Traful’s Submerged Forest

The Submerged Forest of Lake Traful: a unique Patagonian experience

Villa Traful is a small Patagonian village that offers unforgettable natural attractions. Among its many treasures, it hides one of the most unusual landscapes in the region: the Submerged Forest of Lake Traful. This natural wonder surprises visitors with a scenery un any other, where trees rise silently from the depths of crystal-clear waters.

To reach this magical place, visitors must join a boat tour on Lake Traful. Sailing across the calm, transparent waters is part of the experience itself. As the boat approaches the opposite shore of the village, nearly 60 cypress trees begin to appear, emerging from the surface. Their upper sections show bare, whitish trunks, stripped of branches and faded by years of exposure to water and sunlight.

Once in the area, the boat slowly circles the trees, allowing the water to settle. At that moment, the real spectacle begins: beneath the surface, massive trunks and main branches can be clearly seen. The exceptional visibility of the lake makes it possible to observe this submerged forest at almost fifteen meters deep.

A natural mystery beneath the water

These cypress trees originally stood on the slopes of Bayo Hill, also known as Alto Mahuida. During the 1960s, a landslide tore them from their original location, dragging rocks and soil along and depositing the trees on the bottom of the lake. Over time, the trunks lost their outer bark and now appear almost petrified, enhancing the sense of mystery.

Because of this extraordinary setting, the submerged forest has become a landmark for SCUBA diving in Villa Traful. Experienced divers travel from different parts of Argentina to explore this site. According to them, the intense midday light allows divers to descend all the way down to the roots of the trees.

Cliffs, caves and hidden corners

Leaving the submerged forest behind, the navigation continues along the northern shore of the lake, where dramatic eroded cliffs dominate the landscape. These rocky walls reveal cracks, grottos and caves that are completely inaccessible from land due to their height.

Inside one of these caves lies a very special spot: a statue of the Virgin Stella Maris, patron saint of fishermen. Our guide, Fernando Sciaroni, explained that a sailor once survived a violent storm in this exact place. In gratitude, he placed the image of the Virgin there as a tribute.

Beyond the cliffs, the scenery opens to a peaceful bay with a beautiful white sand beach. Its translucent waters invite visitors to swim during the summer months. It is common for small boats to cross the lake and spend the day in this secluded area, far from any signs of urban life.

Viewpoints, mountains and pristine nature

On the way back to the village, the swell gently rocks the boat, offering wide views of both shores. The lake stretches from west to east, acting as a natural corridor for mountain winds. In the distance, it is possible to spot the imposing Traful Peak, rising 2,400 meters above sea level, along with other iconic hills such as Montura Chilena, Carpa, Cerro Negro and El Monje.

The houses of Villa Traful appear subtly among the tall forests that protect them from strong winds. Some large residences stand out on the hillsides, with dark roofs and chimneys blending into the Patagonian landscape. The village is also known for the purity of its environment; Lake Traful is considered one of the few lakes in Patagonia where the water remains completely unpolluted.

Before returning to shore, many tours visit the Wind Viewpoint. After crossing strong waves, the origin of its name becomes clear. At the base of this massive rocky formation, visitors can even enter a small natural cave, an ideal spot for a unique photo.