National park · Argentina
Los Alerces National ParkParque Nacional Los Alerces
Enter Los Alerces NP: pay AR$200 entry, drive the main road and do the Cerro Alto hike (2 km (1.2 mi), easy) in about 2 h; best months Dec–Feb, avoid Jan‑Mar crowds.Enter Los Alerces NP: pay AR$200 entry, drive the main road and do the Cerro Alto hike (1.2 mi (2 km), easy) in about 2 h; best months Dec–Feb, avoid Jan‑Mar crowds.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
2,630 km² (1,015 sq mi)1,015 sq mi (2,630 km²)
approximate
Established
1937
Best months
Feb–Mar, Nov–Dec
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 9Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Wind is the main planning constraint: spring (Sep–Nov) is the windiest, and exposed trails, boats and flights can be delayed.
- Patagonia (Argentina) ↗Book long-distance buses several days ahead in summer; seats sell out around Christmas, New Year and mid-January.
At a glance
- Country
- Argentina
- Area
- 2,630 km² (1,015 sq mi)1,015 sq mi (2,630 km²)
- Park covers about 2,630 km² of Patagonian forest, lakes and mountains (official source).
- Established
- 1937
- Best months
- Feb–Mar, Nov–Dec
- Permits
- For some areas
Los Alerces National Park offers a drive‑through Patagonian landscape with lakes, ancient alerce forests and limited short hikes; the main attraction is the Alerce Milenario tree reachable by boat, and visitors typically pay a modest vehicle entry fee and explore the easy Cerro Alto trail.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2017Listed as part of the Southern Andes UNESCO site.
Size and age
2,630 km² (1,015 sq mi)1,015 sq mi (2,630 km²) · national park since 1937
Park covers about 2,630 km² of Patagonian forest, lakes and mountains (official source).
Why go
- Drive through a Patagonian landscape of lakes, forests and mountains.
- See the ancient Alerce Milenario tree, reachable by boat.
- Visit the remote Torrecillas Glacier by boat.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprGo
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctGo
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanCold, possible snow; fewer services.
- FebMild, clear days, good for driving.
- MarSpring, blooming flora.
- AprWarmer, some rain.
- MayCool, less crowd.
- JunCold, occasional snow.
- JulWinter, road can be icy.
- AugWinter, limited daylight.
- SepEarly spring, improving weather.
- OctMild, good visibility.
- NovLate spring, many services open.
- DecSummer, peak visitor season.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern beech (Alerce) forestsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Andean deer, guanacosOct–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Birds of prey, waterfowlSep–Feb | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Esquel
Drive 45 km (28 mi) on Ruta 40 to the park entrance; daily bus from Esquel to the gate.Drive 28 mi (45 km) on Ruta 40 to the park entrance; daily bus from Esquel to the gate.
1 h by car, 1.5 h by bus
From Bariloche
Take Ruta 40 south, 200 km (124 mi); road is paved to the park edge, then dirt road.Take Ruta 40 south, 124 mi (200 km); road is paved to the park edge, then dirt road.
≈3 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| South entrance (Villa Futalaufquen) | Gate, parking, visitor map, basic services. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Central road corridor | Dusty gravel road crossing most of the park; pull‑outs for viewpoints. | Drive‑through; stop at designated pull‑outs. |
| Cerro Alto area | Trailhead for the short Cerro Alto hike. | Accessible from a pull‑out; trail signposted. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from official park site; central point approximate.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (vehicle) | ARS 200 | vehicle | Check for seasonal variation. |
| Boat to Alerce Milenario | ARS 1,080 | person | Only boat access. |
| Boat to Torrecillas Glacier | ARS 2,800 | person | Check schedule. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Boat trips permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- ARS 200
- ARS 1,080
- ARS 2,800
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Parques Nacionales – Los Alerces before you go.
Park rules
- Drones
- Not allowed without special permission from park authorities.check
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; free sites exist.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use camp stoves only.
- Pets
- Dogs allowed on leash in campgrounds, not on trails.
Where to stay
Near the park
Designated campgrounds
Free or low‑cost sites along the central road.
In the park
Cabanas and huts
Mid‑range lodging at pull‑outs; basic amenities.
Near the park
Esquel town
Hotels, hostels, and services 45 km (28 mi) away.Hotels, hostels, and services 28 mi (45 km) away.
Safety
Dusty road conditions medium
Remote location, limited cell coverage high
Winter snow/ice on road medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Entrance gate reachable by car with standard access.
- Cerro Alto trail has a short, gentle incline; suitable for most walkers.
Visiting lightly
- Stay in designated campgrounds; pack out all waste.
- Use boat operators that follow the park’s permitted routes.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Los Alerces National Park?
Entry is AR$200 per vehicle (check for updates); boat trips to the Alerce Milenario and Torrecillas Glacier cost AR$1080 and AR$2800 per person respectively.
What are the best hikes in Los Alerces National Park?
The main short hike is Cerro Alto (2 km, easy, about 2 h). Longer trails are limited; most visitors drive the central road and use boat‑access points.
When is the best time to visit Los Alerces National Park?
December to February offers mild weather and full services. Early spring (September–November) is also good, while winter months require caution.
Can I camp for free in Los Alerces?
Yes, several campgrounds along the park road are free; check signage for designated sites.
Is a guide required for any activity?
Guides are not required for the Cerro Alto hike, but boat trips to the Alerce Milenario and Torrecillas Glacier are operated by licensed providers.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Los Alerces National Park
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