All Seasonal Guides

Summer in Los Antiguos

Los Antiguos is Patagonia's Cherry Capital, and summer is harvest time. Pick fresh cherries, explore the shores of massive Lago Buenos Aires, cross to Chile, or use this warm oasis as a base for Cueva de las Manos excursions from December to February.

Los Antiguos is a surprising oasis on the southern shore of Lago Buenos Aires — the second-largest lake in South America. This small town of about 4,000 people in Santa Cruz province benefits from a unique microclimate that makes it the warmest spot in the Patagonian steppe, earning it the title of National Cherry Capital. Where the surrounding landscape is dry and windswept, Los Antiguos thrives with cherry orchards, berry farms, and vegetable gardens.

Summer is the peak season, with cherry harvest running from late November through January. Visitors can pick their own cherries directly from the trees at numerous chacras (farms) along the Ruta de las Chacras, tasting varieties that range from sweet Bing to tart Rainier. The annual Fiesta Nacional de la Cereza (National Cherry Festival) in January is the town's biggest event.

Beyond the orchards, Lago Buenos Aires stretches endlessly to the north — a vast body of water with turquoise hues similar to its Chilean counterpart (Lago General Carrera). The lakeshore offers fishing, wind-sheltered beaches, and stunning sunset views. Los Antiguos also serves as the Argentine gateway to Chile Chico and the Marble Caves via a straightforward border crossing.

For Ruta 40 road trippers, Los Antiguos marks an important milestone on the journey between El Chaltén/El Calafate and the northern reaches of Santa Cruz province. The detour from Ruta 40 to this lakeside oasis is well worth it for the contrast between the stark steppe and this fertile valley. A rental car opens up the surrounding area including access roads toward the Cueva de las Manos UNESCO site.

Weather Overview

Avg High

22°C

Avg Low

8°C

Precipitation

Very dry with less than 15mm per month in summer. The microclimate keeps rainfall low while the lake moderates temperatures.

Wind

Less windy than the open steppe thanks to lake and valley shelter, but afternoon gusts are still common. Mornings are usually calm.

Daylight

Up to 17 hours of daylight in December, providing long warm days for farm visits, lake activities, and sightseeing.

Los Antiguos enjoys Patagonia's warmest steppe microclimate. Summer days are genuinely warm and sunny, sometimes exceeding 25°C. The lake moderates extremes, keeping nights milder than inland steppe. The combination of warmth, shelter, and long days creates ideal fruit-growing and outdoor activity conditions.

Activities

Available Activities

Cherry Picking

Visit local chacras along the Ruta de las Chacras to pick your own cherries directly from the trees. The harvest peaks in December-January. Farms also sell jams, liqueurs, dried fruits, and cherry products.

Lago Buenos Aires

Explore the shores of this massive lake. Sheltered beaches allow for swimming on warm days, and the turquoise water provides a stunning backdrop. Fishing for trout and perch is popular.

Chile Chico Border Crossing

Cross the straightforward border to Chile Chico for access to the Marble Caves and the western shore of Lago General Carrera. The crossing is quick and the drive to Chile Chico short.

Day Trip to Cueva de las Manos Area

Los Antiguos can serve as a base for excursions toward the Cueva de las Manos UNESCO site. The route south through Perito Moreno town accesses this extraordinary archaeological site.

Ruta de las Chacras

Drive this scenic agricultural route visiting multiple farms that produce cherries, berries, vegetables, and artisanal products. Each chacra has its own character and specialties.

Birdwatching

The lakeshore and surrounding wetlands attract flamingos, swans, grebes, and various raptors. The contrast between steppe and lakeside habitats creates diverse birdwatching opportunities.

Not Available This Season

Cherry picking ends by late January as the harvest concludesSome lake activities may be limited on very windy days

Accommodation

Los Antiguos has a modest selection of hotels, cabañas, campgrounds, and guesthouses. The town is small and accommodation is limited, so booking ahead is important for January during the cherry festival. A few rural estancias in the surrounding area offer overnight stays. Chile Chico across the border provides additional options.

