Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Introducing Parque Nacional Los Alerces

This collection of spry creeks, verdant mountains and mirror lakes resonates as unadulterated Andes. The real attraction, however, is the alerce tree (Fitzroya cupressoides), one of the longest-living species on the planet, with specimens that have survived up to 4000 years. Following the acclaim of well-known parks further north and south, most hikers miss this gem, which makes your visit here all the more enjoyable.

Resembling California’s giant sequoia, the alerce flourishes in middle Patagonia’s temperate forests, growing only about one centimeter every twenty years. Individual specimens of this beautiful tree can reach over 4m in diameter and exceed 60m in height. Like the giant sequoia, it has suffered overexploitation because of its valuable timber. West of Esquel, this 2630-sq-km park protects some of the largest alerce forests that still remain.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009