Overview
Los Alerces National Park, in the Andes of Chubut, protects forests of alerce, a giant conifer that lives for thousands of years, along with lakes and rivers fed by snowmelt. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its water is famously clear, with greens and blues that change with the light.
The Lago Menéndez trip, by boat from Puerto Chucao to the Alerzal Milenario trail, is the highlight, with a walk among trees more than 2,000 years old. Lakes such as Futalaufquen and Verde have beaches, fishing and camping, and the town of Esquel, about 50 km away, is the usual base. Wildfires have affected parts of the park in recent years.
Highlights
- The Lago Menéndez boat trip and Alerzal Milenario trail
- Lago Futalaufquen and its beaches
- Clear rivers and lakes for fishing and kayaking
- The town of Esquel and the Old Patagonian Express
Best time to visit
December to March is the main season, with warm days and open services. Autumn colours in April are lovely. Winter brings snow and many services close. Check the status of the park after wildfires.
- JanJanuary: Best
- FebFebruary: Best
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Not ideal
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Not ideal
- OctOctober: Not ideal
- NovNovember: Good
- DecDecember: Best
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Esquel (EQS), about 50 km from the park, or Bariloche (BRC), about 4.5 hours by road. Buses and tours serve Esquel and Trevelin. A car is helpful for the lakes. Boat trips on Lago Menéndez need booking in summer.
What to expect
Easy to moderate. Many sights are close to the road or boat dock, and trails are gentle to moderate. Check weather and any fire restrictions before you go.
Practical tips
- Check the park status, closures and fire restrictions before you plan.
- Book the Lago Menéndez boat trip early in summer.
- Take layers and rain gear, as weather can change.
- Do not light fires outside permitted areas.
Frequently asked questions
How old are the alerce trees?
Some are more than 2,000 years old.
How do I get to Alerzal Milenario?
By boat across Lago Menéndez, then a short walk through the forest.
When is the best time to go?
December to March, with the best services and weather.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: NewenCurruf (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons.
