In the Los Alerces National Park, Chubut province, is the Alerce Abuelo, a specimen of Fitzroya cupressoides estimated to be 2,630 years old.
With over 50 meters in height, this tree is considered the oldest in Argentina and the second oldest certified in the world, behind Methuselah, a pine over 4,850 years old in California, United States.
Its longevity is explained by two key factors: the extremely slow growth and the resistance of its wood, which prevents decay and allows it to survive adverse conditions for millennia.
A unique journey to reach it
Visiting the Alerce Abuelo is an experience that combines nature and adventure. Access is regulated and requires crossing different sections of the park:
- Footbridge over the Arrayanes River, at the mouth of Lake Verde.
- 1 km walk to Puerto Chucao.
- Catamaran navigation on Lake Menéndez.
- Arrival at the alerzal, near the Cisne River, where alerces coexist with arrayanes, lianas, and wild orchids.
Direct contact with the tree is prohibited. Visitors must undergo a prior disinfection and observe it from one meter away, to preserve both the specimen and the surrounding ecosystem.
How its age was determined
The age of the Alerce Abuelo was calculated by analyzing its growth rings, which record each year in two layers: one in spring and another in autumn.
- A controlled drilling was performed to the center of the trunk.
- A thin rod of wood was extracted, allowing its birth to be located over two millennia ago.
This method revealed that the tree has coexisted with generations of local species such as condors, huemules, and arrayanes, becoming a true witness to the natural history of Patagonia.
Comparison with other ancient trees
- Methuselah (Pinus longaeva, USA): over 4,850 years, considered the oldest certified individual living organism.
- Gran Abuelo (Chile): a Patagonian alerce with an estimated age of 5,400 years, although its calculation is based on computer models and not on rings.
- Alerce Abuelo (Argentina): 2,630 years, second oldest certified in the world.
The exact location of Methuselah is kept secret to protect it, while the Gran Abuelo still generates scientific debate over the accuracy of its age.
Cultural and environmental value
The Alerce Abuelo is not only a tourist attraction but also a symbol of the conservation of native forests. Its preservation ensures that future generations can admire an organism that has survived climate changes, fires, and human transformations for more than two millennia.
Furthermore, Los Alerces National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, in recognition of the importance of its ecosystems and the need to protect them against threats such as deforestation and climate change.
The Alerce Abuelo is a living natural monument, a silent witness to the history of Patagonia and the planet. Its existence reminds us of the importance of conserving native forests and valuing biodiversity as a common heritage of humanity.
