Lanin National Park lies to the north of Nahuel Huapi and stretches 200 km to the small lakeside settlement of Alumine along the border with Chile. The park covers over 412,000 hectares and is named after the snow-capped Lanin volcano, 3,776 metres high. It’s a two-day trek to the top of the Lanin from where you are privy to the most spectacular scenery looking towards Argentina or Chile.

Some 10,000 years ago these areas were inhabited by hunter gatherers who lived off the nut-like pinon, the fruit of the araucaria (monkey-puzzle) tree and the meat of the guanaco, huemul and ñandú. Some Mapuche (native Indians) settlements within the park are now protected - Argentine Mapuches fared much worse than their Chilean counterparts under Spanish rule. The araucaria tree, which has been around for millions of years, dominates the land between lakes Huechulafquen and Norquinco, just two 24 lakes within the park. Other native trees include rauli and coihue. Also the bamboo-like colihue is prolific in the area. The pudu (small deer) and the huillin (Andean river otter) are protected species. Black-necked swans, woodpeckers, peregrine falcons, red-backed hawks and the black-chested buzzard-eagle are among the abundant birdlife.

Chapelco airport is 24 km outside San Martin de los Andes. Park Administration, Parque Nacional Lanín, Emilio Frey 749, San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén. Tel: +54 (0) 297 242 7233.