San Martín de los Andes

Adventure sports, idyllic scenery and a chocolate-box town

Welcome to San Martin de Los Andes

While Bariloche is a long-time favorite for adventure holidays in the Lake District, San Martin de Los Andes is more of a hidden gem for ‘those in the know’. Over 100km north from Bariloche, San Martin de Los Andes quietly scintillates with awe-inspiring landscapes shaped by meandering rivers, forest-carpeted slopes and glacial lakes, the closest of which is Lago Lacar whose shores brush up to the town itself. The scope for activities–come summer or winter–is impressive, from skiing at Chapelco to mountain biking in Lanín National Park, accompanied all the while by surreal scenery views.

Explore San Martin de Los Andes

First, choose your season for discovering San Martin de Los Andes, and then take your pick from virtually endless ways to explore it. With a web of jewel-hued rivers and lakes, opportunities for watersports come thick and fast: from kayaking and white-water rafting, to fishing and tranquil boat rides. For adventures on-land, Lanín National Park is laced with hiking paths, biking routes and horseback riding trails, not to mention the 3,900m-tall Lanín Volcano which only the toughest can climb. Then there’s the exhilarating skiing and snowboarding to be done at Chapelco Mountain, finishing up with a hearty meal and chilled beer in one of the log cabin restaurants back in San Martin de Los Andes.

Skiing Chapelco

Just 20 minutes from San Martin de Los Andes, Chapelco is a fantastic family-friendly ski resort with opportunities for cross-country skiing.

Chimehuin River

Go white-water rafting over the grade III rapids and iridescent blue waters of Chimehuin River, owed to its glacial origins.

Seven Lakes Route

Whether you drive it or cycle it, the 100km+ road known as the Seven Lakes Route bestows astonishing views of two national parks: Lanín and Nahuel Huapi.

Gourmet Delights

In the characterful wood-clad town itself, there are cozy restaurants and cafes to match the Alpine atmosphere.

Lanin National Park

Awash with glistening lakes, rivers, Araucaria forests and mountains–including the snow-dusted Lanin Volcano–this national park is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Fishing

Keen anglers shouldn’t miss the chance to fish for Salmon and Trout in the bountiful lakes and rivers around San Martin de Los Andes.

Tip 1

If looking to pick up some locally made crafts, textiles and souvenirs during your time in Argentina, look no further than San Martin de Los Andes

Tip 2

This area is also home to a great ski resort for families at Cerro Chapelco, well worth a visit

Tip 3

From San Martin de Los Andes you can then explore some of the surrounding villages and traditional settlements, adding an extra little magic to your trip

Best time to visit?

Jan

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