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Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes: A Cinnamon Forest Dream

Discover the enchanting Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, home to a unique forest of cinnamon-barked arrayán trees on the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

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Los Arrayanes National Park, located on the Quetrihué Peninsula in Argentina's Lake District, is a protected area famous for its unique forest of arrayán trees. These trees, with their distinctive cinnamon-colored bark, create a magical and enchanting landscape for visitors to explore.

A brief summary to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking or biking the 12 km trail to the arrayán forest.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited water sources along the trail.
  • Check the boat schedules in advance if you plan to take a boat to or from the park, as they can vary.
  • Be prepared for cool and wet weather, even in summer, and bring a light jacket or sweater.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Villa La Angostura, the main access point, you can walk or bike along the 12km trail to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes. The trail begins at the park entrance and is well-marked. The walk takes approximately 3 hours one way. Remember to pay the park entrance fee at the visitor center near the trailhead. Alternatively, a shorter hike to Brazo Norte Viewpoint waives the park entrance fee.

  • Public Transport

    From the Villa La Angostura bus terminal, take a local bus towards the park entrance. The bus fare is approximately ARS 50 each way. The bus will drop you off near the park entrance, from where you can start your hike or bike ride. Check the bus schedule at the tourist information office in Villa La Angostura, as they are not very frequent.

  • Boat

    Several boat tours depart from Villa La Angostura (Bahia Mansa) or Bariloche, offering a scenic way to reach Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes. These tours typically include a visit to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest. Boat tickets from Villa La Angostura cost around ARS 1,200 one way or ARS 1,600 round trip. The park entrance fee (approximately ARS 5,500 for foreigners) may or may not be included in the tour price. Check with the tour operator for details.

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Discover more about Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes

Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, established in 1971, protects a unique ecosystem centered around the arrayán tree (Luma apiculata), also known as the southern myrtle. These trees, characterized by their striking reddish-brown, cinnamon-colored bark that peels away to reveal white spots, can live for over 600 years and grow up to 25 meters tall. The park covers 1,753 hectares on the Quetrihué Peninsula, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake. The park offers a variety of activities, including hiking and mountain biking along a 12-kilometer trail that leads to the densest part of the arrayán forest. To protect the fragile root systems of the trees, visitors are required to stay on elevated wooden walkways within the forest. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including small deer (pudú and huemul), foxes, and various bird species, such as the Andean condor and woodpeckers. The park's history is intertwined with the larger Nahuel Huapi National Park, from which it was carved out to focus on preserving the unique arrayán forest. The name Quetrihué, meaning "where there are arrayán trees" in the Mapuche language, reflects the area's significance. The ideal time to visit is during the warmer months (January to March) when the weather is suitable for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round, offering a unique experience even on snowy days.

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