Argentina Has ~379 Lakes, Mostly in the Andes

According to Argentina's National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC), the country contains approximately 379 lakes.

Distribution

The vast majority are concentrated in the Andean region (Patagonia and Cuyo), where glacial scouring and tectonic activity created deep basins. The arid east and north have few natural lakes.

Notable Lakes

• Lake Nahuel Huapi (Neuquén/Río Negro) – Largest in Argentina's lake district; iconic alpine scenery.
• Lake Argentino (Santa Cruz) – Largest by surface area (~1,466 km²); feeds Perito Moreno Glacier.
• Lake Viedma (Santa Cruz) – Long, fjord-like; source of Viedma Glacier.
• Lake San Martín / O'Higgins (Santa Cruz / Chile) – Deepest in Americas (~836 m); shared with Chile.
• Lake Buenos Aires / General Carrera (Santa Cruz / Chile) – Second largest in South America.
• Lake Mar Chiquita (Córdoba) – Large saline endorheic lagoon; key flamingo habitat.

Many are glacial in origin, ultra-oligotrophic (nutrient-poor, crystal clear), and vital for hydropower, tourism, and biodiversity. Climate change is accelerating glacial retreat, altering lake levels and ecosystems.