Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy
An out-and-back walk from Lago Rucachoroy north to Laguna Verde, entirely ringed by araucaria forest. 10 km round trip, 456 m elevation gain, family-friendly.
Lago Rucachoroy ("parrot's house" in Mapuche) is the gateway to one of the densest araucaria forests in the northern sector of Parque Nacional Lanín, about 27 km from Aluminé on a gravel road. From the ranger station by the lake (1,228 m), a trail heads north entirely through araucaria forest to Laguna Verde, a small, quiet lagoon framed by the forest.
The elevation gain is moderate for the distance, and the trail is well marked, making it one of the more accessible options in the park's northern zone for a family outing or a half-day walk, without the demands of the multi-day traverses that also start from this area.
The area operates as a hunting reserve outside the summer season (December to March), which restricts access — check trail conditions with the ranger station before heading out.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 9.1 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Elevation gain: 456 m
- Max altitude: 1684 m
- Best season: Dec – Mar (restricted access out of season (hunting reserve))
- Trailhead: Seccional Rucachoroy, Parque Nacional Lanín (Zona Norte), unos 27 km de Aluminé
- Park / area: Parque Nacional Lanín, Neuquén
Nearby trails
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy trek take?
Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy takes 4–5 hours to complete, covering 9.1 km with 456 m of elevation gain, rated easy.
Is Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy suitable for beginners?
Yes, Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy is rated easy and is a good choice for someone new to hiking.
Do I need a permit to hike Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy?
No, Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy doesn’t require an advance permit.
When is the best time to hike Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy?
The recommended season is Dec – Mar (restricted access out of season (hunting reserve)). Sliabh’s map shows current daylight hours and a live weather/solar panel for the exact trailhead.
Where does the Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy trailhead start?
The trailhead is at Seccional Rucachoroy, Parque Nacional Lanín (Zona Norte), unos 27 km de Aluminé, 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 Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy?
Yes — Sliabh provides a downloadable GPX track and an offline 3D map for Laguna Verde desde Lago Rucachoroy, so it works with no signal on the trail.
Lanín National Park · Hiking in Northern Patagonia