Isla Victoria and Arrayanes Forest

The classic Nahuel Huapi boat trip combines Victoria Island and the arrayán forest on the Quetrihué Peninsula. It leaves from Puerto Pañuelo, in the Llao Llao area, 25 km from downtown Bariloche. Depending on the company and the season, you visit the island first and then the forest, or the other way round: the island is about half an hour away by boat and the forest about an hour.

Victoria Island is the largest in the lake: about 31 km², 20 km long and up to 4 km wide. Indigenous peoples reached it by canoe and left rock paintings in the "grecas" (fretwork) style, which the National Parks Administration dates between the 6th and 17th centuries. Some paintings can be seen on the way to Playa del Toro, a 15-minute walk from Puerto Anchorena. In 1902 Aarón Anchorena camped in that bay; in 1907 Congress granted him the use of the island for life, which he later gave up. From that period remain the Casa Anchorena, Casa Marrón and Casa Verde, built around 1905 and declared historic heritage by the National Parks Administration in 1989; the restored Anchorena house is open to visitors.

In 1924 the forestry nursery begun by Otto Alberti was rebuilt, and by around 1949 the forestry station had over a million plants. Exotic species arrived along the way: Anchorena released red and fallow deer, which now compete with native wildlife, and pines and brooms were also introduced. The Aurelio Pargade trail, about 1,300 m over Cerro Carlitos, shows how exotic plants spread at the expense of the native forest. The island's inn opened in 1946, burned down in 1982 and reopened in 2002.

Los Arrayanes National Park was created in 1971 by Law 19,292 and protects 1,796 ha on the Quetrihué Peninsula. The arrayán (Luma apiculata), also called quetri, grows slowly in very wet soils and has cinnamon-coloured bark with white patches. Some trees are over 650 years old and more than 15 m tall. The forest is visited along an 800 m wooden boardwalk with steps, rest areas and viewpoints. It is often said that this forest inspired Walt Disney's Bambi: that is a legend, with no record to confirm it, and the dates do not match.

From Villa La Angostura you can go by boat from Bahía Mansa or Bahía Brava, in about half an hour, or overland: from the park entrance on the isthmus, an 11 km trail for hikers and cyclists (the town gives about 12 km) passes Laguna Patagua. The round trip is 22 km, with a latest entry time that depends on the season; if you plan to return by boat, buy your ticket before setting off. Near the entrance, a 1.5 km path leads to the Brazo Norte and Bahía Mansa viewpoints: it is free, but you must check in at the Information Centre. Pets and drones are not allowed.

On top of the boat fare you pay the National Parks entrance fee (at Puerto Pañuelo or the peninsula entrance). Since 1 June 2026 the day pass costs ARS 35,000 (general rate), ARS 15,000 for Argentine residents and ARS 8,000 for residents of the province, with 50% off the second day.

Isla Victoria y Bosque de Arrayanes in old photos