Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, Northern Patagonia Travel Guide

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Discover the magical cinnamon forest of Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, a Patagonian gem on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

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Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

Los Arrayanes National Park, near Villa La Angostura, protects a unique forest of arrayán trees with their distinctive cinnamon-colored bark. This small park on the Quetrihué Peninsula offers hiking, biking, and boat tours to experience its enchanting landscape.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

Villa La Angostura, Neuquén Province, Q8407, AR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes.

Check the park's entry time restrictions, especially during the winter months, as regulations may limit access.
Consider taking a boat tour for a unique perspective of the Quetrihué Peninsula and the arrayán forest from Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking or biking the 12-kilometer trail from Villa La Angostura to the arrayán forest.
Bring cash for park entrance fees and local bus fares, as card payments may not always be available.
Combine a boat trip with a hike back to Villa La Angostura to experience the park from different angles and avoid missing the last boat.

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Explore Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Villa La Angostura, follow Boulevard Nahuel Huapi for approximately 12 km. The road leads directly to the park entrance. The walk takes around 3 hours. Note that there are entry time restrictions. There is a visitor center on the isthmus at the trailhead where you can pay your entrance fee.
Public Transport

From the Villa La Angostura bus terminal, walk back onto the main road to the Tourist Information Office to get a local bus timetable. Take a local bus from Villa La Angostura to the entrance of Los Arrayanes National Park. The bus fare is approximately $50 ARS. The bus will drop you off near the entrance of the park.
Boat

Take a catamaran from Bahia Mansa in Villa La Angostura to Puerto Quetrihue. Catamaran Futaleufú offers daily departures. A round trip costs around $32, while a one-way ticket is about $18. From Puerto Quetrihue, it is a short walk to the arrayán forest.

Discover more about Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

Los Arrayanes National Park, established in 1971, is a jewel of Argentine Patagonia, protecting a rare and enchanting forest of arrayán trees. These trees, also known as myrtles, boast a unique cinnamon-colored bark that peels away in patches, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of colors and textures. Some of the trees are over 600 years old and reach heights of over 15 meters, creating a truly magical atmosphere.The park is located on the Quetrihué Peninsula, which juts into the northern end of Lake Nahuel Huapi. In the Mapuche language, Quetrihué means "where there are arrayán trees," reflecting the significance of this unique ecosystem. The park's relatively small size, covering only 17.53 square kilometers, makes it Argentina's smallest national park.Visitors can explore the park through various trails, the most popular being the 12-kilometer path from Villa La Angostura to the arrayán forest. This trail offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Alternatively, boat tours from Villa La Angostura and Bariloche provide a unique perspective of the peninsula and the arrayán forest from the water. Keep in mind that park regulations may restrict entry times, especially during winter.The park also plays a vital role in conserving the region's biodiversity. While the arrayán forest is the main attraction, the park also protects forests of coihues and ñires, as well as various animal species, including the huillín otter, pudú deer, guanacos, and numerous bird species.Whether you choose to hike, bike, or take a boat, a visit to Los Arrayanes National Park is an unforgettable experience, immersing you in the beauty and tranquility of Patagonia's natural wonders.