Semana de la Montaña in San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén, offers a week-long rendezvous with the raw pulse of the Patagonian wilderness. This event is not just a celebration but an open invitation to test your legs and spirit across trails weaving through dense lenga forests, granite peaks, and crystal-clear lakes that dare you to pause and take in their cold sparkle.

Each day presents a new route, scaling elevations that range from easy forest walks to moderate ascents around 600 meters gain, culminating in panoramic views of the Andes' rugged outline. The terrain shifts with purpose—root-tripped forest floors give way to rocky outcrops and meadows where Patagonian winds push forward, often brisk and unyielding.

Plan your week by trusting the rhythm of the environment. Early morning starts keep you ahead of afternoon winds while water sources such as the lakes and streams that run alongside many paths invite regular hydration stops. Footwear with good tread and ankle support is essential; trails are often damp and uneven. Lightweight, layered clothing allows quick adaptation to temperature shifts typical in mountainous regions.

Highlights include the Azara Trail, well-marked and about 10 kilometers long, with a steady incline through native woods and culminating in views of Lake Lácar, its surface shining like a silver mirror. Another route, the Bayo ascent, pushes a little steeper and rewards with sweeping views over the valley, where clouds frequently assemble and scatter in a silent dance.

Semana de la Montaña also emphasizes community and environmental respect. Local guides contribute cultural context, sharing stories tied to the Mapuche heritage that geo-anchors the land. They remind hikers that nature is fiercely itself: the forests don’t bend to human will but move around you, a living presence demanding respect.

Essential preparations include monitoring weather daily, as spring and fall can bring sudden changes. The event’s schedule includes evening talks on safety and conservation, affirming that the adventure is also about understanding and preserving these spaces.

For anyone from casual walkers to seasoned hikers, Semana de la Montaña presents a clear challenge wrapped in accessible beauty. Expect to engage with an environment that tests endurance and rewards with memorable scenes—forest trails whispering stories, rivers challenging pace, and peaks that invite wide, quiet breaths.

This is Patagonia as a living, breathing entity—not tamed, but inviting you to move through its territory with care and curiosity.