San Martín de los Andes, Argentina: 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 a dedicated mountain bike park with purpose-built trails from beginner to expert; bike hire is available at the base and the chairlift carries riders and bikes to the summit for approximately ARS 15,000. The full descent from 1,980 metres covers around 9 km of purpose-built track and is considered one of the best bike park descents in Patagonia. The chairlift also operates for hikers in summer for approximately ARS 10,000 return, providing access to the upper trails and panoramic views over the Lanín Volcano and the Lácar lake system.

Lago Lácar and the Lakefront

Lago Lácar stretches 56 km west from San Martín toward the Chilean border, and a scheduled boat service operates to Hua Hum at the western end, passing the smaller Lago Nonthué through forested shoreline with no road access; the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours each way and costs approximately ARS 10,000 per person return. At Hua Hum, a dirt road crosses into Chile toward Panguipulli - this is one of Patagonia’s least-used border crossings and should be verified as open before planning. The lakefront promenade in town runs from the town beach to the boat dock; in summer the pebble beach is popular for swimming (water temperatures reach approximately 18°C in January and February) and kayak rentals operate from the dock for approximately ARS 6,000 per hour. Stand-up paddleboard hire is also available at the lakefront from December through March. Sunset across the lake toward the western Andean peaks is the defining image of San Martín; the small wooden dock at the foot of Avenida San Martín is the best vantage point in the late afternoon.

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.

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Getting There and Around

The nearest airport is Chapelco Airport (CPC), 23 km from town, with direct flights to Buenos Aires (approximately 2 hours) 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. Guided tours in the Bariloche and lake district area can be combined with a San Martín de los Andes visit on the Seven Lakes route.

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