A tree that only forms a forest here
The arrayán tree exists elsewhere in Patagonia and Chile, but nowhere else does it form a pure forest of centuries-old specimens like on the Quetrihué peninsula. Its smooth, cinnamon-coloured bark peels off in sheets, and trees can exceed 15 metres in height and 300 years of age; walking among them feels different from any other Patagonian forest, with light filtering in a particular way through the pale bark.
How to get there
There are two ways to reach the forest, inside Los Arrayanes National Park: on foot or by bike along a roughly 12 km one-way trail (a full day) that follows the shore of the Quetrihué arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi, or by catamaran from Villa La Angostura's port, with a short 10-minute walk once inside the forest. The boat option is the most popular for those who don't want to walk 24 km round trip, and it can be combined with a shorter walk back.
Before you go
If walking or cycling, it's worth leaving early and bringing water and food, since the trail has no services along the way. Catamaran schedules vary by season, so it's worth booking ahead in high season (December-February). Park entry is charged separately from transport.