Hidden Gems: Junín de los Andes

Why it's hidden: While visible from town, many tourists don't dedicate time to walk the full path, missing the artistic and spiritual depth and the incredible views from the summit. It's often rushed or overlooked in favor of more 'natural' attractions.

How to find it: Located just outside the town center. Drive west on Ruta Nacional 40 towards Aluminé for about 2km. The well-marked entrance is on your right. There's ample free parking at the base. The path is paved and well-maintained. A car is highly recommended to reach the base easily, though it's walkable from town if you enjoy a long stroll.

Best time: Morning or late afternoon for softer light, cooler temperatures, and fewer people, especially in summer. Avoid midday heat.

Why it's hidden: Overshadowed by the more popular trails around San Martín de los Andes, Laguna Verde requires a short drive and a bit of local knowledge to find the trailhead, making it a true hidden escape.

How to find it: From Junín de los Andes, take Ruta Nacional 23 south towards San Martín de los Andes. After about 10-15 km, look for a well-marked turn-off to the right for 'Camping Huechulafquen' or 'Puerto Canoa'. Follow this gravel road (Ruta Provincial 61) for approximately 30 km along the shore of Lake Huechulafquen. The trailhead for Laguna Verde will be clearly indicated on your left before you reach Puerto Canoa. The road is gravel but generally in good condition for a regular car. Parking is available at the trailhead. A 4x4 isn't strictly necessary but helpful for comfort on the gravel.

Best time: Spring (October-November) for wildflowers, or Fall (March-April) for incredible autumn colors and fewer insects. Summer mornings are also excellent.

Why it's hidden: Requires a significant drive on remote gravel roads and is not widely advertised, keeping it a favorite among locals and adventurous travelers seeking an authentic thermal experience.

How to find it: From Junín de los Andes, take Ruta Nacional 23 south towards San Martín de los Andes. Turn right onto Ruta Provincial 61 towards Huechulafquen. Continue past the turn-off for Laguna Verde and Puerto Canoa. Follow RP 61 for a total of approximately 70-80 km. The road becomes narrower and more remote. You will eventually see signs for 'Termas de Curruhué'. The last few kilometers can be rougher, so a high-clearance vehicle or 4x4 is advantageous, though a regular car can often manage carefully. Parking is rudimentary but available near the springs.

Best time: Any time of year, but particularly magical in cooler weather or after a hike. Winter can be challenging due to snow on the roads, so check conditions.

Why it's hidden: Most visitors associate the Chimehuín solely with fishing, overlooking the serene beauty and easy access for non-anglers to enjoy the riverside. Specific, quiet spots away from the main fishing lodges are truly hidden gems.

How to find it: From Junín de los Andes, take Ruta Nacional 23 north. Within a few kilometers, you'll cross the Río Chimehuín. Immediately after crossing, there are several small, unmarked dirt tracks leading down to the riverbanks on either side. Look for these informal parking spots. Another good access point is near 'Puente Blanco,' a few kilometers further north. The dirt tracks are usually passable by any car, but can be muddy after rain. Parking is informal.

Best time: Early morning or late afternoon for tranquility and wildlife viewing, year-round.

Why it's hidden: Requires a detour on a lesser-maintained gravel road and isn't signposted like more commercial attractions, preserving its secluded charm.

How to find it: From Junín de los Andes, take Ruta Provincial 23 south towards San Martín de los Andes. After approximately 15 km, turn left onto a gravel road (often unmarked or marked for 'Estancia Huechulafquen'). Follow this winding gravel road for about 8-10 km, keeping an eye out for a small, rustic sign or just the sound of the falls. There's a small, informal parking area by the side of the road, and a short, easy walk down to the falls. The gravel road can have potholes but is generally manageable with a regular car, though slower speeds are advised.

Best time: Spring and early summer when the water flow is strongest from snowmelt, offering a spectacular display.

Why it's hidden: Located on the way to Tromen Pass, many travelers rush past without stopping to explore the side trails and less obvious viewpoints. The petrified forest section is particularly obscure and requires local knowledge to locate.

How to find it: From Junín de los Andes, take Ruta Nacional 23 north. Turn left onto Ruta Provincial 60 towards Mamuil Malal / Tromen Pass. Follow RP 60 for about 40-50 km. The canyon starts to become visible. Look for informal pull-offs or small, unmarked dirt tracks that lead towards the river. The petrified forest is a smaller, lesser-known spot further along RP 60, closer to the border, often requiring asking locals for precise directions or a good GPS coordinate. The road is paved initially, then good gravel. Parking is informal. A car is essential.

Best time: Spring or Fall for comfortable hiking temperatures and fewer insects. Avoid extreme summer heat.

Why it's hidden: These are often informal, pop-up markets in rural areas or smaller communities, rather than permanent storefronts, requiring local knowledge or a well-timed visit. They offer a more authentic experience than shops in major tourist towns.

How to find it: Keep an eye out for signs on Ruta 23 or Ruta 61, especially on weekends during high season, for 'Feria Artesanal Mapuche' in communities like Chacayhua or near the entrance to Lanín National Park along Huechulafquen. Asking at the local tourism office or even small shops in Junín can yield current information. You will definitely need a car to reach these communities. Parking is informal and plentiful.

Best time: Weekends, especially during summer (December-February) or major local festivities, when these markets are most active.