Estancia Peuma Hue

Those who love hiking and trekking are spoilt for choice here. A large variety of trails will see you cross pristine forest, ancient rocks, ledges, canyons, landslides, gorges, hilltops and stunning waterfalls with beautiful views over the Gutiérrez and Mascardi lakes.

Trek as you enjoy most – with 500 acres to explore you can walk for as long or short as you like and easily link to the largest trekking network in Argentina (within the National Park) with no need for transfers. Peuma Hue is also strategically located on the Huella Andina long distance trail, a chain of trekking paths, shelters and a myriad of services on the backbone of the North Patagonian Andes. Take a more peaceful walk through the ancient valley, or follow the sound of gushing water as you trek towards different waterfalls which are so pure that you can drink the water.

There are several guided hikes that you can book onto, with 10 main trails meeting different interests, levels of difficulty and of varying lengths. From gentle 30-min walks to 6-hr treks. You can also hike self-guided if you prefer; you'll be provided with sketches and details of different highlights along the way, whilst trails are also marked with coloured ribbons to make them easier to follow.

Stunning views and rides of different levels of expertise are offered within 500 acres of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, suitable for beginners and experts alike.

Rides begin at the stables, where your guide selects a horse for you and provides the necessary equipment – helmet and half chaps. After checking expertise and providing instructions, set off on your chosen trail. Rides cover flat terrain within the valley, mountain terrain up the surrounding slopes and through forest. The horses, incredibly trained by a horse-whisperer, even swim in the lake with guests.

The location of Peuma Hue sitting east from the D'Agostini Peak means that prevailing winds come from the west for most of the year. This provides calm waters for kayaking, protected by the mountain. The lakeside is surrounded by native forest, with huge coihue trees extending their arms into the waters, waterfalls running into the lake, sunken trees seen through crystal clear waters and fuchsias and other wild flowers growing along the shore.

Paddling on the lake is magical. The views are amazing; the peace strikes your soul. You can paddle as long as you wish, perhaps to the facing beaches at the peninsula at Bahía Muñoz, while watching trout jumping in front of your kayak. Fishing is also offered, either from the beach, lakeside or at the mouth of creeks running into the lake.

Two fantastic full-day rafting excursions are offered, with all river gear provided as well as transfers, guides and lunch. Experience the currents of the Lower Manso, traversing Class II and III rapids such as the Uvasal, Banda de Billar (Billard edge) and Montaña Rusa (Rollercoaster), seeing the local flora, birds and fish as you navigate the surroundings of high peaks and lush forest. You'll have lunch on a sandy beach and be able to swim in the crystal clear waters if the weather is warm. 

The Class III and IV option will have you travel to the southern edge of the Nahuel Hupai National Park to arrive at John's Ranch, from where you will begin sailing down the last section of the Manso in Argentina. At first you'll be struck by the quietness of the river, then its more impetuous nature will set in as you take on a host of thrilling rapids, crossing through narrow canyons to reach the likes of the Agujero de Ozono (Ozone hole), Garganta Profound (Deep gorge) and Huevo Revuelto (Scrambled egg).

When we allow ourselves to pause, we can reflect and connect with ourselves and our surroundings with a more conscious, authentic approach.

This full-day experience helps to achieve this goal. We start with an introductory talk, shared reflections, meditation and a short yoga practice.

We then take a mindful walk through the forest, stopping at different points amongst by mountains, creeks and waterfalls and at a hilltop with 360° views. All the while engaging in contemplation and connecting with ourselves and nature.

A massage session is also included in this wellbeing package.

Located in North Patagonia, Peuma Hue embeds in one place all of the natural environments that the region has to offer: 500 acres of land within the Nahuel Huapi National Park in the Lake District, two miles of coastline on Lake Gutierrez and 25 miles of local hiking trails home to Mt Catedral, pristine forests, creeks and waterfalls.

Peuma Hue is well connected and easily accessible. It's just a 35-min drive from the international airport, 25mins from downtown San Carlos de Bariloche, and 35mins from Mt Catedral ski resort.

Transfers can be provided to most of these places and other surrounding areas. The flight from Buenos Aires to San Carlos de Bariloche is 2hrs.

Peuma Hue prides itself on providing an unforgettable dining experience. There is a varied gourmet offering, from typical Argentine and regional Patagonian dishes, to international cuisine. The focus is on balanced, healthy and delicious meals, prepared at home and using produce grown in the organic garden, greenhouse and orchard. Other produce tends to be sourced from local farmer's markets, supporting the community. Meals are accompanied with top-rated regional wines and microbrew beers.

Guests with all-inclusive itineraries can look forward to buffet breakfasts, lunches, afternoon snacks and dinners. The lodge operates a fixed menu, carefully designed for each season and according to available produce. Dietary restrictions and personal wishes can be accommodated where requested in advance.

Bookings for wine tasting evenings can also be made. In addition, cooking lessons and cooking retreats are offered (retreats require a minimum of six guests).

The animals of Peuma Hue are an important aspect of the true essence of life throughout the property; sharing their unconditional love and easy-going attitude. Horses, dogs, cats and the Patagonian wildlife roam freely around the land. The golden retriever 'boys' are always willing to play tour guide and join you on the various mountain trails, whilst the border collies take care of the horses and accompany every ride.

Whether it is a giant condor landing on a ledge to say hello and then soaring into the thermals of the Andes winds, a silver-tailed fox peaking from behind the 'colihue' bamboo, or a European hare whizzing by, the serene atmosphere of the lodge supports the interaction and harmony of the animals in their natural habitat.

The Poplar House is the main building of the Estancia, where all the guests gather and meals are served.

It has two double rooms on the ground floor, both with lake views. On the upper floor there is another spacious double room with impressive lake views and the Master Suite, with its own balcony, a double jacuzzi and large windows overlooking the lake, bay and mountain.

Located 150m from the Poplar House, across a creek with a hanging bridge, the Radal House has a beautiful shared living room with a fireplace, dining room and fully equipped kitchen, all featuring lake views. It has four private rooms (though the house can be requested as a whole): two on the upper floor and two on the ground floor, each with a private bathroom.

The double room on the upper floor is one of the most beautiful rooms, with its own fireplace and a spectacular view of the lake. Facing it is the Establo room, with mountains and valley views and twin beds. The lower floor has two double rooms with lake and mountain views, as well as a roofed garage with a grill.

The Coihue Villa has two double rooms (one upstairs and one downstairs), each with a full bathroom, a cozy living room with a wood-burning stove, a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen.

It is located 50m from the Poplar House, in front of the organic orchard and framed by the creek. It has a big park, a roofed garage with a grill and lake views from all rooms.

The Creek Cabin can lodge between two and four guests. It has a double room and a living room with two additional beds, a cozy fireplace, fully equipped kitchenette, bathroom (shower, no bathtub) and views to the creek and the mountain.

It’s located 100m from the Poplar House, in front of the organic orchard and a small creek.

Hear the birds sing and feel the breeze dance as you sit beneath ancient trees in the midst of the forest, from the comfort of your own yurt. Peuma Hue's newest accommodation allows guests to blend two worlds: full immersion in nature and the luxury and sophistication of a lodge room.

There are two yurts on the property, located about 200m from the main lodge. They share a deck overlooking the lake's beach and are natural in style and designed to be in keeping with the surroundings. Both are 16ft in diameter and include king-size beds, sofas and bathrooms, as well as Wi-Fi, heating and electricity.