Los Alerces National Park
Discover Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Argentina's Chubut province. Explore ancient Patagonian cypress forests, pristine lakes, and stunning trails perfect for nature lovers and hikers seeking unparalleled wilderness experiences. Plan your adventure to this remote natural gem.
Los Alerces National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, protects one of the last remaining ancient Patagonian cypress (alerce) forests in the world. Located in Argentina's Chubut province, this pristine wilderness boasts towering alerce trees, some over 2,600 years old, alongside turquoise lakes, cascading rivers, and diverse wildlife. It's an essential destination for travelers seeking genuine connection with nature, away from the more crowded tourist hubs.
The park's rugged beauty and remote setting offer a profound sense of tranquility and adventure. With its network of crystal-clear lakes, including Lago Futalaufquen and Lago Menéndez, it's a paradise for kayaking, fishing, and boating. Hiking trails wind through dense forests, revealing hidden waterfalls and breathtaking panoramic views. Due to the park's expansive nature and limited public transport within its boundaries, renting a car is highly recommended to fully explore its many trailheads, campsites, and scenic viewpoints at your own pace.
Complete Guide to Los Alerces National Park
Everything you need to plan your trip
Trip Planning
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Los Alerces National Park 2026 — Month-by-Month Guide
How to Get There
How to Get to Los Alerces National Park 2026 — Flights, Driving & Transport
Budget & Costs
Los Alerces National Park on a Budget 2026 — Costs, Tips & Money-Saving Guide
Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Los Alerces National Park (2026) — Neighborhoods & Hotels
Activities & Adventures
Things to Do
Hiking in Los Alerces National Park 2026 — Best Spots, Tips & What to Expect
Camping Guide
Camping in Los Alerces National Park 2026 — Campsites, Tips & Gear Guide
Day Trips
Best Day Trips from Los Alerces National Park 2026 — Distances & Driving Guide
Hidden Gems
Hidden Gems in Los Alerces National Park (2026) — Secret Spots & Local Tips
Fishing Spots
Fishing in Los Alerces National Park — UNESCO Heritage Waters
Food, Wildlife & Photography
Driving & Road Trips
Top Things to See & Do
El Abuelo Alerce Tree
natureEmbark on a boat excursion across Lago Menéndez to witness 'El Abuelo' (The Grandfather), a majestic Patagonian cypress over 2,600 years old. This iconic tree stands as a living testament to the park's ancient ecosystem and is a true highlight of any visit, offering a humbling encounter with nature's enduring power. Book well in advance as tours sell out quickly.
Lago Futalaufquen
natureThe largest and most accessible lake in the park, Lago Futalaufquen offers stunning azure waters framed by snow-capped peaks. It's perfect for kayaking, fishing, and camping, with several well-maintained campgrounds and scenic viewpoints along its shores. A great base for exploring the central part of the park.
Arrayanes River Trail
natureTake a leisurely hike or enjoy a short boat ride to the Arrayanes River, famous for its unique myrtle tree forest. The cinnamon-colored bark of these trees creates a magical atmosphere, especially beautiful in the morning light. It's an easy, accessible walk suitable for all fitness levels.
Ruta Provincial 71 Scenic Drive
adventureThis partially unpaved road winds through the heart of the park, offering incredible views of lakes, forests, and mountains. It connects many of the park's main attractions, making a self-drive tour an excellent way to discover hidden gems and photography spots at your own leisure. Be prepared for gravel sections.
Hiking to Lago Krüger
adventureFor avid hikers, the trail to Lago Krüger offers a rewarding challenge through dense coihue and alerce forests. The reward is a secluded lake, pristine and often deserted, providing a true wilderness experience. This full-day hike requires good physical condition and proper gear.
Wild Camping Experience
adventureLos Alerces offers several organized campgrounds, but also opportunities for more remote, wild camping. Immerse yourself completely in nature under the Patagonian stars, listen to the sounds of the forest, and wake up to breathtaking lakeside views. Permits may be required for certain areas.
Best Time to Visit
summer
December - February
Warm days (20-25°C), cool nights, occasional rain. Long daylight hours.
Peak season
Book all accommodations, car rentals, and especially the El Abuelo boat tour months in advance. Trails are fully open and accessible.
autumn
March - May
Cooler temperatures (10-18°C), crisp air, stunning fall foliage with golden hues.
Moderate crowds
Ideal for photography and hiking without the summer crowds. Pack layers as temperatures can drop, especially towards May. Some facilities may begin to close end of May.
winter
June - August
Cold (0-8°C), often snowy, with shorter daylight hours. Some roads may be closed.
Low crowds
While beautiful and tranquil, access to many areas, especially the northern part of the park, can be limited due to snow. Check road conditions before setting out and be prepared for winter driving.
spring
September - November
Mild and variable (10-18°C), increasing rainfall, wildflowers blooming, snow melting.
Moderate crowds
A great time to visit for fewer crowds and vibrant nature. Trails begin to reopen but some higher elevation routes might still have snow. Be prepared for changeable weather and potential muddy trails.
Getting There
| From | Method | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esquel (EQS) Airport | car | 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes | $40-70 USD/day (rental) | The most practical way to reach and explore the park. Rent a car at Esquel airport or in Esquel town. The park entrance via Ruta Provincial 71 is about 50 km (30 miles) from Esquel, primarily on a well-maintained gravel road. This is essential for flexibility within the park. |
| Esquel Bus Terminal | bus | 1 hour 30 minutes | $5-10 USD | There are limited bus services from Esquel to the main park entrance areas like Villa Futalaufquen. However, once inside, public transport is virtually non-existent, making a rental car indispensable for exploring multiple trails and lakes. |
| Bariloche | car | 3-4 hours | $60-90 USD/day (rental) | A scenic drive south on Ruta Nacional 40 (mostly paved) connects Bariloche to Esquel, from where you'd follow directions to the park. Ideal for those doing a longer Patagonia road trip. |
Where to Stay
Camping (inside park)
$10-30/night/night
Multiple organized campsites like Camping Lago Futalaufquen (El Portón), Camping Lago Rivadavia (Arrayanes), and Camping Lago Krüger offer basic facilities like toilets, showers, and picnic areas. Many are run by park rangers or concessionaires. Wild camping is also possible in designated areas with a permit, offering a true immersion in nature.
