Parque Patagonia Argentina

La Ascención Portal

A former livestock ranch repurposed for public use, the La Ascención Portal features over forty kilometers of trails around Lake Buenos Aires and its surrounding plateau. Located along Provincial Route 43, just 17 km from the town of Los Antiguos, the portal is managed by national park staff, who can provide information and recommendations for exploring the area.

Hiking

The extensive trail network at the La Ascensión Portal offers routes of varying difficulty, inviting long hikes and excellent wildlife viewing. From the portal’s main area, you can reach Lake Buenos Aires, the Lago Buenos Aires plateau on a multi-day excursion, and other striking rock formations and landscapes rich in wildlife – including guanacos, foxes, pumas, rheas, condors, and a wide variety of birdlife.

Del Lago Trail

Distance: 1.4 km

Duración: 1 h 30 min

Difficulty: low

La Meseta Trail

Distance: 18.2 km (1-way)

Duración: 9 h (requiere pernocte)

Difficulty: high

Roca Guacha Trail

Distance: 4.5 km

Duración: 1 h 30 min

Difficulty: low

Cerro Negro Trail

Distance: 6 km

Duración: 2 h 45 min

Difficulty: medium

Cerro La Calle Trail

Distance: 7.6 km

Duración: 2 h 40 min

Difficulty: low

Laguna Koa Trail

Distance: 10.5 km

Duración: 4 h 30 min

Difficulty: medium

Horseback riding

Horseback excursions offered by El Buen Samaritano provide a wonderful way to explore the La Ascensión Portal. Half-day rides cross scenic grasslands and reach the shores of Lake Buenos Aires, making them suitable for the whole family. Full-day excursions include visits to historic shelters and old ranch outposts from the former estancia, extending toward the Lago Buenos Aires plateau. Multi-day journeys are also available, departing from Los Antiguos along Route 41 to Lago Posadas. For more information, inquire at the portal’s Information Center.

Where to Stay

Caburé Campground

Located near the lake, this campground features grills, wind-sheltered tables, and dry toilets. It also includes shelters along the trail network, allowing visitors to plan excursions to the Lago Buenos Aires plateau. Visitors must check in at the Portal entrance to use the shelters.

The campground and shelters are free of charge and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance reservations are not accepted.

Nearby Towns

Perito Moreno

Located along National Route 40, Perito Moreno is the ideal stop for refueling, shopping, and accessing ATMs.

Perito Moreno Tourism Office
Av. San Martín, corner of Gendarmería Nacional
+54 9 297 418 1910
[email protected]

Los Antiguos

Located on the shores of Lake Buenos Aires, at the foot of the Andes and near the Chilean border, this town is renowned for its cherries, grown on numerous small farms alongside other berries.

Los Antiguos Tourism Office
Lago Buenos Aires 59
Tel/Whatsapp: +54 9 2976 21-2055
[email protected]

Other portals

The park has four portals, each offering hiking trails of varying difficulty and campgrounds for overnight stays.

Cañadon Pinturas Portal

Cueva de las Manos Portal

El Sauco Portal