Los Alerces National Park
A pristine Patagonian wilderness where ancient alerce forests thrive among glacial lakes and Andean peaks, protecting some of Earth’s oldest living trees.
At a glance
Los Alerces National Park safeguards a remarkable landscape in the southern Andes where temperate forest meets alpine terrain. Successive glaciations carved the region into moraines, cirques, and crystalline lakes. The park’s defining feature—its alerce forests—represents one of the last extensive stands of this globally threatened species in an almost pristine state.
History
The park was established to protect the region’s unique ecosystems and the endangered alerce tree species. Glacial activity over millennia shaped the dramatic landscape that visitors encounter today, layering geological history across valleys and peaks.
What you see
Dense temperate forests dominate the lower elevations, giving way to alpine meadows beneath rocky Andean summits. The alerce trees—some exceeding 3,600 years old—stand among the world’s longest-living species. Glacial features include moraines and cirques; clear-water lakes reflect the surrounding peaks.
Cultural significance
The park preserves vital habitat for endemic and threatened species of flora and fauna found nowhere else. Its alerce forests represent continuity with Patagonia’s primordial past, holding ecological and scientific importance for understanding temperate forest biodiversity and ancient tree physiology.
Key facts
- Country: Argentina
- Region: Chubut Province, Patagonia
- Coordinates: 42°48’27″S, 71°53’56″W
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes
- Alerce trees: Second longest-living tree species (>3,600 years)
Practical information & getting there
The park’s western boundary abuts the Chilean border. Access is via Chubut Province in southern Argentina. For current visiting hours, entry fees, and detailed travel logistics, consult the park’s official resources or local tourism offices in Patagonia.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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