Refugios / Mountain Huts
$40-80/night/night
For hikers seeking more comfort than a tent, some basic refugios (mountain huts) are available within the park or on its fringes, particularly around Lago Futalaufquen. These offer shared dorms and communal areas, often with stunning views.
Hostel / Cabañas (Villa Futalaufquen)
$50-120/night/night
The small village of Villa Futalaufquen, located inside the park, has a few guesthouses and rustic cabins (cabañas). These offer a comfortable base with easy access to many central park attractions. Book well in advance, especially during peak season.
Hotels / Boutique Stays (Esquel)
$80-200+/night/night
Many travelers opt to stay in Esquel, a larger town about 50 km from the park entrance, offering a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and services. You can then drive into the park daily, which is a practical option if you have a rental car.
Driving Tips
- 1**Unpaved Roads**: Be prepared for extensive gravel roads (ripio) within the park, notably Ruta Provincial 71. Drive slowly, especially on curves, and be aware of loose stones. A 4x4 isn't strictly necessary but a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable.
- 2**Fuel**: Fill up your tank in Esquel or Trevelin before entering the park. There are no gas stations within Los Alerces National Park, and distances between services can be considerable.
- 3**Wildlife Crossings**: Be alert for guanacos, huemuls, and other wildlife, especially at dawn and dusk. Collisions with animals are a significant risk on Patagonian roads.
- 4**No Cell Signal**: Expect little to no cell phone reception once you enter the park. Download offline maps (like Google Maps or Maps.me) and inform someone of your itinerary, especially if you plan remote hikes.
- 5**Spare Tire & Tools**: Always carry a properly inflated spare tire, a jack, and basic tools. Punctures are common on gravel roads, and assistance can be hours away.
Local Tips
- 1**Book El Abuelo Boat Tour Early**: The popular boat excursion to the ancient 'El Abuelo' alerce tree often sells out weeks or even months in advance during peak season. Secure your spot online or via local tour operators as soon as your travel dates are firm.
- 2**Pack Layers & Waterproofs**: Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable. Even in summer, temperatures can drop suddenly, and rain or wind can appear out of nowhere. Dress in layers, including a waterproof and windproof outer shell.
- 3**Bring Cash (Argentine Pesos)**: While some larger campsites or shops might accept cards, many smaller vendors, park entrances (especially if paying in person), and local eateries prefer or only accept cash. Always carry small denominations.
- 4**Respect Park Regulations**: Los Alerces is a fragile ecosystem. Stick to marked trails, do not disturb wildlife, take all your trash with you (pack it in, pack it out), and be mindful of fire restrictions, especially in summer.
- 5**Visit the Visitor Center**: Stop by the Centro de Informes in Villa Futalaufquen upon arrival. Rangers can provide up-to-date information on trail conditions, road closures, and permits for specific activities, and offer invaluable local insights.
Rent a Car for This Trip
**Unpaved Roads**: Be prepared for extensive gravel roads (ripio) within the park, notably Ruta Provincial 71. Drive slowly, especially on curves, and be aware of loose stones. A 4x4 isn't strictly necessary but a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable.
Rent a Car for This TripFrequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the El Abuelo Alerce tree?
The ancient 'El Abuelo' alerce tree is accessed by a guided boat tour across Lago Menéndez. These tours depart from Puerto Chucao, which is reached by car via Ruta Provincial 71. It's crucial to book your boat tour well in advance, especially during the summer months, as capacity is limited and tours sell out quickly.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle to explore Los Alerces National Park?
A 4x4 is not strictly necessary, but a vehicle with good ground clearance is highly recommended. Many of the park's internal roads, particularly Ruta Provincial 71, are unpaved gravel (ripio). These roads can be bumpy and have loose stones, so driving slowly and carefully is essential regardless of your vehicle type.
Is there cell phone signal or Wi-Fi in the park?
Cell phone reception is very limited to non-existent throughout most of Los Alerces National Park. Some areas around Villa Futalaufquen might have sporadic signal or limited Wi-Fi at specific lodges. It's best to download offline maps and be prepared to disconnect. Enjoy the digital detox!
Can I camp inside Los Alerces National Park?
Yes, the park offers several organized campsites with varying levels of facilities, primarily around Lago Futalaufquen and Lago Rivadavia. There are also options for more primitive camping. Always check with park rangers upon arrival for specific campsite availability, regulations, and any necessary permits, especially if you plan to wild camp in designated areas.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
Los Alerces is home to diverse Patagonian wildlife. Keep an eye out for guanacos, huemuls (Andean deer, though rare and elusive), pudú (the world's smallest deer), foxes, and various bird species including condors, Magellanic woodpeckers, and torrent ducks. Binoculars are recommended for birdwatching and spotting distant animals.
Are there restaurants or grocery stores inside the park?
The small village of Villa Futalaufquen, located within the park, has a few basic stores where you can buy essential groceries and a couple of small eateries. However, options are very limited and prices can be higher. It's highly advisable to stock up on groceries, snacks, and water in Esquel or Trevelin before entering the park, especially if you plan to camp or stay in more remote areas.