San Martín de los Andes is a beautiful city in Argentine Patagonia, located in the province of Neuquén. A highly popular destination as it serves as the gateway to Lanín National Park, the city boasts excellent hotel and gastronomic infrastructure. It aspires to maintain its mountain village charm while welcoming tourists throughout the year.
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Mountain Village
The city has a distinctive architecture, as various municipal regulations govern the height and facades of constructions, thus preserving its mountain village charm. In its streets, you can enjoy different types of roses as well as well-maintained urban trees.
In the summer, adventure sports are very popular, including kayaking, climbing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting, canoeing, paragliding, zip-lining, and rappelling, among others. There’s also fly fishing and hunting for red deer and wild boar.
In winter, activities such as skiing and snowboarding are available, among others, at Cerro Chapelco.
Gastronomic Offer
San Martín de los Andes offers a diverse gastronomic experience that combines local tradition with the influence of international cuisine. Villegas Street is a hub for much of the gastronomic offerings. Here are some typical dishes:
Patagonian Lamb: One of the typical dishes of Argentine Patagonia is roasted lamb, prepared on a spit and accompanied by potatoes and salad.
Trout: San Martin de los Andes is known for its rivers and lakes, making it an ideal place to taste fresh trout. It can be grilled, pickled, made into empanadas, among other dishes.
Handmade Chocolates: The city has several chocolatiers that produce their own handmade chocolates. Many of them offer tastings and guided tours of their factories.
Tea with Cakes: A tradition that has been maintained since the time of the first settlers is tea with cakes. Many cafes and restaurants offer this option for lunch or afternoon tea.
International Cuisine: In addition to the typical regional food, you can also find restaurants offering international cuisine, such as Italian, Spanish, Mexican, among others.
Accommodation Offer
There are hotels of various categories and prices, from boutique hotels to more budget-friendly options. Many of them are located in the city center, close to restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions. There are also hotels and cabins located in the surrounding areas, surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes.
Most hotels offer services such as included breakfast, parking, Wi-Fi, and daily cleaning service. Some also have spa facilities, a pool, on-site restaurants, and bars.
In addition to hotels, there is also a wide range of cabins, apartments, and rental houses for tourists who prefer more independence and privacy during their stay.
Lake Lacar
It is a beautiful glacial lake with a length of approximately 20 km and a surface area of 54 km², making it one of the largest lakes in the region.
Lake Lácar is located within Lanín National Park. The entire western sector of the southern shore is a strict reserve, meaning it is a prohibited access area guarded by Argentina’s National Parks for the conservation of its natural environment, characterized by the Patagonian Andean forest and the Valdivian rainforest.
The lake is the focal point for many outdoor activities, offering several beaches, and in its vicinity, there are numerous trails to enjoy on foot or mountain bike.
Nearby Viewpoints
Arrayán Viewpoint
This viewpoint offers panoramic views of Lake Lácar and its surroundings, and to reach it, you need to drive along a dirt road for approximately 10 kilometers from the center of San Martín de los Andes. If you’re staying in the city, it’s also a good option for hiking or mountain biking. The road is steep and winding but is in good condition and accessible to regular vehicles.
Once you reach the viewpoint, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes mountain range and Lake Lácar. Additionally, there is an observation platform that allows you to see the valley and the city of San Martín de los Andes from above.
Arrayán Viewpoint is a popular spot for hiking and nature observation, especially during spring and summer when the local flora and fauna are at their peak. Moreover, the site offers tourist amenities such as bathrooms and a restaurant with panoramic views.”
Bandurrias Viewpoint
It’s the accessible hike that, if it’s your first time visiting the city, they will surely recommend to you. The trail starts within the city, behind the effluent treatment plant, in the area of the Costanera of Lake Lácar. A gate indicates that you are entering Mapuche community lands.
Continue ascending, and be attentive because numerous paths open up among the trees. We suggest, in case of doubt, always choose the one on the right and going uphill.
You will be able to appreciate the vegetation. The cypresses, native colonizers of the area, are mixed with other species such as radal, oak, and coihue. On the left, you will see the city of San Martín de los Andes, and below, the dock on the lake and the scar of the road cutting through the slope (National Route 234, “Seven Lakes Route”); and behind it, the Chapelco hill appears.
A hundred meters to the right, another exceptional panoramic view extends, covering the Abanico hill, the Catritre and Quila Quina beaches, and the entire Lake Lácar as it flows towards the Pacific Ocean.
Continuing on this same trail, you can proceed to La Islita.
City Center Beach
All roads lead to it because it is the meeting point of the city with the lake. Ideal for a dip, sunbathing, or engaging in some of the water activities that Lake Lácar offers in the summer. It can be windy, especially in the afternoon.
From the dock, a catamaran departs that allows you to explore Lacar and Nonthué.
Catrite Beach
Located on the southern shore of Lacar, you can reach it by taking the Seven Lakes Road by car, and it’s also a route frequented by people walking or running.
As the closest beach to the city of San Martín de los Andes, it tends to be quite busy. You can spend the day there, and it has picnic areas, camping facilities, a convenience store, and a restaurant.
Quila Quina
Its name means ‘arrowhead’ in the language of the indigenous peoples, and it is one of the beaches with the most beautiful views of Lake Lácar.
Located on the southern shore of Lacar, it is reached by the route… The catamaran from the city center beach dock also arrives at its pier. By car, you can take Route 40 and then a winding gravel stretch that descends to the lake. The Mapuche community charges an entrance fee.
The best time to delve into the waters of Lácar is in February when the water temperature can reach 22°C. Kayaking is also a popular activity here.
Yuco Beach
Located 30 km from the city of San Martín de los Andes, it is accessible via Provincial Route 48. In reality, it consists of five small and spectacular beaches connected by about 600 meters of trails. The first three, in the bays, are the most popular, and in them, you can dive, swim, practice snorkeling, and kayaking.
- Turquoise: About 100 meters long by eight meters wide.
- Sandy: About 150 meters long by 15 meters wide.
- The smallest, Rocky: About 10 meters long by 10 meters wide.
On the other side, facing the open lake, with cold and unsheltered waters, there are 4. Old Dock and 5. From the Forest.
La Islita
On the other side of the lake is Cerro Bandurria, and from there, following a pedestrian trail and crossing the forest, you reach the viewpoint with the same name, and you can descend to La Islita, a truly paradisiacal beach. Highly recommended by all the residents of San Martín de los Andes.
Cerro Chapelco
It is home to the famous ski resort where, during the winter season, skiing and snowboarding activities can be enjoyed.
In the summer, there are horseback rides, mountain biking trails, and opportunities for excursions with panoramic views of the Andes mountain range.
Seven Lakes Road
It is a scenic route of 110 kilometers that connects San Martín de los Andes with Villa La Angostura, passing through seven lakes. It is one of the most spectacular routes in Argentine Patagonia and is ideal for traveling by car or bicycle.
Lanin National Park
It is a beautiful national park located near San Martín de los Andes, featuring a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems. It is an ideal place for hiking, bird watching, and fishing.
¡Absolutely! San Martín de los Andes is an extraordinary tourist destination, full of natural wonders. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, enjoying the serenity of the lakes, discovering streams and waterfalls, conquering hills, immersing yourself in lush forests, or relaxing in hot springs, it always offers unforgettable experiences. The diversity of its natural surroundings makes it a place that never disappoints visitors.
