wall-sized windows and private balconies, these eye-catching glass-and-wood structures immerse guests in the dramatic landscapes of the Argentine Lake District without stinting on comfort — as befitting a hotel with both B Corp certification and Relais & Châteaux membership.”
— National Geographic Traveller
Rates & Key Info
Sustainability
Las Balsas takes a practical, locally focused approach to sustainability. After a long and rigorous external evaluation, it joined the B Corp community in 2021(the first hotel in Argentina) and was recertified in 2025 - a major milestone and a testament to Las Balsas’ commitment to sustainability . Its programme centres on reducing its environmental footprint, supporting the local economy and protecting the surrounding landscape. It operates a 15-hectare private reserve of native forest and wetland, treats and reuses its wastewater, has eliminated single-use plastics and uses composting to reduce waste. Much of its supply chain is local, with 79% of suppliers based in the area, while the hotel also supports local employment and biodiversity monitoring.
www.lasbalsas.com/sustainability
Seasonal Temperatures and What to Bring
Patagonia’s weather varies significantly by season, so we recommend dressing in layers and bringing appropriate outdoor clothing.
● Summer (December – March): Temperatures typically range from 10°C to 25°C. We recommend light clothing, a fleece or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings, and a light waterproof jacket.
● Autumn (March – June): Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C. Warm layers, a medium-weight jacket, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
● Winter (June – September): Temperatures range from -5°C to 10°C. Warm winter clothing is essential, including a heavy jacket, thermal layers, hat, gloves, scarf, and waterproof footwear.
● Spring (September – December): Temperatures range from 5°C to 18°C. Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are recommended, as conditions can change quickly.
NB. The dresscode for the restaurant is smart / casual. Sportswear, beachwear, and overly casual clothing are not recommended during dinner service.
“Visitors come to cast for trout in streams and lakes on the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, practise their downhill at the 20-piste Cerro Bayo ski resort, or hike from town across a narrow isthmus to Los Arrayanes national park. They return each night to sip Malbec in a candlelit snug, sample the Patagonian trout, venison and lamb… or soothe aching muscles in the well-equipped, stone-built spa next door.”
— Condé Nast Traveller
Property Location
Las Balsas is located 3km from the centre of Villa La Angostura, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi in the Province of Neuquén in Argentine Patagonia. The hotel is located 83km from Bariloche Airport (1.5 hours by car) and 135km from Chapelco airport (2 hours 40 mins by car). Guests can also arrive at Las Balsas by boat.
Property Video
“Near the border of Chile lies Nahuel Huapi Lake, one of South America’s deepest and prettiest lakes — with, beside it, one of its most delightful summer houses.”
— The Times
