Hidden Gems: Lago Posadas

Why it's hidden: It's located on an unmarked, rough track branching off the main gravel road, easily missed by those focusing on the more prominent signs for Los Antiguos or Paso Roballos. No official signage exists.

How to find it: From the village of Lago Posadas, head west on RP39 towards Paso Roballos. After approximately 8-10 km, keep an eye out for a very subtle, almost overgrown track on your left (south side). It's just past a small, weathered wooden fence post. The track ascends gently for about 1.5 km. Parking is informal, just pull off to the side at the top. A high-clearance vehicle is essential; 4x4 recommended for stability. Road conditions are rocky and uneven.

Best time: Late afternoon for optimal light on the lakes, or sunrise for solitude. Avoid very windy days, as the exposed viewpoint can be quite intense.

Why it's hidden: This trail is not officially marked on most maps or signs. It's known primarily by local guides and intrepid hikers who have stumbled upon its subtle entrance.

How to find it: Drive about 15 km east from Lago Posadas village on RP39 towards Baja Caracoles. On your right (south side), you'll see a small, rustic wire gate next to an old, abandoned sheep shearing shed. Park discreetly off the road. The trail begins faintly behind the shed, following a dry riverbed initially before ascending. Expect a 3-4 hour round trip. A 2x4 vehicle can reach the trailhead, but drive carefully on RP39. Parking is simply pulling off the gravel shoulder.

Best time: Morning or early afternoon for best visibility and condor activity. Spring (October-November) offers wildflowers, and autumn (March-April) vibrant colors.

Why it's hidden: The access road is merely a rough farm track, not marked for tourist access, and requires a very capable vehicle to navigate successfully.

How to find it: From Lago Posadas, take RP39 west for about 20 km, past the turnoff for Mirador del Viento Escondido. Look for a barely visible track heading north (right side) directly opposite a prominent, isolated basalt rock formation known locally as 'La Vela'. Follow this extremely rugged track for about 5 km. It's slow going, full of ruts and loose rock. A 4x4 is absolutely mandatory. Parking is limited to pulling off the track near the lagoon's edge. Plan for at least an hour to reach it from the main road.

Best time: Mid-day for the sun to fully illuminate the lagoon's vibrant blue. Calm, clear days are best.

Why it's hidden: It's off the main tourist circuit and requires a short, unmarked walk through dense vegetation after reaching a specific, unmarked pull-off point on a gravel road.

How to find it: Drive north from Lago Posadas village on RP39 (the road that leads to the 'Cueva de las Manos' turnoff). After about 25 km, just before a small, dilapidated bridge over a seasonal stream, look for a small, gravel pull-off on the right. Park there. The trail is a faint path leading east (away from the road) for about 500 meters, requiring some bushwhacking through dense bushes. A 2x4 vehicle can handle RP39; parking is a simple gravel shoulder. The walk is easy but requires attention to find the path.

Best time: Spring (October-November) when glacial melt feeds the falls most vigorously, or summer (December-February) for a refreshing break.

Why it's hidden: This isn't a restaurant in the traditional sense; it's a family's home that opens its doors to a few guests by prior arrangement or word-of-mouth. No advertising or official signage.

How to find it: Located about 30 km south of Lago Posadas village, along a dirt road that branches off RP39. You need to inquire locally in Lago Posadas for precise directions and ideally make a reservation through a local contact. It’s on a private estancia road. A 4x4 is highly recommended due to the potentially poor condition of the private track, especially after rain. Parking is within the ranch grounds. Getting here truly requires local knowledge.

Best time: Lunch or dinner, by prior arrangement. It's a year-round offering, but more reliable in peak season (December-March) due to higher chance of other guests.

Why it's hidden: It's an unmarked cove, requiring a short walk from a small, inconspicuous pull-off point on a less-traveled section of the lake's perimeter road.

How to find it: From Lago Posadas village, follow the gravel road that skirts the northern shore of Lago Posadas, heading west (this is a continuation of RP39 before it turns south). After approximately 7 km, look for a very small, flat area to pull off on the lake side (left). There might be a single, large, flat rock marking the spot. From there, a faint path descends for about 100 meters to the shore. A 2x4 vehicle is fine for this gravel road. Parking is minimal, just off the shoulder.

Best time: Any clear day, especially during the warmer months (December-March). Early morning or late afternoon for best bird activity.