For those who prefer to enjoy nature in ways other than fishing, Hostería del Pedregoso offers guided walks, riding or boating. The lakeland surroundings, the rivers and streams and the distant Andean peaks are tirelessly beautiful: there is always something to enjoy, a sunset gilding the crest of the Tres Picos mountain, the early morning mists rolling back from the lake, the sight of a condor wheeling overhead. The scenery is particularly attractive in spring when the wild lupines burst into bloom, spreading swathes of violet, French blue, orange and fuchsia pink across the meadows and mountain slopes.
Nautical activities include canoeing and kayaking on the many nearby rivers, such as the Carrileufú, Pedregoso, or Tigre, as well as floating down the Rivadavia river to enjoy the scenery and take photos. You can also go white-water rafting on the Corcovado river which is grade II and III as regards difficulty. Boats with outboard motors and dinghies may be hired with a guide to go out on the lake for either whole or half days, with the chance to catch sight of the many water birds and other animals which live in its waters or on its shores.
Hikers can tackle the nearby peaks, climbing through pastures and forests to higher ground, or take a gentle stroll along the streams and around the lake. A favourite is the visit to the Cascada waterfall, which involves crossing the lake by boat and then taking a short walk through the woods to the waterfall, which plunges 35 m down a rock face in the middle of the forest.
Riders can enjoy a canter along the paths through the gullies lining the valley on creole mountain ponies gaucho-style. One of the Hostería’s more popular programs is a day’s outing which combines riding with fishing on a trip to lake Torres. The party sets out on horseback from the Hostería along the shores of lake Cholila before turning off to ride up through the forest to a clearing with a magnificent view of the scenery below. Just beyond lies Lake Torres and the chance to dismount, go for a walk, fish or simply rest before enjoying one of Chela’s unforgettable picnics. The secluded lake was stocked with trout in 1995 and now has specimens of up to 2.5 kg for fishermen to test their skills. As well as cougars and wild boar, the area is home to the rare huemul, the south Andean deer which is listed as a critically endangered species.
 “We take the opportunity during our vacation to go fishing nearly every day with Tito, our guide, enjoying the lake and the Carrileufu, Rivadavia or Chubut rivers which are so easily accessible from the Hostería, leaving us with indelible memories of enjoyment and pleasure. On other days we go for walks in the valley, or just chill out in the Hostería garden. The end result is always the same: marvelous vacations, full of memories and anecdotes”. Alvaro Navarro and Matilde Marín