Lanin National Park
Neuquén
Thickly forested with diverse trees that include the native araucaria, laced with dozens of lakes, and home to the cone-shaped Lanín Volcano, Lanín National Park is a Patagonian treasure in the Argentine state of Neuquén. Travelers flock here to enjoy some of Argentina’s best hiking, kayaking, sport fishing of salmon and trout, and camping.
At a height of 12,388 feet (3,776 meters), the dormant, snowcapped Lanín volcano dominates the park. The 2-day ascent of the volcano is one of the park’s most popular activities, but shorter day hikes and biking trails are also an option for summer visitors. More than 20 shimmering, forest-lined lakes are found within the park, including Lake Lacár and Lake Huechulafquen, and its Road of the Seven Lakes is one of Argentina’s most scenic drives.
Given the park's size, choosing just one area to explore is best. The northern area is known for its monkey puzzle trees and Indigenous Mapuche heritage. The central area is the gateway to Lanín Volcano, while, in the south, San Martín de los Andes is the starting point of the Route of the Seven Lakes. Multi-day guided tours departing from San Martín de los Andes introduce visitors to the park’s highlights.
Camping is available at designated spots throughout Lanín National Park
The hike up Lanín volcano is suitable for most hikers of reasonable fitness, but a guide is compulsory, as are crampons and an ice axe
Roads within the park are primarily gravel
Lanín National Park lies close to the Argentine/Chile border. Chapelco Airport (CPC) is the closest airport to the park. The drive from the airport to the park via National Route 40 takes around 30 minutes. Public transport is limited, although there are several buses daily between San Martín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes, the area’s main Mapuche community.
The park is open year-round, but snow can restrict access to many hiking trails during the winter. October to March is best for water sports, trekking, and mountain biking. You can tackle the Lanín climb between December and April. You can ski at Mount Chapelco, the park’s ski resort, from June to September.
Lanín lies within the heart of Mapuche territory and is co-managed by the Indigenous communities that have long lived there. Most campsites that dot the shores of the park's lakes are operated by Mapuche communities, who also provide most of the hiking guides. Hiking with a Mapuche guide is a great way to learn about traditional Indigenous knowledge of flora and fauna and Mapuche legends.
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