Lovers of the great outdoors who still appreciate a few creature comforts.
Lanin National Park, near San Martin de Los Andes in the Argentine Lake District.
Rio Hermoso has six modern, comfortable rooms, furnished in bold colours and built from wood and stone, all with views of the river that gives the hotel its name. The upstairs suites have private terraces. All rooms have TVs, room service and wi-fi internet.
The hotel’s big living room, complete with fireplace, a tv and dvd lounge, is the perfect place to collapse after a day in the fresh air. On warm evenings, sip a glass of Malbec and enjoy traditional Argentine finger food (‘picadas’) on the riverside terrace. Rio Hermoso's restaurant offers a seasonally inspired menu with Patagonian specialities creatively combined with fusion and international haute cuisine.
Hiking and horse riding in the surrounding area is excellent, along with fly fishing (from beginner to advanced level), skiing at nearby Mount Chapelco, kayaking local lakes and rivers, mountain biking, birdwatching and golf.
Organise a visit to a local Mapuche community to understand the way of life of Patagonia’s traditional inhabitants.