Los Arrayanes National Park: The Best of Villa La Angostura

Introduction

When we arrived in Bariloche, we honestly had no plan at all. We were slow-travelling and backpacking our way south of Argentina. After spending our first day hiking around the Circuito Chico, we were ready for more adventures. And this one was perfect, as the next day we were hiking to Refugio Frey.

That’s when Alberto (an Argentinian from Buenos Aires who goes every year to Bariloche and who was staying in the same accommodation as us) offered us to go on a trip to Villa La Angostura and the os Arrayanes National Park. We didn’t know much what to expect, but Alberto sure knew how beautiful it was.

So, together with him, his son and daughter-in-law, we discover that beautiful part of the Lake District.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Villa La Angostura, the boat tours to get to Los Arrayanes, the famous 12km hiking trail inside the park, and how to make the most of your time in this unique corner of Patagonia.

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Why You’ll Love Los Arrayanes National Park

If you’ve ever wanted to walk through a real-life fairy tale, Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes is the place for you. Located on the Quetrihué Peninsula just outside Villa La Angostura, this park is home to one of the only Bosque de Arrayanes (Myrtle forests) in the world, where the trees grow to be hundreds of years old.

The first thing you’ll notice is the color. The trees have a striking cinnamon-orange bark that is incredibly smooth and surprisingly cold to the touch. As the bark peels away in thin layers, it reveals lighter patches underneath, creating a beautiful contrast against the deep green leaves and the blue waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

It’s so unique that local legend says Walt Disney himself visited the forest and used it as inspiration for the woods in Bambi. Whether that’s true or not, the “enchanted” vibe is definitely there!

What we love most about this park is all the possibilities you have to visit. First, you don’t have to be a professional hiker to enjoy it. Second, you can take a boat across the lake, walk through the trees on a well-maintained boardwalk, then challenge yourself with a 12km trail back to town or a 24km one if you prefer not taking the boat.

It’s a perfect mix of nature and adventure, and easily one of the best things to do in Villa La Angostura. If you are already exploring Argentina or heading further south toward Ushuaia, this is a stop you really shouldn’t miss.

Getting to Los Arrayanes National Park

Villa La Angostura

To reach the Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, your first goal is to get to the Quetrihué Peninsula, which sits just at the edge of Villa La Angostura.

Even though the park is the star of the show, we highly recommend taking an hour or two to walk through the town center of Villa La Angostura.

It’s famous for its Alpine-style architecture and has a much more relaxed, cozy vibe than the busy streets of Bariloche.

Most travelers stay in Bariloche and make the trip for the day. You have two main options:

• By Bus: This is the easiest way if you don’t want to drive. Buses leave frequently from the Bariloche terminal (check companies like Via Tac or Albus). The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes and drops you right in the center of Villa La Angostura. From there, you’ll need to catch a local bus or a short taxi to the port (Puerto Angostura).
• By Renting a Car: This is what we did, and it’s honestly the best way to see this part of Argentina. It’s an 83 km drive along Route 40 with some incredible views of the lake. Having a car lets you drive all the way to the “Isthmus” where the park starts, and it gives you the freedom to explore other spots like the Circuito Chico or start your journey toward Ushuaia later.

After spending some time exploring Villa La Angostura, you just have to drive 5 minutes more to Puerto Angostura, the port area where there are actually two bays: Bahía Mansa and Bahía Brava. This is where you’ll buy your boat tickets (if you didn’t do it already in Bariloche) or start the 12km hiking trail.

If you are driving, there’s a parking area near the entrance to the park. We suggest arriving early, especially in the summer, because the parking spots fill up quickly with people heading out for the Bosque de Arrayanes or just spending the day at the beach.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Entry to the National Park

Once you reach the port area in Villa La Angostura (Puerto Angostura), you have to decide how you want to cover the 12 km (7.5 miles) between the entrance and the actual Bosque de Arrayanes at the tip of the peninsula. There is no one “right” way to do it, but here are the most popular options:

• By Boat Both Ways: This is the most relaxing option. Two main companies, Catamarán Futaleufú and Cau Cau, operate regular services. The boat ride takes about 45 minutes and offers spectacular views of the Andes reflecting in the lake.
• Boat One Way & Walking the Other: This is exactly what we did, and we highly recommend it! Taking the boat to the forest and hiking back allows you to experience the park from both the water and the land without over-exhausting yourself.
• Walking Both Ways: For those who love a challenge, the 24 km round-trip trek is a full-day adventure. The path is well-marked but has several undulations (difficulty is considered medium).
• Renting a Bike: You can rent mountain bikes near the park entrance in Puerto Angostura. Cycling the 12 km trail is much faster than walking, but be prepared for some steep, hilly sections where you might need to push the bike.

