About This Route
Lake Nahuel Huapi, Argentina's deepest lake at 463 meters, delivers intermediate stand-up paddleboarding thrills along the Circuito Chico from Playa Bonita near Bariloche to Punta Siambretta, covering 8-10 kilometers with island hops. Towering Andes, Arrayanes forests, and glaciers like Perito Moreno frame this UNESCO-protected waterscape. Windswept bays challenge stability while offering views of Cerro Campanario. Outfitters like Nahuel SUP rent boards and enforce buddy systems per REI coastal paddling standards. Paddle clockwise to leverage prevailing zonda winds on return; spot dolphins and kelp forests in shallower coves. Adhere to Leave No Trace by using designated launches and minimizing wake near sensitive Arrayanes groves.
Safety Considerations
Water temps drop to 8-12°C (46-54°F); layer with a 5mm wetsuit and hood to combat wind chill up to 50 km/h gusts from Andean passes. Strong lake currents near Islas de los Arrayanes can sweep paddlers offshore; use GPS apps like Gaia for drift tracking. Jet ski and yacht traffic peaks midday; wear high-vis PFD and strobe light after dusk. Fatigue from elevation (800m) and chop demands 20-minute hourly breaks. Argentine Park Service (APN) mandates leashes; practice deep-water reboarding. Hypothermia risk triples in rain; pack emergency bivvy. Solar radiation index hits 11; full rash guard essential.
Essential Gear
Touring SUP (11' x 30" Fanatic Fly Air), 5mm wetsuit with hood (O'Neill Psychofreak), booties, carbon paddle, bombora-style leash, auto-inflating PFD (Osprey), 20L dry bag (Ortlieb with satellite communicator), neoprene gloves, UV Buff, energy gels, first-aid kit with thermal blanket.