Huella Andina Trekking, from Moquehue to Lake Quillén - Pehuenia, Lanín National Park, Neuquén
A trek among lakes and imposing volcanoes. Stages of the Huella Andina
4.8 (147)
Duration:5 days Starting from:Junin de los AndesRegion:PatagoniaDistance:70 Km
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Start time: Al mediodíaEnding time: Al mediodía
Meeting Point: Junin de los Andes
Duration: 5 days Cupos:
15 spots
Proposal
Of Pehuén Trees, Lakes, and the Andean Range
The Huella Andina trail is Argentina's first long-distance trekking route. Spanning more than 500 km, it crosses 5 National Parks and 3 provinces from north to south.
The area of great lakes that enrich the forests of the northern sector of Lanín National Park and the Pehuenia region marks the start of the Huella Andina and the domain of the Araucaria (Pehuén) trees. This is also where the last Mapuche communities still live, in a kind of “exile.”
This route invites trekkers, adventurers, and enthusiasts wanting to start out on the experience of walking through solitary, astonishing landscapes, backpack on their back. The two middle days will be the main walking days, and the days at either end are for enjoying the surroundings, both at Lago Moquehue and at Ñorquinco.
"When you try to describe places with extraordinary landscapes, places that push the conceptual limits of paradise and provoke boundless wonder, you never find the right formula in photos or in words."
Planned itinerary:
Day 1: Meeting in Junin or San Martin de los Andes. Early transfer to Lago Ñorquinco, where we set up our first camp. Short walks to some nearby waterfalls. Dinner, overnight stay.
Day 2 Starting the trek, we skirt Lago Ñorquinco along its southern shore. We pass by the beautiful Colocó waterfall. Then, in an area of large wetland meadows, we find the great Chusquén meadow, where there are old buildings abandoned by the Mapuche long ago. We continue on to the campsite at Pampa de Castro. Setting up camp. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Breakfast. A day descending to the western end of Lago Rucachoroy, stage 5 of the Huella Andina. The open and closed forest shows us the best of Lanín National Park, with large Araucarias, Coihues, and Lengas. Lunch along the way. After setting up camp, we'll once again have free time to relax by the lake and enjoy the magnificent surroundings. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: The longest day. We set off very early to climb up to the pass next to Cerro Rucachoroi, which gives us the way down into the Lago Quillén basin. Stage 6 of the Huella Andina. It's a long climb, but one that rewards us with great views. Light lunch along the way. Late in the afternoon we reach our next campsite, at Malalco Chico, high in the mountains. Farewell night on the mountain.
Day 5: Very early, we break camp and walk down the long descent that brings us to the Lefiman Mapuche community, then cover the last 5 km along a wide trail to the impressive Lago Quillén, where our transport picks us up to take us back to Junin or San Martin de los Andes. End of the program and of our services.
Included Services
Local transfer to and from Zapala, Aluminé, or Villa Pehuenia
Professional mountain guides, certified by APN (National Parks Administration)
Full board in the mountains (breakfast, on-the-go energy snacks, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner)
General kitchen equipment (pots, stoves)
Main first aid kit and equipment
Emergency communication equipment: VHF / satellite phone
Sleeping tents
Prior informational meetings
Suitable training plan
Personal accident insurance
Ongoing assistance and coordination
Services NOT included
Bus and/or plane to Neuquén-Zapala.
Expenses incurred from leaving the program early
Tips
Note
Classic Patagonian multi-day trek. With campsites with no facilities, carrying an expedition backpack.
You need physical fitness appropriate to the activity; ideally you'll have trained in the previous months on slopes and with a backpack.
ask about the ascent of Volcán Lanín (3776 m.a.s.l.), on the two following days (with one rest day in between)
You need to carry your own large backpack. The program has medium physical and technical difficulty.
Menu
All our expeditions include meals ON A FULL BOARD BASIS.
On-the-go lunches (cold): milanesa-tomato or cold-cut sandwiches, picadas, salads, savory pastries, etc.
Dinners: vegetable-bacon-chorizo stew, chicken and vegetable casserole, pasta with sauce or stew, grilled meat (chivito), Chaw Fan, chicken and rice....
Please fill out the personal/medical form to flag any foods someone doesn't eat.
Where to sleep
In dome-style tents for 2, 3, and 4 people. Wild campsites with no facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be trained?
For any mountain activity you need some prior physical preparation, or to be physically active.
Do I need previous experience?
No previous experience is required, though we do recommend being in good physical shape and understanding that this is a multi-day trek, where you walk during the day carrying a backpack, and spend the night camping in the wild.
Where do we spend the night?
Overnight stays take place at mountain campsites in comfortable dome-style tents for 2/3 or 4 people.
Do I need to bring a tent?
Tents are included in the service. They need to be carried among the group.
What is the weather/temperature like?
Even though it's summertime, in mountain and/or wilderness areas temperatures tend to drop at night.
Are there rest stops?
Stops happen with a frequency and pacing that depends on the intensity.
