The spectacular lake with one of the best beaches in Patagonia

Located within the Los Alerces National Parkdeclared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Green lake has one of the best beaches in the south: quiet, not crowded and with a variety of accommodations; from a 5-star lodge to glamping, or from backpacker camping to traditional camping.

One of the most impressive and less visited than others nearby, the Los Alerces National Park is a stronghold where nature explodes undaunted by human traffic. Perhaps its conservation secret lies in the real commitment of visitors, who explore without shocking and are dazzled by its permanence.

Los Alerces rests in the northwest of Chubut, on the international border with Chile, 25 kilometers from Trevelin and 50 from Esquel. It is part of the Andean North Patagonian Biosphere Reserve created by UNESCO, which is added to the Lago Puelo National Parks, Nahuel HuapiLos Arrayanes and Lanín, along with the provincial territories of Río Negro and Chubut.

What is dazzling about the place is the diversity of experiences: there are coast, beach, river, lagoons, waterfalls and glaciers. The Patagonian Andean forest is one of the oldest and densest in the world.

On the margins of Lake Menéndez, for example, they shelter specimens almost 3,000 years old, with trunks up to three meters in diameter. The summer climate is temperate and dry, with an average temperature of 20º, cool mornings and warm afternoons.

There, in the immensity and some intangible areas, the Green Lake emerges. With deafening serenity, it is the canvas on which a rainbow can slide from its shores to the mountains. On its shores it hides a series of small beaches with such crystal clear water that it would even be possible to sink a book and read it through it.

The experience there has space for all types of trips: If you want to settle on the shore, during the day you will find a beach with calm waves and different campsites suitable for pitch your own tent or use glamping that proliferated in the area. Frontera Sur and the Lago Verde Eco Domes are two nearby options, although there are several more within the park.

It is essential to consider that there are numerous supplies throughout the park, and also some gastronomic proposals (such as Los Matines, the Fishermen’s Club and Pigeon, in Quime Quipán).

Of course, we must not forget that the distances within the park are long, and that is why, although there is always – and is recommended – the option of walking, for this it is necessary to be organized. Cycling is very complicated due to the gravel and uneven terrain, so the car is the best option.

Between coihues and cauquenes

For those who like a busy vacation agenda, the surroundings of the lake offer dozens of options and include the most daring or the least intrepid travelers.

The park’s internal trails, ideal for trekking, are populated by cauquenes and bandurrias, coihues, mañiúes, mutisias and chilcos, and on the lake, in addition to practicing the inevitable contemplation of an overwhelming landscape, it is possible to swim, fish, kayak, take long, silent floats, and let yourself be carried away by boat. Its surroundings also invite you to practice climbing.

The suspension bridge that crosses the Arrayanes River, which connects Lake Verde with the immense Futalaufquen, leads to a series of trails for all types of adventurers.

The sign that warns about cHow to react to the presence of a puma It adds value to the experience, although it is much more likely to come across gray foxes, pudúes and huemules, native birds such as chucaos, Patagonian black woodpeckers, condors, torrent ducks and harriers; a whole variety of fauna that invites you to make good sightings, between flowers that change color with the seasons and a party of myrtles that revere the coast with their electric red-haired trunks.

Afredo Zubiri is a international fly fishing figure, and offers full-day experiences on the lake. He arrived in the area for the first time in 1973 and is the creator of The Aura Lodge next to María Orsi, a luxury complex, chosen by foreigners, which also has glamping options. His Huet Huet restaurant is a classic that he explores with platos goumet which include the freshly caught trout and the inevitable Patagonian lamb.

In the Cerro Alto El Dedal area, Los Pumas, Cinco Saltos and the Tío Mindo waterfall are some of the must-sees in the area, as well as the Hostería Futalaufquen, a classic that is worth a visit. And two unique excursions: to Millennium Alerzal y al lago Krugerplus a hike to Swan Lake with panoramic views of the glaciers of Cerro Torrecillas.

Two guides, Valeria Clausen and Iván Hoermann, depart from El Aura Lodge on photographic safaris. Iván was a park ranger in several national parks, as well as a birdwatching guide in Los Alerces. The experience is usually formidable.