Argentina

November 6-29, 2009

November 21: Vólcan lanín: Area Huechulafquen

It was only about 2pm when we left the monkey puzzle forest and not wanting to go back to the hotel so early, we decided to take the next road into the interior of the park just a little further south. That way we could see the southern side of Vólcan Lanín. We followed RP-61 along the southern side of Río Chimehuin and then crossed the river to follow along the northern shore of Lago Huechulafquen. As usual the views along the drive were breath taking.

We were close to the end of the driveable road when we came upon bus loads of people all gathered by a bridge. This was apparently the best spot for viewing the volcano but unfortunately lots of clouds obscured most of the mountain. Given both the crowds and the clouds we decided to forge a little bit further and check out what if anything we found at Puerto Canao. There was little to see other than a gendarmerie that looked more like a church and from there the road split and became more of a dirt track. We gave it a half-hearted attempt but quickly decided not to go any further.

So we turned around again and headed back to the bridge. Both clouds and crowds were gone and with no other plans for the day we had a fun time just enjoying the view, playing ploumps, and collecting volcano rocks.

Map showing the fishing areas in the Zona Huechulafquen.

An interesting and very picturesque shrine built into the sand alongside the road.

The lush valley along the Río Chimehuin with Vólcan Lanín dominating in the distance.

The road was a slow one with deep ruts and lots of loose gravel and big rocks (as usual!)

Entering the Huechulafquen area of Lanín National Park.

A park sign showing where we were.

For once the information building was open! But instead of having any useful brochures, guides, maps, or any other sort of information, all they did was charge us an entrance fee. Sigh.

The lighting on this shot was just pretty.

Looking across Lago Huechulafquen with Vólcan Lanín in the distance on the right.

The water was pretty rough on the lake today.

The wind was blowing strong across the lake and we hoped it would keep the clouds away.

A sign warning people with allergies that this is an area with lots of yellow jackets.

Signage at the start of the hike to Vólcan Lanín. Lots of warnings and some trail info - To Base Camp at 1800m above sea level takes 8 hours there and back at a difficulty rating of medium-high. To the summit (3776m high) takes 2 days, very high difficulty, technical climbing skills and gear necessary.

More warnings - obligatory registration; closed on rainy days; approach forbidden in snow;
and no matter what happens you must start your descent by 4pm.

The mountains looked high... and then we saw the snow capped dome of Vólcan Lanín that much higher! The southern approach does look more challenging than the northern one!

Pretty much at the end of the drivable portion of the road, we get to the Gendarmeria at Puerto Canoa.

Would not have guessed this was a gendarmeria!

After our quick jaunt to Puerto Canoa, we come back and this time the clouds (and crowds!) have moved on.

How DO you get up the southern side of this mountain!?

With the bus load of tourists from earlier gone, we have the place to ourselves.

There's some heavy duty ploumpsing going on!

Did I mention the view?

I don't think Christopher cares about the view.

Christopher and his golden locks.

It's easy to imagine that the water can get quite torrential here.

Samantha with her special rock.

Although lighter than most rocks, our baggage allowance limited us to
picking up only small specimens so we took pictures of all our favourite bigger rocks.