Lago Las Lengas ranch is an extraordinary property located to the west of the Province of Chubut in Argentine Patagonia, in a highly scenic mountain and lake region amongst the foothills of the majestic Andes mountains, about 90 kms (56 miles) west of the ski-resort town of Esquel and close to the town of Trevelin. The approach to the property allows visitors to enjoy beautiful and imposing views of the snow-capped peaks as they head towards the mountain range.
This is a cul-de-sac property surrounded by a nature reserve, ideal for those people that appreciate truly distinctive beauty and require maximum privacy on their land. The fact that the final approach requires 4WD vehicles provides a certain degree of adventure while increasing the privacy of the estate ?this being said, this stretch of road can be improved significantly in cost efficient manner if so desired. Although not far from town, this is a little known and very private location.
The ranch has a total 3.571 ha (8,824 acres) of land, and includes the lovely 40 ha (99 acre) Las Lengas Lake that occupies the whole bottom of the valley that goes by the same name, providing all the benefits of a private body of water ?several lovely sandy beaches among them. The coast rises steeply from its shores, covered by pristine native lenga forests that climb towards the imposing surrounding mountains and snowy peaks, the whole area criss-crossed by multiple canyons carved by glaciers in bygone eras. There are still impressive glaciers very close to the property, within the provincial nature reserve.
Two larger permanent glacier-fed rivers with the purest of waters, Las Lengas and Caņas, enter and leave the lake, crossing the property and providing outstanding fishing for rainbow trout on dry flies. The same applies to the lake itself and several other smaller watercourses that also provide great sport for the avid angler. An imposing waterfall of considerable height surrounded by lovely old-growth trees makes for a scenic tableau. In the fall, the lenga trees turn bright yellow and red, painting the area with an extraordinary beauty.
Peaceful forests of native lenga and ņire in various stages of development cover most of the property and allow the visitor to enjoy a special calm and harmony with nature. The fact that there are no cattle on the property to browse on the younger saplings and lower branches of the trees provides for vigorous, well-formed specimens.
The abundant wildlife in the area includes the majestic puma and the tiny pudú deer, red foxes and the small leopard-spotted ?huiņa? wildcat. This is a paradise for bird-watchers, with over 60 different birds recorded in the area.
Total area: 3.571 ha (8,824 acres)
Location: West of Chubut Province, Argentina, 90 km (56 mile) west from the ski-resort town of Esquel, mostly along paved roads except for the final 20 km (12 mile) stretch.
How to get there: Fly to Buenos Aires and transfer to the domestic airport to connect onto a flight to Esquel (2.2 hours). There are three flights per week serving this route. There is a 90 km (56 mile) drive from there ?mostly on paved roads and except for the last stretch that is a dirt road that currently requires the use of 4WD vehicles.
