Spring Creek Lodge
Excursions Catalog
Full Experience: Gastronomy, Lodging, and Excursions
Located in the heart of northern Patagonia’s Lake District, Spring Creek Lodge offers quick access to San Martín de los Andes, Chapelco Airport, and the trails, lakes, and rivers of Lanín National Park. This privileged setting makes it easy to combine personalized adventures with outstanding hospitality and cuisine. Our curated excursions are led by expert guides, ensuring comfort, safety, and unforgettable experiences.
To ensure a seamless experience, we recommend confirming your full excursion itinerary prior to arrival. This allows us to secure the appropriate specialty guides and finalize all necessary arrangements in advance.
Excursion Styles
We tailor each outing to your personal interests and preferred skill level. Every excursion is private, with one professional guide and a 4WD vehicle for every two guests. Whether you’re looking for outdoor challenges, cultural depth, or lifestyle experiences, Spring Creek Lodge delivers the best of northern Patagonia with comfort and authenticity.
Hikes in Lanín National Park
- Duration: Half Day or Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low to High
- Physical Demand: Low to High
Thanks to our central location inside Lanín National Park, we can offer a wide range of scenic hikes—ranging from gentle one-mile walks to full-day treks through the Valdivian rainforest and volcanic slopes. The selection of trails spans different areas within the National Park as well as private ranches in the Patagonian steppe. This diversity allows each hike to showcase a distinct feature of the region, offering guests the chance to explore a wide range of environments and scenery during their stay.
Our guides tailor each outing to your pace and interests.
Horseback Riding
- Duration: Half Day, Full Day, or Multi-Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low to High
- Physical Demand: Medium to High
Discover the region on horseback, with trails for every experience level. Ride across valleys, forests, and mountain ridges within Lanín National Park, or opt for a multi-day ride with overnight stays in our riverside camps.
Outings are led by seasoned local horsemen and designed to match your comfort and skill level.
Fly Fishing
- Duration: Full Day or Multi-Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low to High
- Physical Demand: Low
- Season: November 1 to May 31
Spring Creek Lodge sits in the heart of one of the world’s top dry fly fishing destinations. From the rivers of Junín de los Andes to the Alumine area, you can explore new waters every day for weeks.
All skill levels are welcome. Our expert guides are also great instructors, making this an ideal experience for beginners. Options include full-day floats, walk-and-wade outings, or lake fishing from a powerboat. For a deeper experience, try a two-day float with a night in our deluxe riverside camp.
Riverside Camps
- Duration: Multi-Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: None
Enjoy the full Patagonian experience with overnight stays in our fully equipped riverside camps. Each camp includes large sleeping tents with cots, sleeping pads, linens, a personal gear bag, chemical toilets, hot showers, a dining tent, and even a power generator. Our dedicated staff handles every detail—from gourmet meals to camp chores.
This is camping redefined, combining nature with comfort. Evenings include open-fire cuisine, Argentine wines, and star-filled skies.
Trail & Mountain Biking
- Duration: Half Day or Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low to High
- Physical Demand: Medium
Patagonia’s trails and forest circuits are ideal for all cycling levels. Start with a gentle route through neighboring ranches or, for seasoned riders, opt for a full-day challenge in the National Park’s mountain terrain. All necessary gear is provided.
Your guide will customize the outing based on your preferences and skill level.
Often paired with: Kayaking, hiking, or cultural outings.
Stillwater Kayaking
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Medium
Paddle across Lake Machónico and along the pristine river connecting it with Pichi Machónico. This relaxing outing explores calm waters and untouched shorelines, often ending with lunch on a remote beach.
No experience required. All equipment provided.
Often paired with: Farm-to-Table experience.
Boat Rides on Glacial Lakes
- Duration: Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Board a motorboat and explore northern Patagonia’s lesser-known lakes. With minimal development and limited access, these waters feel truly wild. Favorites include Lakes Lolog and Tromen, both nestled in Lanín National Park.
A shoreline lunch with Argentine wine completes the experience.
Often paired with: Hiking, fishing, photography, birdwatching.
Mate Tasting
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Experience Argentina’s most iconic infusion: mate. Learn how to prepare and share this energizing drink while discovering its cultural significance. We’ll guide you through the dos and don’ts of this beloved ritual rooted in Guaraní tradition.
Pottery Workshop
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Inspired by Patagonian nature and materials, this workshop invites you to get hands-on with local clay and traditional techniques. Create your own piece and meet artisans producing everything from Mapuche-style pottery to modern ceramics.
Sheep Wool Workshop
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Discover Patagonia’s wool heritage. Visit local artisans and explore the full process—from shearing to natural dyeing and weaving. You’ll also get to try your hand at traditional spinning techniques and shop for unique handmade items.
Georg Collection: Home of Arts in Patagonia
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Explore the art and legacy of the Miciu family at this remarkable five-story museum. Featuring impressionist paintings, fine art photography, and master silverwork, it’s a window into the creative soul of Patagonia.
Tango Dancing Class
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Medium
Join a private tango lesson with Marcos and Analia, a professional couple who make learning the basics fun and engaging. Whether it’s your first time dancing or you just want to experience Argentina’s most iconic rhythm, this class is a highlight.
