SPRING

The snowfalls continue but with less intensity and more sporadic. The brown capuchin, Andean and cook gulls begin to arrive, the geese arrive and begin their courtship to form pairs and procreate, in November you can already see the pairs with their young on the beaches of the lakes, the bird life fills the lakes, cormorants, spectacled ducks, large macaws, flying ducks, coots, herons, royal tero, bald-faced bandurrias, really a visual spectacle and also for the ears.

The trout have already completed their spawning cycle in the streams and come down to the lakes challenging the anglers who start to enjoy the days in lakes, streams and rivers very early in the morning.

Rafting paradise time, it is the best season of the year to come and practice this sport. On a world scale of 1 to 5 in the fierceness of the waters of the rivers, the Aluminé from October to November has 4+.

The trails are cleared of snow, only patches remain, ideal for mountain biking or trekking to viewpoints where your senses will feel more alive than ever.

On warmer days the activities on the lake return. Boat rides, kayaks, sailboats, water bikes, stand up paddle are some of the services that the destination offers.

The terraces of the bars, restaurants and cafés are becoming more and more crowded, a craft beer, a cider, a delicious drink are the gift after a whole day touring this Andean region.

SUMMER

Summer is the season of mainly blue and green colours. It is the season where lakes, rivers and streams are most enjoyed. If the idea is to rest and contemplate the lakes from one of the more than 100 beaches of the Aluminé and Moquehue lakes, this is the right place. Solitary, hidden, small, extensive, remote, close beaches, every day you can discover a new one and the necessary relaxation to contemplate the mountains that frame each beach. The average temperature of the water is 19ºC and the daytime temperature can reach 30ºC. In the lakes there are guided boat rides where you can discover Villa Pehuenia or Moquehue from other views, listen to the whisper of the wind shaking the sails in a sailboat ride, in kayak feel the freedom of going around the lakes and go to all the remote corners, making a stop in one of the silent islands that are scattered around the lakes, in pedal boats you will enjoy with the little ones the calm waters of the lakes. 

There are not only activities on the surface, snorkelling and scuba diving in these lakes with 20 metres clear water allows excellent visibility, the Aluminé and Moquehue lakes are a great option, submerged trees, shoals of small trout, strange rock formations, molluscs, a whole background to discover.

The green of the forests intensifies in the summers, the Araucarias Araucanas, an endemic species that grows naturally from Caviahue to Junín de los Andes and also in the same strip on the Chilean side, are accompanied by leafy forests of lengas, ñires, coihues and radales, all with different tonalities that when crossing the forests merge their crowns with the intense blue of the sky. The forests are experienced with many activities that invite you to discover them.

AUTUMN

In activities such as trekking, fishing, lake walks, bird watching, among others, the focus will be on the Patagonian mountains and forests; immersions in a normally dry climate with varied temperatures that gradually decrease as the season progresses.

Trekking is one of the most practised activities in this season, where you can use all your senses, going for a walk immersed in Patagonian forests with light blue and grey skies. Giving the gift of unique sounds, such as the sound of a giant woodpecker looking for food in the trees, the sound of the Huet huet, a walking bird that hides in the bushes, the chirping of the Patagonian comeebo, a little bird of yellow, blue and black colours that looks for insects, seeds, larvae before an autumn shower, these are the beautiful sounds of nature.

Cinco Lagunas and the Batea Mahuida volcano are the best circuits for mountain biking. All in the same place with different charms waiting to be discovered.

From the lake, see the forests painted in bright colours with the contrast of the intense blue of the lakes, the green of the radales, coihues and Araucanía always with leaves all year round, this experience is lived in the lake trips by boat or sailboat. 

In autumn, Villa Pehuenia and Moquehue are celebrating. This is when the Patagonian Chef Festival takes place, the most important culinary event in Patagonia, bringing together chefs from all the provinces that make up Patagonia Argentina and neighbouring chefs from Chile. Master classes, regional food stalls and local and regional artisanal beverages come together for a true feast for the palate and the senses for 3 days.

WINTER

Only 15 minutes from the commercial and civic centre of Villa Pehuenia and from the centre of Moquehue, you will find the "Batea Mahuida Snow Park", located in Mapuche territory and managed by the Mapuche Puel Community.

http://www.cerrobateamahuida.com/ - only 30 minutes drive from La Balconada by DOT Boutique

Admission to the mountain is free. A lift pass is charged to access the ski slopes. The lift pass is paid by those who want to ski or snowboard on the slopes and includes unlimited access to all lifts depending on the period of time purchased.

The slopes chosen for skiing and snowboarding are optimal for snow accumulation and wind protection. The main slope called Monkol (the cultural and natural name of the place where the T-bar is located), which is 700 metres long, is 1,700 metres above sea level.

Another slope, called Chankin, is 150 metres long, with a ski lift, a poma or ski lift. It also has a toboggan run exclusively for children.

Rafting in winter is enjoyed in some sectors of the river that allow you to navigate with the raft and the strength of your arms.