Los Arrayanes National Park

Los Arrayanes protects the far end of the Quetrihué peninsula, which reaches out into Lago Nahuel Huapi, and its subject is a single species: the arrayán, a myrtle whose bark is smooth, cool to the touch and a strong cinnamon orange, peeling to pale patches, with trunks that twist and lean. Pure stands of mature arrayán are rare, and this one, with trees estimated at several hundred years old, is the reason the area was set aside. A wooden boardwalk winds through the grove so that visitors stay off the shallow roots. The rest of the peninsula is coihue forest with lake views on both sides, walked or cycled from Villa La Angostura, and boats make the crossing in about half an hour.

What you actually see

• The arrayán grove - twisted cinnamon trunks in a rare pure stand.
• The boardwalk - the raised walkway protecting the shallow root system.
• The peninsula trail - the twelve-kilometre forest route from town.
• The lake views - Nahuel Huapi on both sides of the narrow peninsula.

When to go

November to April for reliable boats and dry trails; the grove is open year-round but winter sailings are weather-dependent. Early boats avoid the midday crush. Autumn colour on the peninsula in April is exceptional.

Honest expectations

The grove itself is small and a walk through it takes under an hour, so the journey is most of the day. Combined boat and park fees add up. In peak season the boardwalk is crowded and quiet moments are rare.

Nearby

Villa La Angostura sits at the base of the peninsula; Bariloche lies south across the lake.