Patagonia is the southern region of Argentina, covering a third of the country with imposing landscapes. In addition to having golf courses unparalleled in quality and design, it has major tourist attractions. Glaciers, crystal-clear rivers populated with trout, snowy peaks, ancient forests, peninsulas with whales, bays with penguins and sea lions, deserts, ski centers, and the southernmost city in the world: Ushuaia.

To the immeasurable natural beauty are added varied lodging options and excellent regional gastronomy where smoked meats, chocolate, beer, and red fruit jams stand out.

Below we tell you a bit more in detail about how to put together a golf trip through this region.

There are two main destinations where golf is played in Argentine Patagonia: Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. Both destinations have a nearby international airport, which makes them very convenient to reach from different points in the country, or even from abroad.

Bariloche

In Bariloche, the Llao Llao Hotel undoubtedly stands out—a luxury hotel located in one of the most wonderful places in the world. With views of two different lakes and the mountains, it features an 18-hole golf course, a heated pool (in/out), a spa, a gym, and an excellent restaurant.

Although the design of the Llao Llao course is not top-tier from a technical standpoint, the views, the trees, and the fresh natural air make the round of golf very pleasant. This includes the 18th hole, a par 3 over a canyon with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. A great finish for a round of golf in paradise.

Near Llao Llao is Arelauquen Golf & C.C. An 18-hole course of about 6,693 yards, par 72, designed by Vicente “Chino” Fernández. Playing Arelauquen is an unforgettable experience due to its striking views of the snowy peaks, combined with the deep blue of Lake Gutiérrez.

Llao Llao Golf Club, Bariloche, Argentina.

Of course, there is a very large variety of accommodations in this area, with different hotel categories. It is a destination heavily visited by tourists from all over the world, both in summer and winter.

San Martín de Los Andes

About 250 km from Bariloche lies another excellent golfing destination: Chapelco Golf & Resort. A course designed by Jack Nicklaus himself, nestled in the middle of the impressive landscape of San Martín de los Andes. Its turf is completely integrated with the surrounding landscape, with a special emphasis on harmony with the environment. Luxury services include a Clubhouse, snack bar, restaurant, pro-shop, locker rooms, golf carts, and a large driving range with an imposing view. The PGA Tour Latinoamérica has chosen it multiple times to host the Neuquén Classic.

Chapelco Golf & Resort, San Martín de los Andes, Argentina.

Another course to visit while in San Martín de Los Andes, without a doubt, is El Desafío Mountain Resort. A design by Greg Norman, who created a fantastic routing through the mountains with dramatic elevation changes and some intimidating shots. Many immaculate views from above and demands according to the level of play. A great combo in a course destined to be one of the greats on the continent. Currently, it has only 9 holes, with the back 9 already under construction. It promises to be a fascinating journey.

El Desafío Golf Mountain Resort, San Martín de Los Andes, Argentina.

Although not as large as Bariloche, this Andean city also has a wide variety of accommodations of different categories. We recommend Loi Suites Chapelco, located just 15 minutes from the city, with excellent services, stunning views, and the course right at the hotel lobby.

It is worth mentioning that the journey between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes (passing through Villa la Angostura), known as "The Route of the Seven Lakes", is a tourist activity in itself. Along this route, you can enjoy typical landscapes of the area, such as snowy peaks and lush forests, while discovering the seven lakes that give the path its name: Lake Lácar, Lake Machónico, Lake Falkner, Lake Villarino, Lake Escondido, Lake Correntoso, Lake Espejo, and Lake Nahuel Huapi, which is the eighth on this list—a bonus, as if this path needed it. It is a single road without detours that will astonish even the most well-traveled visitor. Highly recommended.

A significant point worth mentioning is gastronomy. In recent years, new restaurants have appeared in both the Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes areas, offering options for all tastes. From roasted meats and dishes with local products to high-end gastronomy.

Patagonia is a destination visited in both summer and winter, and in both seasons it offers a wide variety of activities. In summer, besides golf, there is a lot of trekking, fishing (fly fishing and boat fishing), water activities, and even diving! In winter, there are three mountains in this area for skiing and snowboarding.

Below I propose a possible itinerary for a visit to Patagonia, with golf rounds at the aforementioned courses, the walk along the Route of the Seven Lakes, and some other activities to enjoy all that this region has to offer:

Day 1: Check-in at hotel in Bariloche

Day 2: Golf round at Arelauquen Golf & CC

Day 3: Boat tour on Lake Nahuel Huapi, visit to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest

Day 4: Golf round at Llao Llao Golf

Day 5: Route of the Seven Lakes and arrival at San Martín de los Andes

Day 6: Golf round at Chapelco Golf

Day 7: Golf round at El Desafío

Day 8: Check-out.

The value of a trip like this in 4* hotels sharing a room is approximately USD 2,600 per person.

It is a destination visited by people from all over the world. With views found nowhere else. With gastronomy that complements the trip perfectly. And where one can enjoy staying in first-class hotels. Plus, there are very good golf courses to enjoy!