Lanín National Park

Lanín National Park is a protected area in Neuquén Province covering about 412,000 hectares of Andean-Patagonian forest with lakes, valleys, and the Lanín volcano rising to 3,776 meters. The landscape combines steep peaks, dense woodlands, and clear water bodies that shape the park's varied terrain.

The park was established in 1937 by the National Parks Administration to protect native forests and ancient Araucaria trees. This creation aimed to preserve ecological corridors across Patagonia and safeguard the region's natural heritage.

Mapuche communities maintain ancestral ties to these lands, practicing traditional activities like livestock herding and gathering in the Araucaria forests that dot the park. Their presence shapes the identity of the place and connects people to the landscape in ways that go back many generations.

Access to the park is available through multiple entry points, with San Martín de los Andes serving as a main gateway. Permits are required before undertaking activities like hiking, camping, fishing, or climbing.

The park contains seven lakes linked together by rivers and streams, creating an interconnected water system that supports native trout populations. This network of connected waters makes the park distinctive and allows visitors to experience different water landscapes.

Location: Neuquén Province

Inception: 1937

Elevation above the sea: 1,595 m

Operator: Administración Parques Nacionales

Shares border with: Villarrica National Park

Website: https://argentina.gob.ar/interior/ambiente/parquesnacionales/regionpatagonia/parque-nacional-lanin/ficha-del-area-protegida

GPS coordinates: -40.16030,-71.35750

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:07