Los Alerces National Park - Image 1
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Los Alerces National Park

4.8
·6k reviews·, Argentina

Discover ancient Alerce forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes in this Patagonian gem.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the dust and crowds

CrowdMedium
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Los Alerces National Park - Image 1

Los Alerces National Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the dust and crowds

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover ancient Alerce forests, turquoise glacial lakes, and dramatic mountain landscapes in this Patagonian gem.

4.8
(6k reviews)

"A natural paradise with stunning turquoise waters and ancient trees, a must-visit in Patagonia!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Public transport is scarce. A rental car offers the best way to explore the park's vastness.

💧 Bring Your Own Water & Snacks

Limited facilities inside the park, so pack essentials.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Río Arrayanes

Río Arrayanes

Connects Lago Futalaufquen and Lago Verde

A stunning turquoise river lined with arrayán trees, offering breathtaking views and photo opportunities.

TikTokInstagram
Los Pozones

Los Pozones

Within the park

A series of beautiful natural pools with vibrant turquoise waters, perfect for admiring nature's artistry.

TikTokInstagram+1
Alerce Trees

Alerce Trees

Various locations, accessible by boat tours

Marvel at the ancient, towering Alerce trees, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Getting Around the Park

While beautiful, Los Alerces National Park is vast. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility, as public transport is limited and infrequent. Be prepared for dusty roads within the park. Reddit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during shoulder seasons to avoid peak crowds and potentially higher fees. The park can be dusty, so early mornings are often best for comfortable exploration. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the dust and crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Shoulder seasons (Spring/Autumn)
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#nohagasfuegopelotudo #incendiosargentina #incendiospatagonia #parquenacionallosalerces #patagonia #esquel #esquelchubut #losalerces
@adondeyque
123.6K likes • 875K views

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Public transport is scarce. A rental car offers the best way to explore the park's vastness. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Your Own Water & Snacks

Limited facilities inside the park, so pack essentials. Reddit

Uno de los mejores Parques Nacionales de 🇦🇷 --> P.N Los Alerces 🌲 📍El Río Arrayanes, en el Parque Nacional Los Alerces, es uno de los rincones más cautivadores de la Patagonia argentina. Este río conecta el Lago Futalaufquen con el Lago Verde, y su nombre se debe a los hermosos arrayanes que bordean sus orillas. 📷 El mirador del video se encuentra a orillas del río, sobre el sendero que va a puert...
@via.jero
74.8K likes • 1.1M views
,📍 Rio arrayanes, Parque Nacional los Alerces. 🎥: @gusariase - - -.- #trevelintrekking #patagoniaargentina #reels #reel #explorer #viral #landscape #river #woods #nationalpark #beautifuldestinations
trevelintrekking
385 likes • 6K views

♻️ Leave No Trace

Pack out all your trash, including organic waste. Instagram

⏰ Check Bus Schedules Carefully

Only one bus daily from Esquel; confirm times to avoid long waits. Reddit

❤ “Los Pozones” del Parque nacional Los Alerces 📷 @franciscobuduba ✨ etiqueta a tus amigos para que vean este lugar increíble ! 👉 Mira nuestros videos en YouTube 🥇 link en bio! #argentina #losalercesnationalpark #viajar #viajes #chubut #parquenacional #parquenacionallosalerces #chubutargentina #lago #rio #turirsmo #tourism #argentinaturismo
viajestips
25.3K likes • 615K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Rent a Car for Freedom

Public transport is scarce. A rental car offers the best way to explore the park's vastness. InstagramReddit

💧 Bring Your Own Water & Snacks

Limited facilities inside the park, so pack essentials. Reddit

♻️ Leave No Trace

Pack out all your trash, including organic waste. Instagram

⏰ Check Bus Schedules Carefully

Only one bus daily from Esquel; confirm times to avoid long waits. Reddit

💰 Be Aware of Tourist Pricing

Some travelers report higher bus fares for tourists. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Hiking Shoes

Trails can be dusty and uneven. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking turquoise lakes and ancient Alerce trees, calling it a natural paradise. However, some find the park's accessibility challenging without a car and note potential price discrepancies for tourists on public transport. InstagramReddit

"We loved our day here, next time we would overnight in the park. Lots of camping options, but hosterías and lodges as well. We hiked a few of the trails and visited the beaches. A little dusty but we got there early which worked great."

