Lácar Department: Lakes, Mountains and Mapuche Culture

Lácar Department brings together a scenic route, mountains, a glacial lake and cultural experiences. The Ruta de los Siete Lagos is a scenic, fully paved stretch of Ruta 40. Stretching for more than 96 kilometers, it connects Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi with Parque Nacional Lanín and passes through the department. San Martín de los Andes can serve as a starting point for the route. This makes it possible to plan a trip along a regional route or around individual hiking and lake experiences.

Hiking, Mountains and Scenic Views

The climb to Cerro Colorado leads to a mountain that reaches 1,742 meters. It is 12 kilometers from the center of San Martín de los Andes; the area is used by local hikers and tourists for hiking. In the southern sector of Parque Nacional Lanín, the Quila Quina–Hua Hum trekking route runs between its two named endpoints. Cerro Colorado offers a climb to a single mountain, while the trekking route is a traverse between two named endpoints.

Cerro Chapelco has 31 ski runs for all skill levels. Hiking with experts is also available there, with views of Lake Lácar and Lanín Volcano. The area therefore offers both a wide selection of ski runs and hiking experiences with views of the lake and volcano.

From Mirador Bandurrias, visitors can enjoy views of San Martín de los Andes, Lake Lácar and Cerro Chapelco. A hiking trail leads from the center of San Martín de los Andes to a natural viewpoint with panoramic views.

Lake Lácar and Activities on the Water

Lake Lácar is of glacial origin and is protected by Parque Nacional Lanín. It is also one of the visible landscape features from Mirador Bandurrias. There are several ways to experience the surroundings from the water: boats from the dock in San Martín de los Andes reach the coast of Quila Quina in about half an hour. In Quila Quina, visitors can rent kayaks and paddle on Lake Lácar. Diving in the lake is possible with professional guidance and the appropriate equipment. Options range from a boat trip to the coast to paddling and guided diving.

Mapuche Culture in Quila Quina

In a small Mapuche community in Quila Quina, visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Mapuche people. Mapuche communities also organize horseback riding excursions there. These cultural experiences complement the hiking and water activities with an insight into the history and traditions of the Mapuche people.

Neuquén as a Wider Travel Destination

In the wider travel destination of Neuquén, the Ruta de los Siete Lagos connects Junín de los Andes, San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful; it also passes through Villa Lago Meliquina and Piedra del Águila. Parque Nacional Lanín is in Neuquén Province and protects 412,000 hectares of Patagonian forest-steppe, including areas of Patagonian steppe and the High Andes. Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes is also in Neuquén. It protects more than 1,700 hectares of Patagonian forest-steppe; its protected features include Arrayán trees that are more than 650 years old and over 15 meters tall.

If you’re looking for a hotel, first decide which side of Lácar Department you want your trip to focus on: hiking and scenic views, activities on Lake Lácar, or Mapuche culture. Comparing these priorities will give your search a clear direction.

Explore more destinations: San Martín de los Andes, Paso Hua-hum, Quilaquina, Pehuenches Department, Collón Curá Department, Minas Department, Aluminé Department, Los Lagos Department.

See the wider travel overview: Neuquén.