The Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest excursion is one of the most important and traditional tours in Bariloche, for it enables you to visit one of the world's rarest forests. For those looking to discover the natural beauty of this region, we would strongly recommend making the trip to these two wonderful natural delights as part of a tour.

[caption id="attachment_1478" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Nahuel Huapi National Park Nahuel Huapi National Park: the oldest national park in Patagonia / source[/caption]

This Bariloche tour to Victoria Island begins in downtown Bariloche, where it picks up passengers on route to Puerto Pañuelo, close to the famous Llao Llao hotel. There are many hotels along Av. Bustillo, the avenue which runs from the centre to the port, which are a good option for those who want a view of the beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake, but prefer to be outside of the city centre.

[caption id="attachment_1470" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Nahuel Huapi Lake Nahuel Huapi Lake: the largest, deepest clear water lake in Argentina's lake district / source[/caption]

Upon arrival at the Puerto Pañuelo port, the sailing tour begins boarding the "Modesta Victoria", a ship built in the '30s which was brought over from Europe. The engines and all functional parts have since been updated, but the old hull and four passenger seats have been preserved, thus retaining the ship’s charm.

[caption id="attachment_1471" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Modesta Victoria The "Modesta Victoria" was transported from Amsterdam to Bariloche / source[/caption] The Victoria Island and Arrayanes tour begins with a delightful sail along the Nahuel Huapi in the direction of Arrayanes Forest, a forest of reddish Myrtle trees, taller here than any in any other part of the world. We were taken on a boat trip lasting approximately an hour and a half, where we saw some stunning scenery with snowy mountains and striking lakes, deep green in colour. On the boat, you’ll receive a small snack to keep the wolf from the door (but beware, breakfast isn't included) and the tour guide explains everything you need to know. To help preserve the places visited in the National Park, each boat can be only be moored for 45 minutes, which is more than enough time to explore the different paths. [caption id="attachment_1472" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Arrayan Trees Arrayan trees can only be found in this part of the world / source[/caption] In the Arrayanes Forest (myrtle forest), you make ​​a journey down a series of wooden steps surrounded entirely by these famous trees, as well as other Patagonian species. They are very tall trees, which further enhances the magic of the place. [caption id="attachment_1473" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Steps The path through the forest consists of a series of wooden steps / source[/caption] The tour makes a second stop after a 45 minute sail through Nahuel Huapi on Victoria Island. Victoria Island has much diverse flora, with many species coming from Europe that have adapted very well to this place. Indeed the landscapes there would not have seemed out of place with a castle or something, for it seemed as though we were in some sort of enchanted valley. [caption id="attachment_1474" align="aligncenter" width="540"]Victoria Island The classical and beautiful Victoria Island / source[/caption] This Victoria Island and Arrayanes Forest tour can be booked online via our website. There are plenty of other diverse tours to choose from in Bariloche, with plenty of activities for every time of the year. [otw_shortcode_button href="http://www.argentina4u.com/en/victoria-island-arrayanes-park-tour.html" size="medium" icon_type="general foundicon-cart" icon_position="left" shape="square" target="_blank"]Book Victoria Island & Arrayanes Park Tour here[/otw_shortcode_button]
Written by: Lucas Gordon - Operations & Sales Manager for Brazil Translated by: Camilla Day