Hidden Gems: Los Alerces National Park

Why it's hidden: It's a less-advertised trail, located on a less-traveled side road off the main circuit, often overshadowed by the larger Alerces Millennium trail.

How to find it: From Villa Futalaufquen, head south on RP71 for approximately 15 km. Look for a small, unmarked dirt road branching off to the left (east) with a subtle sign indicating 'Camping Lago Krugger'. Continue on this dirt road for about 3 km until you see a small parking area and a wooden sign for 'Sendero del Bosque Sumergido'. The road is gravel, generally in good condition but can have potholes after rain; a standard car is usually sufficient. Parking is limited but typically available.

Best time: Late afternoon on a clear day, as the light reflects off the water, creating dramatic visual effects on the submerged trees. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.

Why it's hidden: Requires a short, unmarked hike from a gravel road, and isn't prominently featured on park maps or brochures.

How to find it: Drive north from Villa Futalaufquen on RP71 towards Lago Rivadavia. After passing the turn-off for Arrayanes, continue for about 5 km. Look for a small, gravel pull-off on the right (east) side of the road, just before a small wooden bridge over Arroyo Irigoyen. There are no signs for the waterfall, but a faint, unofficial trail begins here, leading into the forest for about 15 minutes to reach the falls. The road is paved then gravel, suitable for all cars. Parking is just a roadside pull-off for 1-2 cars.

Best time: Spring (October-November) when the waterfall is at its fullest from snowmelt, or early summer (December-January) for lush greenery.

Why it's hidden: It's accessible only via a less-maintained dirt track that most visitors overlook, thinking it leads only to a private estancia.

How to find it: From the main entrance near Lago Rivadavia, take the road towards Lago Verde. Instead of following the signs to the main camping areas or boat launches, look for a small, unpaved track turning off to the left (west) about 2 km before reaching the main Lago Verde facilities. This track is narrow and can be rough in sections, requiring careful driving, but a standard car can manage slowly. Follow it for about 1.5 km until you reach a small clearing and the beach. Limited parking for 2-3 cars. Road conditions are variable, can be muddy after rain.

Best time: Warm summer days (January-February) for swimming and picnicking. Early morning for photography and absolute solitude.

Why it's hidden: Requires a sustained uphill hike on a less-traveled trail, deterring many casual visitors.

How to find it: Access is from the Río Arrayanes area. Drive to the main parking lot for the Arrayanes boat tour/trail. Instead of taking the popular trail, look for a more discreet trailhead marked 'Cerro La Torta' behind the park ranger station, not the main information center. The trail is well-defined but consistently uphill, winding through forest. Parking is abundant at the main Río Arrayanes lot, which is paved and well-maintained.

Best time: Clear, sunny days for optimal visibility. Avoid windy days as it can be exposed at the top. Spring for wildflowers, autumn for fall colors.

Why it's hidden: Most tourists rush past this spot on their way to the more popular boat excursions or the main Arrayanes Forest trail.

How to find it: When driving towards the Río Arrayanes area, just before reaching the main parking lot for the boat tours, look for a small, unpaved track turning off to the right. This track leads to a few informal parking spots close to the riverbank. The main road is paved, and this short turn-off is gravel but generally fine for any car. Parking is informal, fitting 3-4 cars.

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for the best light and solitude, especially during fishing season (November-April).

Why it's hidden: Not an officially advertised attraction, it requires a keen eye and a willingness to explore off the designated tourist paths.

How to find it: Located near the southern end of Lago Futalaufquen. From Villa Futalaufquen, head south on RP71. After about 10 km, you will cross the bridge over Arroyo Desaguadero. Shortly after, look for an unmarked dirt track on your left (east) that winds towards the lake. Follow this track carefully for about 2 km; it can be rutted and muddy, especially after rain, so a vehicle with good ground clearance is advisable. You'll find the ruins scattered in the forest near the lake's edge. Parking is informal, roadside. Ensure your car is suitable for potentially rough gravel roads.

Best time: Any time of year with good weather. Autumn provides a beautiful backdrop of fall colors against the old structures.

Why it's hidden: It's a very short trail, easily missed, and not leading to a 'major' attraction, hence overlooked by most.

How to find it: This trail is found off the RP71, between the turn-off for Lago Krügger and the main access to Lago Futalaufquen (coming from the south). Look for a small, discreet wooden sign on the west side of RP71 (on your left if coming from the south) that simply says 'Laguna Escondida'. The parking is a small gravel pull-off for 2-3 cars right at the trailhead. The main road here is well-maintained gravel. The trail itself is an easy, flat walk of about 15-20 minutes.

Best time: Spring and summer for lush vegetation and bird activity. Early mornings for the best chance of solitude.