Lanín National Park

Lanín national park takes its name and its shape from the Lanín volcano, a snow-covered cone of 3,776 metres that stands alone on the Chilean border and is visible from most of the park. Around it lie a chain of glacial lakes, Huechulafquen, Paimún, Curruhué and Tromen among them, and forests that change with altitude and rainfall, most notably the pehuén or monkey puzzle, a spiny, umbrella-shaped conifer that grows in pure stands in the north of the park and whose seeds have been a staple food of the Mapuche for centuries. Several Mapuche communities live within the park and co-manage areas of it. Trails range from lakeside walks to the demanding guided ascent of the volcano.

What you actually see

• Lanín volcano - the isolated snow cone dominating the park.
• The pehuén forests - stands of monkey puzzle trees in the northern sectors.
• The glacial lakes - Huechulafquen, Paimún, Tromen and others.
• The Mapuche communities - settlements co-managing areas and offering camping and food.

When to go

December to March for hiking and the volcano ascent, which needs registration, a guide and equipment. Autumn brings colour; winter closes many roads with snow. Weather changes fast in every season.

Honest expectations

Roads within the park are largely gravel and slow, and some sectors are far apart. The volcano climb is a serious mountaineering objective, not a hike. Facilities are basic outside the main lakeside campsites, and fees are charged at several points.

Nearby

Junín de los Andes and San Martín de los Andes are the base towns; Lago Huechulafquen lies at the volcano's foot.