Chachín Falls

Provincial Route 48 leaves San Martín de los Andes along the shore of Lake Lácar and slips into the southern end of Lanín National Park, heading for the Hua Hum border pass. It is an unhurried gravel road, with water always close by and a mixed forest of coihue, raulí and roble pellín that turns patchy red in autumn when the lenga trees change color.

Before the border, an internal park road branches off toward the Chachín Falls trailhead. From there a short path with interpretive signs climbs through tall trees and cool shade. You don't need any mountain experience: good shoes and a willingness to walk uphill for a while are enough.

The reward appears all at once. The Chachín River squeezes between moss-green rock walls and drops about 30 meters into a turquoise pool. From the lookout you hear it more than you see it: the roar fills the gorge and the spray drifts up to the nearest leaves.

The falls are part of a route that follows Lake Nonthué and the Chachín River on to Lake Queñi, so the outing easily fills a whole day. You can also arrive by water: there is a small pier on Lake Nonthué, about 2 kilometers from the falls. In summer, the beaches at Yuco and Hua Hum make a good stop on the way back.

The falls can be visited for much of the year. Services in this part of the park are run by local criollo settlers, so bring water and something to eat, and check road conditions before you set out.

• Tour type: Sightseeing and trekking
• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate (short uphill trail)
• Tip: Hiking in Lanín National Park requires prior trekking registration (through the park's online form or with the rangers); do it before you go.