Sobre San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes: Patagonia's Elegant Mountain Village
San Martín de los Andes is a charming mountain village of 30,000 inhabitants on the shores of Lake Lácar, Neuquén province. Unlike the busier Bariloche, San Martín retains a more intimate, refined and carefully ordered atmosphere, with wooden and stone chalets that blend seamlessly into the Andean landscape. It is the gateway to Lanín National Park and the southern end of the Seven Lakes Route.
The Landscape: Lake, Volcanoes and Forests
Lake Lácar, with its 55 km of emerald green waters, is the heart of the destination. In the background rises Lanín Volcano (3,776 m), Patagonia's most perfect and beautiful volcanic cone, snow-covered year-round. Forests of araucaria, coihue and lenga beech surround the village creating a green, magical atmosphere. The lake drains to the Pacific through the Hua Hum River — one of the few Argentine rivers to empty into the Pacific Ocean.
Lanín National Park
Lanín National Park protects 412,000 hectares of Andean-Patagonian forests and pehuén (monkey puzzle) trees. Lanín Volcano, on the Chilean border, is the park's symbol and can be climbed with a guide in summer (season: November–March). The park contains Lakes Huechulafquen, Paimún, Curruhúe and Lolog, plus world-renowned fly-fishing rivers including the Chimehuin and Malleo.
Activities by Season
Winter (July–September): Cerro Chapelco is one of South America's most elegant ski resorts, with 29 runs, 11 lifts and a reputation for excellent snow and an upscale atmosphere. It regularly hosts the Criterium de la Nieve, Argentina's most prestigious ski competition.
Summer (December–March): Trekking in Lanín National Park, volcano climbing, lake crossings to Chile by boat, kayaking, rafting on the Hua Hum River, mountain biking and fly fishing on legendary rivers.
Year-round: The Seven Lakes Route, linking San Martín to Villa La Angostura and Bariloche, is one of Argentina's most spectacular scenic drives (165 km of paved and gravel road with views of seven Andean lakes).
The Village: Architecture and Gastronomy
San Martín de los Andes has a reputation as Patagonia's most beautiful and orderly village. Its historic center with wooden chalets, the pedestrian Calle San Martín lined with cafés and chocolate shops, and the lakefront promenade create a unique alpine atmosphere. The gastronomy is among the region's finest: Patagonian trout, wild boar, venison, forest berries and craft beers are local specialties.
Fly Fishing
The Chimehuin, Malleo, Caleufu and Aluminé rivers surrounding San Martín de los Andes are considered among the world's best fly-fishing rivers for rainbow and brown trout. They attract anglers from around the globe from November to April.
Recognition
San Martín de los Andes appears on Argentina's most beautiful towns rankings and is recognized as one of South America's most elegant boutique ski destinations. Cerro Chapelco hosts international alpine ski events.
Economy
The economy is based on tourism (skiing, nature, fishing), commerce and to a lesser extent cattle ranching on the valley estancias.
Getting There
Chapelco Airport has flights from Buenos Aires (2 hrs). By land, National Route 234 connects San Martín to Junín de los Andes (40 km), Bariloche (200 km) and Villa La Angostura via the Seven Lakes Route.
Adventure Infrastructure
Hostels, lakeside municipal campsites, guesthouses and boutique hotels are all available. The national park has campsites on the interior lakes. The atmosphere is quieter than Bariloche: perfect for nature seekers who prefer fewer crowds.