Cerro Acol
A demanding climb up Cerro Acol (1,860 m), near the Paso Hua Hum border crossing, with a steep grade for nearly the whole ascent. A full day of trekking; the summit looks out over Lagos Lácar, Nonthué and Queñi.
Cerro Acol is one of the most demanding, least-traveled climbs around San Martín de los Andes, with a trail that gains altitude steadily and steeply for nearly the entire ascent — suitable only for those with prior trekking experience and good physical fitness.
Access is near Lago Queñi, by the Paso Hua Hum border crossing, about 50 km from San Martín de los Andes. The trail crosses Andean-Patagonian forest before climbing more exposed slopes, with steep sections where it helps to have your hands free.
From the summit (1,860 m) the view takes in Lagos Lácar, Nonthué and Queñi all at once, with the Andes as a backdrop — one of the most complete panoramas in the area. Snow can linger on the upper sections well into summer. Given the physical demands and full-day length, it's worth starting very early and checking the weather before committing to the summit.
- Difficulty: Hard
- Distance: 10.2 km
- Duration: 8–10 hours
- Elevation gain: 1100 m
- Max altitude: 1860 m
- Best season: Dec – Mar
- Trailhead: Cercanías del lago Queñi, junto al Paso Hua Hum, unos 50 km de San Martín de los Andes
- Park / area: Parque Nacional Lanín, Neuquén
Nearby trails
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Cerro Acol trek take?
Cerro Acol takes 8–10 hours to complete, covering 10.2 km with 1100 m of elevation gain, rated hard.
Is Cerro Acol suitable for beginners?
Not for beginners: Cerro Acol is rated hard and requires prior mountain experience and solid fitness.
Do I need a permit to hike Cerro Acol?
No, Cerro Acol doesn’t require an advance permit.
When is the best time to hike Cerro Acol?
The recommended season is Dec – Mar. Sliabh’s map shows current daylight hours and a live weather/solar panel for the exact trailhead.
Where does the Cerro Acol trailhead start?
The trailhead is at Cercanías del lago Queñi, junto al Paso Hua Hum, unos 50 km de San Martín de los Andes, in Parque Nacional Lanín, Neuquén province. Sliabh’s 3D map and downloadable GPX track show the exact starting point.
Can I download an offline map or GPX track for Cerro Acol?
Yes — Sliabh provides a downloadable GPX track and an offline 3D map for Cerro Acol, so it works with no signal on the trail.
Lanín National Park · Hiking in Northern Patagonia