Bariloche: Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island Tour

This 6-hour adventure around Lake Nahuel Huapi offers a compelling blend of natural beauty and historic charm. For $190 per person, you’ll hop aboard a comfortable boat from Puerto Pañuelo to explore two of the most iconic sights in the area: the Arrayanes Forest, famous for its cinnamon-colored myrtle trees, and Victoria Island, home to historic trails and buildings. The tour, guided in Spanish and English, promises scenic vistas, peaceful walks, and a taste of local history.

What we love most about this experience is the chance to see the distinctive Arrayanes Forest—a true natural monument—and the relaxed pace that allows for enjoyable strolling through Victoria Island’s trails. The boat ride itself offers some of the best views of Nahuel Huapi National Park, making this a visually rewarding outing.

A potential consideration is the variability in the tour’s timing and communication, as some travelers have found logistical details and guides’ engagement less than ideal. Also, entrance fees and food are extra, so it’s wise to budget accordingly.

This tour suits travelers who want a balanced day of scenic cruising and gentle walks, especially those interested in distinctive flora and local history. It’s ideal if you’re looking for an accessible, half-day experience that showcases the region’s natural wonders without requiring strenuous activity.

Key Points

Stunning Views: The boat ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi provides beautiful vistas of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Unique Flora: The Arrayanes Forest with its cinnamon-colored trees is a standout natural feature.
Historical Touch: Victoria Island features trails and buildings that add a sense of local history to the trip.
Flexible Booking: You can reserve and pay later, with the option to cancel 24 hours in advance.
Additional Costs: Entrance to the National Park and other extras like food are not included.
Moderate Experience: Suitable for those seeking a scenic, relaxed tour rather than full-on adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Detailed Review of the Arrayanes Forest and Victoria Island Tour

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What’s Included and How It Works

Starting with a hotel pickup, the tour offers convenience for travelers staying in Bariloche. The transfer to Puerto Pañuelo, about 25 km from the city, gets you quickly onto the water. Once aboard a comfortable boat, you’ll cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi, giving you a front-row seat to the stunning landscapes of Nahuel Huapi National Park.

The boat ride lasts about 30 minutes before arriving at the Anchorena port on Victoria Island. Here, you’ll have time to explore well-marked trails, historic buildings, and beaches. The island’s setting provides a peaceful escape and a chance to wander at your own pace.

Next, the boat heads toward the Quetrihue Peninsula, home of the Arrayanes Forest. This area is especially notable for its cinnamon-colored myrtle trees, which are a remarkably rare sight outside Argentina. The walk through the wooden track is accessible, making it suitable for most visitors. At the end of this walk, you’ll find a charming pastry shop housed in a historic cabin—perfect for a sweet break before heading back.

The Highlights and Their Charm

Scenic Boat Ride: Perhaps the most immediately striking part of the day, the boat ride offers unspoiled views of the lake and mountains. The calm waters and panoramic scenery make it a highlight, especially for photography enthusiasts.

Arrayanes Forest: Known for its unique cinnamon-colored bark, this forest feels like walking through a storybook. Its natural beauty is compelling, and it’s an easy walk that rewards visitors with a sense of wilderness untouched by modern development. Disney’s “Bambi” drew inspiration from this forest, adding a touch of fairy-tale magic.

Victoria Island: This island combines natural beauty with a touch of history. The trails are well-marked, and the historic buildings add a layer of depth to the outing. Some travelers, like one reviewer, found the time spent there was brief—around an hour—which may leave those craving more history wanting.

What Could Be Better

Some travelers have expressed frustration about communication and organization. For instance, one review mentions difficulty in getting clear information and inconsistent pickup arrangements, which led to some logistical stress. Plus, entry fees ($6 USD for the park, $2 USD boarding tax) and food costs are not included, so it’s wise to carry extra cash if you want to enjoy the facilities or buy snacks.

The tour guide’s engagement varies; some visitors felt guides appeared disinterested or not fully committed, which could impact the overall experience. Planning ahead and setting expectations can help mitigate this, especially if you’re seeking a highly informative narrative.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for nature lovers, fans of scenic boat rides, and those interested in flora and local history without heavy physical activity. It appeals to travelers who enjoy easy walks in beautiful settings and want to see a famous forest and historic island in a single half-day outing**.

