The Bosque de Arrayanes protects one of the few pure stands of arrayán (Luma apiculata) in the world — a grove of myrtle trees with cinnamon-coloured, smooth, cool bark that twist together into a luminous orange forest. It lies at the southern tip of the Quetrihué peninsula and has its own small national park inside Nahuel Huapi.
The classic way to visit is by boat from Puerto Pañuelo, combined with Isla Victoria, the largest island in the lake, with its forest trails, sandy coves and a chairlift to a lookout. Book the boat trip ahead in January, February and July.
Top things to do at Isla Victoria & Bosque de Arrayanes
The arrayanes boardwalk
A raised wooden walkway loops through the heart of the grove. Walk slowly; the trees are fragile and touching them is discouraged. Rangers are on hand to explain the forest.
Isla Victoria
Boats land at Puerto Anchorena on the island. Short trails lead through forests planted with exotic conifers in the 20th century and native coihue to beaches such as Playa del Toro, where the ancient rock paintings are protected behind fences.
Walk or cycle in from Villa La Angostura
From La Villa the 12 km trail along the peninsula reaches the forest on foot or by bike, with a steep first section. Many people walk one way and take the boat back.
The lake crossing itself
The boat ride from Puerto Pañuelo gives superb views back to the Llao Llao Hotel and the mountains around Brazo Tristeza.
How to get to Isla Victoria & Bosque de Arrayanes
- From Bariloche: boats leave from Puerto Pañuelo (km 25.5 of Avenida Bustillo); tours include hotel pickup.
- From Villa La Angostura: boats from Bahía Brava, or the 12 km trail through the Quetrihué peninsula.
- A national park entry fee is charged; check the current rate and payment method when you book.
Insider tips
- Take the first departure of the day for the quietest forest.
- On foot from La Villa, start early — the trail closes to new walkers in the early afternoon.
- Bring snacks and water; food on the island and at the forest is limited and pricey.
- The lake gets rough in strong westerlies — sailings can be cancelled.
Best tours & tickets for Isla Victoria & Bosque de Arrayanes
These experiences are the easiest way to see Isla Victoria & Bosque de Arrayanes and the landscapes around it:
Boat trip From Bariloche: Victoria Island & the Arrayanes Forest Tour
The park’s signature boat excursion. You sail from Puerto Pañuelo beside the Llao Llao Hotel across the lake to the tip of the Quetrihué peninsula, walk the raised boardwalk through a grove of cinnamon-barked arrayán trees, then stop on Isla Victoria for its forest trails and sandy coves.
- Cruise Lake Nahuel Huapi from Puerto Pañuelo
- Walk the boardwalk through the arrayán forest
- Trails and beaches on Isla Victoria
Day trip Villa La Angostura and Cerro Bayo
Round the north shore of Nahuel Huapi to the park’s prettiest village. Villa La Angostura is all timber-and-stone chalets, lakeside coves and chocolate shops; the tour adds Cerro Bayo, the small ski-and-summer mountain above town, and the bays of Manzano and Mansa.
- The lakeside village of Villa La Angostura
- Cerro Bayo mountain and its views
- Bahía Manzano and the north shore of the lake
