The Los Alerces National Park is a national park in Chubut Province, Argentina, some 30 miles from Esquel. The park borders Chile and was established in 1937 with the main purpose to protect the forests of the “alerce” (larch) tree, from which the park takes its name.
The alerce tree is an endangered confier from the southern region with an astonishing ability to survive thousands of years and reach a mighty 70m in height. In addition to these giant wonders, found mainly in the western zone of the park, there are also lenga, coigue, and cypress trees, beautiful flora, an array of native fauna.
There is a beautiful and complex system of lakes at the Park in which you can kayak through to reach secluded locations that are inaccessible by foot. The clear lakes are surrounded by mountain ranges covered with thick woods of coihues, cypresses and lengas, and inhabited by a varied fauna. One of the most beautiful lakes in the area is Lake Futalaufquen, with silver-blue waters, reaching Lake Verde through the fast-flowing Arrayanes river.
From this spot you can follow a short path that takes you to Menéndez lake, with bluish green waters.
Here you can hike up to Port Chucao, on Lake Menéndez, where a boat excursion is available to visit the Torrecillas Glacier.
Kayaking in Los Alerces National Park is a unique way to uncover Patagonia’s hidden gem, with prices starting from £382 for 3days, £966 for 6days and from £1,877 for 9days.