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Los Alerces National Park: Patagonia's Ancient Forest

Discover ancient forests, pristine lakes, and stunningPatagonian landscapes in Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Los Alerces National Park, located in the Chubut Province of Argentine Patagonia, is a stunning landscape of glacial lakes, temperate forests, and the namesake Alerce trees, some of the oldest living trees on Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2017, the park offers a range of activities from hiking and camping to boat tours, all within a pristine natural environment.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Local tips

  • Visit the Alerzal Milenario by taking a boat tour on Lake Menéndez to see the ancient Alerce trees.
  • Hike to the Arrayanes River to see the incredibly clear waters and cross the hanging bridge.
  • Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly, as Patagonia is known for its unpredictable weather.
  • Arrive early during peak season (December to February) to avoid crowds and secure camping spots.
  • Fill up your fuel tank before entering the park, as gas stations are limited.
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Getting There

  • Car

    From Esquel, take Ruta Nacional 259, then turn right onto Ruta Provincial 71 to head north towards the park. The drive to the park boundaries takes about 30 minutes, but reaching the central area around Pasarela Rio Arrayanes, the starting point for many activities, takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Be aware that Provincial Route 71 crosses the park from north to south, with some gravel sections, so drive cautiously. Parking is available at various points, including free parking at the head of Lago Futalaufquen and paid parking at the Río Arrayanes footbridge during high season.

  • Bus

    From the Esquel bus terminal, Transportes Esquel offers a daily bus service to Los Alerces National Park. The bus makes stops at Villa Futalaufquen and other points of interest along Provincial Route 71. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Lago Verde. It is recommended to arrive at the bus terminal an hour before departure to secure seats, as tickets cannot be reserved in advance. Ensure you purchase return tickets to guarantee a seat on the return journey. A one-way ticket from Esquel to the park costs approximately AR$3,000.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Los Alerces National Park, established in 1937, spans 263,000 hectares of diverse Patagonian ecosystems. The park's landscape, sculpted by successive glaciations, features moraines, glacial cirques, and clear-water lakes such as Futalaufquen, Menéndez, and Rivadavia. These lakes are interconnected by rivers, forming part of the Futaleufú River basin, which eventually crosses into Chile. The park's main attraction is its ancient Alerce forests. The Alerce (Fitzroya cupressoides) is the second-longest living tree species in the world, with some specimens exceeding 2,600 years in age. These trees, known as 'lahuán' in the Mapuche language, can reach heights of 40-60 meters and are a vital part of the Valdivian temperate rain forests. The park's Alerce forests are well-preserved, offering a glimpse into Patagonia's original state. Visitors can explore the park through various activities. Provincial Route 71 crosses the park, providing access to key areas. Hiking trails range from easy walks to challenging treks, leading to waterfalls, hidden lakes, and mountain peaks. Boat tours on Lake Menéndez offer access to the Alerzal Milenario, a protected area with the oldest Alerce trees. Other activities include camping, kayaking, and horseback riding. The park is accessible year-round, with camping and hiking popular from October to April, and skiing and snow activities available in La Hoya from June to September.

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