Top Activities on the Ground in San Martin de los Andes

Ascending Lanín Volcano is a Patagonia must-have for adventurous travelers. Standing at an imposing 3,776 meters, this iconic stratovolcano offers a world-class high-mountain summit without requiring prior technical expertise. What makes this expedition truly unique is its rare combination of pristine wilderness, hands-on learning, and accessibility. Its relative proximity to urban centers like San Martín de los Andes adds a critical layer of safety, ensuring quick logistics and reliable support. You start by fitting rental gear with experts in town, cross lenga forests onto glacial moraines, and learn essential skills—like crampon use, ice axe handling, and self-arrest maneuvers—directly on the slopes from certified guides. Trekking through dramatic terrain contrasts and pushing for the summit under a star-filled sky delivers an unmatched sense of triumph, making it the safest and most rewarding gateway to true alpine mountaineering.

Starting from getting picked up at your hotel in San Martin de los Andes, your guide and driver will take your small group (max 15) out to the National Park making several stops along the way until you reach Lanin Volcano and Huechulafquen Lake. You'll also visit Lake Paimun, the Lake Chapel, and be able to explore the forest. Learn all about nature, and the culture here, with more stops at places like the Church of Laura Vicuna.