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Camping in Los Antiguos

Los Antiguos, the cherry capital of Patagonia on the shores of Lago Buenos Aires, offers sheltered lakeside camping in a microclimate oasis along Ruta 40. Drive to fruit farms, cave paintings, and the Chilean border crossing to Chile Chico.

4 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
4 campsites
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Los Antiguos, nestled on the southern shore of the massive Lago Buenos Aires (Lago General Carrera on the Chilean side), enjoys a unique microclimate that makes it Patagonia's fruit-growing capital — cherries, strawberries, and apricots thrive here despite the latitude. For car campers traveling Ruta 40, Los Antiguos is an oasis of green after hundreds of kilometers of steppe. The town offers comfortable campgrounds with lake access, a welcome break for resupply and rest. From here, you can cross into Chile via the border at Chile Chico, visit the Monte Zeballos area for hiking, or simply enjoy the surprisingly mild weather and abundant fresh fruit. The combination of agricultural charm, massive lake views, and strategic Ruta 40 location makes Los Antiguos an essential camping stop.

Campsites

Camping Municipal Los Antiguos

Paid

A spacious municipal campground on the lakeshore with mature poplar trees for wind protection. Great facilities and walking distance to town.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, electricity, drinking water, BBQ areas, playground
Cost: ARS 2000-3500/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Chacra El Paraíso

Paid

Camp on a working fruit farm with access to pick your own cherries and berries in season. A unique agritourism camping experience with stunning lake views.

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, fruit picking, drinking water, farm store
Cost: ARS 2500-4500/night
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Lago Buenos Aires Sur

Free

Informal free camping spots along the southern lakeshore, east of town. Exposed to wind but offering vast lake views and solitude. Bring all supplies.

Facilities: none
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

Camping Monte Zeballos

Free

Basic free camping in the Monte Zeballos area, 50 km south of Los Antiguos. Mountain scenery, hiking trails, and ancient forest. 4x4 recommended for access.

Facilities: pit toilets, stream water
Cost: Free
No reservation needed
Access:

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Before you hit the trail: Los Antiguos

🥾Hiking Trails🌤️Weather Guide📍Destination Guide📅Best Time to Visit✈️How to Get There

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is cherry season?

Cherries ripen from late December through January. Several farms offer pick-your-own experiences. The National Cherry Festival in early January features live music, food, and cherry-pit spitting contests.

Can I cross to Chile from here?

Yes, the Los Antiguos-Chile Chico border crossing is straightforward and connects to the Carretera Austral region. Check your rental car's cross-border permissions first.

Is Los Antiguos really warmer than surroundings?

Yes, the massive Lago Buenos Aires creates a microclimate. Summer temperatures regularly reach 25-28°C while areas just 100 km away on Ruta 40 may be 10°C cooler.

How is the road from Perito Moreno to Los Antiguos?

RN43 is paved and scenic, following the lake's southern shore for much of the 60 km journey. Easy driving with any vehicle type.

Is there good fishing?

Excellent! Lago Buenos Aires has large rainbow and lake trout. The Jeinemeni River (on the Chilean side) is famous for fly fishing. A provincial fishing license is required.

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