All Seasonal Guides

Spring in Los Antiguos

Spring brings Los Antiguos to life as cherry orchards bloom along the shores of Lago Buenos Aires. This Ruta 40 gem offers stunning lake views, gateway access to Chile, and authentic Patagonian charm with shoulder season tranquility and value.

Spring in Los Antiguos, from September through November, marks the reawakening of this charming fruit-growing town on the southern shore of Lago Buenos Aires, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Patagonia. Known as the Cherry Capital of Argentina, Los Antiguos enjoys a remarkable microclimate — sheltered by surrounding hills from the worst Patagonian winds and warmed by the immense lake — that allows fruit orchards to thrive in an otherwise arid steppe landscape.

As spring advances, the town's cherry, apple, and strawberry orchards burst into blossom, creating a stunning contrast against the turquoise waters of the lake and the distant Andes. The surrounding steppe also transforms, with wildflowers appearing across the previously brown landscape. This is a time of renewal and anticipation, as the town prepares for the growing season and the eventual cherry harvest that makes Los Antiguos famous.

For self-drive travelers on Ruta 40, Los Antiguos is a natural stopping point and a gateway to Chile Chico and the Carretera Austral via a short border crossing. Spring offers the advantage of quiet roads, available accommodation, and the chance to experience this unique agricultural community before the summer rush. The drive along Lago Buenos Aires is spectacular at any time, but spring light and snow-capped mountains in the background make it particularly photogenic.

Weather Overview

Avg High

14°C

Avg Low

2°C

Precipitation

Low to moderate. Los Antiguos sits in a rain shadow, so conditions are generally drier than the western Andes. Occasional spring showers occur.

Wind

Can be strong, especially in September-October. The town's sheltered position helps, but exposed areas along the lake and steppe experience significant gusts.

Daylight

Increasing from about 11 hours in September to over 14.5 hours by late November.

Los Antiguos benefits from a microclimate moderated by Lago Buenos Aires. Spring temperatures gradually warm, with September still feeling wintry and November approaching summer conditions. Frost is common in early mornings through October. The lake moderates temperature extremes, making Los Antiguos warmer than surrounding steppe areas. Wind is the main weather challenge.

Activities

Available Activities

Orchard Visits and Farm Tourism

Visit local chacras (farms) to see cherry and fruit orchards in bloom. Some farms offer tastings of homemade jams, dried fruits, and liqueurs even before harvest season.

Scenic Drives Along Lago Buenos Aires

The lakeside road offers breathtaking views of turquoise waters against steppe and mountain landscapes. Drive west toward the Chilean border for increasingly dramatic scenery.

Border Crossing to Chile Chico

Cross into Chile to explore Chile Chico and access the Carretera Austral. The crossing is straightforward and the route through the Jeinimeni valley is stunning.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Explore trails along the lakeshore and in the surrounding hills. The Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is accessible via a day trip south along Ruta 40.

Fishing

Lago Buenos Aires and nearby rivers offer excellent trout and salmon fishing once the season opens in November.

Birdwatching

The lake and its shores attract flamingos, black-necked swans, and various waterfowl. Spring migrations add to the diversity.

Not Available This Season

Cherry picking (harvest is January-February)Some lake excursions may not operate until DecemberSwimming in the lake (water remains cold until late summer)

Accommodation

Los Antiguos has a modest but charming selection of hotels, cabañas, and guesthouses. Spring rates are well below summer peak pricing, and availability is excellent. Some accommodations may have reduced services in early spring, but by October most are fully operational. The town's small size means everything is within easy reach.

Crowds & Tourism

Spring is very quiet in Los Antiguos. The town receives a fraction of its summer visitors, and you can explore orchards, lakeside spots, and local restaurants without any crowding. This is an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience where genuine interactions with locals are the norm.

Pricing

Shoulder season pricing prevails, with accommodation typically 30-40% below peak summer rates. Car rental and fuel costs along Ruta 40 are standard. Dining is affordable, and local products (jams, dried fruits, chocolates) offer excellent value as souvenirs.

Driving Conditions

Important for car rental travelers

Ruta 40 approaching Los Antiguos from the south includes long stretches of gravel (ripio) that require patience and careful driving. From the north (via Perito Moreno), the road is mostly paved. Spring conditions are generally good, though strong crosswinds can be challenging. The border crossing road to Chile Chico is paved and well-maintained. A car rental is essential for exploring this remote area, as public transport is extremely limited. Fuel up whenever possible, as gas stations are sparse along Ruta 40.

Packing Essentials

Windproof jacket (essential for Patagonian winds)
Layered clothing for variable temperatures
Warm fleece and thermal base layers
Sunscreen and wraparound sunglasses (intense UV at this latitude)
Comfortable walking shoes
Hat that won't blow away in wind
Camera for orchard blooms and lake scenery
Snacks and water for long Ruta 40 stretches
Paper maps as backup (limited cell signal on Ruta 40)
Binoculars for birdwatching and lake views

Events & Festivals

Fiesta de la Flor (Flower Festival)

Some years the town celebrates the blooming of fruit orchards in late October-November with local festivities, artisan markets, and cultural events.

Spring Agricultural Activities

Visit working chacras to learn about the unique microclimate agriculture that makes Los Antiguos the southernmost fruit-growing region in the world.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Stunning cherry and fruit orchard blooms create a unique spring landscape.
  • Lago Buenos Aires offers spectacular turquoise scenery year-round.
  • Very few tourists means an authentic, unhurried Patagonian experience.
  • Excellent value with shoulder season pricing on accommodation.
  • Gateway to Chile Chico and the Carretera Austral.
  • Unique microclimate makes spring warmer than surrounding areas.

Cons

  • Strong Patagonian winds can be persistent, especially early spring.
  • Remote location means long drives on Ruta 40 to reach the town.
  • Limited dining and shopping options compared to larger towns.
  • Some services and excursions may not be fully operational until November.
  • Gas stations are sparse on approach routes; plan fuel stops carefully.

Explore by Car This Season

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Patagonia at your own pace, no matter the season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do the cherry orchards bloom in Los Antiguos?

Cherry trees typically bloom in October-November, with the exact timing depending on the year's weather. This is before the cherry harvest, which takes place in January-February.

Can I cross into Chile from Los Antiguos in spring?

Yes, the border crossing to Chile Chico operates year-round during daylight hours. Spring is a good time to cross as there are no queues. Check current hours before traveling.

How do I get to Los Antiguos?

Most travelers drive via Ruta 40. From Bariloche it is about 10-12 hours. From El Calafate, approximately 8-9 hours. There are also infrequent bus services and a small airstrip. A rental car is strongly recommended.

Is Ruta 40 paved near Los Antiguos?

The section from Perito Moreno to Los Antiguos is paved. However, stretches of Ruta 40 south of Perito Moreno toward El Calafate include significant unpaved sections that require careful driving.

What is the Cueva de las Manos and can I visit in spring?

Cueva de las Manos (Cave of the Hands) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 9,000-year-old cave paintings, located about 3 hours south of Los Antiguos. It is generally accessible in spring, though check road conditions as the access road is unpaved.

Is Los Antiguos worth visiting if cherries aren't in season?

Absolutely. The stunning Lago Buenos Aires scenery, orchard blooms, local farm visits, fishing, and the gateway to Chile make Los Antiguos worthwhile year-round. Spring offers a uniquely beautiful and peaceful experience.

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