Lake Excursion to Arrayanes Forest

To the Southeast of the Quetrihué Peninsula, lies a natural treasure of the Los Arrayanes National Park. On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, about 12 hectares concentrate magnificent giant myrtaceous bushes, best known as myrtles. From the mapuche term ketri, “myrtle” and hué, “site”, the forest of the peninsula has certain features that make it unique in the world: its specimens reach over 15 meters of height and 400 years of age.

As ancient as they are beautiful, their thick trunks are covered by soft thin sheets that make up the cold bark dyed in a delicate cinnamon color. During the summer season, its small exquisite white flowers ornament its branches to give way to the blackish violet edible fruit of the Fall, used by the Indians to prepare chicha (alcoholic beverage).

Sailing across the calm waters of the lake to reach this magical corner amazes and enchants at any time of year. Aboard the Futaleufú, the catamaran that departs from the port of Villa La Angostura, the journey follows the course of Lake Nahuel Huapi through Bahía Mansa. In the northern area of the peninsula grow cypress, coihue, radal and ñire trees, along with notros, michay, chapeles and ciruelillos, forming dense undergrowth intertwined with colihue bamboo. Along the lakeshore, grebes and night herons rest and can be observed along the way, while the bays of Balsas, Cumelén and Manzano are gradually revealed, until reaching the port of Quetrihué. As soon as you disembark from the catamaran, the charm of the arrayán trees sets this landscape apart.

As if in a fairy tale, the imposing trunks with their whimsical shapes and striking reddish-brown color resemble the settings of elves and gnomes. In order not to interfere with the fragile balance of nature, trails built on wooden boardwalks mark the route, which is taken together with guides who explain the different stages of the arrayán’s growth and its coexistence with other plant and animal species. Along the path, small streams flowing from the Hua-Huan Lagoon are crossed; its name comes from a native tree with an aroma similar to laurel. Patagua Lagoon can also be seen, named after another tree species typical of swampy areas, known for its bark which, when ground into powder, is used as a healing agent in folk medicine. In this body of water live cormorants, steamer ducks and coots, along with other birds such as the woodpecker, the Patagonian thrush, rayaditos and chucaos, which can be spotted if one walks quietly. The trail ventures into the forest until reaching a wooden cabin built in 1933.

The Tea House is also known as Bambi’s Little House, as it is believed that this was the place where Walt Disney found inspiration to create this wonderful and tender character. While evoking childhood memories, the house invites visitors to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate with a generous slice of delicious cake. The magic and beauty of the surroundings leave a lasting impression, accompanying the return to Villa La Angostura. awakening from a beautiful childhood dream.