The Los Arrayanes National Park is one of the most visited destinations in Neuquén, but what few people know is that this place is the smallest national park in the country. However, this does not mean it is less important or interesting than the others, as it is home to one of the most striking forests on the continent.
This park covers only 1,796 hectares within the Quetrihué peninsula, lands that at some point belonged to the Southern National Park, which became the first of its kind in all of Latin America after its inauguration on April 8, 1922. This place managed to survive until October 9, 1934, when the Nahuel Huapi National Park was created, which ultimately replaced it.
Years later, on October 11, 1971, the Nahuel Huapi Park lost a sector of its lands, which began to be preserved under the name of Los Arrayanes. However, its recognition only came in 2007, when it was declared a “northern Patagonian Andean biosphere reserve.”
This reserve is home to plants such as coihues, ñires, cypresses, radales, huahuanes, and pataguas. In addition, native animals can be observed, such as the imperial cormorant, chucao, huillín, red fox, gato huiña, and pudú, among others, which will make the visit a unique experience.
The park changes its appearance according to the season
Those who have visited this park in summer will clearly have to return in winter to discover a completely different place. During these months, the snow covers all surfaces, leaving a white mantle that completely modifies the landscape.
On the other hand, those who visited the park during the winter months will also have to return in summer to enjoy the trails surrounded by lush trees and a landscape where vibrant colors and sunlight reign.
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