What is San Martín de los Andes known for?

San Martín de los Andes is known for its setting on Lago Lácar in the Andean lake district of northern Patagonia, for Cerro Chapelco ski resort, and for being the gateway to Parque Nacional Lanín and the Lanín volcano (3,776 m). In summer it's a base for trekking, kayaking, and the Seven Lakes route; in winter it's Argentina's most attractive ski town.

How does San Martín de los Andes compare to Bariloche?

San Martín de los Andes is smaller, quieter, and more consistently beautiful than Bariloche. The centre has strict building codes that maintain a Patagonian alpine aesthetic - low buildings, wood and stone facades. Bariloche is more developed with a larger range of hotels and services; San Martín is more intimate but slightly more limited in range. Many travellers visit both on a Patagonia lake district itinerary.

When is the best time to visit San Martín de los Andes?

Summer (December–March) for trekking, kayaking, and the Seven Lakes drive - long days, warm temperatures. Winter (July–September) for skiing at Chapelco - this is peak season and the town fills with Argentine ski families. Spring (October–November) and autumn (April–May) are quieter with beautiful foliage; prices drop significantly.

How do I get to San Martín de los Andes?

The nearest airport is Aviador Carlos Campos (Chapelco) Airport, 25 km from the town, served by Aerolíneas Argentinas from Buenos Aires. Driving from Bariloche takes approximately 3–4 hours. Long-distance buses run from Neuquén (approximately 5 hours) and Buenos Aires (approximately 20 hours). From Bariloche, the Seven Lakes route (RN231/RN234) is one of Argentina's great drives.

Can I climb Lanín volcano from San Martín de los Andes?

Lanín volcano (3,776 m) is accessible from Paso Tromen, approximately 70 km from San Martín. The standard ascent takes 2 days with a high camp. A permit from the national parks authority (Administración de Parques Nacionales) is required, as is hiring a certified mountain guide. Season is November–April; the volcano is glaciated and the climb is serious.

Things to Do in San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes is the most attractive small city in Argentina’s Patagonian lake district. Sitting at the end of Lago Lácar at 640 m above sea level, surrounded by the forested Andean slopes of Parque Nacional Lanín, the town of roughly 40,000 permanent residents has maintained a consistent alpine aesthetic through strict building codes that prevent the unchecked development that transformed Bariloche. The streets are low, wood-and-stone buildings are the rule, and the lake and mountains are visible from most points in the centre.

San Martín works as a two-season destination: summer (December–March) for outdoor activities on and around the lake, and winter (July–September) for Cerro Chapelco ski resort, which has some of the best runs in South America. In both seasons, the town has a quiet confidence about it - it doesn’t need to shout.

Lago Lácar: Kayaking, Beaches, and Boat Trips

The lake itself is the most immediate attraction. Lago Lácar is 60 km long, flanked by forested mountains, and remarkably clear. From the town beach (Playa del Centro, a short walk from the main square), you can kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or join one of the boat trips that run to the western end of the lake and across the Chilean border to Paso Hua Hum.

Kayaking: Several operators rent kayaks and SUP boards from the town beach. Half-day and full-day kayak tours of the lake arms run approximately ARS 25,000–45,000 per person as of 2026.

Boat trip to Hua Hum: A boat trip from the San Martín pier runs approximately 2.5 hours to the Hua Hum border crossing at the western end of Lago Lácar. A beautiful half-day; departures typically mid-morning. Approximately ARS 20,000–32,000 per person as of 2026.

Playa del Centro and Playa Catritre: Two accessible beaches for swimming (the lake water is cold but swimmable in January–February), picnicking, and relaxing. Free access.

Cerro Chapelco Ski Resort

Chapelco, 25 km from the town centre, is one of Argentina’s best ski resorts - not the largest, but with well-maintained runs, reliable snow conditions from July to September, and one of the best lift systems in southern South America. The resort operates approximately 29 runs across 600 hectares, ranging from beginner slopes to the steep black diamond sectors.

The ski season runs approximately July to mid-September. Lift passes are approximately ARS 45,000–75,000 per day as of 2026. Chapelco has ski school, equipment hire, and on-mountain food and drink. The resort is quieter and better-managed than Cerro Catedral near Bariloche. Transfer from San Martín town centre to the resort takes approximately 40 minutes by shuttle (approximately ARS 4,000–8,000 each way as of 2026).

Parque Nacional Lanín: Hiking Trails

Parque Nacional Lanín, which surrounds San Martín and extends south toward Bariloche, has an excellent network of trails for day hikes and multi-day treks. The dominant tree is the araucaria (monkey puzzle tree), which grows at altitude and gives the higher-elevation trails a prehistoric character.

Key hikes from or near San Martín:

Cerro Bandurrias - A half-day hike from the edge of town with panoramic views of Lago Lácar and the surrounding peaks. Well-marked trail; approximately 3–4 hours return.

Hua Hum Waterfall Circuit - A moderate trail accessible by boat trip to Hua Hum and then a short hike to a large waterfall. Good for combining with the lake boat trip.

Laguna Verde - A half-day hike to a small green lake in the forest. Moderate difficulty. Trailhead accessible by remis or car.

Termas de Lahuen-Có - Natural hot springs deep in the national park, approximately 90 km from San Martín via dirt road. A full-day excursion or overnight stay. Entry approximately ARS 8,000–14,000 as of 2026.

The Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos)

RN231 / RN234 between San Martín de los Andes and Bariloche is one of Argentina’s great scenic drives - approximately 110 km of road connecting seven Andean lakes through temperate rainforest and open mountain terrain. The route is best driven north to south (San Martín to Bariloche) or south to north, allowing 4–6 hours for stops.

Highlights include Lago Meliquina, Lago Falkner, and Lago Villarino. The road has some unpaved sections but is driveable in a standard car outside of winter. Rental cars are available in San Martín from approximately ARS 40,000–70,000 per day as of 2026. Guided tours also run the route from both ends.

Lanín Volcano

The conical, permanently glaciated Lanín volcano (3,776 m) is visible from San Martín on clear days and is one of the defining images of northern Patagonia. The standard ascent is a two-day climb requiring a permit from Parque Nacional Lanín offices in San Martín (free but mandatory), a certified mountain guide, and proper equipment. Season is November to April only. The climb is serious - exposed and cold at the summit - but manageable for fit hikers with experience at altitude.

For guided climbing expeditions, operators in San Martín include Lanín Expediciones and San Martín Aventura, with guided packages from approximately ARS 120,000–200,000 per person for the two-day ascent as of 2026.

Cycling and Mountain Biking

The roads and trails around San Martín are excellent for cycling. Several routes connect the lake shore, forest paths, and mountain roads. Bike hire in town costs approximately ARS 8,000–15,000 per day as of 2026. The trail from town to Playa Catritre and beyond is a popular half-day ride.

Getting Around San Martín de los Andes

The town centre is walkable in 15–20 minutes end to end. Rental cars are the best option for the Seven Lakes route, Lanín access, and Hua Hum. Remises handle shorter excursions. The shuttle to Chapelco operates ski season only. For planning context, see our best time to visit Argentina guide for seasonal advice across the country. Tours in the Bariloche lake district include guided options covering the Seven Lakes route and San Martín.