Bosque de Arrayanes
Enchanting Arrayanes Forest: A Natural Wonder of Neuquén Province
Bosque de Arrayanes: A Cinnamon Forest by the Lake
Discover the magical Bosque de Arrayanes National Park in Argentina, home to a unique forest of cinnamon-colored trees on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Bosque de Arrayanes, located on the Quetrihué Peninsula in Neuquén Province, Argentina, is a unique national park protecting a rare forest of arrayán trees. Known for their smooth, cinnamon-colored bark, these trees create a magical atmosphere along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, offering stunning views and tranquil hiking trails.
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A brief summary to Bosque de Arrayanes
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Neuquén Province, AR
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Getting There
Walking
From Villa La Angostura, you can walk to Bosque de Arrayanes, first reaching Puerto Angostura and the Quetrihué Isthmus. From there, it's a 12 km hike to the Arrayanes Forest. Remember to pay the park entrance fee at the National Park post. Alternatively, hike one way and return by catamaran.
Public Transport
Take a bus from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura. The bus ride is approximately 1.5 hours. From Villa La Angostura, take a local bus towards Bosque de Arrayanes. Confirm with the driver to be dropped off at the embarkation point. The local bus fare in Villa La Angostura is approximately ARS 50. Alternatively, take a bus from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura for approximately ARS 165. From Villa La Angostura, a local bus can take you to either Bahia Mansa or the entrance of Parque Nacional los Arrayanes for ARS 50.
Boat
Take a boat from Puerto Pañuelo (near Bariloche) or Villa La Angostura to reach the park. From Villa La Angostura, catamarans depart from Bahia Mansa to Quetrihue Port. A round trip costs approximately ARS 1100. A one-way ticket allows you to return on foot or by bike. From Bariloche, a round-trip boat tour to Isla Victoria and Bosque de Arrayanes costs approximately ARS 112,000 for adults and ARS 56,000 for children. This does not include the park entrance fee (ARS 20,000 for non-residents) or the boarding fee (ARS 4,300).
Local tips
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking on the trails, which can be uneven in places.
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Bring a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures in the park can be cool, even in summer.
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Purchase park entrance tickets in advance, especially during high season, to avoid queues.
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Consider taking a boat trip for a unique perspective of the forest and the surrounding lake.
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Pack snacks and water, as options within the park are limited.
Discover more about Bosque de Arrayanes
Bosque de Arrayanes National Park, established in 1971, protects a unique forest of arrayán trees (Luma apiculata) on the Quetrihué Peninsula, surrounded by the pristine waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi. These trees, with their distinctive smooth, cinnamon-colored bark and vibrant green foliage, create an enchanting landscape unlike any other. Some specimens are over 650 years old and reach heights of 15 meters.
The park covers 1,796 hectares and offers several walking trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the arrayanes. The main trail is about 800 meters long and of medium difficulty. The park also includes areas designated as strict nature reserves, where access is prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem.
While a rumor suggests Walt Disney was inspired by these trees for the movie Bambi, this has been disproven, but the forest still exudes a mystical charm. Visitors can also explore a picturesque tea house built in 1933 by the Lynch family, early landowners of the peninsula. The tea house offers refreshments and souvenirs. The park is accessible year-round, with each season offering a unique perspective of the landscape.
A brief summary to Bosque de Arrayanes
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