Though not as attractive as its neighbour, San Martín de los Andes,
JUNÍN DE LOS ANDES is better placed for making trips to the central sector of Parque Nacional Lanín, especially for exploring the
Lago Huechulafquen area and if you plan to climb Volcán Lanín itself. In addition, it is a convenient starting point for trips to
Aluminé and the less-visited northern zone of the national park. Junín is also less expensive than touristy San Martín, both in the summer and as an alternative winter base for skiing at Chapelco.
Set in a dry, hilly area of the steppe at the foot of the Andes, Junín is a spruce little town with well-tended gardens and a relaxed atmosphere. It's popular with fishermen, since the Río Chimehuín that flows along the east side of town and other rivers in the region are popular with trout. The few sites of interest in town are all within a couple of blocks of the main square, the Plaza San Martín , and can be seen in an hour or two. The Paseo Artesanal on the east side of the square is a cluster of boutiques selling a selection of crafts, amongst which Mapuche weavings figure heavily. The tiny Museo Mapuche (Dec-Feb Mon-Fri 8am-noon & 3-8pm; free), Ginés Ponte 541 has Mapuche archeological artefacts and a few dinosaur bones on display; while opposite is the tall, Alpine-style tower of the Santuario de la Beata Laura Vicuña , also called by its old name of the Iglesia Nuestra Señora de las Nieves. Extensively remodelled and reopened in time for the millennium celebrations, this splendid church is dedicated to Junín's most famous scion, the beatified Laura Vicuña, and rates as the most original and refreshing church in Argentine Patagonia. Its airy, sky blue interior is suffused with light, and its clean-cut lines are tastefully complemented by the bold use of panels of high-quality Mapuche weavings, with strong geometric designs and natural colours - altogether a thoroughly satisfying hybrid of styles and cultural influences. Laura Vicuña herself, famed for her gentleness, was born in Santiago de Chile in 1891. She studied in Junín with the Salesian sisters for four years, and died here, aged just 13, in 1904.
A good time to visit is mid-February for the Fiesta del Puestero , with gaucho events, folklore music in the evenings, artesanía and asados .
