Parque Nacional Lanín & The Pehuenia Circuit

Parque Nacional Lanín was created in 1937 to protect 412,000 hectares of Patagonian forests. The park is named after volcano Lanín, which means “dead rock” in the Mapuche language because of its inactive state. At around 3,750 meters tall, the volcano towers over the park and is covered by snow year-round. 24 clear glacial lakes, glacial waterfalls, thermal hot springs, beaches with black sand, salmon and trout fishing, rare trees (Pehuén/Monkey Puzzle, Evergreen Beech, and Pellín oak), and seven Mapuche communities make Parque Lanín a fascinating place to visit. Numerous free and inexpensive campsites in the park provide the most scenic and affordable accommodations in the area. The park is best explored with your own vehicle because public transportation is sparse and the park is huge. You won't be able to cover the whole park by foot.

The Northern region of Parque Lanín receives far fewer visitors than the rest of the park. Those looking for calm areas that feel more remote will enjoy these areas, but they're also much more difficult to access without a car. On the northernmost border of the park, Lago Ñorquinco marks the end of the protected land. From there, travelers can travel along Ruta 11 to start the Pehuenia Circuit. Visitors usually begin in either Alumine or Villa Peheunia and drive along Rutas 11, 13 and 23. The Pehuenia Circuit runs alongside lakes Ñorquinco, Moquehue, Alumine and Pulmari as well as the Pulmari and Alumine rivers. Plan to spend at least two days driving, but for a fuller experience you may want to spend up to four days at a slower pace in order to take everything in. There are many affordable campsites along the circuit, which are essential if you want to spend any time outside of the two main towns along the way.