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  Karina Jozami |
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Due to the beauty of its lakes, its woodlands, the dreamed-of sites for camping, one never gets tired of touring around and exploring the northern area of Lanín National Park, especially knowing that some hot springs whose name in the Mapuche tongue stand for "miraculous waters" wait at the end of the way.
Therefore, as soon as we learned that the new Lahuen Có spa was already working in the area also known as Epulafquen hot springs, we just waited for the sun to start shining in order to spend the day in this venue. Accompanied by Gustavo, one of the owners of this family business, we left the city very early following the road that leads to Lolog. Sharing some mate, we traveled along Provincial Route 62 leaving the valley behind in order to enter the plateau. The beauty of the road, the colors of the steppe, the pure forest of maitenes and the changes in the vegetation became visible from stretch to stretch. We passed by the Curruhué Chico, the monkey-puzzle tree woodland, the Curruhué Grande, calm and brightly blue, and the Escorial. Each of these places was tempting us to make a halt. |
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Gustavo showed us the pier where the boat that crosses Lake Epulafquen from Paimún Inn to the hot springs is moored. The weather could not be more beautiful and we were enjoying it with great delight, astonished at the lush scenery.
Coming Back to Nature We were chatting about the natural harmony one may experience in these surroundings and the new proposal made by the hot spring resort, which includes yoga lessons, massage and hiking tours. Thus, when we arrived in Lahuen Có at about 11 in the morning, we were ready to harness our stay. |
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As expected, the architecture of the resort made up by the spa and the restaurant opens up in the scenery. Stone, wood, caña colihue, every detail is integrated to the green marshland, to the mountains, to the woods and to the sulfurous waters that spring from the natural wells.
Sara welcomed us and, as we enjoyed a cup of delicate cedron and chamomile tea, she told us about the program. We went to the Lahuen Có main spring together. It has been named Doña Sara after an old settler, who is also its new owner. The waters in this well have chloride, carbonates, sulfur and iron at a steady temperature of 63º and it supplies the facilities by heating all spaces as well as by being used in the spa pools. |
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Afterwards, Vanina, the yoga instructor, gave us an introductory lesson which ended with some brief meditation, ideal to relax. As it finished, we were ready to dive into the spa. The session consists in getting into the various pools for 5 to 15 minutes, with temperatures ranging between 37º to 41º, and featuring hydro-jets for massage. This experience may be alternated with the Vichy shower, very appropriate to reactivate circulation. When Sara came to pick us up for lunch, we were already feeling younger and relaxed.
Celebrating Purification |
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The restaurant at Lahuen Có rescues the flavors of Patagonian cuisine in a simple menu. We chose green salad with chicken and almonds, trout for the main course and an irresistible chocolate volcano. Then, we could not think about anything else but taking a nap on a comfortable deck chair.
After a while, and in order to come out of lethargy, we strolled about with Gustavo towards the Oconi River cascade. It lies very close to the venue and it is easily accessed. Once again, it was the water which was inviting us to behold in silence. When we returned, we had another spa session and, as the afternoon was ending, we resolved to have a delicious cup of tea on the restaurant balcony. The sun was setting and we refused to return, but our day at the hot springs was over and we started our way back home feeling deep peace in our bodies and our spirits. |
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To take into Account:
How to Get There: by car, leave San Martín towards Lolog following Provincial Route 62 and, after 80km (approximately 2 hours), you will come across Lahuen Có Resort. Another option is to combine this outing with a lake tour starting at the Puerto Canoa pier across Lakes Huechulafquen and Epulafquen. To enjoy this excursion, drive along Provincial Route 61 (after passing by Junín de los Andes) up to the boarding point. Recommendations: Lahuen Có offers various programs which combine the hot springs with yoga lessons, massage sessions, thermal mud therapy, hiking and other activities involving nature. Besides, there is a restaurant which may be visited without any need to visit the hot springs. Remember to make reservations in advance. Children under 15 not allowed. Apart from being open all year round, Lahuen Có is building an exclusive inn that will lodge visitors a few steps away from the hot springs and amidst the forest. |
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See also: Hotels and accommodation in San Martín de los Andes |
| Contact: Lahuen Co Termas de Epulafquen - Parque Nacional Lanín (8370) San Martín de los Andes - Neuquén Tel: +54 (2972) 42-4709 |
| Back to San Martín de los Andes |
© 2003-2008 Total or partial reproduction forbidden. Derechos de Autor 675246 Ley 11723