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Boat Schedules and Prices

Prices in Argentina can change quickly, but as of 2026, here is what you can expect to pay for the boat excursions departing from Villa La Angostura:

• Round Trip: Approximately $70,000 ARS (roughly $70 USD depending on the exchange rate).
• One Way: Approximately $60,000 ARS.
• Schedules: Boats typically depart daily at 11:00 AM, 2:30 PM, and 5:30 PM. However, schedules can vary by season, so we always recommend checking the official sites for Futaleufú or Cau Cau the day before.

Note: On top of your boat ticket, there is a mandatory National Park Entrance Fee (approx. $20,000 ARS for foreigners) and a small Boarding Fee (approx. $5,500 ARS) which must be paid in cash at the port.

The Best Time to Visit (Weather & Seasons)

Patagonian weather is famously unpredictable, so the best time to visit really depends on what you want to experience. If you are looking for long days and warm sunshine, summer is your best bet. From December to February, you’ll get highs between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F) and lows around 7°C to 10°C (45°F to 50°F). This is the prime season for most things to do in Villa La Angostura, like kayaking or tackling the 12km hike to the Bosque de Arrayanes, but keep in mind it’s also when the crowds are at their peak.

Autumn, from March to May, is when the landscape turns into a stunning palette of red and gold. We think this is one of the most beautiful times to be in Argentina (and wish we could have experienced it). Temperatures start to cool down, with highs of 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F) and lows dipping to 2°C or 8°C (35°F to 46°F). You’ll find much quieter trails in the Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes during these months.

When winter hits from June to August, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland. Highs stay between 1°C and 5°C (34°F to 41°F) while lows often drop below freezing to -3°C (27°F). While it’s great for skiing, the 12km trail can be tough with snow, so most people stick to the boat tours during this time.

Finally, spring from September to November brings the wildflowers and blooming trees back to life. Highs range from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F), but the weather is very “moody”—you might see sun, rain, and snow all in the same afternoon.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Our Experience: Taking the Boat and Hiking Back

The Boat Journey

When you are ready to head to the park, you’ll find two different boat routes departing from opposite sides of the peninsula. We highly recommend choosing the one that departs from the main lake (Bahía Brava). It offers much better panoramic views and really showcases the scale of the Andes.

We made our way to the pier just before 2 PM to board. Most vessels have two decks: an open-air upper deck and a covered lower deck. While everyone usually rushes upstairs for the view, we actually chose to sit on the lower deck. It was much quieter and gave us plenty of space to relax, and we could still step outside whenever we wanted a photo.

The 45-minute journey is more than just a ride; it’s a guided experience. Along the way, a Spanish-speaking guide shares some pretty incredible facts about Nahuel Huapi Lake. For instance, did you know it’s the deepest lake in Argentina? The official depth is recorded at 475 meters, but there’s a newly discovered section that might reach 700 meters!

You’ll also learn that the water temperature is quite extreme—dropping to 0°C (32°F) in winter and only reaching about 15°C (59°F) in the peak of summer. The ride is incredibly smooth and serves as the perfect introduction to the landscapes you are about to explore.

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Hotel Cottbus

Design Suites Bariloche

Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa

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Exploring the Bosque de Arrayanes

As soon as your boat docks at the pier, you are greeted by a local guide ready to explain this unique ecosystem. The Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes covers 12 square kilometers of the Quetrihué Peninsula and was specifically created in 1971 to protect this rare forest—one of the last of its kind in the world.

As you walk along the boardwalks, you’ll see trees that are over 300 years old. You can recognize the Arrayán trees by their famous cinnamon-colored bark. It’s incredibly smooth to the touch and peels away naturally in layers, revealing lighter shades underneath.

