Explore Victoria Island with Arrayanes Forest

If it’s lake trips, explore Victoria Island with Arrayanes Forest. It is a must of Nahuel Huapi National Park with the natural spectacle that offers us from end to end. In addition to the fascinating blue of the lake and the majesty of the Arrayan, the promenade includes different hiking options on trails where we can visit a volcanic sandy beach.

Sailing on a comfortable boat takes 45 minutes. Departing from Puerto Pañuelo on the Llao Llao Peninsula, you cross Lake Nahuel Huapi until you reach Puerto Anchorena, central area of Victoria Island where trails are located –demarcated– that lead us to dreamy places such as the nursery of conifers and other species, natural viewpoints and the famous Playa del Toro (of volcanic sand and beautiful cave paintings).

Accompanied by the guides of the National Park, the sailing continues, being the next destination the Quetrihué Peninsula, a place that gives us one of the main attractions of this tour: The Forest of Arrayanes, unique in the world, whose centenary specimens are observed from a wooded path.

It is a saffron (intense cinnamon) plant, white flowers and very fine bark, which even though it has been classified by botany as a shrub, it only grows to a tree size in this place of Argentina till it forms the magical and unusual forest of Arrayanes. Interesting, isn’t it?

Are the walks long or have difficulty for children?

As we told you at the beginning of the article, the tour is suitable, comfortable and safe for the whole family, from there it can be done with children of all ages. There are short and long walks, guided or free on the demarcated trails. For example:

•         Historical tour: we will take an hour-long walk, during which time the guide who does not accompany will give us access to information regarding the history, fauna and exotic flora of the place.
•         Walk to Piedras Blancas: in this case we will make an 8 km tour with ascents and descents. Please note that the development of this activity is subject to the climatic conditions of the day. We also have the accompaniment of a guide.

In the meantime, Playa del Toro can be visited in a particular way. It offers us a recreation area that can be used for taking a rest and even a snack or lunch. That said, it is appropriate to mention that the island has a confectionery where you can have lunch or snack.

Fortunately, you have the opportunity to choose based on your tastes or conditions as well as your companions. Those who decide to take the full-day tour stay 3 hours on Victoria Island. Those who opt for the half-day trip will have 90 minutes to tour the place, which means that, due to time, they won’t be able to make the White Stone Walk.

Check the alternatives with our travel executives and find out how far it’s feasible to bring baby strollers and wheelchairs for those who have difficulty mobilizing. The Beagle Canal is another lake walk option that you can consider with children.

Should I bring a way or is there a possibility to buy food at the destination?

While the walk is relatively short, it is no secret that eating is paramount especially if we walk with children. In this case, this topic does not pose any problems. Besides having the option to bring your own way, you can buy food both on the boat and at the places of visit. Victoria Island and Bosque de los Arrayanes have establishments for this purpose.

Please note that if you choose the excursion schedule with the earliest departure, it provides 1:45 hours additional to stay on Victoria Island. Time that is usually used for lunch, but also for recreation. Booking travel packages with travel agencies is a very good option for exploring Victoria Island with Arrayanes Forest.

How do I get to Puerto Pañuelo? Does the tour include transfers?

The service can be contracted with or without transfer to Puerto Pañuelo (round trip). Everything will depend once again on your needs, whether or not you have your own mobility. In case of no car, it is recommended to hire the service with transfer –yes or yes– considering that the city is 25 km from the jetty. A very long way to walk.

If you contract the service with transfer included and the hotel is within the stipulated tour, we will pick up right for your place of accommodation. Otherwise, we will assign you the nearest meeting point for the transfer. Do not hesitate to consult our advisors before making your reservation, they will guide you on this topic and also on important details of the boat.

Indeed, there are 2 companies that perform navigation. While the route, schedules and prices they handle are the same, the difference is precisely on the boat. One is a completely remodeled old ship and another a modern catamaran named “Cau Cau”.

The latter offers a lounge. A special area with amenities and catering service from which you can benefit in each section, consuming –for free– drinks, coffee, tea, snacks, sweet table and canapés, ideal for boys! Whatsapp us if you want to know the rates.

What is the ideal season for this tour?

This walk can be done at any time of the year, the important thing is to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. A coat will never be too much. Don’t forget to recharge the battery of your mobile device or camera or carry an extra if it’s within your means. Believe us, you won’t stop taking photos!

Explore Victoria Island with Arrayanes Forest, you won’t regret it and the kids will love it! Sailing is a magical experience and every corner of the island delights us with a stunning natural environment. The landscapes are wonderful and its flora unmatched.

Discover in Patagonia Argentina the only Arrayan forest in the world!