Villa Traful is located within Nahuel Huapi National Park and is one of the towns included in the Ruta de los Siete Lagos. In Los Lagos Department, the town sits on the shore of Lago Traful, surrounded by Coihue forests and the landscapes of the Andean-Patagonian mountain range. The lake, forest, and mountains are thus joined by two distinct points of reference: the national park and the regional route.

Lago Traful and Things to Do Locally

One special destination on the lake is the Bosque Sumergido. Boat trips on Lago Traful take visitors to an underwater forest of about 60 dead cypress trees rising from the lakebed. The approximate number and condition of the trees give the excursion its specific focus: it is about a forest beneath the water’s surface, not an ordinary woodland walk.

Fishing is also one of Villa Traful’s main attractions. Fishing waters include the Río Machónico and Pichi Traful, Lago Traful, and Arroyo Catarata. They provide habitat for landlocked salmon as well as rainbow, brook, and Fontinalis trout. Local fishing regulations may vary, so check the applicable rules before fishing.

Those who prefer to explore on foot can go trekking through native forests. In Los Lagos Department, hiking, birdwatching, and fly fishing are also listed among the activities available in Villa Traful. Horseback riding offers another option. The excursion to Cascada Coa Có is considered a must-see stop for visitors.

Culture in Los Lagos Department

Another aspect of the town is Capilla Nuestra Señora de Traful. In Los Lagos Department, the chapel in Villa Traful is part of the Camino de la Fe Neuquino, a tourist and cultural route through Neuquén Province. Its simple architecture features stone walls, a gabled roof, and a small bell tower. This offers a way to complement a nature-focused stay with a cultural point of interest, without conflating the chapel with the experiences on the lake.

Ruta de los Siete Lagos and Trip Planning

The route can be traveled by bicycle or motorcycle. With overnight stays at various campsites, the journey can take three or four days. This estimate refers to traveling along the Ruta with the overnight stays mentioned, not to a stay in Villa Traful alone. Seasonal conditions may affect access, so check them before setting out.

For context in Los Lagos Department: The 110-kilometer Ruta de los Siete Lagos connects San Martín de los Andes with Villa La Angostura and crosses parts of Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks. Villa Traful is one of the towns included in the route. Ruta Provincial 65 connects the town to the Ruta de los Siete Lagos.

A government post published on January 5, 2026, reported that paving work on Ruta Provincial 65 had resumed following a weather-related closure. The aim of the work was to improve road access and traffic safety and to integrate Villa Traful into the region’s tourist corridor. As road conditions can change, it is advisable to check for updates before setting out.

When looking for accommodation in Villa Traful, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on during your trip: do you want to make boat trips, fishing waters, and other local activities the main focus, or are you planning a multi-day journey along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos?

Discover more destinations: La Lipela, Andacollo.

See the broader travel overview: Neuquén.