Neruda´s Route - Ilpela Pass - Andean Footprint - Lake Queñi - Quila Quina - Neuquén

Beyond being a wonderful setting, between the Lakes region in Chile and the Lanin National Park, in Argentina, the route we propose to take includes a unique story with one of the most famous characters in Latin American art.

On January 6th 1948, the famous Chilean writer Pablo Neruda delivered a strong speech that was later published as the document "I Accuse", when he was a senator of the Republic of Chile. The government of the time sued him and the Supreme Court approved his immunity, ordering the courts to immediately arrest him. From that moment on, the poet was immersed in secrecy, living in different places in Santiago, Valdivia and the commune of Futrono, until on February 24th 1949, he crossed to Argentina, along the route that we offer you here to repeat and enjoy.

The Lanin National Park represents one of the most representative regions of the Patagonian Andean forest. The sector that includes the Nonthue Lakes and the Hua Hum area is home to a remarkable variety of Nothofagus, mainly among Coihues, Lengas, Ñires, Raulíes and Roble Pellín.

This route joins the Lacar Lake, from Quila Quina with the Escondido Lake, then the Nonthué and the Queñi until reaching the Ilpela Pass. 5 days of hiking and 4 overnights in the paradise near San Martin de los Andes.

Day 0: We recommend spending the night tonight in San Martin de los Andes, to check equipment and see last minute questions. Hostel suggested not included.

Day 1: Early we move to the port of San Martin de los Andes and embark to Quila Quina, about 45 minutes of navigation. There we begin the first section of the trek to Lago Escondido. Set up camp and first night on the mountain.

Distance: 16 km
Approx time: 6 hours

Day 2: We continue along the path, now through a pass that takes us back to the shores of Lake Lacar, which we skirt again, heading west. We pass through numerous beaches, always passing through a closed forest of lengas, reeds and coihues. Finally we access the beach of our next camp, in Ruca Ñire.

Distance: 18 km
Approx time: 8 hours

Day 3: This day we continue along the coast towards Pucará, passing through Lake Nonthue. There the path widens and we access the next camp, in Chachin. We visit the homonymous waterfall and camp next to Lake Nonthué. Option to bivouac (sleep on the beach, under the stars, with the sleeping bag).

Distance: 10km
Approx time: 6 hours

Day 4: Day in which we walk to Lake Queñi, in 2 hours. We set up the camp and overnight.

Distance: 12 km
Approx time: 6 hours

Day 5: Return from Queñi in approximately 2 hours to Hua Hum, the western headwaters of Lake Nonthue. The Hua Hum River is born there, ending in a lake in Chile and through which both Lake Lacar and Nonthue drain into the Pacific. Last lunch in the mountains and return in the afternoon by charter vehicle or regular bus to San Martin de los Andes. End of the program and our services.

Distance: 12 km
Approx time: 6 hours

Important note: Depending on the conditions of the paths and accesses of the Lanin National Park, the route can be modified for the other shore of Lake Lacar.

You can ask us for ascent to the Lanin Volcano, the following two days (with one rest in between) with a discount in the price.

Classic Patagonian trekking crossing. With camps without services like toilets and carrying an expedition backpack.
Ask us for ascent to the Lanin Volcano (3776 masl), the following two days (with one rest in between).

• Transfers to and from San Martin de los Andes
• Professional mountain guides
• Full board during the crossing (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner)
• General camping equipment, kitchen and communication
• VHF communication equipment
• Tents
• Permanent assistance

• Trip to San Martin de los Andes
• Tips
• Expenses caused by abandoning the program

• Mochila especial para trekking (60 a 80 litros)
• Bolsa de dormir abrigada( –10 grados confort) (ej. 700gms. de pluma o sintético bueno).
• Colchoneta aislante (10 a 15mm).
• Bastones de trekking

• medias, (finas + dos gruesos, de esquí o sintético). 
• 1 par de zapatillas–botitas de trekking (en condiciones) 
• 1 segundo calzado de recambio liviano. 
• pantalón largo de trekking (NO JEAN)
• 1 pantalón largo de abrigo o calza. 
• mudas de ropa interior. 
• 3 remeras y/o camisas (una de manga larga) 
• 2 abrigos (buzo de polar, ó pulover de lana)
• 1 equipo impermeable (campera)
• 1 sombrero-gorro para el sol (con solapas) y otro de abrigo
• 1 pañuelo para cubrir el cuello del sol
• Guantes de abrigo y bufanda o cuello polar.
• Gorro de abrigo

• Pasaporte, cédula, DNI.
• Seguro médico, obra social.
• Ficha médica y personal completada, autorización.

• Linterna frontal con baterías. 
• Lentes para el sol.
• Pantalla solar, Protector labial
• Papel higiénico. Pañuelos. Toallitas para bebé.

• Recipientes para agua para 2 litros como mínimo (puede ser botella plástica) 
• Cubiertos
• Plato o taper. (no vidrio ni aluminio)
• Jarro plástico o metálico y enlozado (no vidrio, ni aluminio).
• Repasador.

• Campera de abrigo.
• Cinta SILVER TAPE, para ampollas y reparaciones.
• Mate, bombilla y yerba.
• Termo de acero. 
• Largavista, monóculo. Equipo fotográfico o video.
• Libro, Libreta, diario de viaje, lápiz, lapicera.
• Juegos; naipes, dados, etc
• Cortaplumas (ej Victorinox).
• Silbato y encendedor. 
• Bolsas plásticas resistentes para guardar ropa.

Para cualquier actividad de montaña se necesita tener una preparación física previa, o ser activo físicamente.

No se requiere de experiencia previa, si recomendamos contar con buen estado físico, y conocer que la modalidad es travesía, donde se camina durante el día con mochila, y se pernocta en campamento agreste.  

El pernocte se realiza en campamentos de montaña en carpas del tipo iglú, cómodas y para 2/3 o 4 personas. 

Las carpas están incluidas dentro del servicio. Hay que cargarlas entre todos o porteadores.

Aunque la época del año sea verano, zonas cordilleranas y/o agrestes las temperaturas suelen descender por la noche.

Las paradas se dan con una frecuencia y graduación según la intensidad.

Hay paradas para almorzar, merienda, y descanso.

A partir de los 13 años de edad.

En una mujer un rango de 12 a 15 kilos, en un hombre de 15 a 20 kilos.

En todas nuestras expediciones brindamos el servicio de comidas EN PLAN PENSION COMPLETA.

• Almuerzos de marcha (comidas frias): Sandwiches de milanesa y tomate, Sandwiches de fiambre, picadas, ensaladas, tapas, etc.
• Cenas: Guisos de verdura-panceta-chorizo colorado, Cazuelas de pollo y verduras, Pastas con salsas varias o estofado, Carne asada (Chivito), Chaw Fan, Pollo con arroz a la cacerola....
• Desayunos y meriendas: Te, Café, Capuchino, Mate Cocido, Mate, Leche en polvo; pan, galletitas, mermelada, miel, dulce de leche; cereales, fruta.

Es preciso completar la ficha personal/médica como para aclarar si alguien no ingiere algún tipo de alimento.