Crowds & Tourism

The town is busiest during the Cherry Festival in early January, when thousands of visitors arrive. Outside this period, summer tourism is moderate and the town retains its quiet, small-town character. The cherry farms and lake rarely feel crowded.

Pricing

Los Antiguos is affordable. Cherry picking at farms costs very little, and accommodation and meals are reasonably priced. Car rental from El Calafate or a regional city is the main expense for reaching the area. Fuel should be purchased here before heading into more remote areas of Ruta 40.

Driving Conditions

Important for car rental travelers

The road from Ruta 40 to Los Antiguos (Ruta 43) is fully paved and in good condition. Within the town and along the Ruta de las Chacras, roads are a mix of paved and gravel. The border crossing to Chile Chico involves a short gravel road. A standard rental car handles all local routes. For exploring further south on Ruta 40 toward Cueva de las Manos, a higher-clearance vehicle is recommended for unpaved sections.

Packing Essentials

Sunscreen and hat for warm days
Light clothing for cherry picking
Windproof jacket for steppe gusts
Warm layers for cool evenings
Containers for cherry picking
Swimsuit for lake activities
Camera for lake and farm scenery
Cash for farm purchases
Passport if planning Chile Chico crossing
Binoculars for birdwatching
Reusable water bottle

Events & Festivals

Fiesta Nacional de la Cereza (National Cherry Festival)

Held in early January, this is the town's signature event. Features cherry picking contests, tastings, live music, folk dancing, artisan markets, and the crowning of the Cherry Queen. Draws visitors from across Patagonia.

Summer Agricultural Events

Various farm-related events and markets take place throughout summer, showcasing the town's agricultural bounty including berries, vegetables, and artisanal products.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Unique cherry picking experience at the Cherry Capital of Patagonia.
  • Warm microclimate makes this Patagonia's most comfortable steppe destination.
  • Beautiful turquoise Lago Buenos Aires with beach access.
  • Easy border crossing to Chile Chico and the Marble Caves.
  • Authentic, small-town Patagonian atmosphere.
  • Good Ruta 40 stopover with fuel and essential services.

Cons

  • Cherry season is limited to December-January.
  • Remote location requires long driving on Ruta 40.
  • Limited accommodation and dining options.
  • Afternoon wind can be persistent.
  • Nightlife is minimal in this small town.

Explore by Car This Season

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

Browse Car Rentals

Explore More

Discover more guides and resources for this destination

Frequently Asked Questions

When is cherry season in Los Antiguos?

Cherry harvest runs from late November through late January, peaking in December and early January. The National Cherry Festival is usually held in the first or second week of January. For the best picking experience, visit in December or early January.

Can I cross to Chile from Los Antiguos?

Yes, the border crossing to Chile Chico is straightforward and operates daily. From Chile Chico you can access the Marble Caves and the western shore of Lago General Carrera. Have your passport ready and be aware of Chilean agricultural import restrictions.

How do I get to Los Antiguos?

Most visitors arrive by car via Ruta 40 and Ruta 43. The nearest significant airport is in El Calafate (about 8-9 hours south) or Comodoro Rivadavia (about 6 hours northeast). LADE airlines occasionally operates small flights. A rental car is the most practical transport.

Is Los Antiguos a good base for Cueva de las Manos?

It can serve as a base, though the cave is closer to Perito Moreno town (about 55km south of Los Antiguos). From Los Antiguos, you'd drive to Perito Moreno and then continue to the cave — a full day trip. If the caves are your main goal, staying in Perito Moreno is more efficient.

Why is Los Antiguos so warm compared to the rest of the steppe?

The town sits in a sheltered valley on the shore of the large Lago Buenos Aires, which moderates temperatures. The valley blocks the worst of the Patagonian wind, and the lake acts as a thermal mass. This microclimate creates conditions warm enough to grow cherries and other fruits.

|