Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Located 20km southeast of San Martín,
Cerro Chapelco
( 02972-427845;
www.cerrochapelco.com
)
is one of Argentina's principal winter-sports centers, with a mix of
runs for beginners and experts, and a maximum elevation of 1920m. The
Fiesta Nacion-
al del Montañés
, the annual ski festival, is held during the first half of August.
Lift-ticket prices vary, depending on when you go; full-day passes run from AR$170
to AR$285 for adults, AR$140 to AR$240 for children. The slopes are open from mid-
June to early October. The low season is mid-June to early July and from August 28 to
mid-October; high season is around the last two weeks of July. Rental equipment is
available on-site as well as in San Martín.
Transportes Ko-Ko runs two buses each day (three in summer; AR$35 return) to the
park from San Martín's bus terminal. Travel agencies in San Martín also offer packages
with shuttle service, or shuttle service alone (AR$55); they pick you up at your hotel.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Parque Nacional Lanín
Dominating the view in all directions along the Chilean border, the snowcapped cone of
3776m Volcán Lanín is the centerpiece of this
national park
(
www.parquenacionallanin.gov.ar
;
admission free-AR$65)
, which extends 150km from Parque
Nacional Nahuel Huapi in the south to Lago Ñorquinco in the north.
Protecting 3790 sq km of native Patagonian forest, Parque Nacional Lanín is home to
many of the same species that characterize more southerly Patagonian forests, such as the
southern beeches - lenga, ñire and coihue. The area does host some unique specimens,
though, such as the extensive stands of the broadleaf, deciduous southern beech, raulí,
and the curious pehuén (monkey puzzle tree;
Araucaria araucana),
a pinelike conifer
whose nuts have long been a dietary staple for the Pehuenches and Mapuches. Note,
though, that only indigenous people may gather
piñones
(pine nuts) from the pehuénes.
The towns of San Martín de los Andes, Junín de los Andes and Aluminé are the best
bases for exploring Lanín, its glacial lakes and the backcountry.
At the time of writing admission was charged to enter the park only if you were head-
ing towards Puerta Canoa.
