Huechulafquen Lake
Lanin National Park, San Martin de los Andes, Neuquén
To the native Mapuche of Argentina’s Andes, the name Huechulafquen means “long lake” or “lake at the end.” It’s an apt title for this azure wonder that stretches for 19 miles (30 kilometers) and is officially the largest of the 24 lakes in Lanin National Park. Next to the lake, on the northern shore, the conical, snow-capped Lanin Volcano rises 12,388 feet (3,776 meters) into the sky.
The basics
In spring, summer, and early fall, thousands of visitors flock to the lake for camping, hiking, and staging attempts on the dormant volcano’s summit. There are boats for hire at Puerto Canoa and scenic lakeshore cruises, plus fly fishing in the neighboring Chimehuin River, considered some of the best in the world. Just past Puerto Canoa, visitors will find scenic Piedra Mala and a protected corner of the lake. Walking trails lead toward Lake Paimun and El Salitillo waterfall, and the epic Andean mountain vistas are a highlight of both Lanin National Park and San Martin de los Andes.
Things to know before you go
At the Huechulafquen entry to Lanin National Park, visitors need to pay an entry fee that’s good for one day.
Be on the lookout for araucaria trees, commonly known as the monkey puzzle tree; it’s native to the Andes mountains in southern Chile and western Argentina.
Huechulafquen Lake is the trailhead for many treks, including shorter hikes from Puerto Canoa that don't require a guide.
How to get there
Following Route 41, then Route 61, Huechulafquen Lake, inside Lanin National Park, is located about 40 miles (65 kilometers) from San Martin de los Andes and 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Junin de los Andes. There’s an official ranger station and visitor center when you reach the shore of the lake.
When to get there
Lanin National Park is open year-round, but snow can restrict access to many trails from May to November, and the ascent to the top of the volcano is for experts only due to the accumulation of ice. From December to April is considered the best time for trekking. The water in Huechulafquen Lake averages between 57 and 65℉ (14-18℃).
Lanin National Park
Lanin National Park is the only national park in Argentina co-managed by the indigenous Mapuche, whose territory the park is located on. Its main attractions are the dormant Lanin Volcano (the park’s centerpiece) and Huechulafquen Lake. A trek to the volcano's summit takes 2–3 days, but there are other trekking opportunities throughout the park for those who don’t want to summit it.
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