San Martín de los Andes: Travel Guide

San Martín de los Andes is a town of around 40,000 people on the eastern shore of Lago Lácar in Neuquén Province’s Lake District, within Lanín National Park. It sits at 640 metres in a bowl of forested Andean hills, and its compact town centre — built to consistent low-rise timber and stone standards — is regarded as one of the most attractive in Patagonia. Like Bariloche, it operates as both a summer outdoor destination and a winter ski resort; unlike Bariloche, it has grown more slowly and retains a smaller-town character. The lake is the centrepiece of the town, and a lakefront walk runs along Avenida Costanera.

Cerro Chapelco

Chapelco is the ski resort 20 km from town, reaching 1,980 metres with 30 km of pistes across 29 runs. It’s smaller than Bariloche’s Cerro Catedral but well-regarded for snow quality and a less crowded atmosphere. The ski season runs from June to September. In summer, Chapelco operates mountain biking trails and the chairlift for hiking access. The mountain bike descent from the summit is a significant draw for summer visitors.

Lago Lácar and the Lakefront

Lago Lácar stretches 56 km west from San Martín toward the Chilean border, and boat services operate to Hua Hum at the western end — 90 km from town, with a border crossing into Chile. The trip takes around 3 hours each way and passes through beech forest and Andean scenery with no road access. The lakefront in town has a pebble beach suitable for swimming in summer and kayak rentals. Sunset from the costanera across the lake is the standard end to an afternoon in town.

Siete Lagos Road

The Siete Lagos route between San Martín and Villa La Angostura (near Bariloche) covers 110 km of one of Patagonia’s most celebrated roads, passing seven lakes through both Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks. The road is mostly paved with short unsealed sections; standard vehicles handle it in normal conditions. The full drive takes 3–4 hours without stops; most visitors allow a full day to stop at lakeside picnic areas, mirador points, and the small villages along the route.

Where to Stay

San Martín’s accommodation clusters in the town centre along Avenida San Martín and in the residential streets off it. The town has a higher proportion of higher-end cabañas (self-catering cabins) in the surrounding forest than most Lake District towns, suited to families and couples on longer stays. Book well ahead for July (peak ski season) and January–February (peak summer). Hotel Le Chatelet on Villegas street is an Alpine-style mid-range hotel from approximately USD 70 per night with lake views. Hostería Las Lucarnas on Coronel Pérez offers rooms from approximately USD 90 per night in a quieter residential area. For budget stays, Hostel Rukalhue on Juez del Valle has dorm beds from approximately USD 18. Chapelco ski passes cost approximately ARS 40,000–55,000 per day depending on the season week. For dining, Corazón Contento on Villegas street serves Patagonian game meats and local trout (mains from approximately ARS 7,000–14,000), and La Fondue de Betty on Villegas specialises in cheese and chocolate fondues suited to the mountain setting. Cervecería Antares on San Martín avenue offers craft beers and pub food. Prices listed are approximate as of 2026.

Getting There and Around

The nearest airport is Chapelco Airport (CPC), 23 km from town, with flights to Buenos Aires from the main carriers. Long-distance buses connect to Bariloche (4 hours), Neuquén city (7 hours), and Buenos Aires (22 hours). A local bus runs to Chapelco in winter. Rental cars are practical for the Siete Lagos route and surrounding park areas; the town centre is walkable.

Best Time to Visit

July–August for skiing; December–March for hiking, cycling, lake swimming, and the Siete Lagos drive with full services. April and May bring autumn colour to the beech forest, quieter roads, and the year’s most atmospheric light for photography. The town operates year-round, though some trails close with winter snow.