They say that from time to time it is necessary to get out of the routine to enter a forest and find a better connection with nature and oneself.
And there is no greater example than the Arrayanes Forest: a unique and remote place in the Patagonia Argentina, more precisely located on the Quetrihué Peninsula, next to Villa La Angostura.
It should be noted that a Arrayan is a very specific tree because Its bark is cold to the touch, orange and thin tones that separate into slices, which give it that striking and particular appearance.
They reach up to 25 meters and the average age is between 160 and 250 years but in this bos that are specimens that reach up to 600 years.
Due to these characteristics and to protect this species from any action that might harm it, in 1971 it was declared to the Arrayanes Forest as a National Park (even though it is within the Nahuel Huapi National Park ).
Without a doubt, it is a natural place that deserves to be visited. For this reason, below, we tell you how to go to the Arrayanes Forest from Bariloche:
Access
From San Carlos de Bariloche , the distance is 20 kilometers and the only way to get there is by by lake.
The shipment is made in Puerto Pañuelo , to which we recommend you arrive in time, not only due to delays in the queues, but also because from there you can have beautiful natural views next to the prestigious Llao Llao hotel in the background.
To get to Puerto Pañuelo, you have several options:
- Go in Taxi from downtown Bariloche.
- Take public transport in the center. In this case, the group in the line 20.
This navigation will take you through the waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake, surrounded by imposing mountain landscapes, up to Victoria Island.
You are going to walk between pine and coihue forests and after a few more minutes of navigation, the route continues towards the objective: the Quetrihue Peninsula and its Forest of Arrayanes.
Walking between Arrayanes
Once you arrive, a guide professional (bilingual/trilingual) will accompany you on this tour, showing you and explaining exclusive details of the Arrayanes, the history of the places that appear along the way, who were their inhabitants and much more.
Until a few decades ago, you could walk freely between trees but this harmed them because the Myrtles grow only one centimeter per year during the first 10 years of life and with the crowding of people, they became fragile.
Today everything The path is made by quality footbridges , with ascents and descents that alternate and that are armed You can strategically cross the entire forest and include signposted and explanatory signs.
Something we recommend is that you rest your hands on some Arrayán and feel its cold crust: it's a very interesting detail and you will notice it as soon as you do it.
Of course, an important point is that you be careful and also know that CANNOT break or carry branches.
The cinnamon colors of these trees, some species of birds such as Chucao, woodpeckers and rayadito, the pure air that is breathed, the rhythm of the slow pace and the tranquility of the place generate sensations unique.
And without a doubt, its landscapes make you feel like you're in a movie: one of the cases is when passing by the famous little house in the forest, where many say that Walt Disney was inspired by her to create the house that appears in the classic “Bambi”.
If you saw this movie and are watching it well they are quite similar. In addition, it works as a confectionery and you can take advantage of making a brake to have something hot or buy some local crafts.
Useful info and recommendations
So that you have a great experience getting to know the Arrayanes Forest, we leave you some recommendations and information that can help you:
- Although the tour can be done on your own and without guides, we recommend that you do not miss the opportunity and hire the guided. It is worth all the information they give you and the talks are very engaging and simple!
- Please comfortable shoes . The walk lasts most of the day and you will need it.
- Take camera or your well-charged cell phone to photograph every corner of this film forest.
- While temperatures they vary according to the time of year, we recommend Anything you have in your backpack an extra coat.
- Being a National Park there are several park rangers in the area. If you have any questions or queries, they can help you.
- Other access is from Villa La Angostura : embarking in Bahia Manzano, La Manza and La Brava or by car with a journey of 13 kilometers.
- Entry with food is allowed for having lunch at a stop and it is very important to be responsible and throw all the waste in the garbage cans.
If you want to know more about excursions, lodgings and all the information about Bariloche, Contact us and live your custom trip!