Lake Safari | Los Alerces National Park
Lake Safari | Los Alerces National Park
Come and discover a World Heritage Site!
Time of year | All year |
Maximum Pax | 60 |
Duration | 5h |
Transfer | Lake transport, safety equipment for navigation and hiking, specialized guide service and insurance. |
Includes | Guides, navigation, communication equipment. NOT INCLUDED: transfers Esquel – Río Arrayanes – Esquel, entrance to Los Alerces National Park, lunch, snacks, we suggest bringing your own lunch and drinks. |
Recommendations
– We suggest bringing your own lunch and drinks, as the rate does not include them.
- Bring clothing appropriate for the season in which the excursion takes place: gloves, hats, comfortable warm clothing, sneakers (or a change of shoes later), neck warmers, sunscreen.
– You must arrive 30 minutes before the boat departs.
The ticket is sent digitally; please note that there is no cell phone signal in that area. We suggest you have it downloaded to your phone or have taken a screenshot to show when boarding.
– If you have your own vehicle, we recommend leaving the city of Esquel or Trevelin at 8:00 a.m. To head towards the Rio Arrayanes Footbridge (90 km away), where you leave the car in the parking lot, go down to the Rio Arrayanes footbridge area, and take a 30-minute walk along an easy trail to Puerto Chucao (1.5 km), bordering the Menéndez River.
– You must be present for Check-in at 10:30 am at the Port.
Clarifications
Prior reservation required (Check for departure dates)
All departures are subject to weather alerts for strong winds issued by the National Weather Service.
Description of the excursion
The tour begins at Lake Menéndez, after crossing the footbridge over the Arrayanes River and embarking on a hike of approximately 2,000 meters. At Puerto Chucao, you'll board a boat to cross Lake Menéndez and reach the shore of the northern arm. During the journey, you'll enjoy extraordinary views of the southern face of the Torrecillas Glacier, Isla Grande, forests, and waterfalls. Upon arrival at Puerto Sagrario, you'll disembark to begin a hike that will take you deep into the heart of Los Alerces National Park, home to the ancient alerce tree. The trail will lead you to Lake Cisne, the rapids of the Cisne River, and culminate at the "Grandfather," an alerce tree over 2,600 years old, 2.20 meters in diameter, and 57 meters tall—undoubtedly the park's most outstanding specimen. It's worth noting that the trail features new walkways, steps, viewpoints, and panoramic viewpoints, enhancing the visitor experience. This new system also reduces human impact and minimizes soil erosion. It is recommended for those who enjoy relaxing in beautiful, untouched places.
The journey to the Ancient Alerce Forest begins in the heart of Los Alerces National Park. After crossing the iconic footbridge over the Arrayanes River and enjoying a 2,000-meter walk along the riverbank, you arrive at Puerto Chucao. From there, you navigate the crystal-clear waters of Lake Menéndez towards its North Arm, a route that offers extraordinary views of the southern face of the Torrecillas Glacier, Isla Grande, and waterfalls cascading down the mountain.
Upon disembarking at Puerto Sagrario, the trail leads into a pristine Valdivian rainforest, guiding us past Swan Lake and its rapids to the most anticipated sight: 'El Abuelo' (The Grandfather). This ancient larch, with over 2,600 years of history, standing 57 meters tall and with a diameter of 2.20 meters, rises as an eternal guardian of the forest. Thanks to a modern system of walkways, steps, and viewpoints, the experience is not only more comfortable and panoramic, but also guarantees maximum protection of the soil and the ecosystem. An ideal option for those seeking absolute relaxation in an environment untouched by human activity.‘
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Puerto Chucao?
TRANSFER FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN ESQUEL OR TREVELIN TO PUERTO CHUCAO (ROUND TRIP): Minimum of 2 people required. The transfer includes pick-up from your accommodation between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. You will arrive at the Río Arrayanes Footbridge parking area. From there, you will walk for 30 minutes along an easy trail to Puerto Chucao (1.5 km). Check-in at the port is at 10:30 AM. The boat departs promptly and returns to Puerto Chucao at 4:00 PM. Your vehicle will be waiting to take you back to Esquel. Arrival time in Esquel is approximately 6:00 PM.
Is it rained out?
The excursion is not cancelled due to rain. If, during the excursion, the vehicle is unable to access any of the aforementioned attractions due to road conditions. It is important to bear in mind that some sections are clay-covered and uphill. The guide may choose another nearby attraction to visit that is easily accessible.
When will the excursion be suspended?
All departures are subject to weather alerts for strong winds issued by the National Weather Service.
