Los Arrayanes National Park - Patagonia Argentina
Visiting Villa La Angostura in Argentina is a synonymous with seeing Arrayan trees. They are part of the village's appeal and have a national park named after them. So, yes, they are highly significant to this town!
Now, are these trees easy to find? Here's a summary of where to see these "bambi" trees, along with all the details
The easy way: Arrayanes National Park
The simplest way to see Arrayán trees is by visiting Los Arrayanes National Park, located in Puerto Angostura, 3.2km from the YPF ACA gas station in the center of Villa La Angostura, heading towards the Prefectura post, the Mansa and Brava bays.
There are three ways to visit the park
The tourist way: By Boat
The most traditional option is from Puerto Pañuelos in Bariloche, where you can also visit Isla Victoria.
From Villa La Angostura, in Bahia Mansa, you'll find the company Futaleufú, which offers both round-trip and one-way trips. Each company has its own pricing, but in this case, the round trip costs ARS 9,000 (approximately USD 20), and a one-way trip costs ARS 8,000 (approximately USD 17). Generally, bike transportation is included in the ticket price.
You will get to the park's pier, descend and walk through the Arrayán forest, you'll find a 900-meter circuit and a cafeteria.
Adventurous way: trekking
Starting from Bahia Mansa (Istmo de Quetrihué), the beginning of the National Park, you can embark on a 12 km trek to the park's pier, located at the other end of the park, where the walkway to observe the Arrayán trees is located. You can choose to do one leg of the trek and take a boat for the other leg, or walk both ways
The first kilometer and a half (from Bahia Mansa to the pier) is the most challenging part, with steep elevations and narrower paths that might make you wonder why you're there. #JETLAGTIP: Within that first kilometer and a half, there's a viewpoint where you don't need to pay the park entrance fee. The fee is only required if you take a boat or continue the 12 km adventure.
Once you pass that limit, it's all about walking and enjoying the scenery. There are some more elevations, but it's a highly enjoyable experience where you can observe birds and a few Arrayán specimens.
The trek takes approximately 3 hours each way, and there's a deadline for entry (11AM in winter, 12PM in summer)
If you enjoy walking and immersing yourself in nature, knowing that you'll reach Argentina's most famous national park, then yes, put on your sneakers and go for it. But if you're expecting an easy walk with 12 kilometers of Arrayán trees, choose the boat or let me offer you other options.
Extreme way: rent a bicycle and hold on tight
Just like with trekking, you start from Bahia Mansa (Istmo de Quetrihué), and you can choose to do only the 12 km round trip or combine it with a boat ride, as mentioned before.
Apart from the mandatory use of helmets, there are several signs in various areas that ask you to dismount and walk your bike due to the slope and "obstacles" on the path, such as rocks, branches, or tree roots.
It's a challenging route, and it's not easy, especially considering that you'll have to carry your bike. For example, the first kilometer and a half consists of stairs and obstacles.
If you enjoy extreme cycling adventures, then yes, go for it! You'll thoroughly enjoy it due to the challenges along the way. But if you simply like biking, it might not be the best option; walking is preferable.
Dry season desaster - #JETLAGTIP
the most beautiful Arrayán trees are located towards the end of the trek, just before reaching the walkway. Even if you choose the walkway, I recommend walking a few meters along the trekking trail and experiencing the true Arrayán park.
Between 2012 and 2013, the island experienced a dry season, causing many of the specimens to lose that strong cinnamon color that many of us remember from previous visits before that period. So, less than 50% of the trees along the walkway have that cinnamon color. Take the trekking trail, and you'll be amazed.
VLA Low-Cost Option: Lago Correntoso Beach
If you're in Villa La Angostura and want to see Arrayán trees without any cost, I recommend visiting Lago Correntoso beach, the best low budget option.
You'll find a simple camping area there, a beach with a dreamlike view, and, by coincidence, the stars of the place: the most beautiful Arrayán trees I've seen in Villa La Angostura.
It's free, it's beautiful, it's nearby, and you'll also get to see the world's shortest river.
After passing the YPF ACA gas station, the roundabout, and before the Rio Correntoso bridge, you'll find the entrance to the public beach. The road is gravel, but cars can easily pass through.
Bariloche Low-Cost Option: Llao Llao Municipal Park
In the Bariloche post, I mentioned Llao Llao Municipal Park, located on the Circuito Chico. The low-cost way to see Arrayán trees is by visiting this park, which you can reach by taking bus N° 20 from the city center to the final stop (Hotel Llao Llao) or to Puerto Pañuelos (the previous stop).
You'll walk 950 meters to reach the park entrance, and then look for the Sendero de los Arrayanes (Arrayán trail), which is located near the entrance.
Also, If you have a car, there is a car park at the entrance, free of charge.
This park behind the Llao Llao Hotel, and I totally recommend to spend a full day walking and getting lost inside the park. Apart from the Arrayan area, you have stunning views of the lakes and mountains of the area.
Enjoy the experience!
As your unforgettable encounter with the Arrayán trees draws to a close, take a moment to reflect on the profound beauty and significance they hold.
These "bambi" trees have been have been sprucing up the landscape for ages, delighting all who stumble upon their leafy realm.
Whether you sailed through the lake waters, embarked on an intrepid trek, or pedaled with the wind as your accomplice, you've become a temporary resident of their enchanted world.
So, with a twinkle in your eye and a newfound appreciation for the extraordinary, venture forth and create even more unforgettable memories among nature's most extraordinary creations.
The journey continues, and there's still so much more to discover!
Happy travels
Dai, from Jetlagblog
References
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