San Martin de los Andes is one of the most enchanting mountain villages in Argentine Patagonia. Set on the shores of Lake Lacar in the heart of Lanin National Park, it combines Alpine stone-and-timber architecture with dream-like landscapes including the imposing Lanin Volcano (3,776 m), ancient araucaria forests and crystal-clear lakes. Less crowded than Bariloche and with a more exclusive feel, San Martin de los Andes is northern Patagonia's best-kept secret.
Getting there — distances & times
| From | Distance | Flight | Bus | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires → Bariloche | 1640 km | 2 h 20 | 22 h | 18 h |
| Buenos Aires → El Calafate | 2700 km | 3 h 15 | 40 h | 35 h |
| Buenos Aires → Ushuaia | 3050 km | 3 h 35 | 50+ h | — |
| Bariloche → El Calafate | 1490 km | 1 h 45 | 28 h | 24 h |
| El Calafate → Ushuaia | 600 km | 1 h 15 | 18 h | 14 h |
Month-by-month climate
| Month | Temp. | Rain | Crowds | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | High season | |
| Feb | 8° / 22°C | 40 mm | ||
| Mar | 6° / 18°C | 50 mm | ||
| Apr | 3° / 14°C | 70 mm | ||
| May | 0° / 10°C | 90 mm | ||
| Jun | -2° / 6°C | 110 mm | Ski season | |
| Jul | -2° / 6°C | 120 mm | ||
| Aug | -1° / 8°C | 90 mm | ||
| Sep | 1° / 12°C | 60 mm | ||
| Oct | 4° / 16°C | 40 mm | ||
| Nov | 6° / 19°C | 40 mm | ||
| Dec | 7° / 21°C | 40 mm |
Founded in 1898 as a military border post, the town grew slowly into a premier tourism destination. Its main street, Avenida San Martin, concentrates gourmet restaurants, chocolate shops, craft breweries and outdoor gear shops. Unlike Bariloche, construction here is regulated to maintain a mountain village aesthetic with buildings of maximum two storeys and pitched roofs.
Lanin Volcano: the national park's giant
Lanin Volcano, at 3,776 metres, is northern Patagonia's most iconic mountain. Its perfect cone shape, crowned by a permanent ice and snow cap, dominates the horizon from virtually anywhere in San Martin de los Andes. The volcano gives its name to Lanin National Park, which protects 412,000 hectares of Andean-Patagonian forest including the last araucaria (pehuen) forests in Argentina.
For experienced mountaineers, the Lanin ascent is one of the most accessible in the Andes: a non-technical climb completed in 2 days with an intermediate camp at the CAJA refugio at 2,400 m. National Park permit required. Climbing season: November to April.
The excursion to Lake Huechulafquen at the base of Lanin is one of the most popular, with views of the volcano reflected in the water.
Route of the Seven Lakes from San Martin
The Route of the Seven Lakes connects San Martin de los Andes with Bariloche along 110 km of Argentina's most scenic road. From San Martin, it can be done as a full-day excursion or as a one-way transfer to Bariloche. Tours from San Martin cost from USD 65-80.
Skiing at Cerro Chapelco
Cerro Chapelco is San Martin's ski resort, just 19 km from town. With 28 runs from 1,260 m to 1,980 m, it offers skiing and snowboarding for all levels. Season: June to September. Smaller than Cerro Catedral but less crowded and more family-friendly. Daily passes from USD 40-60, equipment hire from USD 20-30/day.
Lake Lacar activities
Lake Lacar is one of the few Patagonian lakes that drains to the Pacific. Its crystal-clear waters offer kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, fly fishing (trout and salmon), sailing and swimming beaches in summer. Playa Catritre and Playa Quila Quina are the most popular. Quila Quina, a Mapuche community reachable by boat (20 minutes) or gravel road (18 km), offers indigenous culture and a paradise beach surrounded by native forest.
Where to stay
Hostels USD 15-25, 3-star hotels USD 60-120, premium mountain lodges USD 200-400. The town centre on Avenida San Martin is most convenient. Cabins on the outskirts offer more tranquillity and lake views. Ski season (July) prices rise considerably.