There are stops for lunch, an afternoon snack, and rest.
From what age can this activity be done?
From age 13 onward.
How much does the backpack weigh?
For a woman, a range of 12 to 15 kilos; for a man, 15 to 20 kilos.
Who's a good fit for Easter Week - Trekking Ñorquinco to Quillén - Lanín National Park?
Easter Week - Trekking Ñorquinco to Quillén - Lanín National Park is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde Junin de los Andes , in the region Patagonia, Argentina.
It lasts 5 days . Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.
What physical fitness level is required for Easter Week - Trekking Ñorquinco to Quillén - Lanín National Park?
Como medir la dificultad de un ascenso o una expedición? es una pregunta que surge a menudo. Para esto desarrollamos un sistema de graduación que ayuda al participante a medir la dificultad, dado a que evaluamos 5 variables sobre la intensidad de cada propuesta. • The weight of the backpack relative to the length of the day • The physical demand • The technical level of the terrain and required equipment • The degree of mental strength required • The maximum altitude reached
Hace click el botón y evaluá vos mismo la dificultad ->:
What equipment do I need to take part in the Easter Week - Trekking Ñorquinco to Quillén - Lanín National Park?
En cada uno de nuestros programas vas encontrar un apartado de EQUIPO REQUERIDO. contá con nosotros para asesorarte y prepararlo de forma adecuada para maximizar el disfrute de la actividad. Contamos con una tienda de alquiler, para resolver si te falta algo. Chequealo ahora! ->
What's included in Easter Week - Trekking Ñorquinco to Quillén - Lanín National Park?
Local transfer to and from Zapala, Aluminé, or Villa Pehuenia
Professional mountain guides, certified by APN (National Parks Administration)
Full board in the mountains (breakfast, on-the-go energy snacks, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner)
General kitchen equipment (pots, stoves)
Main first aid kit and equipment
Emergency communication equipment: VHF / satellite phone
Sleeping tents
Prior informational meetings
Suitable training plan
Personal accident insurance
Ongoing assistance and coordination
What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?
At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).
If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?
No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.
Difficulty Graduation System
Click on each indicator to see details
60%
Backpack (M)
Backpack: Weight / Duration of the Day.
Clic para detalles
60%
Physical (F)
Physical demand
Clic para detalles
40%
Technical (T)
Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.
Clic para detalles
60%
Psycho (P)
Psychological Strength
Clic para detalles
20%
Height (A)
Height Exposure
Clic para detalles
Backpack (M)
Backpack (M)
This point refers to the weight we have to carry in our backpacks. Treks or journeys where we use pack animals allow us to carry less weight on our backs.
20%Up to 5 Kilos: Short excursion walks / Trekking Talampaya
40%Up to 8/10 Kilos: Round-trip trekking / Vallecitos 3 and 4-day programs
60%Up to 12/15 kilos: Crossing trekking with porting / Crossing of the Andes Paso Portillo
80%More than 15/18 kilos: Cross-country trekkings with little or no portage / Trekkings in Patagonia
100%More than 25 Kilos: With a lot of equipment on top and little or no porting / Continental Ice
Physical demand (F)
Physical (F)
We define physical demand as the fatigue we may experience both aerobically and in the muscles, legs, and joints.
20%half a day or less with little unevenness.
40%more sustained slopes and longer days in the activity. 2-3 days / more than 6 hours per day.
60%Long ascents and descents with a longer duration. Ascents to more than 4000 meters in the central mountain range.
80%Important work of legs in resistance. Very long days. Very long day ascents.
100%Maximum demand. Aerobic work and constant effort on legs. Continental Ice, Aconcagua.
Technical Aspect (T)
Technical (T)
The technical difficulty is mainly based on the terrain and the required skill level.
20%flat land
40%Trails with moderate ascents and descents. General trekking expeditions.
60%Steeper slopes and trails. Possible use of crampons.
80%Mixed terrain, with snow or ice. Alvear, Lanin, Tronador.
100%Highly technical terrain. Glacier travel and climbing in sections.
Psychological Strength (P)
Psycho (P)
Psychological factor that represents conviction, confidence, self-control and willpower.
20%We will not be much affected.
40%This is a normal level of attention.
60%We require more motivation, enthusiasm and concentration.
80%The activity will require us to be very connected and convinced.
100%Maximum control and emotional-psychological performance.
Height Exposure (A)
Altitude (A)
Factor that the height above sea level influences us depending on the activity.
0%+ sea level.
20%Up to 2000 masl.
40%+ 2000 masl.
60%+ 4000 masl.
80%+ 5000 masl.
100%+ 6000 masl.
How to interpret these values?
Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:
20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level
Recommended for intermediate level
Previous experience and good physical condition required.
Viajé hace un mes con ellos y la experiencia fue impecable.
Muy buena organización por parte de toda la agencia y excelentes los guías, siempre atentos y con la mejor predisposición. Totalmente recomendable.
LD
Luciana Durante
Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.
GA
Guillermina Augustu
Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..
Do you have doubts?
If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!
