Argentina is full of wonderful corners, owners of a unique natural beauty. One of these places is Villa La Angostura, which was recognized by the prestigious magazine National Geographic as one of the three best places in southern Latin America for trekking.
According to the international magazine’s report, the trail to Bosque de los Arrayanes, in the Península de Quetrihué, is among the top two circuits in the country, along with the one in the Río Azul-Lago Escondido Protected Natural Area. The publication mentions Patagonia as one of the ideal destinations for nature lovers.
This is due to the abundance of landscapes in southern Argentina, where lakes, rivers, mountains, and beaches reign, inviting both visitors and locals to enjoy the views, hiking, and other adventure activities.
On the other hand, the article by National Geographic reinforces the positioning of the Neuquén locality as a strategic point within the Southern Patagonia National Parks Route, where sustainable tourism, conservation, the environment, and the connection with nature take center stage.
Ideal destinations for trekking
These are the three outstanding trekking destinations highlighted by National Geographic:
- Los Arrayanes National Park – Villa La Angostura
This place, created in 1971 as a protected area independent from Nahuel Huapi National Park, is a kind of natural treasure that protects a unique forest in the world. With an area of just 1,796 hectares, one of the smallest national parks in the country, but with an extraordinary natural value, as it houses arrayan trees over 15 meters tall and 650 years old.
- Río Azul – Lago Escondido Protected Natural Area (Río Negro)
Known as ANPRALE, this protected area in El Bolsón has become one of the most visited places by trekking enthusiasts in the Andes. Valleys, hills, and trails that run through the forests of lenga, coihue, ñire, and cypress trees of the Andes converge there, as well as other sectors of the Valdivian rainforest and high Andean environments.
- Torres del Paine National Park (Chile)
Along with the two Argentine destinations, Torres del Paine National Park, located in Última Esperanza, Chile, is considered a global icon of ecotourism. With an area of 227,300 hectares, this destination receives over 250,000 visitors per year.
Furthermore, the park dazzles with the imposing Paine Massif, its famous Torres del Paine, as well as the rock formations known as the Cuernos del Paine, and the park’s highest peak, Paine Grande, standing at around 3,050 meters in height.
Torres del Paine National Park was chosen as one of the best trekking destinations in South America. Photo: Wikipedia.
The ecological benefits of this activity
trekking is a physical and recreational activity that consists of walking trails and routes in natural environments. Unlike a simple walk, it is usually done in mountainous, wooded, or rural areas, where direct contact with the landscape is a central part of the experience.
In addition to its benefits for physical health, such as improving cardiovascular endurance and strengthening muscles, trekking promotes mental well-being. Being in contact with nature reduces stress, promotes relaxation, and stimulates concentration, making it a holistic practice.
Another important characteristic is that it promotes sustainable tourism and environmental awareness. Those who practice trekking tend to value ecosystem preservation, learning to respect trails, fauna, and flora, while also contributing to the economic development of local communities that offer guides, accommodation, or related services.
