Parque Nacional Los Alerces Circuito Norte
Ancient forest giants older than empires
The northern access road into Los Alerces cuts through some of Patagonia’s last intact temperate rainforest, where 2,600-year-old alerce trees have been growing since before Christ walked the earth. This single-track gravel road winds through coihue and lenga forests that receive 3 meters of rain annually, creating a green tunnel that feels more like the Pacific Northwest than Argentina. The route dead-ends at Lago Kruger, where ancient forests meet glacial waters and the silence is broken only by the creak of thousand-year-old giants.
This is easy to moderate driving on well-maintained gravel, suitable for any high-clearance vehicle with good tires. The challenge comes from weather — Patagonian storms can dump snow even in summer, and mud becomes axle-deep during the October-April rainy season. Carry tire chains and recovery gear regardless of season. Park permits are required and camping is restricted to designated areas only. Best visited during the brief December-March dry window when roads are most accessible. You earn solitude among some of Earth’s oldest living things and perspective that only comes from standing next to trees that predate recorded history.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 28 mi / 45 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3280 ft |
| Best season | December-March |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock high-clearance vehicle |
| Nearest town | Esquel, Chubut |
| Land manager | Administración de Parques Nacionales |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | argentina.gob.ar |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle the Circuito Norte, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance vehicle — think stock Hilux, 4Runner, or Land Cruiser — handles this trail fine. It's graded gravel with no technical obstacles, but low-clearance cars and sedans will have a bad time on the rougher sections.
When is the trail actually open and driveable?
December through March is the window — Patagonian summer. Outside those months, snow and ice close park access roads and conditions get ugly fast. Don't plan a shoulder-season trip here without confirming with Parques Nacionales directly.
Do I need a permit to drive through Los Alerces, and is there an entry fee?
Yes, park entry requires payment at the gate — fees vary by season and nationality, with foreign visitors typically paying more than Argentine residents. Check the official Administración de Parques Nacionales page before you go since fees update annually.
What's the hardest part of this trail and what should I actually expect?
Nothing here will pucker you up — it's an easy scenic drive. The water crossings are the main variable; after heavy rain they can get deeper and more assertive than they look, so approach slow and read the water before committing.
There's zero cell service — how far is the nearest fuel and what's the gas range situation?
Esquel is your last reliable fuel stop before entering the park, roughly 30–40 km from the park entrance. The circuit is 45 km, so top off in Esquel — you're not in danger of stranding yourself on fuel, but there are no services inside the park and the nearest help is not close.
Trail track
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