The lack of “quality” beaches is regularly identified by locals and tourists as one of the few absences in Argentina’s otherwise rich and diverse physical geography. While many porteños migrate to the coastal zones of Buenos Aires Province (Mar del Plata, Pinamar, Miramar etc.) during the exceptionally warm summer months of January and February, the majority concede that beaches in the coastal zones of Uruguay and Brazil are far superior. However, if you look hard enough there are a number of spectacular beaches and coves to be found inland, alongside the lakes of northern Patagonia. These don’t necessarily subscribe to the traditional beach resort model but do offer unique locations to lap up the sun and take a dip in the crystal clear waters which flow from the surrounding mountains of the Andes.

One such destination with a relatively low profile is Quila Quina situated near the popular tourist town of San Martin de los Andes. Many towns in the region, such as San Martin de los Andes and Villa la Angostura, thrive during the winter months thanks to the Argentinean skiing season, but the summer months attract a fair number of visitors as well. Quila Quina itself is a short (although rather expensive, roughly 50 pesos or 10 Euros) boat ride from San Martin de los Andes, nestled in amongst dramatic mountain ridges and the Alpine landscape which characterises the region. It’s also possible to take a bus which stops at Quila Quina but you miss out on the stunning views of sheer cliff faces which line Lago Lacar along the route. Particularly notable upon arrival at Quina Quila is the recent tourist development around the main beach, with a restaurant, kiosks and related facilities. These are by no means intrusive to the general character of this natural beauty-spot but if you’re looking for a more secluded spot away from the ‘crowds’, a short walk rewards you with your own personal beach framed by a striking snow-capped backdrop.

The beach itself is a mixture of sand and smooth pebbles with adequate amounts of shade for those who want to escape the midday heat. During the summer the sun is extremely strong in northern Patagonia and although temperatures are generally lower than in Buenos Aires and the north of Argentina (averaging 25 degrees centigrade approx. during the day), using plenty of sun block is highly recommended. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the beach at Quila Quina is the strikingly pure water in Lago Lacar, a blend of blues and greens which glistens and reflects the jagged peaks visible in all directions. This cleanliness is appreciated all the more by those accustomed to the brown, murky water in the river channels which flow through Buenos Aires, making swimming rather dangerous, if not impossible. Although the water in Patagonia’s lakes is on the fresh side in terms of temperature (think British seaside resort during the summer), it’s well worth plucking up the courage to take a dip in some of these locations. Moreover, many of the more established tourist towns in the region (e.g. San Martin de los Andes, Bariloche, Villa la Angostura, El Bolson) offer various excursions and water-sports (including kayaking and white water rafting) if you’re not content with the peace and tranquillity offered by the numerous lakes of northern Patagonia.