6 Days Backcountry Camping in Patagonian Lakes District
A compact hiking and wild-camping loop around San Martín's Andean lakes delivers world-class Patagonian scenery without crowds or expense. Hikers with basic fitness will find multiple 4–6 hour day-hikes and free or cheap refugio stays.
What to expect
- Camp under Lanín volcano's silhouette from Quila Quina.
- Trek Cerro Drago ridge with 360° views of seven lakes.
- Swim in turquoise Lago Lacar between hikes.
- Reach Cascada Chachín waterfall by 3-hour ridge trail.
- Sleep in mountain refugios or wild camps away from tourists.
Day by day
Arrive San Martín de los Andes; rent gear at local outfitter (Camping Center).
Hike Lago Lacar's north shore trail (4 hours); camp at Quila Quina refugio.
Cook dinner on camp stove; swim in lake before sunset.
Day-hike toward Hua Hum area; fish streams or scan for Andean condors.
Return to Quila Quina; explore local artisan market.
Wild-camp on Lago Lacar's shore (permit from ranger station).
Sunrise hike from Quila Quina toward Cerro Drago (2 hours up).
Ridge-walk with views of Lacar, Nonthué, and Villarino lakes; descend Cascada Chachín trail.
Camp at Nonthué Campground near the waterfall.
Rest day—fish Nonthué or walk easy lakeside trail collecting firewood.
Hike to Casa de Piedra rock shelter; return by late afternoon.
Bonfire and wild-camp cooking; watch Milky Way rise over Lanín.
Trek from Nonthué to Refugio Aysén (5 hours); stay in refugio or nearby camp.
Explore surrounding beech forests; rest and resupply at refugio kitchen.
Shared dinner with other hikers; early sleep before final push.
Hike down to Lago Lacar north shore (2 hours); boat or walk back to town.
Return rental gear; visit Chocolate Shop Neuquén or thermal pools.
Depart or overnight in San Martín.
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