Lanin Volcano Ascent: 2-Day Guided Expedition in Patagonia
Climb the 3,776-meter Lanin Volcano on a demanding two-day mountaineering expedition from San Martin de los Andes, with a night in the mountains and an early summit attempt using crampons and an ice axe.
Group
Andes
2 Days
Oct - Dec
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Climb to the 3,776-meter summit of Lanin Volcano on a two-day guided mountaineering expedition.
- Spend one night high on the mountain before a pre-dawn summit attempt using crampons and an ice axe when conditions require them.
- Take on a demanding summit day with approximately 1,400 meters of ascent followed by the full descent to the base.
Description
Rising to 3,776 meters in northern Patagonia, Lanin Volcano is one of the region's most recognizable Andean peaks. This guided ascent follows the mountain's commonly used northern side, combining a long approach to the high camp with an alpine-style summit day over snow, ice and loose mountain terrain.
The expedition begins with a preparation meeting in San Martin de los Andes on the evening before the climb. The following morning, the group transfers to Paso Tromen, at the base of Lanin's north face, before hiking for approximately 5 to 7 hours to the mountain shelter area. After one night on the mountain, the summit attempt starts at around 3 or 4 am. Snowfields are normally encountered from October through January, and crampons and an ice axe are essential when these conditions are present. A short briefing on their use is provided before the ascent.
The main challenge of Lanin is physical. Summit day involves approximately 1,400 meters of ascent from the overnight area, followed by the full descent to the base on the same day.
This is a compact but serious mountain objective for fit hikers and aspiring mountaineers looking to experience a major Patagonian summit.
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Transport during the trip
- Personal insurance
- Harness
- Helmet
- All meals during trip
- Group equipment
- Crampons
Price details
- ✅What's included
- Mountain guide authorized by Lanin National Park for groups of up to 4 participants
- A second mountain guide from the fifth participant onward
- Summit and expedition participation certificate
- Pretrip equipment advice
- Transfers from San Martin de los Andes or Junin de los Andes to Lanin National Park at Tromen
- Return transfer from the park
- Fullboard meals during the ascent
- Highmountain tents
- General expedition and cooking equipment
- Personal insurance coverage
- Crampons
- Helmet
- Ice axe
- VHF communication equipment
- Complete firstaid kit
- Technical mountaineering safety equipment
- One night in a mountain tent or shelter
- ❌What's not included
- Bus or plane tickets to the region
- Personal equipment listed in the required gear section
- Accommodation in San Martin de los Andes or Junin de los Andes before or after the expedition
- Expenses resulting from abandoning the expedition early
- Porter service
- Optional assistant guide for groups of up to four participants
Meeting point
Itinerary
Day 0: Preparation in San Martin de los Andes
Meet the guiding team in San Martin de los Andes at approximately 6 pm.
The meeting includes:
- Review of personal equipment
- Advice regarding accommodation
- Assistance with rental equipment if required
- General preparation for the expedition
Accommodation in San Martin de los Andes is not included.
Day 1: San Martin de los Andes - Paso Tromen - Mountain camp
Transfer by charter vehicle to Paso Tromen, at the foot of the north face of Lanin Volcano.
At the ranger station, the expedition equipment is checked before the ascent begins. The group then climbs for approximately 5 to 7 hours to the overnight area at around 2,350 meters.
Dinner and overnight on the mountain.
Depending on logistics, National Park instructions and availability, the group may sleep in:
- Mountain tents
- Large tent-style domes
- A basic mountain shelter without beds or services
Participants sleep in their own sleeping bag and on an insulating sleeping pad.
Day 2: Summit attempt - Descent - Return
Wake very early, with the summit attempt normally beginning between 3 and 4 am using headlamps.
From the overnight area, the route gains approximately 1,400 vertical meters toward the 3,776-meter summit. Depending on the season and conditions, the ascent may involve permanent or seasonal snowfields, ice and loose rocky terrain. Crampons and an ice axe are used where required.
The objective is to reach the summit before noon. After a short stop for photos, hydration and rest, descend first to the overnight area, collect the remaining equipment and continue all the way to the mountain base.
Transport returns the group to San Martin de los Andes, where the expedition ends.
Details
Accommodation
The expedition includes one night in the mountains.
Participants sleep in a sleeping bag and use an insulating sleeping pad. Depending on the arrangements, National Park instructions and availability, the overnight may be in mountain tents, large domes or one of the basic mountain shelters. The shelters do not provide beds or services.
FAQs
Is Lanin Volcano a difficult ascent?
Yes. The ascent is physically demanding, with slopes of up to approximately 35 degrees where crampons may be required. The main challenge is summit day, which includes the climb to 3,776 meters followed by the full descent to the mountain base.
Do I need previous mountaineering experience?
Previous technical mountaineering experience is not mandatory. However, you should be comfortable hiking for long hours with a backpack. A short introduction to using crampons and an ice axe is provided before the ascent.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to be in strong physical condition. Regular aerobic training such as running, cycling or swimming is recommended, together with leg-focused strength training. It is also advisable to complete at least one hike carrying a backpack before the trip.
How heavy will my backpack be?
Your backpack will typically weigh around 10 to 12 kg.
Where do we sleep?
You will spend one night in the mountains. Depending on availability and National Park instructions, you may sleep in a mountain tent, dome or basic shelter. You will use your own sleeping bag and insulating sleeping pad.
Are tents provided?
Yes. High-mountain tents are included in the expedition service.
Are crampons, a helmet and an ice axe included?
Yes. Crampons, a climbing helmet and an ice axe are included.
Do I have to carry my own equipment?
Yes. Each participant carries their own personal equipment. Porter service is not included, although it may be possible to arrange one separately if requested in advance.
Are meals included?
Yes. Full-board meals are included during the ascent. If you have dietary restrictions or specific food requirements, these should be indicated in the personal and medical form before the expedition.
What happens if someone in the group has to turn around?
For groups of up to four participants traveling with one guide, if one person cannot continue toward the summit, the entire group must descend. An additional assistant guide can be hired separately if the group wants more flexibility.
What is the minimum age?
The minimum age is 13 years old, with prior consultation required before booking.
About the guide
Argentina
Tour Operator
Adventure tourism agency formed by ISAS, EPGAMT and adventure tourism guides.
Head guide is Leandro Scheurle, rock and ice climbing instructor, wild areas lifeguard (WFR), and ISAS trekking and adventure tourism guide. He is also Instructor and lecturer at the ‘Instituto Superior Andes del Sur’ (school of professional guides).
He made technical ascents in Argentina and South America, including solo new routes in Domuyo Volcano (Neuquén), and Cerro Bonete (Tierra del Fuego).
He also write articles for magazines, blogs and websites specialized in outdoors and mountain activities.
The lead guide for AEX expeditions to Aconcagua is Daniel Adrián Cangiani, better known as "Roger". He is an EPGAMT mountain guide, WFR, rock climbing and mountaineering instructor, and professional photographer.
Most of our guides are not bilingual but can speak basic english, good enough to communicate during an expedition.
Languages
Spanish
Certificates
EPGAMT | ISAS
What people are saying about Explore-Share
Man
Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!
Maxine
Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.
Valeriya
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Joshua
We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.
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Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.
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