Four Itchy Feet

February 6, 2025. Los Alerces National Park, Esquel, Aregentina.

Today, we visited Los Alerces National Park. The entrance fee for Argentinian National Parks in this area is approximately $20 per person for foreign visitors, depending on the exchange rate. However, there is one catch—if you return to the same park within 72 hours, the fee is reduced by half. We will be returning tomorrow to explore a different area of the park.

Alerces are ancient trees endemic to this region. They are an incredible sight—their height and width can only be compared to the Redwoods of California. Upon entering the park, we soon found a short trail leading to the Irigoyen Cascade. It was a relatively easy hike that offered beautiful views with little effort.

As we continued on the park’s main road, the pavement ended, and we transitioned onto a well-maintained gravel road that led us to a large parking lot. There, we were asked to pay $2.00 per hour for parking to access the trail. “In for a penny, in for a pound.” We parked and set out on the Sendero to Pasarela and Puerto Chucao.

The trail is an easy 3.8-mile walk with very little elevation gain. Shortly after starting, we came across a provisions store and café—hiking in Argentina means you’ll never be caught hungry! The trail continued to the right, crossing a sturdy steel suspension bridge before leading into a loop. At this point, we had the option to go left or right; we chose to go right.

The trail is well-shaded, lined with many Chilean Myrtles on both sides. These trees are unique, with smooth orange bark that peels to reveal a distinct pink hue. As we approached Puerto Chucao, we walked down to the beach for lunch and were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Cerro Torrecillas, with the prominent Torrecillas Glacier towering above Lake Menéndez. Near Puerto Chucao, we spotted majestic Ashy-Headed Geese.

Continuing past Puerto Chucao, we witnessed something incredible—the lake began to narrow, forming rapids of stunning turquoise-green and blue waters. We completed our hike by descending to the beach under the bridge, where we lay down, using our backpack as a pillow. The sound of rushing water nearby and the warmth of the sun on our faces lulled us into a quick nap.

Afterward, we decided to head back, making the drive to Esquel to plan our visit to the park for tomorrow.