Destination Facts

• Official Name: Los Antiguos
• Type of Destination: Village
• Brief Description: A serene Patagonian village nestled between Lake Buenos Aires and the Andes, renowned for its cherry orchards and tranquil lakeside charm.
• Location: Northern Patagonia, near the Chile-Argentina border in Santa Cruz Province.
• Year Established/Founded: Early 20th century (exact year not widely documented).
• Governing Body/Management: Municipal government of Los Antiguos.
• Significance/Known For: Argentina’s “National Capital of Cherries” for its prolific orchards and annual Fiesta Nacional de la Cereza (Cherry Festival).
• Population: Approximately 3,000 inhabitants.
• Main Attractions/Key Features:
  • Lake Buenos Aires (shared with Chile as Lago General Carrera), ideal for fishing and kayaking.
  • Cherry orchards, offering seasonal fruit-picking experiences.
  • Mirador del Lago, a viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the lake and Andes.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March (summer for outdoor activities; January for the Cherry Festival).
• Entrance Fee/Ticket Info: N/A (village access is free; specific attractions may vary).
• Operating Hours: N/A
• Website: losantiguos.gob.ar (official municipal site).

Essentials

• Best Months to Visit: December, February, January, November

Tours and Day Trips

Popular Tours & Day Trips from Los Antiguos

1. Lago Buenos Aires & the Chilean Border

Just a short drive from Los Antiguos, Lago Buenos Aires is a vast glacial lake shared with Chile (where it’s known as Lago General Carrera). A day trip here often includes stops at scenic viewpoints like Mirador del Lago, where the turquoise waters contrast starkly with the arid Patagonian steppe. Cross the border to Chile’s Puerto Río Tranquilo to visit the famous Marble Caves, accessible by boat. This excursion is ideal for nature lovers and photographers, taking roughly 6–8 hours round-trip.

2. Jeinimeni National Park (Chile)

A rugged and less-visited gem, Jeinimeni National Park lies across the border in Chile, about two hours from Los Antiguos. The park features dramatic landscapes of basalt formations, alpine lakes, and ancient cave paintings. Hiking trails range from gentle walks to challenging treks, making it suitable for both families and adventure seekers. The journey itself, through remote Patagonian terrain, is part of the allure.

3. The Fruit Route (La Ruta de los Frutales)

Los Antiguos is renowned for its orchards, and The Fruit Route offers a leisurely way to explore them. Visitors can tour family-run farms, sampling cherries, strawberries, and other fruits in season (December–March). Some farms offer homemade jams and liqueurs for sale. This self-guided or organized tour is perfect for food enthusiasts and those seeking a slower pace, with most stops within a 10-kilometer radius of town.

4. Cueva de las Manos

For history and culture, a day trip to Cueva de las Manos (Cave of Hands), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is essential. Located about 2.5 hours south, the cave features prehistoric rock art dating back 9,000 years, including vivid handprints and hunting scenes. The arid canyon setting adds to the mystique. Guided tours explain the significance of the paintings, making this a compelling stop for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

5. Perito Moreno (the Town)

Often confused with the more famous glacier, the town of Perito Moreno (1.5 hours north) is a gateway to lesser-known Patagonian landscapes. Visit the Regional Museum for fossils and indigenous artifacts, or explore the surrounding steppe on horseback. The town’s quiet charm and proximity to Los Antiguos make it a pleasant half-day detour.

When to visit

Best Time to Visit Los Antiguos

Nestled in the heart of Northern Patagonia, Los Antiguos is a charming village where the rhythms of nature dictate the ideal moments for travel. Its climate, marked by crisp winters and warm summers, offers distinct seasonal experiences. Below, a thoughtful breakdown to guide your journey.

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring (September–November)

Spring in Los Antiguos is a gentle awakening. Temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C, with increasing sunshine and sporadic rainfall. The landscape bursts into life, particularly in November when the cherry blossoms—Los Antiguos is renowned as the National Cherry Capital—paint the village in delicate hues.

• Pros: Mild weather ideal for hiking and photography; fewer tourists.
• Cons: Unpredictable winds; some services may still be in low-season mode.
• Events: The Fiesta Nacional de la Cereza (National Cherry Festival) in January celebrates the harvest but begins with spring blossoms.

Summer (December–February)

Summer brings warmth, with temperatures between 10°C and 25°C. Days are long and sunny, perfect for exploring the shores of Lake Buenos Aires or the nearby Andes. This is peak tourist season, with vibrant energy and extended daylight.

• Pros: Ideal for outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and berry picking; all attractions open.
• Cons: Higher accommodation prices; crowded during the cherry festival in January.
• Events: The aforementioned Fiesta Nacional de la Cereza (mid-January) draws visitors with parades, tastings, and folk music.

Autumn (March–May)

Autumn is a quiet spectacle. Temperatures drop to 0°C–12°C, and the foliage transforms into gold and crimson. Rainfall is minimal, and the pace of life slows.

• Pros: Serene atmosphere; stunning landscapes for photography; lower prices.
• Cons: Cooler evenings; some outdoor activities may be limited.
• Events: Local harvest markets offer fresh produce, but no major festivals.

Winter (June–August)

Winter is cold, with temperatures often below freezing (averaging -5°C to 5°C). Snow dusts the village, creating a picturesque scene, though heavy snowfall is rare. The nearby mountains may offer skiing opportunities.

• Pros: Peaceful and atmospheric; potential for winter sports.
• Cons: Limited services; some roads or attractions may close.
• Events: Quiet, with local gatherings centered around winter solstice traditions.

Overall Recommendation

For those seeking vibrancy and outdoor adventures, December to February is ideal, though prepare for crowds. Should you prefer tranquility and the beauty of nature’s transitions, March to May or September to November offer a more intimate experience. Winter appeals to solitude seekers and those enchanted by Patagonia’s stark elegance.

