Lanín Volcano

Calm lakes, forests, and volcanic landscapes
volcanoeshiking

Country: Argentina 🇦🇷

Video

Overview

A Lake District itinerary centered on San Martín de los Andes and Lanín Volcano, with emphasis on forests, lakes, and volcanic scenery.

Compared to Bariloche, this area is smaller, quieter, and less urban. It works well as a short standalone trip or as a natural continuation after Bariloche via the Ruta de los Siete Lagos.

Province: Neuquén
Base: San Martín de los Andes
Overall time: 3–6 days
Main focus: volcano views, lakes, low-traffic nature
Best season: November–March

📷 Photo albums
instagram Lanín Volcano & Lácar Lake
Arrival & San Martín de los Andes ▾


Arrive in San Martín de los Andes by flight or overland from Bariloche.

From Bariloche:
• Bus via Ruta de los Siete Lagos (scenic, fixed schedules)
• Rented car (most flexible option)

Base:
• San Martín de los Andes for the entire stay

What to do:
• Walk along Lake Lácar shoreline
• Small beaches near town
• Short forest walks close to the center

The town is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Lanín Volcano Excursion ▾


Visit Lanín Volcano, the dominant landmark of the region.

What you see:
• Symmetrical stratovolcano
• Araucaria forests and rivers
• Open volcanic landscapes

How to visit:
• Organized day tour (recommended)
• Rented car (long distances, limited services)

Important notes:
• Long driving day
• Mostly viewpoints and short walks
• No technical hiking unless attempting the summit

Duration:
• Full day

Lakes & Forests Around San Martín ▾


Explore nearby lakes and forest areas around town.

Options:
• Lake Lácar beaches
• Short trails in surrounding forests
• Viewpoints accessible by short drives

Seasonal note:
• Boat trips on Lake Lácar operate mainly in summer
• Availability depends on weather and demand

Duration:
• Half day to full day

Optional – Route to Chile (Pucón) ▾


Optional cross-border extension into Chile.

Route:
• San Martín de los Andes → Pucón

Highlights:
• Villarrica Volcano
• Chilean lake scenery
• Well-developed resort town

Notes:
• Border crossing required
• Weather dependent
• Best as a multi-day extension, not a day trip

This option works well when combining Argentina and Chile.

Transportation

  • Car is recommended for flexibility, especially for Lanín Volcano
  • Buses work well between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes
  • Local buses are limited outside town
  • Tours are the easiest way to reach Lanín without a car

Connections

  • San Martín de los Andes → Bariloche (Ruta de los Siete Lagos)
  • San Martín de los Andes → Pucón (Chile, seasonal)
  • San Martín de los Andes → Neuquén (bus and flight connections)

Useful information

Notes

  • Fewer activities than Bariloche, but less crowded
  • Best suited for slow, nature-focused travel
  • Weather changes quickly, especially near the volcano