Here is the ultimate guide to travel to San Martín de los Andes, that has already become one of the main places to visit in the Patagonia Argentina due to its location in the Lake District that makes it one of the most beautiful sceneries in southern Argentina.
Table of Contents
Orientation, travel to San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes is located in the southwest of the province of Neuquén, on the shores of Lake Lácar and surrounded by an intense forest vegetation and high mountains. It is a must-visit point of the Seven Lakes route. The city stands out for its viewpoints to the lake Lacar, for the Cerro Chapelco ski resort and the Lanín National Park.
Getting there and away
If you are a foreigner arriving in the country through Buenos Aires, there are direct flights to San Martin de los Andes from the capital. Aerolineas Argentinas and JetSmart are the airlines that fly between the two cities.
Chapelco airport is 20 kms. from the city centre, and you can take the Transporte Castelli bus, taxi, remis or minivan. Many times, due to weather conditions, flights are diverted to Neuquén or Bariloche.
✈️ Check here for cheap flights to San Martín de los Andes.
If you choose to travel to San Martín de los Andes by bus, there are connections to Buenos Aires and nearby cities such as Neuquén, Bariloche or Villa La Angostura, and even to Chile. Keep in mind that the distance from Buenos to San Martín de los Andes is 1,650 km, so it is about 22 hours by bus. The Bus Terminal is located in front of Lake Lácar.
If you are planning to rent a car to travel through Patagonia, San Martín de los Andes is the starting point to travel the Seven Lakes route. Travelling north in the route 40, is the city of Junín de los Andes and the Lanín volcano, about 100 kms away. To the south and along the Seven Lakes route, one of the main places to visit in the Argentine Patagonia, you will arrive at Villa La Angostura and Bariloche. Car rental offices are located downtown or at the airport.
🚗 Check here if you want to rent a car in San Martín de los Andes.
Best time to visit San Martín de los Andes
According to the time of the year of your trip to San Martín de los Andes, the weather can be very different:
During late-spring and summer, from November to March, temperatures throughout the day are pleasant and the average don’t generally exceed 30 ºC (86 ºF). At night, you may need to take a coat with you because temperature drops. This time of year is perfect for hiking in the mountains, enjoy the beaches by the lake and kayaking. Sunlight usually lasts until after 22 hours.
As of April, the weather starts getting colder, although it doesn’t snow in the city until winter. Nights are usually cold.
At the beginning of June and until September it begins to snow mainly in the highest areas of San Martín de los Andes, perfect for those who want to go skiing in the ski resort Cerro Chapelco. Temperatures are low throughout the day, falling frequently below 0 ºC (32 ºF). Keep in mind that the days are short in terms of sunlight.
Getting around San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes is not such a big city, so you can walk calmly from the shore of Lake Lácar to almost the opposite side of the city. It’s less than a 2 km walk. To get to the viewpoints Bandurrias and Arrayanes, further away from the city center, you can do it by car or also by foot.
Also, there is the possibility of traveling by catamaran through Lácar Lake to Quila Quina, to enjoy the beach, or Hua Hum, crossing Lácar and Nonthue lakes. The Lácar & Nonthue shipping company offers these tours at Muelle de Pasajeros (Passenger Pier).
🚢 Check routes and schedules in Lácar and Nonthué website (in Spanish).
There are also public buses in the San Martin de los Andes.
🚌 Check routes and schedules of the lines in the Expreso Los Andes website (in Spanish).
To pay the ticket, you have to buy a SUBE card (plastic cards with the size of credit cards) and charge it at many of the stores that are “Puntos Sube”. Once on the bus, you have to tell the bus driver where are you going, hold your card over the electronic reader and appropriate fare will be discounted from your SUBE card. You can also use the balance in other argentinian cities.
📌 See more in the SUBE official webpage (in Spanish).
How many days are necessary to visit San Martin de los Andes?
Based on our experience, we recommend you to stay at least 3 days in San Martin de los Andes, to visit the Seven Lakes Route, the viewpoints of Lacar Lake and the centre, and to go to Quila Quina beach or Chapelco Hill.
What to pack to visit San Martin de los Andes
Depending on the time of year you visit the city, the clothes to pack vary. If you’re travelling to San Martin de los Andes in summer, the days are pleasant enough to wear a T-shirt and shorts. In the evenings it tends to get cooler, so it’s a good idea to pack some warm clothes and a mackintosh, as the mountain weather is very changeable.
If you travel to San Martin de los Andes in winter, the weather is cold with snowfall. Warm clothes and waterproofs are essential for walking in the snow.
If you are going trekking, especially in summer, sunglasses, sun cream and trainers are a must.
Things to do with children in San Martín de los Andes
The surroundings of San Martin de los Andes are pure nature. Children will enjoy themselves on the beaches of the lakes, sailing on Lake Lacar.
There are also low-difficulty trails to reach waterfalls.
Accommodation in San Martín de los Andes
For accommodation in San Martin de los Andes, we have written this article with recommendations for all budgets: hostels, budget hotels, cabins and places with more comfort.
🏨 Check here where to stay in San Martín de los Andes and get your ideal accommodation.
San Martín de los Andes must-see sights and attractions
To make sure you don’t miss out on anything in the city, we have written an article about the Top 5 things to do in San Martín de los Andes.
San Martin de los Andes is a city where you can do many activities such as hiking in the mountains, sailing on Lake Lacar, winter sports in Cerro Chapelco ski resort, horseback riding and mountain biking.
📷 Take a look at these tours in San Martín de los Andes with a local agency. Book your place!
Pin it!
