Parque Nacional Los Alerces

This Patagonian park protects ancient alerce (larch) forests, some trees over 2,600 years old, alongside pristine lakes and rugged mountains. It's a haven...

Parque Nacional Los Alerces at a Glance

Location
Northern Patagonia & Lake District, Argentina, Central & South America
Coordinates
-42.842144, -71.886590
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Nearest airport: Unknown Airport, 24 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto El Tepual (PMC), 185 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Los Alerces

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Los Alerces

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Los Alerces occur in February, averaging 8.5°C (up to 14.7°C). The coolest conditions are in July at -3.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 75.5mm. Average humidity: 74.3%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 7.9°C (rainfall: 113.5mm)
  • February: 8.5°C (rainfall: 75.5mm)
  • March: 5.7°C (rainfall: 168.5mm)
  • April: 2.8°C (rainfall: 269.5mm)
  • May: -0.6°C (rainfall: 309.4mm)
  • June: -2.7°C (rainfall: 392.7mm)
  • July: -3.0°C (rainfall: 327.9mm)
  • August: -2.4°C (rainfall: 300.4mm)
  • September: -1.4°C (rainfall: 261.0mm)
  • October: 0.3°C (rainfall: 162.6mm)
  • November: 2.7°C (rainfall: 186.6mm)
  • December: 6.1°C (rainfall: 113.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Los Alerces

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Los Alerces are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 7.88°C, rainfall 113.5mm, sunshine 11.2 hrs, humidity 75.2%
  • February: Good, temperature 8.46°C, rainfall 75.5mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 74.3%
  • March: Poor, temperature 5.65°C, rainfall 168.5mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • April: Poor, temperature 2.83°C, rainfall 269.5mm, sunshine 5.4 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • May: Poor, temperature -0.56°C, rainfall 309.4mm, sunshine 4.4 hrs, humidity 89.2%
  • June: Poor, temperature -2.68°C, rainfall 392.7mm, sunshine 3 hrs, humidity 90.9%
  • July: Poor, temperature -2.96°C, rainfall 327.9mm, sunshine 3.4 hrs, humidity 89.3%
  • August: Poor, temperature -2.41°C, rainfall 300.4mm, sunshine 4.4 hrs, humidity 87%
  • September: Poor, temperature -1.4°C, rainfall 261mm, sunshine 5.8 hrs, humidity 85.1%
  • October: Poor, temperature 0.26°C, rainfall 162.6mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 80.4%
  • November: Poor, temperature 2.73°C, rainfall 186.6mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 81%
  • December: Good, temperature 6.07°C, rainfall 113mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 75.6%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Home to 27 recorded species including 11 birds of prey, 10 waterbirds, 2 tropical birds, 2 predators, 2 iconic birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Based on average temperature of 2.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 83%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 2°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Los Alerces

24 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Northern Patagonia & Lake District

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Los Alerces

Parque Nacional Los Alerces is a sanctuary of ancient giants, where the majestic Alerces trees stand as living monuments to time. We love the profound sense of peace found exploring its pristine lakes and emerald forests, a truly immersive experience in Patagonia's wild heart. It's a place where you can genuinely disconnect and reconnect with nature's enduring power.

Gate Times

Parque Nacional Los Alerces generally operates from 8 AM to 8 PM during the high season (summer, roughly December to March), with shorter hours in winter (9 AM to 6 PM). We always recommend checking the official APN (Administración de Parques Nacionales) website for the most current seasonal variations and any specific holiday closures. An entrance fee is required, payable at the gate or sometimes online; we advise purchasing in advance during peak times to avoid queues.

Tipping

Tipping in Los Alerces is less structured than a traditional safari. If you hire a local guide for a day hike or boat trip, we suggest a tip of USD 10-20 per person per day, depending on the service quality. For other park staff, a small gesture of appreciation for exceptional service is always welcome but not expected. It's best to offer tips in Argentine Pesos or US Dollars.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Argentina

Travel advisory for Argentina

Parque Nacional Los Alerces FAQs

What is the ideal time of year to visit Parque Nacional Los Alerces for the best experience?

The prime time to explore Los Alerces is during the Patagonian summer, from December to March, when the weather is mild and perfect for hiking the forest trails and enjoying boat excursions on the lakes. While visitor numbers are slightly higher then, the park's 2/5 crowding level ensures a serene experience even during peak season.

Considering the moderate malaria risk in the region, what specific precautions are recommended for visitors to Parque Nacional Los Alerces?

While the malaria risk is moderate for Argentina overall, it's generally very low in the Patagonian Andes where Los Alerces is located, as this area is not typically a high-risk zone. Nevertheless, it's always wise to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and use insect repellent, especially during warmer months near standing water, as a general precaution.

What are the entry fees and any significant additional costs for activities within Parque Nacional Los Alerces?

As of recent information, non-resident adult entry to Parque Nacional Los Alerces typically costs around ARS 6,500 (subject to change). The most significant additional cost is often for the popular boat excursions across Lago Futalaufquen to reach the ancient Alerzal Milenario grove, which can range from ARS 20,000 to 30,000 per person depending on the operator and route.

What are the best strategies for spotting the elusive wildlife, such as huemul and pumas, within Parque Nacional Los Alerces?

To increase your chances of spotting elusive species like the huemul (Andean deer) or even a puma, focus on early morning or late afternoon excursions, particularly along quieter trails or near water sources. Hiring a local guide familiar with the park's specific animal movements and territories can significantly enhance your wildlife viewing success.

What unique experience awaits visitors who journey to see the ancient alerce trees in Parque Nacional Los Alerces?

The journey to the Alerzal Milenario, often involving a scenic boat trip across pristine lakes followed by a short hike, is an experience in itself, culminating in standing among trees over 2,600 years old. This encounter with such ancient, towering life forms in their natural, protected Patagonian habitat offers a profound sense of timelessness and ecological grandeur unmatched by typical forest visits.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.