Climbing the Lanín, A Dream Come True (Part II)

The wonderful landscape of the Patagonia and the recent boom of the so-called “adventure tourism”, has led many to ascend the Lanín volcano, located around 60 kilometres from Junín de los Andes. This is exactly what I along with my friends Ale, Alberto and Migue are planning to conquer this coming February.

The Lanín volcano is surrounded by beauty in the form of lakes, valleys and mountains, of which one can obtain a panoramic view from the refuges situated in the middle of the mountain or from its top, which is 3,776 meters above sea level. From there, one can see the Llaima, Villarrica, Quetrupillán, and Osorno volcanoes, as well as Tronador Mount and Tromen, Quillén, Huechulafquen and Paimún lakes.

Except for those who have been explicitly forbidden by doctors to make efforts, the ascent is considered suitable for everybody, from 14 years old on. Once the expedition begins, we will have to carry some elements that are considered essential for the trip, which will take two days if weather conditions are favourable. Anyway, it is recommended to do the ascent accompanied by a guide authorized by the National Park. For that matter we acquired the friendly services of Alquimia Expediciones.

This is what we will find along the journey…

During the first day, after hiking along a path in the middle of an incredible lenga forest with amancay flowers, we will get to Lanín volcano’s base. That’s the starting point for the five or six-hour ascent through the famous “Espina de pescado” (fish bone). After this intense climb, we will arrive at one of the two refuges.

The refuge of the Junín de los Andes Andean Club is at 2,600 meters high and can accommodate 14 people. The other refuge is the one belonging to the Mountain Infantry Regiment, which is at 2,450 meters high and can accommodate around 20 adventurers. We will need to stay overnight at the refuge to be able to start early, which is essential so that we have enough day hours to go up and then come down.

At dawn, the views are stunning and the spirit is renewed. Then, the hardest part of the ascent begins: 6 or 7 hours of mountain trekking with the crampons fastened on the trekking boots and the ice axes on the hands. It becomes a personal challenge.

The most difficult moment will arrive when we reach the pre-summit. From there, we will make out the last 30 minutes of the excursion, which is the most demanding part. There is snow at the pre-summit. Ice towers will rise before us, leading us to walk the last meters over the depression on the left side. When one gets to the summit the view is unique and the feeling indescribable: one is 3,776 meters over sea level.

The complete descent of the volcano is done step by step for six hours. As we go down, we will record in our eyes the most beautiful images that the region offers. The comment of those who put their feet on the permanent snows of the Lanín is unanimous and conclusive: an unforgettable experience.

Photo Credit: http://www.alquimiaturismo.com.ar/