Robert Quinn

"The place is beautiful and for those who like to see a green blueish lake (unique). It has like 3 main hikes (2 of them form a circular). You can start left or right as it brings you back to the starting point (parking station or bus stop). I give it a 4 star because there is only one bus departure and one arrival with lots of resting time between them. BUS leaves from Esquel at 7h45 mon-fri and 8am on Sat-sun. Careful as the bus driver doubles the price for tourists (not all). See if you can ask a local to buy you the departure and arrival ticket. It costs normally 800 soles (both ways) but expect to pay 1600 as I did. It leaves around 4h45 or 5h15 pm but better go at 4h45 to be safe as there are no other busses. You can complete everything in 2-3hrs at the green lake but you can't walk to the other lake as it is too far. If you manage to get a lift from drivers you can go to the other lakes but see the bus schedule attached (it will leave at different times because it is a long road). Ask the driver for the different times. If you are lucky to manage a ride you have sufficient time for 2 main lakes. The 3rd trail is found near the parking lot (ask the parking lot agent for that trail starting point). Aside from the price discrimination, the good news that there are no entrance fee for the park, maybe due to covid. Total cost as of oct 2022 is either 800 or 1600 pesos. Bring food and water."

Antoine Assaad

"Successive glaciations have moulded the landscape in the region creating spectacular features such as moraines, glacial cirques and clean water lakes. The vegetation is dominated by dense forest, which give way to alpine meadows. Most distinctive is its alerce forest."

Russ Lacuata

What People Like

Stunning turquoise waters
Ancient Alerce trees
Beautiful hiking trails

What People Dislike

Limited public transport
Dusty roads
Tourist pricing concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way is by car, which offers the most flexibility. There is a public bus service from Esquel, but it runs only once a day and has limited return times, so planning is crucial. InstagramReddit

It's challenging. Public transport is very limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the different lakes and trails. If you can't rent a car, consider booking guided tours or trying to hitchhike with other visitors. InstagramReddit

The roads within Los Alerces National Park are generally unpaved and can be dusty, especially during drier periods. Drive cautiously. Reddit

While possible, it's a very long day trip. Los Alerces is located south of Bariloche, and the travel time can be significant. It's better to stay overnight in or near the park for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

No, there are no regular shuttle services within the park. Your best bet for internal transport is your own vehicle or arranging rides with other visitors. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Historically, there has been an entrance fee, though some reviews mention it being waived at times. It's advisable to check the official park website or inquire locally for the most current information. Reddit

Some visitors have reported parking fees at specific popular spots like Pasarela Arrayanes. It's good to be prepared for potential small charges. Reddit

The park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities and access points may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Advance ticket purchase is usually not necessary for park entry itself, but if you plan on booking specific excursions like boat tours to see the Alerce trees, booking ahead is recommended, especially during peak season. Reddit

While not always advertised, some reviews mention potential discounts or free entry during certain periods, especially in the off-season. It's worth inquiring at the park entrance. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Popular hikes include trails around Lago Verde and Lago Futalaufquen, offering varying difficulty levels. The trails to Los Pozones and Pasarela Arrayanes are also highly recommended for their scenic beauty. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Swimming is possible in designated areas, but the water is very cold year-round due to its glacial origins. Los Pozones offers a unique experience with its natural pools. TikTokInstagram+1

The park is home to various bird species, and if you're lucky, you might spot native mammals. Geoffroy's cats, known for their swimming abilities, have been spotted here. Instagram

Yes, there are several camping options within the park, ranging from basic sites to more developed campgrounds. Booking in advance is recommended during peak season. TikTokReddit

The most effective way to see the ancient Alerce trees is by taking a boat excursion. These tours often depart from specific points within the park and provide access to areas where these magnificent trees grow. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options within the park are limited, primarily consisting of small cafes or restaurants associated with lodges or campgrounds. It's advisable to bring your own food and drinks. Reddit

