# Los Arrayanes National Park

Los Arrayanes National Park (Parque Nacional los Arrayanes)mis a protected natural area in the Andean highlands of western Patagonia in Argentina. The park is set on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi amidst a backdrop of towering mountain peaks. The park protects a forest of Arrayanes trees, which are a rare type of flowering Myrtle that live up to 650 years. With its hilly terrain, the park is a popular place for mountain biking and hiking.

## Understand

The park covers an area of 1750 hectares on a peninsula of Lake Nahuel Huapi.

### History

The park was created in 1971 by carving out a section of the massive Nahuel Huapi National Park to focus attention and resources on preserving one of the few remaining Arrayanes forests.

### Flora and fauna

The park's star attractions are the thousands of Arrayanes trees (Luma apiculata).
Most animals in the park are fairly small, even the deer are among the smallest of their family with many pudu lurking in the foliage, though larger deer, such as the huemul deer can be seen closer to Villa la Angostura. The peninsula is also home to foxes, You probably won't see the unusual monito de monte (Dromiciops gliroides) because they're active at night and rest during daylight hours. Despite the name, they aren't monkeys but rather are marsupials, related to opossum.
More than 100 species of bird can be spotted in and around the park, the most majestic being the Andean condor, soaring on air currents and thermals. There are eagles too, along with woodpeckers and other feathered avians.

### Climate

It's generally cold and wet in the park with daily temperatures around 3°C in winter and 14 °C in summer. The "wet" season is winter, with frequent snowfall between July and September. The best time to visit is January through March when sunny but cool days make for perfect bike riding or hiking.

## Get in

The nearest airport with commercial flights is in San Carlos de Bariloche. The nearest town to the park is Villa la Angostura. Via Bariloche operates several first-class buses between the two towns with tickets available from US$5 for the 90-minute trip. Once in Villa la Angostura, a taxi can take you to the park entrance, or you could rent a mountain bike and ride there along a 12 km long trail. The park is also accessible by boat from various docks along the lake.

## Get around

Ride a bike or hike. Bicycles should stay on the market trails. Once in the Arrayanes forest, visitors are required to stay on elevated wooden walkways. These protect the trees' fragile root systems from being trampled by visitors.

## See

* a forest with thousands of flowering myrtle trees

## Do

* Hiking
* Birdwatching
* Mountain biking

## Buy

Stores are in the nearby town of Villa la Angostura.

## Eat and Drink

Restaurants are in the nearby town of Villa la Angostura.

## Sleep

Hotels and hostals are in the nearby town of Villa la Angostura.

## Stay safe

Dress for the weather. Temperatures can be cool in the park so bring a light jacket or sweater. Also bring one or two liters of water to keep yourself hydrated.

## Go next

* Nahuel Huapi National Park
* Catedral Alta Patagonia
* San Carlos de Bariloche
* Villa la Angostura