Aguas Arriba Lodge, located 37 kilometres north of El Chaltén and just 5 kilometres from the Chilean border, offers a serene retreat on the shores of Lago del Desierto.
Location
Reached only by boat or on foot, Aguas Arriba Lodge is wonderfully off-grid. It sits on the forested edge of Lago del Desierto, deep in Argentine Patagonia, with breathtaking views across the water to Mount Fitz Roy and the Vespignani Glacier. What we love most is the absolute sense of seclusion; no roads, just crisp mountain air and the stillness of the Andes.
Rooms
There are just six guest rooms, each one warm, inviting and designed to showcase the setting. Big windows look onto the lake or forest, with handcrafted timber interiors, cosy beds, and thoughtful details like heated towel rails and vintage textiles. Guests love the quiet, the light, and the way the landscape seems to pour in through the glass. The two corner suites are especially lovely, framing twin glacier views.
Amenities
Inside, the lodge is relaxed and homely. There’s a small library, a crackling fireplace, and communal spaces where you can swap stories or sit with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the peaks.
There’s no swimming pool, but the lakeside setting is incredibly restorative – many guests simply sit out on the deck with a book or walk down to the water’s edge.
Meals are a real highlight: homemade, hearty, and often using produce from the lodge garden – think fresh-caught trout, traditional Patagonian stews, and recipes passed down through generations.
Activities
Each evening, you’ll plan your next day with your guide – whether you fancy a gentle walk to a hidden waterfall or a longer hike through glacier valleys. You can try your hand at fly fishing, head out birdwatching, or simply explore the stillness of the surrounding forest. Activities are tailored to your pace, and everything is included.
Sustainability
Aguas Arriba is committed to low-impact living. Power comes from renewable sources, toiletries are eco-friendly, and food is made with minimal waste in mind. The lodge was built by hand using native wood, and its operations follow strict conservation guidelines to preserve this pristine part of Patagonia. Wildlife is also carefully protected. Aguas Arriba mkeeps records of local fauna, including endangered huemules (South Andean deer).
Let me help you create your perfect Argentina holiday.
Best places to stay in El Calafate
El Calafate Trip Inspiration
Speak to a Argentina Holidays expert today
and start planning your tailor-made vacation
Amanda
Argentina Holidays Expert