In nearby towns like Esquel and Trevelin, you'll find a range of Patagonian cuisine, including lamb, trout, and local artisanal products. TikTok

Absolutely! There are many scenic spots perfect for a picnic. Remember to pack out all your waste to help preserve the park's natural beauty. Reddit

No, there are no grocery stores within the park itself. You'll need to stock up on supplies in Esquel or other nearby towns before entering. Reddit

Yes, most campsites are equipped with facilities for cooking, such as grills or designated fire pits (check for fire restrictions). TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The turquoise waters of Río Arrayanes and Los Pozones are incredibly photogenic. The panoramic views from various viewpoints overlooking the lakes and mountains are also stunning. TikTokInstagram+3

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly magical over the lakes. Reddit

For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan on commercial or professional shoots, it's best to contact the park administration beforehand to inquire about regulations and permits. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and lakes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Instagram

While dedicated photography tours might be less common, many general guided tours will take you to the most scenic spots, offering ample opportunities for great shots. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Los Alerces National Park offers a fantastic natural playground for families. The shorter, well-marked trails around the lakes are perfect for little legs, allowing kids to explore safely. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are spread out. Consider bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting – you might see diverse bird species! Reddit

Camping within the park provides a memorable experience for families, allowing for more time to enjoy the natural surroundings. While the water is very cold, the natural pools at Los Pozones can be a fun, albeit chilly, adventure for kids to splash around in. TikTokInstagram

🎣 Anglers and Fly Fishing Enthusiasts

For fly fishing aficionados, Los Alerces National Park is a dream destination. The park's pristine rivers and lakes are teeming with trout, offering an exceptional fly fishing experience. Many anglers highlight the minimal traffic and untouched waters, leading to rewarding catches. Instagram+2

Lodges like Le Fario Lodge cater specifically to anglers, offering guided trips and comfortable accommodations. The opportunity to fish in waters where trout have seen few flies is a significant draw for serious fishermen seeking a unique challenge. Instagram

🚗 Road Trippers and Vanlifers

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Majestic Alerce Trees

Los Alerces National Park is named after its most iconic inhabitants: the Alerce trees (Fitzroya cupressoides). These ancient giants are among the oldest living trees in the world, with some specimens estimated to be over 3,000 years old. Their impressive size and longevity are a testament to the park's unique ecosystem.

To truly appreciate these magnificent trees, visitors often take boat excursions that navigate the park's waterways, leading to areas where the Alerces grow in abundance. Seeing these towering trees up close is a humbling experience and a highlight for many visitors. Instagram+1

Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting these ancient forests. The park's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site underscores the global importance of preserving this natural wonder for future generations. TikTok

Navigating the Turquoise Waters

The park is characterized by a stunning network of glacial lakes and rivers, renowned for their vibrant turquoise and emerald hues. The Río Arrayanes is a prime example, connecting Lago Futalaufquen and Lago Verde with its crystal-clear waters, bordered by the distinctive arrayán trees. TikTokInstagram

Los Pozones is another must-visit, a series of natural pools formed by the river, offering a surreal and picturesque landscape. The water, though breathtakingly beautiful, is very cold due to its glacial origins, making swimming a bracing experience for the brave. TikTokInstagram+1

Many visitors enjoy exploring these waterways by boat, which also provides access to remote areas and the ancient Alerce forests. Kayaking and fishing are also popular activities for those seeking to immerse themselves in the park's aquatic beauty. Instagram+2

Planning Your Park Experience

While Los Alerces National Park is a natural paradise, practical planning is key to a smooth visit. Renting a car is highly recommended, as public transportation within the park is very limited and infrequent. This allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace and reach various trailheads and viewpoints. InstagramReddit

Be prepared for dusty roads within the park, especially during drier months. Packing water and snacks is essential, as amenities are scarce. The park's beauty is best preserved by adhering to Leave No Trace principles, so remember to pack out everything you pack in. InstagramReddit+1

For those interested in overnight stays, camping is a popular option with various facilities available. Booking accommodations or campsites in advance, particularly during the peak summer season, is advisable to secure your spot. TikTokReddit

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