Lago Huechulafquen

Huechulafquen stretches some thirty kilometres west from the steppe into the mountains, and the view along it is the classic image of Lanín national park: dark water, black volcanic beaches, southern beech forest on the slopes and the white cone of Lanín closing the horizon. The gravel road along the north shore passes campsites, Mapuche-run hosterías and the lava flows of Puerto Canoa, ending near where Huechulafquen joins the narrower Lago Paimún. Trails lead from the road to the base of the volcano, to the Cascada El Saltillo waterfall and up to viewpoints on El Chivo. Fishing is excellent for trout and landlocked salmon, and boats run trips on the lake in summer.

What you actually see

• The volcano view - Lanín's snow cone rising at the head of the lake.
• The black beaches - volcanic sand and stone along the shore.
• The forest trails - walks to El Saltillo waterfall and viewpoints.
• The Mapuche campsites - community-run camping and food along the shore.

When to go

December to March, when the road is open and campsites operate; the lake is cold for swimming even in midsummer. Autumn is beautiful and quiet. Winter snow closes much of the access.

Honest expectations

The shore road is gravel, dusty and slow, and hard on low cars. Facilities are simple, with limited shops, so supplies should come from Junín. Wind off the lake is frequent and strong, and afternoons are often gusty.

Nearby

Junín de los Andes is the base; Lago Paimún continues west toward the border.