Circuito Lacustre

Los Alerces’ traditional excursion is the “lake circuit” starting at Puerto Limonao, at the south end of Lago Futalaufquen, to the Río Arrayanes outlet of Lago Verde; at Puerto Mermoud, a catwalk crosses to Puerto Chucao, on Lago Menéndez, where another boat continues to Puerto Sagrario.

From Puerto Sagrario, passing blue-green Lago Cisne, a looping nature trail goes to the alerce grove of El Alerzal and the landmark El Abuelo, the oldest and most impressive single specimen. While there are guides on the hike to and from El Abuelo, it’s possible to separate from the group; it is not, however, possible to hike elsewhere in an area that’s mostly limited-access zona intangible.

It’s possible to start the excursion at either Puerto Limonao (US$24 pp) or Puerto Chucao (US$15 pp. Scheduled departures are at 10 a.m. from Limonao, returning by 6:30 p.m.; and noon from Chucao, returning by 4:45 p.m. Esquel travel agencies can make reservations, which are highly advisable, but it’s possible to purchase tickets here on a space available basis. The Esquel representative is Empresa Cleona (Avenida Alvear 442, tel. 02945/450795).