La Zeta Lagoon Reserve – Esquel
🌿 Patagonian nature just minutes from downtown
Just 4 km from downtown Esquel, framed by gentle hills, native forests, and vast skies, the Laguna La Zeta Urban Nature Reserve is a natural haven where the city meets the tranquility of untouched Patagonia.
With a central lagoon surrounded by trails and forests of ñire and lenga trees, this protected area is one of the great prides of the Esquel community, ideal for walks, picnics, non-motorized sports, and mindful connection with nature.
🏞️ Why visit the eco-protected area?
Accessible and diverse: In less than 10 minutes from downtown Esquel, you can reach a natural area with multiple trekking trails, panoramic outlooks, MTB circuits, and rest areas.
Activities for all audiences: Kayaking and paddleboarding on the lagoon, birdwatching, trail running, and outdoor yoga are just some of the options. Environmental workshops, fairs, and cultural gatherings are also held during the high season.
Sustainable tourism: The reserve is managed with a community and environmental approach. Motor vehicles are not allowed on the lagoon, ensuring a peaceful, safe environment that is friendly to local biodiversity.
Seasonal experience: In spring and summer, the area fills with wildflowers, pollinating insects, and visitors enjoying the sun and water. In winter, the landscapes turn white, and the hills offer opportunities for snowshoe walks or unique sightings.
🧭Practical information
Access: From downtown Esquel via a compacted gravel road (ideal for bicycles, cars, or walking). It can be reached by taxi, private car, or even on foot.
Ideal season: Year-round. Activities vary by season, with higher visitor flow between October and March.
Services: Marked trails, dry restrooms, rest areas. There are no commercial establishments inside, so it is recommended to bring water and snacks.
Recommended for: Ecotourists, families, athletes, nature photographers, and any traveler who values tranquility, the natural environment, and responsible tourism.