It’s easy to see why people believe this “enchanted” forest inspired Walt Disney’s Bambi. These trees thrive in the humid, cool air right at the lake’s edge, creating a microclimate that feels completely different from the rest of the region.

Right at the end of the boardwalk loop (and at the start of the trail back), you’ll find the Casita de Té. This picturesque wooden cabin looks like it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. We highly recommend stopping here before you start your hike.

They are famous for their delicious homemade pies and hot chocolate. We treated ourselves to a slice of their berry pie, and it was the perfect sugar boost for the trek ahead. It’s a bit pricey because of the remote location, but totally worth it!

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The 12km Trail Back: What to Expect

If you decide to hike back to Puerto Angostura as we did, you are in for a 12 km (7.5 mile) trek that takes between 3 to 4 hours. The trail is mostly flat and well-marked, making it a very manageable walk through the dense Patagonian forest. One of the best things about it is the temperature—even on a hot summer day, the thick canopy provides plenty of shade and keeps things cool.

While the lake stays hidden for most of the walk, there are three specific viewpoints along the way where you can catch your breath and enjoy panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the surrounding peaks.

Since most visitors take the boat both ways, the path is often very quiet. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife; if you are lucky, you might spot woodpeckers, foxes, or even deer deep in the woods.

Reaching the end of the trail feels like a huge accomplishment and is the best way to really feel the scale of the peninsula.

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Ending the Day: The Drive Back to Bariloche

After you finish the hike and reach the park entrance, it’s time to head back. If you are staying in Bariloche, the drive back is the perfect way to end your day. We took our time and stopped at several of the scenic viewpoints along Route 40.

If you time it right, you can watch the sunset over the Andes. The golden light reflecting on the crystal-clear water is one of the most beautiful sights in Argentina. It’s the perfect moment to soak in the scenery before heading back for a well-deserved dinner.

Tickets, Opening Hours & Logistics

To make sure your day goes smoothly, here are the practical details you need to know for 2025/2026:

• Park Hours: The park is generally open from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM in the summer, but the “last entry” for the 12km hike is usually around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM to ensure you aren’t walking in the dark.
• Entrance Fees: As of early 2026, the National Park fee for non-residents is approximately $20,000 ARS. You can pay this at the entrance in Puerto Angostura or at the pier if you arrive by boat.
• The “Boarding Pass”: If you take the boat, there is an extra port tax (Tasa de Embarque) of about $5,500 ARS that isn’t included in your ticket price.

Is it Worth It? & Pro-Tips

In our opinion, a visit to the Bosque de Arrayanes is absolutely worth it. It’s a landscape you won’t find anywhere else in Argentina—or the world, for that matter.

Our Pro-Tips for your visit:

• Bring Cash: While some boat companies take cards, the national park entrance and the tea house often have “connection issues” with card machines. Having Pesos on hand will save you a lot of stress.
• Pack Water: There are no spots to refill your bottle once you leave the tea house and start the 12km hike. We suggest bringing at least 1.5 liters per person.
• Check the Wind: If it’s an exceptionally windy day, the boat departures might be canceled or the lake can get very choppy. Check the weather forecast specifically for “Villa La Angostura” before you leave Bariloche.
• Footwear: You don’t need heavy mountain boots for the 12km trail, but comfortable sneakers with good grip are a must as some sections can be dusty and slippery.

Where to Base Yourself: Our Favorite Spots

Since most people visit the Bosque de Arrayanes as a day trip, you’ll likely be looking for a place to stay in either Villa La Angostura or nearby Bariloche. Here are three options we recommend depending on your budget and travel style:

Hotel Cottbus: If you want to stay in the heart of Bariloche without breaking the bank, this is a fantastic choice. It’s simple, clean, and perfectly located near the main shops and bus stations.

Design Suites Bariloche: For something a bit more modern, you’ll love the views here. The floor-to-ceiling windows look right out over Nahuel Huapi Lake. It’s a bit outside the city center, which makes it much quieter and gives it a more “Patagonian” feel.

Llao Llao Resort, Golf-Spa: If you want the ultimate experience in Argentina, this is it. It’s one of the most famous hotels in the country, located on a hill between two lakes. It’s grand, historic, and offers world-class views. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth driving past just to see the architecture!

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