El Nihuil: Dunes, Reservoir and Activities

El Nihuil brings together two very different landscapes: the vast Dunas del Nihuil and the reservoir. The dune landscape covers 30,000 hectares, and some dunes reach heights of up to 200 metres. The Dunas del Nihuil have hosted the Dakar Rally several times. This gives you a clear choice when planning your trip: a stay focused on the sand landscape or days centred more on the water.

Sand landscapes and tours through the dunes

The size of the Dunas del Nihuil and the height of their dunes give the landscape a distinctive character. Sandboarding is one of the main activities here. 4x4 and off-road tours across the sand are also part of the dunes’ activity offerings. If you are interested in motorised activities, El Nihuil also offers quad biking on controlled circuits and dirt tracks. These ways of getting around are quite different from peaceful walks along the shore or a day on the water.

At the reservoir: paddling, sailing and fishing

Water sports at El Nihuil range from windsurfing and kitesurfing to kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. Kayaking on the lake’s calm waters or along stretches of river is suitable for beginners and families. Canoeing involves using lightweight, stable boats on the calm waters of the lake. Stand-up paddleboarding focuses on balance and being in contact with the water. These paddling activities therefore offer different experiences, without requiring you to settle on just one way to enjoy the water.

Trips on calm water are also part of the El Nihuil experience, whether by motorboat or sailboat. Sport fishing for pejerrey and trout is possible from the shore or a boat. If you would rather stay on land, you can include walks along the shores of El Nihuil in your stay. Water sports, fishing and shoreline paths each offer a different focus for the day; the sand landscape adds tours and activities in the dunes to the mix.

Villa El Nihuil as a base

Villa El Nihuil lies on the right bank of the reservoir. Important services for visitors are concentrated there, including restaurants and shops for everyday essentials. The village also has campsites, cabins and hotels. It combines these services with the opportunity for a peaceful stay. These services may be a factor when choosing where to stay.

Your journey there and how it fits into a longer tour may also be relevant to your plans: Provincial Route 173 connects San Rafael, Valle Grande and El Nihuil along a route measuring 85 kilometres in total. El Nihuil is also included in the Cañón del Atuel tourist circuit. This means you can consider the area as part of a trip that goes beyond a stay among the dunes or by the reservoir. When choosing accommodation, first decide whether you would like to focus mainly on the sand landscape, activities on the water or the services concentrated in Villa El Nihuil.

Other places to explore: San Rafael, Punta Del Agua, Rincón Del Atuel, Las Paredes, Pedro Vargas, Rama Caída, El Sosneado, Salto De Las Rosas.

For a broader travel overview: San Rafael Department.