The best hikes around Villa Pehuenia
Accessible trails and half-day treks with views of the lake and the mountains.
Villa Pehuenia is, quite literally, built between two lakes. Lake Aluminé and Lake Moquehue frame a landscape of ancient araucaria forests —the pehuenes that give the town its name— with the Andes mountain range as a backdrop. This unique geography makes the area one of the best destinations in northern Patagonia for hiking: there are options for those looking for a short walk after breakfast, as well as full-day circuits for those coming with more training.
Here we’ve put together the most recommended trails around Villa Pehuenia and Moquehue, along with their difficulty level and what to expect from each one, so you can plan your own hiking itinerary during your stay.
Before you set out: difficulty levels and recommendations
In the region, trekking is usually classified into four levels, from least to most physically demanding: from level 1 hikes, which require no prior preparation but involve several hours of walking and some uphill stretches, to level 4 outings that combine hiking with mountaineering and require experience. Most of the trails we recommend below are level 1 or 2, ideal for a half-day outing.
Before you go
- Register at the visitor information offices when required by the trail (several circuits cross Mapuche community lands and require sign-in to enter).
- Bring water, sun protection and hiking shoes, even on the shorter trails.
- Check trail conditions with the Tourism Office if you’re hiking outside the main season or in winter.
- Avoid leaving trash, lighting fires or camping outside designated areas.
Summary: the best hikes around Villa Pehuenia
Before getting into the details of each trail, this table works as a quick reference to help you choose based on the time and effort you want to put in:
| Trail | Difficulty | Duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Five Lagoons Circuit | Easy to moderate | Half day | Chain of lagoons and the Puel community |
| Cerro Impodi | Easy | 1-2 hours | View of the Andes mountain range |
| Mirador de las Antenas | Easy | 1-2 hours | Panoramic view of all the lakes |
| Chenque Co | Medium | ~2 hours | Lake Moquehue, Lepén Island and cultural value |
| Huella Andina (1st stage) | Moderate | Full day | 18 km between Villa Pehuenia and Moquehue |
Five Lagoons Circuit
This is probably the most popular outing for those staying in Villa Pehuenia. The route starts at La Angostura, the point where Lake Aluminé and Lake Moquehue meet, and heads into land belonging to the Puel Mapuche community. It can be done on foot, by bike or by car (at a slow pace, so as not to miss the lookout points), stringing together Laguna Verde, Laguna Melehue, Cari Laufquén and Kechulafquen, among others. At the Kechulafquen campsite, it’s common to find crafts and regional sweets made by the community.
Trail to Cerro Impodi
South of Moquehue, along RP11 and very close to the border with Chile, a short trail climbs up Cerro Impodi. It’s one of the most accessible in the area, and even so, the reward is huge: from the summit you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes on both the Argentine and Chilean sides. Perfect for a one- to two-hour walk between breakfast and lunch.
Mirador de las Antenas, on the way to Batea Mahuida volcano
Along the road up to Batea Mahuida volcano, the Mirador de las Antenas offers a panoramic view of almost the entire lake and lagoon system of Villa Pehuenia. It’s a good option as a hike in itself or as the first stop on a longer day, if you also want to climb up to the volcano’s crater lagoon.
We’ve dedicated a separate post to this excursion, with all the details on timing and difficulty: Batea Mahuida: trekking and mountain views in summer.
Chenque Co interpretive trail (Moquehue)
Near the town of Moquehue, this medium-difficulty trail crosses a forest of araucarias and coihues up to a lookout point with views of Lake Moquehue and the legendary Lepén Island. Along the way there is interpretive signage about the area’s Mapuche culture, including a chenque (traditional burial site) where its meaning is explained to visitors.
First stage of the Huella Andina: Villa Pehuenia – Moquehue
For those looking for a longer trek, the first stage of the Huella Andina circuit —which connects Neuquén with Chubut along the entire mountain range— starts in Villa Pehuenia. The route leaves from the La Angostura bridge, crosses a pehuén forest with little elevation change, follows the shore of Lake Aluminé with Villa Pehuenia in the background, passes by Laguna Verde and the Puel community, and ends on the shore of Lake Moquehue, with its volcanic sand beaches ideal for resting before heading back. It’s about 18 km between the two towns, so it’s best organized as a full-day excursion or with return transport arranged.
New self-guided trails in Moquehue
In recent years, self-guided trails have been added in the Moquehue area, developed together with the local community to promote low-impact tourism. They’re a good alternative if you’d rather walk at your own pace, without depending on a guided tour schedule, and they’re usually well marked with informative signage about the Patagonian Andean forest.
What about winter?
The snow season doesn’t stop the hiking: it’s replaced by snowshoeing outings, crossing frozen streams and forests of lengas, cypresses, ñires and radales covered in snow. It’s a different — and very photogenic — way to explore the same landscapes.
If you’re thinking of coming in July or August, we cover more about this season in the post What winter is like in Pehuenia: skiing, snow and plenty of quiet.
Villa Pehuenia as a base for hiking
All of these hikes are just a short drive from downtown Villa Pehuenia, making it a comfortable base for putting together two or three days of hiking without having to change accommodations. At Bahíamía we’re just steps from the shore of Lake Aluminé, so after any of these circuits, relaxing with a lake view is right around the corner.
Frequently asked questions about hiking in Villa Pehuenia
What’s the best time of year for hiking in Villa Pehuenia?
The hiking season runs roughly from November to April, with trails clear of snow and longer days. In winter, the same landscapes are explored on snowshoes instead of on foot.
Do you need a guide for these hikes?
It’s not required on marked trails like Cerro Impodi or the Five Lagoons circuit, although it’s worth registering at the visitor information offices where requested. For the Huella Andina or full-day outings, a local guide adds safety and context.
Are there hikes suitable for families?
Yes. Cerro Impodi and the Mirador de las Antenas are short, easy-difficulty hikes, ideal for kids and adults with no prior training. The Five Lagoons circuit can also be done by car at a slow pace if you’d rather not walk the whole way.
Do you have to pay to enter the trails?
Some circuits, like the Five Lagoons one, cross land belonging to the Puel Mapuche community and usually have an entrance fee. We recommend checking the current rate with the Villa Pehuenia Tourism Office before heading out.
Where do the hikes start from if I’m staying at Bahíamía?
All the trails we mention are just a few minutes’ drive from our cabins, on the shore of Lake Aluminé. You can combine two or three different circuits without needing to change accommodations.
Still haven’t chosen where to stay?
Book your dates at Bahíamía and use our cabins on the shore of Lake Aluminé as your base for exploring all of these trails.
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