San Martín de los Andes Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by Leonardo Olmi/Argentina Travel
Discover both peacefulness and outdoor adventures at this lakeside town, marking the northern end of the magnificent Seven Lakes Road.

Dabble in abundant active pursuits amid the exquisite natural scenery of Argentina’s Lake District at San Martín de los Andes. It sits on the shores of a glacial lake in the shadow of two mountain peaks. Go biking, boating, hiking or skiing in or near the town. Appreciate the cozy alpine charm of the town’s architecture, artisan shops, bars and restaurants.

A major attraction is Lago Lácar (Lake Lacar), stretching from the town’s western point toward the Argentina-Chile border. Enjoy views from the town beach and relax at Catritre Beach and Quila Quina Beach. Join a boat cruise to indigenous settlements, remote islands, waterfalls and Hua Hum, where the water begins its journey into Chile. Explore the icy waters via rented kayak or rowboat. Hike to Bandurrias Lookout for impressive views.

Looming over the town’s south side is Lanin National Park, characterized by its swaths of dense Patagonian forests. Follow biking and walking trails, such as one to the Arrayanes Lookout. Camp overnight amid picturesque woodland. Enjoy Nordic walking, skiing and snowboarding from mid June through October at Chapelco Ski Resort, atop Chapelco Hill.

Wander the town center streets to find alpine-style buildings, historic landmarks and lively squares, including Plaza San Martín and Plaza Sarmiento. Browse displays of archaeological and ethnographic objects at the First Settlers Museum. Watch performing arts shows at Cotesma Cultural Center and visit the San Jose Parish Church. The life of Argentine revolutionary Che Guevara is reviewed at La Pastera Museum of Che.

Shop for ceramics, handcrafted jewelry, knitted shawls and textiles at the Paseo de los Artesanos. Indulge in the artisanal goods of the town’s chocolatiers. Sample Patagonian lamb and trout, among other traditional Andean dishes, at both casual and fine-dining restaurants.

Reach San Martín de los Andes by flying to San Carlos de Bariloche and then renting a car or taking a bus. Continue your adventure by visiting the lakes and villages strung out along the Seven Lakes Road to Villa la Angostura.

Where to stay in San Martín de los Andes

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Chapelco

When in Chapelco, you can plan a visit to Lacar Lake Pier and Escorial, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Chapelco
Hosteria y Cabañas Posada Quinen by Nordic
Hosteria y Cabañas Posada Quinen by Nordic
3 out of 5
Ruta 40 km 65.5, San Martín de los Andes, Neuquen
The price is AU$78 per night from 20 Nov to 21 Nov
AU$78
includes taxes & fees
20 Nov - 21 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Martín de los Andes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chapelco Ski Resort and Canopy ...
9/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Mainly I liked the property very much. However it was very far from the downtown I saw no indication of that at booking. So expensive taxis back & forth"

Reviewed on 20 Jun. 2024

Hosteria y Cabañas Posada Quinen by Nordic
Le Chatelet Hotel
Le Chatelet Hotel
3 out of 5
General Villegas 650, San Martín de los Andes, Neuquen
The price is AU$207 per night from 27 Nov to 28 Nov
AU$207
includes taxes & fees
27 Nov - 28 Nov
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in San Martín de los Andes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Chapelco Ski Resort and Cordillera ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (63 reviews)
"close to everything but still quiet great breakfast friendly staff will be back"

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Le Chatelet Hotel
Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel
Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel
4.5 out of 5
Ruta Nacional Nº40 Km 2227, San Martín de los Andes, Neuquen
The price is AU$304 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
AU$304
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Stay at this 4.5-star spa hotel in San Martín de los Andes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attraction Canopy San Martin de los Andes ...
9/10 Wonderful! (190 reviews)
Great stay
"Fabulous hotel with great staff who made our stay very enjoyable and easy - thanks to Tomas and Cecilia. We would return and recommend this hotel."

Reviewed on 13 Jul. 2024

Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Apart Hotel Robles del Sur
Apart Hotel Robles del Sur
3 out of 5
Ramayón and Villegas Street, Lanín National Park, San Martín de los Andes
Stay at this 3-star cabin in San Martín de los Andes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Chapelco Ski Resort and Koessler ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
Logement sympathique mais bruyants.
"Très belle etablissement avec de gra'des chambres et un parking gratuit. En revanche nous avons eu une chambre le long de la route 40 et la faible isolation phonique rend lappartement très bruyant a cause du passage des differents camions et voiture. Le debit internet est quand a lui très ..."

Reviewed on 2 Dec. 2017

Apart Hotel Robles del Sur
Apart Hotel La Bora
Apart Hotel La Bora
3 out of 5
Teniente Ramayon 840, San Martín de los Andes, Neuquen
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in San Martín de los Andes. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Chapelco Ski Resort and Koessler ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (17 reviews)
"Great place to stay."

Reviewed on 28 Jun. 2024

Apart Hotel La Bora
Las Cumbres Apart & Suites
Las Cumbres Apart & Suites
3 out of 5
Piren 236, San Martín de los Andes
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in San Martín de los Andes. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Chapelco Ski ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
San Martin without the downtown bustle
"Located just a couple of blocks outside downtown San Martin, the setting was very quiet with only the sounds of nature (lots of birds) punctuating the approach of the Argentine autumn. Cabins were spacious with full kitchens and comfortable beds. Gustavo -- self-exiled from Buenos Aires -- who runs ..."

Reviewed on 1 Apr. 2019

Las Cumbres Apart & Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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