The Imposing Lanin Volcano and the Huechulafquen Lake

The coastal walk along the Chimehuin River has several stops, and one of them is the so-called banana bridge.
This arched iron and wood footbridge crosses from the river bank to a small island where you can sit and relax in the middle of nature. During summer, there is a municipal spa, so you can bathe in the river.
On your way back, don't forget to take a picture with the Junín de los Andes sign.
For parking, there is space on the river bank.

The sign marks the entrance to Lanín National Park. This is the beginning of the protected area, where you should slow down.
The road changes from paved to gravel until you reach the Lanín volcano.

Next to the tourist information office of the Lanín National Park, there is a large open-air parking area where you can leave your car.

At more than 3,700 metres above sea level, the Lanín volcano is a great work of nature on the border of Argentina and Chile, and a must-see if you're travelling in Patagonia.
The trail that runs along the base of the volcano is accessible to everyone, including children. It only gets more difficult when there is snow, which is usually the case from May to October.
It takes two hours in total to complete the route. The hike goes through a lenga forest and reaches an altitude of 1,300 metres, where the views are amazing.
To access the viewpoints and climb the volcano it is necessary to pay the entrance fee to the Lanín National Park, as well as to register beforehand, which is compulsory and free of charge at the official website of the Lanín National Park.
Sunglasses and a waterproof coat are recommended.

After two hours of walking, it is time to recharge your batteries. There are no restaurants near the volcano, so it is best to bring a sandwich or fast food for a picnic.
There are tables at the campsite in front of the parking area where you can enjoy a picnic. The campsite also has a grocery store that makes home-cooked meals.
Eating with a view of the Lanín volcano is the best!

The last stop of the 4-day route is at the Huechulafquen Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Patagonia.
This viewpoint offers a perfect panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes. To the left is the Lanin volcano, the main protagonist of this day.
To get there, take the turn-off from route 61 and drive about 20 kilometres on a gravel road along the Chimehuin river.
There is plenty of space to leave the car on the side of the gravel road.

Walking a few metres from the viewpoint, you reach the source of the Chimehuin River, whose waters come from the lake.
This is one of the best places for fly-fishing, mainly for trout. You can see the art of trout fishing, where the fishermen dive up to waist height in the river.

Back in Junín de los Andes, it's reward time after a day of hiking and gravel roads.
On the waterfront of the Chimehuin river there is a brewery restaurant with more than eight varieties including red and black beer. They offer one of the best craft beers in the region, Enkidu.
The beer can be accompanied by pizza, hamburgers, sandwiches or snacks.
Open Hours: Tuesday to Sunday: 20:00 – 0:00.

The trip comes to an end after four days surrounded by nature.
If you want to stay for the night in Junín de los Andes, check the available options via this link:
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