Setting sail from Puerto Chucao, our catamaran journey will take us across the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Menéndez as we explore two of its three arms, unveiling the splendor of Alerces National Park.
This 5-hour navigation, guided by an expert, will reveal the area's hidden treasures, with stops at two of the park's most remarkable sites: The base of Cerro Torrecillas, where we will admire the namesake glacier, a stunning expanse of eternal bluish ice, and El Puerto Sagrario, where we will disembark to venture into the Valdivian jungle in search of the legendary “grandfather”, a majestic larch tree that stands over 2,600 years old, with a diameter of 2.20 m and a height of 57 m.
Undoubtedly, it will be a remarkable day amidst breathtaking beauty and the oldest living species on Earth.
Tour Description
Our gathering point will be at Puerto Chucao around 11:00 am, where we will board the catamaran, accommodating up to 60 passengers, to embark on an unforgettable journey across the waters of Lake Menéndez. Please ensure you collect your navigation tickets at the designated location either a day in advance or before the activity begins.
Lake Menéndez, with its glacial origins, is encircled by towering mountains and breathtaking landscapes, featuring lenga, fagaceae, and ancient larch forests. The view from the boat provides a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photos.
After 45 minutes of sailing, we will reach our first destination, the base of Cerro Torrecillas, where we will pause to admire the Torrecillas Glacier from the catamaran, a hidden gem of Los Alerces National Park. The glacier, formed on the mountain, boasts a bright and gleaming upper section filled with ice, while the lower section, laden with sediments, ultimately deposits into the Laguna del Antiguo. This lagoon, with its vibrant emerald hue, offers a glimpse into the basins that birthed glacial ice over 24,000 years ago.
We will proceed with our voyage through Lake Menéndez, marveling at the majestic mountain ranges with high peaks capped in perpetual snow, until we arrive at Puerto Sagrario, situated at the northern arm's end of the lake. Here, we will disembark to embark on a serene 2 km trek within the Valdivian jungle. This guided walk allows us to discover the fascinating history of the incredible species that constitute the jungle. We will pass by the Swan Lake viewpoint, where not only the view but also the sound of the woodpeckers will enhance our experience.
The trail concludes with the encounter of “grandfather,” a larch tree over 2,600 years old, undoubtedly the most remarkable specimen in the Park, as it represents one of the oldest living species on Earth, towering over 55 meters with an impressive trunk exceeding 2 meters in diameter. We will have free time to explore the area, delve deeper into the flora and fauna, and create lasting memories.
We will return to the boat along the same path, concluding our 5-hour adventure at Puerto Chucao, where the services will come to an end. Feel free to contact us for additional transfer services to/from Puerto Chucao.
What’s included?
What’s included:
* Navigation on Lake Menéndez
* Guide in Spanish
What’s NOT included:
* Entrance to Los Alerces National Park
* Transfers to/from Puerto Chucao
* Lunch or snack
* Tips (Optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
The catamaran cruise on Lake Menéndez lasts approximately 5 hours. During this tour through Los Alerces National Park, you'll explore two of the lake's three arms and stop at some of its most stunning landscapes. The experience combines sailing on crystal-clear waters, glacier viewing, and a hike through the Valdivian rainforest. For departure times, total tour duration, and other operational details from Esquel, we recommend consulting the updated tour information before booking.
The catamaran tour includes exploring two of the three arms of Lake Menéndez, within Los Alerces National Park. One stop is the base of Cerro Torrecillas, from where you can admire the Torrecillas Glacier and its bluish ice hues. The other is Puerto Sagrario, a landing point for venturing into the Valdivian rainforest. There, you'll search for the legendary "Grandfather," a larch tree over 2,600 years old, with a diameter of 2.20 meters and a height of 57 meters.
Yes. The boat trip on Lake Menéndez is led by an expert guide who provides information about the landscapes and the region's hidden gems throughout the journey. During the approximately 5-hour trip, the group visits the base of Cerro Torrecillas and Puerto Sagrario, within Los Alerces National Park. At Puerto Sagrario, the group disembarks to explore the Valdivian rainforest and learn about the ancient alerce tree known as "Grandfather." For information on the guide's language and other details, please refer to the tour information.
Boarding for this excursion takes place in Puerto Chucao, from where the catamaran journey begins on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Menéndez. The route is located within Los Alerces National Park and allows you to discover two of the lake's three arms, along with some of its most breathtaking natural landscapes. As part of the experience, you will visit the base of Cerro Torrecillas and Puerto Sagrario. To arrange transportation from Esquel to Puerto Chucao, as well as to find out about schedules, boarding conditions, and other details, please consult the updated tour information.
The catamaran tour on Lake Menéndez offers a unique nature and sailing experience in one of the most stunning areas of Los Alerces National Park. Over approximately five hours, you'll sail across crystal-clear waters, admire Cerro Torrecillas and its blue ice glacier, and disembark at Puerto Sagrario to venture into the Valdivian rainforest. The excursion also includes the opportunity to see the legendary "Grandfather," a larch tree over 2,600 years old. To confirm the conditions and details of the activity, it is recommended to consult the available information before booking.
PRICES 2026-2027
Catamaran Lago Menéndez - Los Alerces National Park
Regular Group Service
- Start Time: 11:00
- Languages: ESP,ENG,POR
- Duration: 5 hrs
- Operation Days: Every day
Price per person based on a booking for 2 people. Prices may vary depending on the date and number of travelers.
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