Considerations

Peak season (summer) brings higher prices and limited availability, while shoulder seasons offer better value. Note that some rural services may reduce hours outside summer. Always check road conditions in winter, as remote routes can be affected by weather.

What to pack

What to Pack for Los Antiguos

Nestled in Northern Patagonia, Los Antiguos is a tranquil village known for its crisp air, stunning lake views, and rugged landscapes. Packing thoughtfully ensures comfort amid its variable weather and outdoor pursuits.

For the Climate

• Layered Clothing: Mornings and evenings are chilly, even in summer. A light fleece or merino wool layer under a windproof jacket is ideal.
• Sun Protection: The Patagonian sun is intense—pack a wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
• Waterproof Footwear: Light hiking boots or sturdy sneakers with grip handle unpaved paths and occasional rain showers.

For Exploration

• Compact Backpack: Essential for day trips to nearby cherry orchards, Lake Buenos Aires, or short hikes with uneven terrain.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Refill stations are scarce; staying hydrated is key during outdoor activities.
• Binoculars: The region’s birdlife—including flamingos and Andean condors—is best observed up close.

Local Nuances

• Cash in Small Denominations: While cards are accepted in some places, smaller shops and rural vendors prefer cash (Argentine pesos).
• Spanish Phrasebook: English is rarely spoken in this remote village; basic phrases ease interactions.

Culture

A Quiet Patagonian Enclave with Chilean Influences

Nestled along the shores of Lago Buenos Aires, Los Antiguos is a small agricultural town where Argentine and Chilean cultures blend seamlessly. Unlike the rugged, windswept landscapes typical of Santa Cruz, this valley is a fertile oasis, known for its cherry orchards and a slower, more pastoral way of life. The town’s name—meaning “The Ancients”—hints at its indigenous roots, but its modern identity is shaped by cross-border exchanges, particularly with Chile’s nearby Cochrane region.

Cherry Festival: A Celebration of Harvest and Community

Every January, Los Antiguos transforms during the Fiesta Nacional de la Cereza, a festival celebrating the cherry harvest. Unlike larger Argentine festivals, this event retains an intimate, local charm. Visitors can observe:

• El Desfile de Carrozas: Hand-decorated floats parade through town, adorned with cherry motifs and often featuring local schoolchildren.
• La Elección de la Reina: A tradition where the community crowns a harvest queen, emphasizing familial and agricultural pride.
• Degustaciones: Sample cherry jams, liqueurs, and even artisanal chocolates made exclusively from local produce.

Culinary Crossroads: From Asado to Curanto

The cuisine here reflects its trans-Andean ties. While Argentine staples like asado are present, Chilean dishes such as curanto (a hearty stew cooked underground with seafood and meats) appear at family gatherings. Local eateries serve cordero al asador (spit-roasted lamb) with a Patagonian twist—marinated in wild herbs from the surrounding steppe.

Must-Try Local Specialties

• Tortas fritas: Fried dough often paired with mate, but here sometimes drizzled with cherry syrup.
• Chicha de cereza: A lightly fermented cherry drink, unique to the region.

Artisanal Craftsmanship: Wool and Wood

Los Antiguos lacks the tourist-driven artisan markets of Bariloche, but its crafts reflect utilitarian traditions. Look for:

• Tejidos a mano: Hand-knitted woolens, often using undyed sheep’s wool from local estancias.
• Talla de madera: Simple wooden utensils or figurines carved from lenga or ñire wood, sold informally by local artisans.

Social Customs: The Rhythm of Rural Patagonia

Life here moves at a deliberate pace. Visitors should note:

• Siesta: Shops often close midday, especially in summer when temperatures peak.
• Mate sharing: Unlike urban Argentina, mate circles here are quieter, often shared in silence by orchard workers during breaks.
• Border informality: Many residents have family on both sides of the Argentina-Chile border, creating a relaxed attitude toward national divisions.

Historical Echoes: The Tehuelche and Early Settlers

Petroglyphs near the town hint at Tehuelche presence, but the modern culture owes more to 20th-century settlers—Chilean farmers and European immigrants who cultivated the valley. The Museo Municipal showcases this blend, with exhibits on Mapuche trade routes and the hardships of early agricultural life.

History

History of Los Antiguos

Nestled on the southern shores of Lake Buenos Aires in Argentina’s Santa Cruz Province, Los Antiguos is a tranquil village with a history as rich as its fertile soil. Its name, meaning “The Ancients,” pays homage to the Indigenous Tehuelche people who once inhabited this land, drawn by its mild microclimate and abundant freshwater. European settlement began in the early 20th century, with Chilean and Yugoslav immigrants establishing orchards that would later define the region as the “National Capital of Cherries.” The village’s quiet charm belies its role as a crossroads of Patagonian history, where Indigenous traditions, agricultural ingenuity, and frontier resilience intertwine.

Key Historical Dates

• Pre-1900s: The area was inhabited by the Aónikenk (Tehuelche) people, who relied on hunting and gathering, leaving behind traces of their nomadic lifestyle in the surrounding landscapes.
• 1909: The first European settlers, primarily of Chilean and Yugoslav descent, arrived, drawn by the fertile land and favorable climate for fruit cultivation.
• 1921: The region saw upheaval during the Patagonia Rebelde, a violent labor conflict, though Los Antiguos remained relatively insulated due to its small population.
• 1971: Officially recognized as a municipality, solidifying its identity as an agricultural hub in Northern Patagonia.
• 1991: The eruption of Mount Hudson in Chile blanketed the area in ash, devastating crops but ultimately enriching the soil, leading to a resurgence in fruit production.