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Patagonia · Neuquén
National ParkLanín
Lanín volcano and the monkey-puzzle forests.
39.90° S · 71.40° O
- Established
- 1937
- Area
- 412,000 ha
- Ecoregion
- Patagonian forest, steppe and High Andes
- Gateway
- San Martín de los Andes
Glacial lakes, ancient araucaria forests and the perfect cone of Lanín volcano (3,776 m). Trekking, fly fishing and Mapuche communities who co-manage the park.
Highlights
- The volcano’s south face from the black-sand beaches of Lake Huechulafquen.
- The pehuén (araucaria) forests of Rucachoroi and Quillén.
- Chachín waterfall and Lake Hua Hum.
- Climbing Lanín over two days with a night in a hut.
Getting there
By plane
Aeropuerto Aviador Carlos Campos (Chapelco) (CPC)
24 km from San Martín and 20 km from Junín de los Andes; daily flights from Buenos Aires and Córdoba.
By car
RN 40 · RN 234 · RP 60 · RP 61 — 1,580 km from Buenos Aires
Three zones, three gateways: Aluminé (north), Junín de los Andes (centre, RP 61 to Huechulafquen and RP 60 to Tromen) and San Martín de los Andes (south).
By bus
Terminales de San Martín y Junín de los Andes
Connected to most of the country; in season, local buses reach Quila Quina, Huechulafquen and Hua Hum.
Trails
Difficulty
Duration
Difficulty: EasyModerateHardExpert
Ascenso al volcán Lanín
From Tromen to the 3,776 m summit over two days, overnighting in a hut or tent. Mandatory gear and booking; guided or registered independent climbs.
Registration required
- Distance
- 22 km
- Duration
- 16 h
- Elevation gain
- 2,600 m
- Difficulty
- Expert
Out and back
Base del volcán Lanín
From the Tromen information centre, through araucarias and lava flows to the foot of the volcano.
Registration required
- Distance
- 10 km
- Duration
- 4 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Cascada El Saltillo
In the Huechulafquen area, a forest trail to a waterfall tumbling through coihues.
- Distance
- 3 km
- Duration
- 1.5 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Cerro El Chivo
A demanding climb above Lake Huechulafquen with one of the best views of Lanín’s south face.
Registration required
- Distance
- 10 km
- Duration
- 6 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Hard
Out and back
Cascada Chachín
South zone, on the way to Hua Hum: a short walk through mixed coihue, raulí and roble forest.
- Distance
- 2 km
- Duration
- 1 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Easy
Out and back
Puerto Canoa – Río Paimún
Along the shores of Huechulafquen and Paimún, with services run by Mapuche communities on the way.
- Distance
- 12 km
- Duration
- 4 h
- Elevation gain
- —
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Out and back
Distances, elevation gain and times are approximate and change with the season. Check each trail’s status with the park before setting out.
Where to stay
Inn$$
Lago Huechulafquen y Paimún
Inns and cabins inside the park facing the volcano: the best base for the central zone’s trails.
Campsite$
Huechulafquen, Paimún, Lácar, Quillén
Over 40 serviced campsites, many run by Mapuche communities, plus the free Paimún site.
Hotel$$$
San Martín de los Andes
The widest choice, on Lake Lácar at the start of the Seven Lakes Road.
Mountain hut$
Volcán Lanín (RIM 26 y CAJA)
High mountain huts for the climb; booked together with the permit.
Before you go
- Climbing Lanín and hiking both require mandatory registration (available online).
- The Huechulafquen gate opens 8 am–8 pm from December to March and 10 am–4 pm in winter.
- There is no mobile signal on the Seven Lakes Road between Chapelco and Villa La Angostura.
- The petrol station in Aluminé only takes cash.
Plan your journey to Lanín
We design private trips at each traveller’s pace: hikes, local guides and carefully chosen stays. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll reply within 48 hours.