It's amazing that the arid landscape around Trevelin provides the gateway for visiting the Alerce forests since they need 3000mm of rain per year minimum. It's a testament to the rainshadow of the Andes, and it's a constant wonder that the Pacific Ocean lies close behind these high peaks, over there in the fjordlands of southern, southern Chile. There are huge lakes scattered throughout this region, and wild, green rivers connecting them. Adventure tourism is here but the wilderness retains it's wild character. Most people we meet are from the more populated areas around Buenas Aries and the Rio de la Plata. It's cool to see them out enjoying this part of their country backpacking, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking and river rafting---especially the young people. Not a lot of fancy gear, no lycra or spandex or ultra light gear, but they are making it happen on small budgets and with big spirits. We spend a day hiking in Los Alerces National Park with it's turquoise and emerald lakes surrounded by green shrouded peaks. We were able to get a close up view of the plants in these forests and take our time admiring the many varieties, shapes and forms. The park protects an area of Valdivian rainforest of the type that is fairly rare in Argentina----more common of the Chilean side of the mountains. Much of the park is a scientific research site and there are several endangered animals that the park provides habitat for including the tiny pudu, a deer the size of a small dog.
