Los Alerces National Park

Los Alerces National Park in Argentine Patagonia is a pristine wilderness of ancient alerce forests, turquoise lakes, and granite peaks. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers some of the most spectacular hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing in the region, with a serene, off-the-beaten-path feel that rewards adventurous travellers.

Highlights & What to See

• Alerce Arrayanes Trail – an easy boardwalk through a forest of 3,000-year-old alerce trees, the second-longest-living species on Earth.
• Lake Futalaufquen – the park’s centrepiece, perfect for kayaking, boat tours, and spotting Andean deer and condors along its shores.
• Cerro Alto El Dedal – a challenging half-day hike rewarding you with panoramic views of the entire park and the Chilean Andes beyond.
• Torrecillas Glacier – a short boat ride plus a gentle walk leads to a viewpoint over this hanging glacier, with icefalls calving into a turquoise lake.
• Río Arrayanes – crystal-clear river ideal for fly-fishing (brown and rainbow trout) and refreshing summer swims.
• Puerto Mermoud – a historic lakeside dock where you can catch a ferry to remote trailheads or simply enjoy the tranquil setting.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least two full days to experience the park’s essence. On day one, take a boat tour across Lake Futalaufquen to walk the Alerce Arrayanes Trail and visit Torrecillas Glacier. On day two, tackle a longer hike like Cerro Alto El Dedal or explore the quieter southern sector around Lake Krüger. If you have a third day, add a kayaking excursion or a guided wildlife walk. The park is open year-round, but the best hiking weather is from October to April.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Esquel – the gateway town, 35 km east, with a charming Welsh-Argentine heritage, the La Trochita steam train, and excellent craft beer.
• Trevelin – a Welsh settlement famous for its tea houses, waterfalls (Cascada Nant y Fall), and the scenic Río Corintos valley.
• Chubut River Valley – a lush agricultural area with opportunities for birdwatching, horseback riding, and visiting paleontological sites.
• Futaleufú River – world-class whitewater rafting on the Rio Azul, located just west of the park near the Chilean border.
• Los Alerces National Park to Bariloche – a classic Patagonian road trip along Route 40, passing through steppe landscapes and the Andean lakes district.

Please check official sources for current details.