Coronavirus in Argentina | National Parks reopened: what are the protocols to visit them

The National Parks Lanín, Los Alerces and Nahuel Huapi, Located in Northern Patagonia, they are already in phase 1 of a progressive reopening process after closing the doors in mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic. With masks, social distance and strict protocols that they only enable some activities, Residents and neighbors of nearby towns can visit them.

The first to take the step was the Lanín National Park, located in Neuquén. Since Friday June 12, partially opened its circuits for residents of the neighboring towns of San Martín de los Andes, Junín de los Andes and Aluminé.

Meanwhile, in the case of Los Alerces National Park (Chubut), the entrance to the residents of the towns of Esquel, Cholila, and Trevelin was enabled; while at Nahuel Huapi National Park (Río Negro), people from the areas near Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful can access.

As reported by the respective Intendancies of each protected area, in the first two weeks of opening the distancing rules and protocols established for the circulation of visitors.

The details: what can and can’t be done

According to the recommendations of the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Lanín National Park is open only for hiking and recreational cycling. Does not have authorization to develop organized tourist activities.

Those who take walks must keep at least two meters away from others. In the case of mountain bike and running, there must be at least 10 meters.

Meanwhile, the activity in the header of the Lácar Lake It can be done as long as you have authorization from the Argentine Naval Prefecture. Only non-commercial smaller vessels can navigate, like kayaks or canoes. Each trip should last less than three hours and mooring on the coast or beaches is not allowed.

In Los Alerces National Park, the fishing all year exclusively on Lake Futalaufquen, as well as the trekking of low and medium difficulty, the diving and the opening of camping areas for daytime use, among others.

As reported by the mayor of this park located in the province of Chubut, the bathrooms are closed and each visitor must take the waste generated.

The tours are open from 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and, for the moment, only residents of Cholila, Esquel, Trevelin and their places will be able to access. They must prove their address when presenting the DNI.

At Nahuel Huapi National Park nocturnal activities may not be carried out and the entry times established for the trails within the jurisdiction of the Nahuel Huapi and Los Arrayanes National Parks must be taken into account.

Recreational biking and hiking trails, day use areas and smaller boats no motor with a family group as a limit are some of the activities allowed.

In addition, in each park, the general measures applied in all areas must be respected: the maintenance of the social distancing two meters minimum, use of mask and hygiene hands and surfaces.