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Arrayanes Forest
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The Arrayanes Forest is a globally unique woodland located on the Quetrihué Peninsula in Lake Nahuel Huapi, near the town of Villa La Angostura. It consists almost entirely of the Luma apiculata tree, locally known as Arrayán. The most striking feature of these trees is their cinnamon-colored, smooth bark, which peels off in thin plates and feels cool to the touch. The trees in this particular forest are up to 650 years old and reach heights of up to 15 meters, which is extraordinary for this species. Since the Arrayán typically grows as a shrub, this closed forest ecosystem is regarded as a natural wonder. A wooden boardwalk guides visitors through the dense grove to protect the fragile soil and the trees' roots. Legend has it that Walt Disney was inspired by this forest for the backgrounds of his film 'Bambi', though this has never been officially confirmed. The forest is part of the Los Arrayanes National Park and serves as a symbol of nature conservation in Patagonia.
- Location: Argentina
- Top sights: Mirador Arauco · Mirador Brazo Norte · Punto Panorámico
- Nearby: Villa Traful (25 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 13 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 | 0 | -1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 33 | 24 | 33 | 59 | 120 | 156 | 127 | 122 | 62 | 52 | 38 | 30 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Usually reached by boat across the adjacent lake or via a long walking trail starting from the peninsula's main base.
Best season
Late spring to early autumn generally provides the mildest weather for exploring the peninsula and observing the trees.
Terrain & paths
The area features well-maintained boardwalks and trails to protect the delicate root systems of the cinnamon-colored trees.
What to bring
Comfortable walking shoes and standard outdoor clothing are usually perfectly sufficient for the main wooden pathways.
Parking
Visitors normally park in the nearby resort town before taking a tourist boat or starting the hike towards the reserve.
Safety
It is important to stay strictly on marked wooden paths to preserve the unique trees and confidently avoid uneven ground.
Time needed
A typical excursion lasts half a day, depending heavily on the chosen method of transport to reach the secluded forest.
Geography
Facts
- The Quetrihué Peninsula has a total length of 12 kilometers.
- The Arrayán belongs to the Myrtaceae (myrtle) family.
- The trees bloom in summer with small, white, and fragrant flowers.
- The Los Arrayanes National Park was established as an independent park in 1971.
- The bark of the Arrayán has medicinal properties and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
- The fruits are dark, edible berries that are highly favored by local birds.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Arrayanes Forest (9)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bosque de Arrayanes?
A rare forest of Arrayán trees (Luma apiculata) with characteristic cinnamon-colored bark.
Where is this forest located?
It is located on the Quetrihué Peninsula in Los Arrayanes National Park, near Villa La Angostura.
How to reach the forest?
You can either hike or arrive by boat from Villa La Angostura.
Is the forest large?
It is rather small and has been placed under strict protection as a natural monument.
When is the best time to visit?
During the summer months (December-March), the hike is most pleasant.
Arrayanes Forest: where is it located?
Arrayanes Forest is located in Argentina.
Arrayanes Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mirador Arauco, Mirador Brazo Norte, Punto Panorámico.
Arrayanes Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Arrayanes Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Arrayanes Forest is a globally unique woodland located on the Quetrihué Peninsula in Lake Nahuel Huapi, near the town of Villa La Angostura.
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