To start the week with strength, today we are going to tell you about one of the most surprising corners of the planet, and we assure you that we are not exaggerating. And then we are going to show you a forest submerged in Argentina. Few cases of this type of natural phenomenon are known on the planet; That is why it is so surprising (in Hard Hobbit To Break we already told you about the submerged forest of Kaindy Lake in Kazakhstan).
Thus, today we move to Patagonia itself to discover the main attraction of Villa Traful, which for some years has been visited by numerous tourists, photographers, divers and researchers. Fancy discovering more details? Well, then you can not miss anything we tell you below!
Location
The magical corner that we show you today is in the Argentine province of Neuquén. This is Villa Traful, a tourist village located in the department of The lakes, in Northern Patagonia. As we have mentioned before, its main attraction is the submerged forest that is very close to this town.
The forest
As we mentioned before, in the bed of Lake Traful, specifically 30 meters deep, a submerged forest recreates a spectacular landscape that seems to be taken from a fairy tale. Of course, this wonder has not been here forever, but is quite recent. In 1960, a earthquake it caused the landslide of Cerro Bayo to slide, which slid to the bottom of the lake waters. The curious thing is that many of the specimens remain fully upright. Logically, they have lost their bark and leaves, but still remain in perfect condition. Although cypresses were the most numerous trees (some reached 50 meters in height), ñires, Antarctic beech, lengas, coihues or white oaks can also be found. In total, there are about 60 specimens that remain standing, of which some appear on the surface of the water.
When to visit the forest
Although the visit is worthwhile at any time of the day, it is preferable to do it in the morning, since it is at this time that its waters remain calmer. Although it is recommended to dive, the trees can also be seen from the boat. In its waters, which are at a temperature of 16º, you can also see some animals aquatic, such as perch, trout or salmon, although it is true that life in the lake is quite poor, since few species can be found, although they are very numerous. The good thing is that no experience is required to dive in this place. In fact, there are many agencies that organize lake excursions that include diving. As you can imagine, the sensation is incredible, since thanks to the transparency of the water, the effect is to be flying between the trees of a forest. In addition, during the tour you can discover some interesting caves.
Villa Traful
Beyond this spectacular submerged forest, Villa Traful is a place worth knowing. It is located in a privileged environment, on the side of the mountain, and offers magnificent views of Lake Traful from almost all points. The best thing about this place is that its environment has practically not been altered by human hands, and that increasingly receives more visitors. Here you will not only enjoy the contemplation of the landscape, but you will be able to carry out multiple activities: fishing, trekking, horseback riding… Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you will find more images of the pool submerged in Lake Traful. Do not miss it!
Underwater Forest, Lake Traful, Argentina (April 2024)
- forests, Patagonia
- 1,230
