The reservoir and sandy landscape shape the scenery of El Nihuil: the Dunas del Nihuil cover 30,000 hectares, and their dunes reach up to 200 meters high. Water sports and walks along the shore add to the appeal. When choosing where to stay, both the options in Villa El Nihuil and your planned activities are worth considering.
Villa El Nihuil as a place to stay
Provincial Route 173 connects San Rafael with Valle Grande and El Nihuil along a route that is 85 kilometers long in total. Villa El Nihuil lies on the reservoir’s right bank and brings together essential services for visitors. A peaceful stay is also part of the destination’s character. Accommodation options include campsites, cabins, and hotels; restaurants and shops for everyday needs round out the amenities. This means visitors can find different types of accommodation in one place. As individual businesses may change, check the availability of the specific accommodation when planning your trip.
Sandy landscapes and land-based activities
The vast expanse of the Dunas del Nihuil and their dunes, which reach up to 200 meters high, make the desert landscape a striking feature of a stay here. The dunes have been a stage for the Dakar Rally several times; this is a historical connection, not a claim that the race will return. Sandboarding is one of the main activities in the Dunas. 4x4 and off-road tours through the sand are also offered in the dunes. A 4x4 vehicle and a guide or group are recommended for these drives. Quad activities at El Nihuil take place on controlled circuits and dirt tracks.
Water sports and activities along the shore
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are listed as activities at El Nihuil; wind and water conditions vary. Kayaking on calm lake waters or stretches of river is considered suitable for beginners and families. Canoeing is described as using light, stable boats on calm lake water. Stand-up paddleboarding focuses on balance and being in contact with the water. Boating at El Nihuil is described as taking place on calm water, in either a motorboat or a sailboat.
Sport fishing is also mentioned at El Nihuil: for silverside and trout, from the shore or a boat. The different options can help you choose according to your preferred focus: windsurfing and kitesurfing are subject to changing wind and water conditions, while kayaking, canoeing, and boating are associated with calm water. For sport fishing, the shore and a boat offer two different options.
If you prefer to get around on foot, walks along the shores of El Nihuil offer an outdoor experience. This gives you different interests to choose from when planning your trip: sandboarding and dune tours, water sports and boating activities, or time by the shore. You can tailor your stay to your preferred focus rather than treating these options as a single itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Las Paredes, San Rafael, El Sosneado, Rama CaĂda, Punta Del Agua, RincĂłn Del Atuel, Pedro Vargas, Salto De Las Rosas.
For the broader travel overview: San Rafael Department.