In-Suite Spa Massage *
- Duration: 90 minutes
- Physical Demand: Low
Relax with a full-body deep tissue massage in the privacy of your suite. Ideal after active outings or simply to unwind, our skilled therapist can tailor the session to focus on specific needs. Complete the experience with fresh juice or sparkling wine on your private patio.
Wine Tasting: Argentine Malbecs
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: None
Take a guided tasting tour through Argentina’s wine regions, with a focus on malbec. Compare expressions from different soils and climates, and discover other varietals such as cabernet sauvignon and pinot noir. A perfect first-night activity.
An unexpected event that every guests at Spring Creek should give it a try, we ate as a top Restaurant in NY virtually on a paradise in middle of nowhere”
Farm-to-Table Experience
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Dine at Avataras Meliquina, a hidden gem overlooking Lake Meliquina. This closed-door organic farm offers an unforgettable 5 to 8 course dinner made with seasonal, locally grown ingredients.
“Meeting Yvonne & Raul was one of the highlights of the trip, we had the feeling we were visiting longtime friends. Singular hospitality, and great authentic home style food make this evening a must for our next trip to Spring Creek”
Lunch at El Álamo Ranch
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Enjoy home-style cooking and heartfelt hospitality in a rustic ranch setting. Hosts Yvonne and Raul serve regional favorites from their clay oven as you relax with views over Lake Lolog.
Often paired with: Hiking, fishing, photography, birdwatching.
Cooking Class with Our Chef
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Learn to make classic Argentine dishes such as beef empanadas and regional sauces under the guidance of our Chef Federico. You’ll prepare the meal and enjoy your creations before dinner.
Dairy Farm Visit
- Duration: Half Day
- Physical Demand: Low to Medium
This unique visit offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of Patagonia’s most specialized artisanal dairies. The farm raises Jersey cows—selected for their adaptability to the Patagonian climate and the exceptional quality of their milk, which is essential for premium cheese making.
Begin your day with a warm coffee at the barn, then embark on a guided tour through our entire production process. Visit the milking parlor, the artisanal cheese factory, the aging cellar, and meet our calves. The tour ends with a tasting of our handmade cheeses and local dulce de leche.
Seven Lakes Road Tour
- Duration: Half Day to Full Day
- Physical Demand: Low
This iconic route winds through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, linking lakes, forests, and scenic viewpoints. Stops include hikes, photo ops, and lunch at Villa La Angostura overlooking Lake Nahuel Huapi.
San Martín de los Andes Tour
- Duration: Half Day
- Physical Demand: Low
Explore one of Patagonia’s most charming towns. Visit scenic viewpoints, walk along Lake Lacar, learn about local history, and enjoy a casual hike, shopping, or a stop for wine or ice cream downtown.
Photography Workshop *
- Duration: Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low to Medium
- Additional Cost Applies
Join photographer Ezequiel Laprida for a field workshop focused on light, composition, and nature photography. Tailored to your skill level with optional photo editing included.
Birdwatching
- Duration: Half Day
- Physical Demand: Medium
Set sail with Captain Ernesto and take in the panoramic beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. Learn basic sailing skills or simply relax and enjoy the views.
“It was my first time on a sail boat and I was a bit reluctant and especially concerned with our young daughter coming with us. It turned out to be an amazing experience where all the family got to work as a team and learn the basics of sailing”
Sailing Nahuel Huapi Lake
- Duration: Half Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Low
Set sail with Captain Ernesto and take in the panoramic beauty of the lake and surrounding mountains. Learn basic sailing skills or simply relax and enjoy the views.
Golf *
- Duration: Half Day
- Physical Demand: Medium
- Additional Cost Applies
Play a round at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Chapelco Golf Course, one of Argentina’s best. Located just an hour from the lodge, it offers spectacular views and excellent conditions. Equipment rentals available.
Shopping Tour
- Duration: Half Day
- Physical Demand: Low
Discover handcrafts, art, and local products from the region’s best shops in downtown San Martín. From leather goods to wine, your guide will tailor stops to your interests.
Backcountry Skiing
- Duration: Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Medium
- Physical Demand: Medium
Ski untouched powder in the solitude of the Andes. Choose from bowls, long runs, and natural terrain suited to all skill levels. Our expert guides provide gear, safety instruction, and local insight to ensure a memorable backcountry experience.
Chapelco Mountain Resort
- Duration: Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Medium to Low
- Physical Demand: Medium
Just an hour and a half from the lodge, Chapelco offers one of Argentina’s top skiing experiences. With varied terrain, scenic runs, and views of Lanín and Villarrica volcanoes, this resort accommodates skiers of every level. All equipment is provided and fitted in advance.
Snowshoe Hikes
- Duration: Half Day or Full Day
- Technical Difficulty: Low
- Physical Demand: Medium
- Season: June through August
Explore snow-covered trails that mirror our favorite summer hikes. Half-day and full-day options are available. Expect panoramic views, winter silence, and warm drinks packed by your guide.