Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
338
Lahuen Co: Hot Springs Deep in the Andes
Turn west halfway between San M artín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes ,
head deep into the temperate rainforest of Lanín National P ark, over petrified
lava flow, past glistening lakes and snowcapped peaks, and you'll end up at this
spectacular oasis. The
Lahuen Co
thermal hot springs is a natural thermal
spa with boutique ser vices and amenities . There are seven thermally heat ed
pools, four indoors and thr ee out. A t ypical day here begins with a stunning
boat trip across Lago Huechulafquén, beneath the Lanín Volcano, then a hike
to a waterfall followed by an hour or so to soak and drift and relax in an Asian-
inspired building with Vichy showers and a sunny deck. A lovely lunch is served
to guests in robes. Afternoons involve a shiatsu massage, some fishing, or more
soaking. The landscape is divine , and the new building delicat ely blends
modernity, ancient prac tices, and natur e. They ar e also open in wint er, and
have a hotel that'll open in early 2009. Booking in advance is mandatory. Con-
tact their office in San Martín at
&
02972/424709
or online at www.lahuenco.
com.
11
Excursions to the village Quila Quina, via a sinuous road that offers dramatic views of
Lago Lácar, cost $14 (£9.45); a longer excursion including Chapelco and Arrayán is $18
(£12). Scenic drives through the Siete Lagos route are $32 (£22) to Villa La Angostura
and $45 (£30) to Bariloche. A gorgeous circuit trip to Volcán Lanín and Lago Huechu-
lafquén goes for $45 (£30). Tours do not include lunch, which must be br ought along
or arranged ahead of time.
Outdoor Activities
BIKING
San M artín is w ell suited for biking, and shops offer dir ections and maps.
Bike rentals and tours ar e available at
Andes Bike,
at A venida Costanera and Villegas
(
&
02972/15-552475
[cell]). You can rent a bike from
Mountain Snow Shop,
Av. San
Martín 861 (
&
02972/427728
).
BIRD-WATCHING
Horacio M atarasso is a passionate bir der who hosts gr eat bir d-
watching trips out of S
Aves P atagonia
(
&
02972/15-
an M artín. Contact him at
568427
[cell]; www.avespatagonia.com.ar).
BOATING
Naviera Lácar & N onthué,
at the Costanera and main pier (
&
02972/
427380
), offers year-round boat excursions on Lago Lácar. A full-day excursion to Hua
Hum includes a shor t navigation through Lago Nonthué. The cost is $45 (£30); ther e's
a restaurant in Hua Hum, or y ou can bring a picnic lunch. N aviera also operates thr ee
daily ferr y ser vices to the beautiful beaches of Q uila Q uina (which ar e packed in the
summer) for $12 (£8.20). Naviera also rents kayaks for $10 (£6.80) per hour.
To raft the H ua Hum or the Aluminé riv ers, get in contact with Tiempo Tours or
Pucará (see “Tour Operators & Travel Agencies,” above).
DIVING
For lake div es, including first-timers, stop b y the lakefr ont
Buceo de los
Andes,
Costanera and Obeid (
&
02972/15-696838
[cell]).
