Information
Landmark: San Martín de los AndesCity: Neuquen
Country: Argentina
Continent: South America
San Martín de los Andes, Neuquen, Argentina, South America
Overview
San Martín de los Andes is a scenic town in Argentina’s Neuquén Province, tucked into the green slopes of Patagonia where the air smells faintly of pine.It sits on the edge of crystal-clear Lake Lácar, with the towering Lanín Volcano and the wild beauty of Lanín National Park rising all around.San Martín de los Andes, with its sparkling lake framed by snowy peaks, draws nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike, no matter the season.San Martín de los Andes sits in the northern stretch of Neuquén Province, tucked into the rugged beauty of Argentine Patagonia.The town sits about 640 meters, or 2,100 feet, above sea level, framed by snow-capped peaks, dark pine forests, and the glint of still, blue lakes.The spot sits at roughly 40.1465° south and 71.3188° west.San Martín de los Andes sits roughly 330 kilometers, or about 205 miles, from Neuquén City, the provincial capital.The town sits about 50 kilometers, or 31 miles, from Chile’s border, a short drive past dusty hills that makes it a key gateway for travelers heading next door.San Martín de los Andes sits amid some of Argentina’s most stunning scenery-snow-dusted peaks, clear blue lakes-drawing visitors eager for hiking, kayaking, and other outdoor adventures.The town sits inside Lanín National Park, where you can wander through dense forests, climb rocky peaks, and stumble upon clear blue lakes and rushing rivers.Lake Lácar, or Lago Lácar, is one of the town’s biggest draws, its clear blue water catching the sunlight like glass.Turquoise waters ripple beneath the shadow of Lanín Volcano, framed by deep green forests, making this crystal-clear lake a perfect spot for kayaking or a quiet swim.Water Sports: In the warmer months, the lake invites you out for kayaking, sailing, or catching the wind on a board, its surface glittering in the sun.You can cast a line for trout or salmon in the lake’s crystal-clear water and feel the cool spray as the fish break the surface.Several companies run boat tours on the lake, giving you a fresh view of its beauty from the water-pine-covered slopes rising on one side, distant peaks glinting in the sun on the other.Around Lake Lácar, you’ll find several inviting beaches-like La Costa del Lago and Playa Catritre-where you can stretch out on the warm sand, take a dip in the cool water, or enjoy a picnic in the shade.San Martín de los Andes sits inside Lanín National Park, a vast stretch of protected land spanning more than 3,200 square kilometers, where pine-scented trails wind toward the snowcapped volcano.The park shelters a mix of landscapes-Patagonian forests with wind-bent trees, clear glacial lakes, rushing rivers, and the imposing Lanín Volcano rising against the sky.Lanín Volcano rises 3,747 meters (12,293 feet) above the park, its snowcapped peak towering over everything and offering breathtaking views from the town below.Hikers and climbers flock to the volcano, eager to trace its rugged trails and feel the crunch of gravel under their boots.Climbing to the volcano’s summit tests your legs and lungs, but at the top you’re rewarded with a sweeping view of green valleys and jagged ridges.Hiking and trekking: The park offers trails for every pace, from a gentle, shaded stroll to a steep climb that leaves your calves burning.Hikers flock to the Huemul Circuit and the trail to Cascada Ñivinco, where cool mist drifts from a stunning waterfall.Visitors can wander winding forest paths or scramble over sun-warmed rocks, thanks to the park’s wide range of trails.Wildlife: The park teems with life-guanacos grazing in the grass, pumas slipping through the shadows, huemul deer stepping lightly, and Andean condors circling high above.People here love to watch the bright flash of a jay’s wings or hear the quick trill of a sparrow-it’s one of the region’s favorite pastimes.San Martín de los Andes bursts with outdoor adventures in every season, from summer hikes along wildflower trails to winter runs down powdery slopes, making it a true year-round haven for thrill-seekers.In winter, San Martín de los Andes buzzes with life, drawing skiers and snowboarders to its snowy slopes.Just a short drive away, Cerro Chapelco ranks among Argentina’s top ski resorts, with gentle runs for first-timers and steep, powdery trails that challenge seasoned skiers.The resort offers snowboarding, snowshoeing, and even off-piste skiing, where fresh powder crunches under your boots.Cerro Chapelco sits just beyond the edge of town, with sleek ski lifts, updated facilities, and plenty of places to stay-some with windows framing the snowy peaks.From the mountain, you can take in sweeping views of Lake Lacar, its surface catching the light, and the rugged peaks that rise all around.San Martín de los Andes is famous for fly fishing, where anglers cast lines into clear, cold streams teeming with trout.This region teems with rivers and clear, cold lakes where trout dart and salmon flash in the sunlight.If you’re after the best fishing around here, try the Chimehuín River, the Río Collón Curá, or serene Lake Lacar, where the water flashes silver with trout.Fishing Guides: Local guides and outfitters welcome visitors eager to cast a line in the region’s clear, cold streams.You can fish here from a small boat rocking in the water or right off the rocky shoreline.In summer, people flock to the trails for trekking and hiking, breathing in pine-scented air as their boots crunch over sun-warmed gravel.In Lanín National Park, you can wander along a quiet lakeside path or set out on a rugged trek that takes days to finish.Trekking to Cascada Ñivinco takes you along a short, well-loved trail through quiet forests, ending at the spray and rush of the beautiful Ñivinco Waterfalls.The Huemul Circuit is a tougher trek that winds through shifting landscapes-shimmering lakes, wide valleys, and, in the distance, the towering Lanín Volcano.San Martín de los Andes is a fantastic spot for mountain biking, offering everything from gentle lakeside paths to rugged trails that test even seasoned riders.Some trails skirt the calm blue lake, while others climb into the rugged, forested slopes of Lanín National Park.The clear, calm waters of Lake Lacar are perfect for gliding along in a kayak or canoe, with each paddle dipping smoothly into the cool surface.In town, you’ll find plenty of rental spots where visitors can take a kayak or canoe and drift across the lake whenever they like.If you want to learn more about the area while you paddle, you can join a guided tour, where the guide might point out an osprey circling overhead.San Martín de los Andes may be famous for its stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures, but you’ll also find a vibrant cultural scene-think small artisan markets, local museums, and historic streets worth wandering.In the town, a scenic boardwalk called La Costa de los Andes curves along the lakeshore, where you can watch sunlight glint off Lake Lácar with the Lanín Volcano rising beyond the dark green forests and rugged peaks.Along the boardwalk, you’ll come across cozy cafés and lively restaurants serving classic Argentine flavors-smoky asado hot off the grill, golden empanadas, and fresh trout pulled straight from nearby rivers and lakes.Museo de los Pioneros celebrates the region’s first pioneers, bringing San Martín de los Andes’ past to life with displays of indigenous traditions, weathered tools, and stories of the earliest European settlers.San Martín de los Andes bursts to life with cultural festivals year-round, from lively folk music gatherings to bustling craft fairs and open-air markets where you can run your hand over soft wool scarves, smooth leather bags, and hand-carved wooden figures.
