Discover San Martin De Los Andes

San Martin De Los Andes lies on the shore of Lago Lácar and is the gateway to the Corredor de los Lagos, an exceptional circuit of volcanoes, bodies of water, streams, rivers, and forests. The lakeshore, the town’s history, and the surrounding nature offer different possible focuses for your trip.

Getting there and finding your way

San Martin De Los Andes bus station is opposite Lago Lácar, with bus services from across the country. Chapelco Aviador Carlos Campos Airport is 22 kilometers from the city center. During the high season, it receives daily flights from the Capital Federal and cities in the region. Since flight services are seasonal, it is advisable to check flight connections before your trip. This lets you include the bus station and airport as separate points of reference when planning your journey.

Nature, trails, and activities

The area around San Martin De Los Andes is home to around 180 bird species. The Museo de Historia Natural de San Martín de los Andes focuses on the biodiversity of the town and its surroundings. The Parque Nacional Lanín is also a point of reference for nature: its various areas can be reached from San Martin De Los Andes via the southern entrance. In the area, you can explore the Sendero Huella Andina and circular trails that offer opportunities to learn about nature.

Nearby, Cerro Chapelco has 120 hectares of skiable terrain and 20 trails. In summer, the region’s rivers and lakes invite visitors to take trips on the water and enjoy water sports, including canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and sailing. These offer different nature- and activity-related options to consider, although they are not all located directly in town.

Town history and museums

The Museo Primeros Pobladores has three rooms dedicated to the history of the Indigenous population and the first immigrant settlers from the early 20th century. The Red Bus City Tour offers a different way to experience the town’s history: local guides accompany visitors aboard a vintage English Routemaster double-decker bus. Together, the museums cover different subjects: one focuses on the history of the population, while the other explores the biodiversity of San Martin De Los Andes and its surroundings.

The wider destination of Departamento Lácar

The Ruta de los Siete Lagos runs through the wider destination of Departamento Lácar. This scenic, fully paved section of Ruta 40 is more than 96 kilometers long and connects Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi with Parque Nacional Lanín. You can start the route in San Martin De Los Andes. In Departamento Lácar, Lago Lácar is of glacial origin and is protected by Parque Nacional Lanín.

The regional area also includes Cerro Colorado, a 1,742-meter-high mountain located 12 kilometers from the city center. Local hikers and tourists use the area for hiking. Boats from the dock in San Martin De Los Andes reach the shore of Quila Quina in about half an hour. In Quila Quina, visitors can rent kayaks and paddle on Lago Lácar. Mapuche communities also organize horseback riding trips there; in a small Mapuche community, visitors can learn about the history and traditions of the Mapuche people.

When choosing a hotel in San Martin De Los Andes, you can plan your trip around these different themes: getting there and local history, nature in the surrounding area, or excursions in Departamento Lácar. Consider which priorities matter to you and use them as a starting point when comparing hotel options.

Discover more destinations: Paso Hua-hum, Quilaquina.

Go to the broader travel overview: Departamento Lácar.