The Best Excursions to Parque Nacional Lanin, Argentina

Mount Chapelco is Parque Nacional Lanin’s premier ski resort, as well as being one of the most picturesque in the country. Popular with both local and international lovers of snow sports, Chapelco’s summit is 6,500 feet above sea level, affording it incredible views over Patagonia’s Lake District, in particular over Lake Lacar, the lake adjacent to the national park. There are 22 ski slopes offering varying difficulties in some of the safest conditions in Argentina, all set among beautiful lenga forests.

This half-day tour brings you from the mountain village of Chapelco to the Las Pendientes community just a few miles outside the park along trails that are ideal for snowshoeing. Perfect for families, kids and people of all skill levels and ages, snowshoeing is a wonderful activity that brings you through some beautiful landscapes and really lets you appreciate the woodland nature of Parque Nacional Lanin.

This 25-minute tour is perfect for families, and kids will definitely get a kick out of being pulled around by white, fluffy Alaskan and Siberian huskies through the snow. Tour operator Pablo Germann owns over 70 dogs who pull guests on a sled through marked tracks that weave in and out of the surrounding forest. You could be in the North Pole, or Siberia itself, all you need to do is use your imagination!

Situated at a high point off the main highway, onto a regional road that passes by the Hotel Sol de los Andes before turning into a gravel road that bears signs pointing to the viewing platform, Mirador Arrayan affords visitors the best views over the quaint Patagonian town of San Martin de Los Andes and out onto Lake Lacar beyond. Don’t forget your camera, because the wooden deck that juts out over the landscape is the perfect place to take some pictures.

While not technically located within the national park, this lakeside beach is just outside it on the shores of Lake Lacar. A good option is to walk to the beach from San Martin de Los Andes and make it into an outing. A mix of sand and pebble, it’s a good idea to bring chairs to sit on, and this beach excursion will be much appreciated in summer when temperatures soar over the exposed Lake District.

This half-day tour will bring you gliding across the crystal waters of the Lake Lacar over the course of five hours. This glacial lake is surrounded by some of the most picturesque peaks in the world, and visitors will be stunned by the postcard-like setting. Stop for a picnic at La Islita and absorb the breathtaking scenery.

This five-hour tour will take you on mountain bikes around the perimeter of Lake Lacar and into Parque Nacional Lanin. Decide on one of two routes: the Arrayanes Circuit which affords visitors views of the incredible Mount Chapelco and Lanin Volcano, or take the Piedra de Trompul trail and cycle through the Lanin National Park which affords impressive views over Lake Lacar.