Introduction

Lanín, which means "dead rock" in Mapuche language, is to the mountain range of Chile´s IX and XIV regions what Aconcagua is to the Central Andes: both surpass its neighboors by more than a thousand meters, and outstand in the horizon like no other. Some Argentine poets from Junín say having seen both oceans from its extint crater, in times when the skies were clearer. This fantastic fact has yet to be confirmed; however, Lanín certainly dominates a radius of more than a 100 miles.

Mapuche legends tell that long ago, in the times of the grandfathers our grandfathers, and yet before, there existed two Lanines. One, ferocius and giant, after punishing the inhabitants of the region, swallowed himself. The other one, who survived this violent retaliation, was smaller and more calm then the first one, and is the Lanín we know today. Mapuche tradition believed that on the volcano´s summit there lived some evil spirits which killed those who dared climb it. On the other hand, besides meaning "dead rock", Lanín is the first person plural form of the verb "to sink" (in the volcano´s ashes or in the snow). We do not know about the volcano´s last eruption, but a sure thing is that in other times Lanín freightened many generations of Mapuches.

The normal route to the volcano is accessed from the Argentine side (Lanín lies in the Chile/Argentina border). At its feet is Mamuil Malal pass and from its slopes one can gaze at the extense araucaria forest, which grows bigger as it gets into Chile.

The climb is controlled by Argentine rangers. Notice must be given before attempting it; gear will be examined and a schedule/route will be asked for, if following any of the routes up the north face (pretty dry during the summer). The gear required by the rangers includes, besides typical trekking gear, ice axe, crampons and a VHF radio device.

On its south side Lanín boasts an abrupt and impressive glacial face which dominates lakes Huechulafquén and Norquinco.

It is the highest summit of the Andes considering from Volcán Domuyo (4709m - Argentina) to the point where Monte San Valentín becomes sovereign in Patagonia.