A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Argentina’s most pristine natural reserves, Los Alerces National Park is a wonderland of emerald lakes, rivers, and dense temperate forests. Located in the Andes of western Chubut Province, this vast park protects the last remaining Patagonian larch forests (Alerce trees)—some of which are over 2,600 years old.
For nature lovers, photographers, and hikers, Los Alerces is a dreamscape of serenity and scale, where glaciers feed turquoise waters and ancient trees whisper stories of millennia.
The Jewel of Northern Patagonia
Covering more than 260,000 hectares, the park is known for:
- Lago Futalaufquen, Lago Verde, and Lago Menéndez: Glacial lakes with intense blue hues
- Alerce Milenario: One of the oldest trees in South America, reached via boat and hiking trail
- Glaciar Torrecillas: Overlooking Lago Menéndez, this dramatic glacier spills into the forest below
The park is a UNESCO site thanks to its exceptional biodiversity, including native species like:
- Huemul deer (endangered and elusive)
- Magellanic woodpeckers, condors, and pumas
- Ancient forests dominated by Alerce, coihue, and ciprés
Activities & Highlights
- Hiking: Over a dozen marked trails, ranging from short forest walks to full-day treks
- Boating: Essential for visiting remote areas like Lago Menéndez and the Alerce Milenario
- Fly Fishing: World-class rivers like the Rivadavia and Arrayanes are a magnet for anglers
- Kayaking: Paddle through crystal-clear waters, especially on Lago Verde or Río Arrayanes
Access and Road Trip Planning
- From Esquel: Main access via Ruta Provincial 71, about 45 km (28 mi) to Villa Futalaufquen
- From Trevelin: Roughly 70 km (43 mi), combining paved and gravel sections
- From Bariloche: ~300 km (186 mi) south on RN40 and RP71, ideal for a multi-park trip
Where to Stay
- Inside the park: Campsites, eco-lodges, and rustic cabins around Lago Futalaufquen
- Outside the park: Comfortable lodging in Esquel or Trevelin for easier access and services
Combine With
- Trevelin and La Trochita: For cultural and historical context
- Futaleufú (Chile): If doing a binational adventure across the Andes
- Lago Puelo and El Bolsón: Continuing north along the Andean spine of Chubut
Los Alerces is Patagonia at its most timeless and untouched—a sanctuary of ancient trees, icy rivers, and deep quiet. Whether you explore it by trail, boat, or paddle, it’s a place to reconnect with nature at its purest.
We’re a local tour operator based in Buenos Aires, which offers custom tours in Patagonia and other regions of Argentina and Chile. We invite you to contact us, and start planning your next incredible journey to South America!
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