A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lanín is one of the most beautiful national parks in Argentine Patagonia. The park contains the town of Sant Martin de los Andes and forms part of Argentina's Camino de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route). It extends over an area of 412,000 hectares.
A true hiker's paradise, Lanín National Park is famous for its incredible biodiversity and the wide variety of species to be found within its borders, such as pudú (a kind of small deer), Andean condor, trout, etc. The majority of the park is covered with huge forests of conifers, amongst which some quite splendid Aracuaria. The park is also home to a population of indigenous Mapuche people, who are responsible for managing and maintaining it.
Amongst the essential sights to see here are Lanín Volcano, on the border between Argentina and Chile; the lakes Huechulafquen, Lácar and Laguna Verde; and not forgetting the natural thermal spa of Lahuen Co. Those of a more active can tackle the ascent of the volcano (which is actually more than 3,700 metres high), whilst Sunday walkers can explore the pleasant paths and trails through the park at their own pace.
My favourite circuit is the one known as Quila Quin-pucara, which combines sections of hiking with trips on the lake by boat. Lanín National Park: a truly invigorating dose of clean, fresh air in a wonderful outdoors environment!