Hiking trail in Neuquén to Río Negro, Patagonia, Argentina
Huella Andina Long-Distance Trek
Argentina's long-distance Andean trail connects Lanín National Park to Nahuel Huapi through spectacular wilderness. Hikers can tackle individual sections, staying in mountain refugios and experiencing authentic Patagonian backcountry.
The Huella Andina is Argentina's first official long-distance trekking route, traversing approximately 600 km of Andean wilderness between Parque Nacional Lanín in Neuquén Province and Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi in Río Negro Province, Patagonia. Designed and waymarked by Argentina's national parks authority (APN), the route connects a string of national parks and provincial reserves along the Andes' eastern foothills, linking existing trails into a continuous marked corridor. The full route is graded expert due to its total length and the remote backcountry conditions of certain sections, but individual stages of 15–30 km can be tackled independently by experienced day-hikers or multi-day trekkers.
The route is divided into numbered stages with corresponding refugio huts and designated free camping areas managed by the national parks service. A free trekking permit must be obtained from the relevant national park office before entering each park section. For Parque Nacional Lanín, registration takes place at the San Martín de los Andes or Junín de los Andes park office; for Nahuel Huapi, at the Bariloche national park office. The full traverse requires an estimated 20 to 30 days at a moderate pace.
Trail surfaces on the Huella Andina vary dramatically by section. Southern stages in Nahuel Huapi traverse dense coihue and ñire beech forest on compacted dirt trails with river crossings on log bridges or stepping stones. Central stages in Lanín pass through ancient stands of araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees on volcanic ash and pumice terrain. Northern sections above the treeline cross exposed ridge-tops with minimal shade and scree slopes requiring careful footing.
Key landmarks along the route include Volcán Lanín (3,776 m) at the northern terminus, whose symmetrical snow-capped cone is visible from dozens of kilometres of trail; the Caleufu and Meliquina river valleys; a series of clear volcanic crater lakes; and the Cerro Tronador glaciers near the southern endpoint. Refugios along the route provide basic bunks, kitchen facilities, and emergency communication; advance booking during peak summer (January–February) is necessary for the busiest huts.
Self-sufficient trekkers undertaking multi-day sections must carry food for 2 to 3 days between resupply points. Water from streams and rivers is abundant and generally safe when filtered. The most common access points for individual stages include San Martín de los Andes (northern end), Junín de los Andes, Villa la Angostura, and Bariloche (southern end), all connected to Buenos Aires and other cities by long-distance bus.
Trail area: Neuquén to Río Negro, Patagonia
Highlights
- Remote Andean wilderness
- Refugio network accommodation
- Ancient araucaria pine forests
- Volcanic crater lakes
Tips
- Register at the relevant national park office before starting each section — the permit is free but required, and rangers provide updated trail conditions and weather forecasts.
- Carry a GPS device loaded with the official Huella Andina tracks, downloadable from the Parques Nacionales website; signage can be sparse on sections above the treeline.
- Pack food for at least 2–3 days between resupply towns; store provisions in bear-resistant bags or hang them, as pumas and foxes are present throughout many sections.
- The section between Villa la Angostura and the Siete Lagos area offers an accessible introduction to the route, with reliable refugio accommodation and spectacular lake scenery.
- Weather in the Andes changes rapidly — a waterproof layer, warm mid-layer, and sun protection must all be carried even on clear mornings.
FAQ
Is a permit required to hike the Huella Andina?
A free trekking permit is required from each national park the route passes through. Registration is done in person at the park office in the nearest gateway town — San Martín de los Andes for Parque Nacional Lanín, Bariloche for Nahuel Huapi — before entering each section.
Can sections of the Huella Andina be hiked independently without doing the full route?
Yes, the route is designed to be accessible in individual stages. Each stage typically covers 15 to 30 km and can be completed as a day hike or over two to three days. Gateway towns with bus connections are located at regular intervals along the corridor.
What accommodation is available along the trail?
A network of refugios (staffed mountain huts) provides basic bunks, meals, and emergency communication. Free camping is permitted in designated areas. Advance booking for refugios is strongly recommended in January and February during the peak trekking season.
Is the Huella Andina suitable for solo hikers?
Experienced self-sufficient trekkers regularly complete sections solo. Certain remote central stages have limited mobile phone coverage and few other users; registering with the national park office and leaving a detailed itinerary with a contact person is strongly advisable before any solo multi-day section.
Accessibility
The Huella Andina is not accessible to wheelchair or stroller users. The route traverses genuine mountain wilderness with river crossings, scree slopes, volcanic terrain, and remote backcountry sections with no accessible infrastructure. Visitors with mobility requirements should consider the accessible boardwalk trails within the individual national parks rather than the long-distance route.
When to visit
November through April is the recommended trekking window. December through February offers the longest daylight and most stable weather, though peak season means refugios are busier and booking is essential. November and March–April are less crowded and can offer excellent conditions, though snow may linger on high passes early and late in the season.