Los Alerces National Park & Lake Menéndez Day Trip from Esquel

Daniela was a great guide, very knowledgeable and patient. The vehicle was spotless, they brought rain gear, they forgot...

Marcelo Mirgone

On this day trip from Esquel, you'll travel to Los Alerces National Park among native forests and reach Menéndez Lake to see the Glaciar Torrecillas. Get your camera ready!

Details

Duration

8 hours 30 minutes.

Language

The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English, Spanish and Italian.

Included

Hotel pickup & drop–off
Transport by minibus or bus
English–speaking guide
Picnic–style lunch
Snack
Beverages

Not included

Admission to Los Alerces National Park: 20000ARS for foreign adults, 7000ARS for Argentinean adults, 5000ARS for students and adult residents in the province

When to book

You can book up to 2 days in advance if there are any seats left. Book now and guarantee your spot.

Supporting documents

Electronic voucher. Have it on your phone.

Accessibility

Not wheelchair accessible.

Sustainability

All services meet our

Pets

Not allowed.

Frequently asked questions

If you have other questions, contact us

Free cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the activity starts. Any cancellations after this or no-shows on the day will not be refunded.

Trevelin & Futaleufú Excursion

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Los Alerces National Park Tour

Free cancellation

From

US$99

Nant y Fall Waterfalls Excursion

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Reviews of our customers

9.7

Exceptional 39 Travelers·8 reviews

October 4, 2026
Marcelo Mirgone
Capital Federal, Argentina
Daniela was a great guide, very knowledgeable and patient. The vehicle was spotless, they brought rain gear, they forgot the lunch, but there was tea ...
Traveling solo
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August 7, 2026
Rafael
Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
It was spectacular! Despite the rainy day and many places in the park being inaccessible, our guides Damian and Thiago made sure our experience was to...
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August 11, 2026
Jaime
Cerdanyola Del Valles - Barcelon, Spain
A very good experience, this excursion is well worth doing.
As a couple
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October 24, 2025
Magali
Caba, Argentina
A highly recommended experience. We had a wonderful time, and the Meraki Sur agency took care of every detail. The lunch and picnic were abundant and ...
With friends
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January 29, 2026
Andrea Silvia Gonzalez
Capital, Argentina
Incredible places, everything was very well organized, the guide was always so kind in explaining everything in great detail, you can tell he loves hi...
Traveling solo
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January 6, 2026
Marcelo Lerner
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Everything was excellent, Damian is an excellent guide who knows everything about everything, the excursion was great.
As a couple
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October 17, 2025
Graciela A
Caba, Argentina
Excellent activity and guide Damian, 10 points. Thank you. Excellent service from the agency.
As a couple
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On this day trip from Esquel, you'll travel to Los Alerces National Park among native forests and reach Menéndez Lake to see the Glaciar Torrecillas. Get your camera ready!

Day Trip Details

Once we've picked you up at the designated time at your hotel in Esquel, we'll begin a journey toward the heart of one of Patagonia's most stunning landscapes: Los Alerces National Park. Let's go!

After about 45 minutes of driving, we'll reach Villa Futalaufquen, a village surrounded by coihues, cypresses, and Antarctic beeches. Here, we'll find the entrance to the park and its interpretation center, where we'll learn about the history of this protected area since 1937. This will be the best introduction to the park, as you'll discover its efforts in preserving the ancient larches with its models, photos, and panels.

Then, we'll head to Puerto Limonao to embark on a 1,640 ft (500 m) hike among myrtles and ferns that will lead us to the Hostería Futalaufquen. We'll visit this architectural gem, elegantly designed by Bustillo. The scenic views of the lake you'll enjoy here will be a preview of what you're about to see.

Our next destination is the Mirador de Pinturas Rupestres (Viewpoint of Cave Paintings), which we'll reach on board a vehicle. We'll discover the ancient carvings in ocher hues that will tell us about the link between the inhabitants and nature. From here, the views of Futalaufquen Lake are beautiful!

2.48 mi (4 km) away, the Waterfall Irigoyen awaits, which we'll get to through the forest. We'll reach the waterfall's base and feel the cold water as we stop to admire the site. Afterward, we'll continue toward the walkway of the Arrayanes River to hike for 0.93 mi (1.5 km).

Hungry? We'll then stop to enjoy a picnic-style lunch, including pizza, pinchos, cured meats, and cakes. All of this will be accompanied by wine, juice, and water. Enjoy!

We'll be able to see the Menéndez River, which flows from the mountain range like an artery bringing the valley to life. Its stream will guide us to Puerto Chucao, where one of the most anticipated landscapes of the day trip will open in front of our eyes: Lake Menéndez. Surrounded by an amphitheater of snowy mountains, this lagoon is nestled in the Glaciar Torrecillas, dominating the sky over 7,217 ft (2,200 m) tall.

Did you know Lake Menéndez is the only lake in Los Alerces National Park where it is not allowed to sail on a motorized boat? This protects its ecosystem and makes it the cleanest lake in the region. As it's a glacier-fed lake, its turquoise waters are even more intense. Don't forget to take pictures!

Before returning to Esquel, we'll have a sweet snack and a savory snack with tea, coffee, and mate. Finally, we'll drop you off at your hotel after 8.5 hours.

Types of activities in Esquel

Day trips

Other activities in Esquel

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On this day trip from Esquel, you'll travel to Los Alerces National Park among native forests and reach Menéndez Lake to see the Glaciar Torrecillas. Get your camera ready!

Day Trip Details

Hungry? We'll then stop to enjoy a picnic-style lunch, including pizza, pinchos, cured meats, and cakes. All of this will be accompanied by wine, juice, and water. Enjoy!

Before returning to Esquel, we'll have a sweet snack and a savory snack with tea, coffee, and mate. Finally, we'll drop you off at your hotel after 8.5 hours.

Los Alerces National Park & Lake Menéndez Day Trip