Nature Activities

Visitors to Rio Manso lodge are surrounded by the natural beauty of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Established in 1934, it is not only the oldest national park in Argentina, but the largest of the parks in this region with an area of nearly 2 million acres. From the lodge, guests can view the snow covered peaks of the Andes, highlighted by impressive Mount Tronador, and the lush forest surrounding the lodge. This area is home to many rare plant and animal species.

Our guided activities include:

There are a multitude of guided hikes available from the lodge that range from simple excursions into the woods or walks to the nearby waterfall, to more involved expeditions climbing the surrounding mountain peaks of the Andes. Day hikers near the lodge will be able to explore the temperate Patagonian forest and perhaps glimpse local fauna such as fox, pudu (deer), or even the elusive puma.

Suggested Hiking Day Trip #1: Hike to Segunda Cascada (Second Fall) on the Rio Manso. This is an easy 1 hour hike to the waterfall, where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch and views of the river, forest and surrounding mountains. Hike back to the lodge.

Suggested Hiking Day Trip #2: Hike to the top of a nearby Mount Martin. It's a 2 hour hike to the top which offers great views of the area, including some amazing old growth forest on the mountain top and a small mountain lake surrounded by wild flowers. 2 hour ascent, picnic lunch at the top, 1½ hour return descent to the lodge.

Extended Expedition: For those who desire more of a challenge, we can arrange guided expeditions to the higher peaks in the region, including Cerro Tronador, where it is possible to spend the night on the mountain and even ski the glacier with a guide if you are especially adventurous.

Our birding walks and expeditions are usually led by Dr. Lorenzo Sympson, a noted authority on Andean condors, and founding member and head of the ornithological committee of SNAP (Sociedad Naturalista Andino Patagonica), a regional NGO dedicated to the conservation of Patagonia's unique ecosystems. He participated in the re-introduction of captive bred condors in Patagonia, and is the coordinator of a program designed for researching their biology and behavior. Dozens of species are found in the area including the Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Parakeets, the endangered Torrent Duck, and the Andean Condor.

Suggested Birding Day Trip #1: Spend a day exploring the local habitat for the spectacular Magellanic woodpecker.

Suggested Birding Day Trip #2: Hike into the mountains to view a condor nest or a roosting ledge and see these spectacular birds up close.

We offer several ways to explore the waters of the surrounding park: our Motorized Boat Tour of the lakes, or a River Float Trip. Both will take you into areas that are unreachable on foot, and give you the opportunity to see more of the beautiful Patagonia forest and ecosystem. You can combine them with a Birding Trip for even more enjoyment. There are miles of Class I-III rapids to float near the lodge, as well as wilder waters further down river.

Whitewater Rafting is available for those looking to let it all hang out! Class II – IV waters will test the mettle of even the most adventurous. The best whitewater rafting in the park is not far from the lodge on the lower Manso River, and easily accessible.
Full day trip Kayaking both in lakes and rivers close to the lodge is another way to explore the local area in a relaxed fashion. Full or part day activity.

Suggested Water Day Trip #1: Float the Rio Manso starting above the lodge near the Blue Cut. Stop for lunch on the river bank, or on a gravel bar. Explore a small spring to look for trout. Finish up with a ride across Lago Hess and through the channels to the lodge.

Suggested Water Day Trip #2: After a short drive to Lago Fonck, take a boat tour of both Fonck Chico and Lago Fonck. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach at the far end of lake. Look for condors along the towering basalt cliffs that surround the lake.

All our programs are custom designed taking into account your physical condition, as well as your interests.

Many of our guests are happy relaxing at the lodge, taking a sauna, reading by the fireplace, or just taking in the view. We can arrange a massage for you or a wine tasting just as easily. No matter what you choose to do, our attentive staff is always there to serve you and address your needs. And when the day’s activities are over, you’ll enjoy our outstanding cuisine and excellent wines.

Riding at Rio Manso Lodge provides a rare glimpse into the surrounding pristine forest. The lodge is located in the southern part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by lakes and rivers, snow capped mountains and hanging glaciers.

We have opened several riding trails thru the lush evergreen forest that lead to secluded places such as lagoons, cascades, lakes and rivers. Most of our programs are easy to medium difficulty. All of our trips are guided by an experienced English-speaking horseman who is adept at helping you spot wildlife.

Our horses are young, sturdy animals that have been raised in the back country, used to moving around our dense forests and very tame, ideal for inexperienced riders, but still fun when cantering comes into mind!

Some Sample Day Programs

# 1 Lago Fonck
Distance covered: 10 km round trip.
Difficulty: moderate, ideal for cantering at times in open spaces.
Duration: half day.
Highlights: great views of Mount Tronador and Lago Fonck.

# 2 Second Fall
Distance covered: 6 km round trip.
Difficulty: easy to moderate, mostly at walking pace.
Duration: half day.
Highlights: picturesque set of waterfalls.

# 3 Third Fall
Distance covered: 10 km round trip.
Difficulty: moderate, mostly at walking pace thru the rain forest.
Duration: full day, lunch by the waterfalls of the Rio Manso.
Highlights: untouched stretch of river only accessed on horseback or walking.

# 4 Lago Roca
Distance covered: 5 km round trip.
Difficulty: easy to moderate.
Duration: half day, mostly walking thru the forest and cantering on the beach.
Highlights: Alerce forest along the shore (native sequoia type of tree).

2 Day Riding/Hiking
This expedition to the top of Mt. Granitico combines horseback riding and hiking over 2 days. Day 1: Ride through untouched forest to a high meadow near the summit (2,200 meters or 7,200 ft altitude – elevation gain 4,500 ft). We’ll overnight in tents. Day 2: Hike to the top of the mountain with incredible views of Mt Tronador and the Rio Manso Valley (1 hour) and descend hiking 4 hours back to the lodge.