Hiking and trekking between Hua Hum and Lake Queñi - Lanin National Park

The region comprising, at the same latitude, the lakes of Chile and Lanin National Park, in west-central Neuquén, is one of the most humid areas of the Patagonian Andean forest. The mixed forest of coihues, lengas but mainly raulíes and roble pellín creates a lush environment in terms of variety and quantity of flora. Lagoons, streams, hot springs, forests and hills with great views come together in a very attractive setting.

This route links Lake Lacar and Lake Nonthue, first by boat. Then along the Nonthué and Queñi rivers until reaching the Queñi hot springs and the summit of Cerro Acol. 3 days of hiking and tent camping in this paradise near San Martin de los Andes. 

Day 1: Early in the morning we head to the port of San Martin de los Andes and board a boat to Quila Quina and from there to Chachin, 1.30 hs of navigation. There we begin the first leg of the trek to the Chachin waterfall and then to Hua Hum. Overnight at the hostería. 

• Distance: 8 Km
• Approx time: 4 hours

Day 2: This day we will hike the trail to Lake Queñi, a beautiful body of water. We set up camp by the lake. In the afternoon we visit, on a 2-hour round-trip hike, the Queñi hot springs, for a relaxing soak. Return to camp. Night in Queñi.  

• Distance: 14 Km
• Approx time: 7 hours

Day 3: Today we will climb Cerro Acol, with great viewpoints over the region and high-altitude lagoons, on the border with Chile. Return to camp in the afternoon. 

• Distance: 8 Km
• Elevation change: 950 m up and the same down
• Approx time: 9 hours

Day 4: last day of trekking. We descend to Hua Hum and from there take the boat again to return to San Martin de los Andes. End of the program.  

• Distance: 12 Km
• Approx time: 6 hours

• Short trekking trek. With no-service campsites 
• ask about the ascent of Lanin Volcano (3776 masl), on the following two days (with one rest day in between)

• Transfers:
  • Boat trip across Lake Lacar and Lake Nonthue to and from San Martin de los Andes.
• Safety:
  • Personal Accident Insurance.
  • Guide with international WFR certification.
• Mountain Cuisine:
  • 3 lunches, 3 afternoon snacks, 3 dinners, 3 breakfasts, trail snacks. 
  • Personal tableware (plate, cup, cutlery)
• Lodging:
  • 1 night's lodging at Hosteria Hua Hum
  • 2 nights in a dome tent
• Professionals:
  • Professional Mountain Guides certified by Lanin National Park.
  • Your purchase is with an official agency - a travel and tourism company registered with the tourism board (Ascenso 23 EVyT Leg: 16396)
• Support for the adventurer:
  • Ongoing advice and assistance.
  • Information meetings
  • Validation of required gear to make sure you're ready.
  • 24/7 attention on departure day.

• Travel to San Martin de los Andes
• Tips
• Costs incurred from dropping out of the program

overnight stays are in igloo-style tents for 2, 3 and 4 people. Backcountry area with no services.

On all of our expeditions we provide meals on a FULL BOARD basis.

Trail lunches (cold meals): Breaded steak (milanesa) and tomato sandwiches, cold cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, savory pastries, etc.

Dinners: Vegetable-bacon-chorizo colorado stews, chicken and vegetable casseroles, pasta with a variety of sauces or stew, roasted meat (Chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice casserole....

Breakfasts and snacks: Tea, coffee, cappuccino, mate cocido, mate, powdered milk; bread, crackers, jam, honey, dulce de leche; cereal, fruit.

You must fill out the personal/medical form to let us know if anyone does not eat any particular type of food.

GENERAL GEAR

• Special trekking backpack (35 to 50 liters)
• Warm sleeping bag 
• Insulating mat (10 to 15mm).
• Trekking poles

CLOTHING 

• socks, (thin + two thick, ski or synthetic). 
• 1 pair of trekking shoes/boots (in good condition) 
• 1 lightweight backup pair of footwear. 
• long trekking pants (NOT JEANS)
• 1 pair of long warm pants or leggings. 
• changes of underwear. 
• 3 t-shirts and/or shirts (one long-sleeved) 
• 2 warm layers (fleece jacket, or wool sweater)
• 1 waterproof set (jacket)
• 1 sun hat/cap (with brim) and another warm one
• 1 bandana to cover the neck from the sun
• Warm gloves and scarf or neck gaiter.
• Warm hat

PERSONAL ITEMS

• ID document
• Health/medical insurance.
• Completed medical and personal form, authorization.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Headlamp with batteries. 
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen, lip balm
• Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.

KITCHEN

• Water containers for at least 2 liters (can be a plastic bottle) 
• Dish towel.

OPTIONAL, not mandatory (check space and weight)

• Warm jacket.
• SILVER TAPE, for blisters and repairs.
• Mate, bombilla and yerba.
• Steel thermos. 
• Binoculars, monocular. Photo or video equipment.
• Book, notebook, travel journal, pencil, pen.
• Games; cards, dice, etc
• Pocketknife (e.g. Victorinox).
• Whistle and lighter. 
• Sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

Do I need to be in training?

Any mountain activity requires some prior physical preparation, or being physically active in general. Although in this case it's short hikes. 

Do I need previous experience?

No prior experience is required, though we do recommend being in good physical shape and understanding that this is a trek where you walk during the day with a backpack and camp overnight in the backcountry.  

Where do we sleep?

Overnight stays are at mountain campsites in comfortable igloo-style tents for 2/3 or 4 people. 

Do we need to bring a tent?

Tents are included in the service. They need to be carried among the group.

What's the weather or temperature like?

Even though it's summer, in mountain and backcountry areas temperatures tend to drop at night.

Are there rest stops?

Stops happen with a frequency and pace based on intensity.

There are stops for lunch, snacks, and rest.

What's the minimum age for this activity?

From 13 years of age.

How much does the backpack weigh?

For women, a range of 8 to 12 kilos, for men 10 to 15 kilos.