Junin de los Andes is the National Trout Capital and one of the most prestigious fly fishing destinations in the world. Located on the banks of the Chimehuin River in Neuquen province, Argentine Patagonia (lat -39.9500, lng -71.0667), this tranquil town of 15,000 inhabitants is the gateway to Lanin National Park and the imposing Lanin Volcano (3,776 m), the highest peak in northern Patagonia. Just 41 km from San Martin de los Andes, Junin offers a more authentic and affordable alternative with less mass tourism.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires → Bariloche | 1640 km | 2 h 20 | 22 h | 18 h |
| Buenos Aires → El Calafate | 2700 km | 3 h 15 | 40 h | 35 h |
| Buenos Aires → Ushuaia | 3050 km | 3 h 35 | 50+ h | — |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1490 km | 1 h 45 | 28 h | 24 h |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 600 km | 1 h 15 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | High season | |
| Feb | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | ||
| Mar | 6° / 18°C | 50 mm | ||
| Apr | 3° / 14°C | 70 mm | ||
| May | 0° / 10°C | 90 mm | ||
| Jun | -2° / 6°C | 110 mm | Ski season | |
| Jul | -2° / 6°C | 120 mm | ||
| Aug | -1° / 8°C | 90 mm | ||
| Sep | 1° / 12°C | 60 mm | ||
| Oct | 4° / 16°C | 40 mm | ||
| Nov | 6° / 19°C | 40 mm | ||
| Dec | 7° / 21°C | 40 mm |
How to Get There
Chapelco Airport (CPC), shared with San Martin de los Andes, is 21 km from Junin. Flights from Buenos Aires (2.5 hours). From Bariloche: 260 km via RN 40 (3.5 hours).
What to See and Do
Fly Fishing
The Chimehuin River is famous for its large brown and rainbow trout (3-5 kg specimens are common). The Malleo River is another classic for fly fishing with the Lanin Volcano as backdrop. Season: November to May. Fishing licence required (USD 20-30). Professional guides: USD 150-250/day with equipment included.
Via Christi
A unique sculptural calvary in Argentina, composed of 22 life-sized sculpture groups distributed along 2 km of trail on Cerro de la Cruz. Free access. Panoramic views of the city and valley from the summit.
Lanin Volcano
Lanin Volcano (3,776 m) is northern Patagonia's highest peak. Full ascent (2-3 days) requires experience and National Parks permits. The trail to Refugio CAJA (1 day, medium difficulty) offers spectacular views for non-climbers.
Mapuche Communities
Junin has a strong Mapuche presence. You can visit communities like Curruhuinca and Painefilú, where they offer wool crafts, traditional cuisine (curanto, araucaria pine nuts) and stories of their worldview.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (December-February): Ideal temperatures (15-28 degrees), long days, all trails open. Fishing in full season.
- Autumn (March-May): Spectacular forest colours. Excellent fishing (more active trout). Fewer tourists.
- Spring (October-November): Fishing season opens (November). Snowmelt, peak waterfalls, wildflowers.
- Winter (June-September): Mountain snow, skiing at Chapelco (30 km). Fishing closed. Quiet and affordable.
Practical Information
Fishing Licence
Required for all rivers and lakes in Neuquen. Available online or at fishing shops. Daily (USD 10-15), weekly (USD 20-30) or seasonal (USD 40-60). Catch-and-release mandatory on most stretches.
Accommodation
More affordable than San Martin de los Andes. Hostels from USD 12-18, cabins from USD 40-70, fishing lodges from USD 100-200 (including guide and equipment).