It’s less ideal if you’re seeking a full-day adventure, a guided educational experience, or if you prefer more hands-on exploration. From the reviews, some travelers found the time on Victoria Island to be too short, so if you’re eager to explore in depth, you might want to consider alternative or additional tours.

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The Itinerary in Detail

Morning Pickup and Transfer

Most tours start with a hotel pickup, which is convenient, especially if you’re staying central in Bariloche. The transfer to Puerto Pañuelo gets you close to the water and sets the tone for a relaxed day. The actual timing can vary, so confirm with the provider, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

The Boat Ride

A 30-minute cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi kicks off the experience. During this time, the views of the Andes, the lake’s calm waters, and surrounding forests will be right in front of you. Take your camera and enjoy the serenity of the landscape.

Victoria Island Exploration

Once ashore at Anchorena port, you’ll explore trails that wind through the island’s natural scenery. Some reviews mention that the hour-long visit feels somewhat rushed, but it’s enough to get a sense of the island’s quiet charm and historic buildings. Be sure to look for the beaches and historic structures, which add a layer of interest to your walk.

Arrayanes Forest Walk

Next, the boat heads to the Quetrihue Peninsula. Here, you’ll walk a wooden track through the Arrayanes Forest, marveling at the cinnamon-colored bark of the myrtle trees. The walk is gentle and accessible, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

End of the Tour

After exploring the forest, you’ll return by boat to Puerto Pañuelo and be transferred back to your hotel. The entire trip is designed to fit comfortably within a 6-hour window, but expect some variability due to logistics.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Book in advance if possible, but be aware of mixed reviews about communication.
Bring extra cash for the entrance fee (USD 6) and boarding tax (USD 2).
Dress for the weather—layers are best, as boat rides can be windy or chilly.
Camera is a must for capturing the stunning scenery and the magical forest.
Food and drink are not included, so consider packing snacks or visiting the pastry shop on Victoria Island.
If you’re eager for more in-depth exploration, ask about the duration of stops and whether additional time can be allocated for particular sights.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a beautiful mix of scenery, flora, and history in a manageable half-day package. The boat ride on Nahuel Huapi is consistently praised for its spectacular views, making it a highlight for anyone wanting memorable pictures and peaceful moments in nature. The Arrayanes Forest is truly special—its vibrant, cinnamon-colored trees look like they belong in a storybook—and walking through it provides a sense of stepping into a different world.

Victoria Island adds a touch of local history and quiet beaches, perfect for a gentle stroll. While some travelers have encountered issues with organization and shorter-than-expected visits, the overall experience remains a worthwhile window into this unique region.

If you’re seeking a relaxing, scenic, and family-friendly outing that showcases some of Bariloche’s most iconic sights, this tour is a solid choice. Just be sure to manage your expectations around communication and time, and you’ll leave with plenty of beautiful memories and photos.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
You’ll get a round-trip transfer to the pier from your hotel, a guide in Spanish and English, and the boat rides to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest.

Are food and drinks included?
No, they are not. You might want to bring snacks or enjoy the pastry shop on Victoria Island after the forest walk.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is designed to be 6 hours, but check availability for exact starting times. Some reviews mention the trip can vary in timing.

Do I need to pay extra for entrance fees?
Yes, the National Park entrance fee ($6 USD) and boarding tax ($2 USD) are additional costs.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, the easy walking tracks and gentle boat rides make it accessible for most ages. However, consider individual mobility and weather conditions.

What are the main highlights of the trip?
The scenic boat ride, the Arrayanes Forest with its unique trees, and the historic trails on Victoria Island.

Will I see wildlife during the tour?
While not specifically mentioned, the natural setting suggests opportunities for birdwatching or spotting local fauna, especially on Victoria Island.

What should I bring?
Bring camera gear, weather-appropriate clothing, cash for extras, and sunscreen if sunny.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

This tour offers a balanced mix of stunning scenery, natural wonder, and gentle exploration—perfect for those wanting a taste of Bariloche’s beauty without a packed schedule. Keep expectations realistic about communication and timing, but rest assured, the views and tranquility will leave a lasting impression.