Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Traditionally, Circuito Lacustre is Los Alerces' most popular excursion and involves
sailing from Puerto Limonao up Lago Futalaufquen and through the narrow channel of
the Río Arrayanes to Lago Verde.
Low water makes it necessary to hike the short distance between Puerto Mermoud, at
the north end of Lago Futalaufquen, and Puerto Chucao on Lago Menéndez. Launches
from Puerto Chucao handle the second segment of the trip (1½ hours) to the northern
nature trail El Alerzal , the most accessible stand of alerces. Another option (recommen-
ded) is to arrive at Puerto Chucao via a 1500m very scenic trail that crosses the bridge
over Río Arrayanes.
The launch remains docked for over an hour at El Alerzal trailhead, sufficient for an
unhurried hike around the loop trail that passes Lago Cisne and an attractive waterfall to
end up at El Abuelo (Grandfather), a 57m-tall, 2600-year-old alerce.
From Puerto Limonao, the excursion costs AR$420; from Puerto Chucao it's AR$340.
Departures are in the morning from Limonao and at noon from Chucao, returning to
Chucao around 5pm and to Limonao at 7pm. In summer purchase tickets in Esquel to en-
sure a seat.
Hiking
Hikers must sign in at the one of the ranger stations before heading out.
Day hikes can be undertaken from several interpretive trails located near Lago
Futalaufquen . There is also a 25km trail from Puerto Limonao along the south shore of
Futalaufquen to Hostería Lago Krüger , which can be done in a long day, or broken up
by camping at Playa Blanca . Boat excursions from Puerto Limonao to Lago Krüger cost
AR$420 per person.
For longer hikes, see Lonely Planet's Trekking in the Patagonian Andes .
Sleeping & Eating
En route to the park, watch for roadside signs advertising ideal picnic goods: homemade
bread, delicious Chubut cheese, fresh fruit and Welsh sweets. In Villa Futalaufquen there
are a couple of basic grocery stores and a summer-only restaurant, but it's best to bring
your own provisions.
Los Alerces has several full-service campgrounds, all of which have showers, grocery
stores and restaurants on-site or nearby. Free (no services) and semi-organized camp-
grounds exist near most of these fee sites.
With a group, cabañas can be an affordable option.
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