San Martín de los Andes sits three hours north of Bariloche by bus along the paved Ruta 40, anchored at the eastern tip of Lago Lácar. The town is known for timber-and-stone alpine architecture, lake navigation, and cold-water fly fishing in Parque Nacional Lanín. San Martín de los Andes is worth visiting if you want mountain trails, lake sailing, and wood-fired Patagonian lamb. Look elsewhere if you want late-night clubbing, fast transport links, or warm swimming waters.
Last updated 13 Oct 2026
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What to do in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
San Martín de los Andes is arranged on an orderly grid that gently slopes downward to the glacial waters of Lago Lácar. Mornings naturally belong on the water or up in the lenga forests of Parque Nacional Lanín, while afternoons settle around the low-slung stone and timber buildings of Avenida San Martín for a quiet cortado. It suits travellers who appreciate wild mountain geography paired with comfortable beds and reliable plates of grilled trout.
24 hours in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Walk the morning path to Mirador Bandurrias for a wide view over the lake, then head down to Avenida San Martín for a lunch of seared trout and a crisp Torrontés. Take the afternoon ferry across to Quila Quina, returning by dusk for wood-roasted cordero on Calle Villegas. Select 1 Day above to see it.
2 days in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
A second day lets you drive the start of the Seven Lakes road to Lago Machónico, or head up to the high alpine slopes of Cerro Chapelco. Eat an afternoon slice of calafate berry tart at a roadside teahouse, then finish with craft beer and smoked venison near Plaza Sarmiento. Choose 2 Days to expand the plan.
3 days in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
With three days, take the full-day journey northwest along gravel tracks to the snow-covered cone of Volcán Lanín and Lago Tromen. You will have time to walk the ancient pehuén monkey-puzzle forests without checking your watch before dinner at an unhurried neighbourhood parrilla.
San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina itineraries by interest
Fly Fishing in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Wade the Chimehuin and Malleo rivers with a five-weight rod for wild rainbow and brown trout, guided out of town tackle shops along Calle Villegas.
Regional Cuisine in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Eat slow-cooked cordero patagónico over lenga wood coals, smoked ciervo carpaccio, and pan-fried lake trout with toasted almonds at local parrillas.
Hiking in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Climb the Bandurrias and Arrayán viewpoints on well-marked paths above Lago Lácar, or tackle the day trek up to the volcanic ridges of Cerro Colorado.
Lake Excursions in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Board the wooden catamarans at the town pier for the crossing to Quila Quina beach or the border post and cascading waterfalls at Hua Hum.
Winter Sports in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Ride the gondolas at Cerro Chapelco for tree-lined ski runs through lenga glades, twenty minutes south of town along provincial Route 19.
Artisan Sweets in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Sample bittersweet chocolate bars, dulce de leche truffles, and raspberry alfajores at long-standing confiterías along Avenida San Martín.
Craft Beer in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Order pints of local IPA and red ale brewed with meltwater and Patagonian hops at microbreweries clustered near Plaza San Martín.
Scenic Drives in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Drive south on the legendary Ruta de los Siete Lagos toward Villa La Angostura, stopping at lookout points along Lago Machónico and Lago Espejo.
Indigenous Heritage in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Visit the Mapuche Curruhuinca community at Quila Quina to buy woven sheep-wool textiles and pine-nut flour bread made in clay ovens.
Forest Walks in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Walk silent, moss-covered trails under coihue and raulí canopies in the northern reaches of Parque Nacional Lanín near Lago Tromen.
Local Crafts in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Browse hand-carved lenga wood bowls, silver maté gourds, and regional leather goods at the afternoon craft market in Plaza San Martín.
Tea Traditions in San Martín de los Andes Neuquén Argentina
Stop at alpine teahouses in the hills for warm berry tarts, scones, and black tea blends flavoured with wild rosehip and Patagonian berries.