HUECHULAFQUEN LAKE

Oriented from east to west, its glacial basin is 21 km from Junín de los Andes and 61 km from San Martin de los Andes. A terrific example of the Andean lakes, it is the fourth in importance only after Argentino, Viedma and Nahuel Huapi. It has clean but tough waters. However, on calm days, which are less than on the eastern side, its waters reflect the daunting landscape. Surrounded by Lanín Volcano and the Contra and Los Angeles Mountains, this lake is fed by meltwater streams and the Paimún and Epulafquen Lakes.

Its Mapuche name means long lake: Huechu: long, and Laufquen: lake. With its 104 km2 of surface area, it is the most imposing in Lanín National Park. It is 29.5 km long, 4.8 km wide, and its depth varies amid 500 and 800 m.

Huechulafquen Lake has regular fjord-type coastlines, and is bordered by woods and hills. Its volcanic past has marked the black sand beaches of Puerto Canoa. On its shores there are araucarias and coihue forests, this species being only found at this spot of the area. In the depths of its almost impassable forests there are flowery dells overflowing with a great diversity of wildflowers of every conceivable shade.

Europeans first landed in the area of Lake Huechulafquen (in the south of the province, close to San Martin de los Andes) in the XVI century. Before, its inhabitants had been the Mapuches natives, who also inhabited the Chilean territory. These tribes had always been a thorn in the side of the Spanish conquerors, and only surrendered thanks to President Roca's bloody Desert Campaign.

Trekking time: 1 ½ hours.
Attractions: Three unique lake environments in Huechulafquen, Epulafquen and Paimún, plus the fantastic panoramic vision of Lanín Volcano, Mt Los Angeles, El Escorial and the El Saltillo waterfall.
Period: Permanent.
Recommendations: Rubber-soled or trekking shoes, comfortable trousers, warm (and waterproof) clothes, bathing costume, sunscreen and insect repellent