The Charm of San Martín de los Andes

• HelloHola
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeChau
  [chow]
• YesSí
  [see]
• NoNo
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [pohr fah-vohr/de nah-dah]
• Thank youGracias
  [grah-syahs]
• Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Perdón
  [dee-skool-peh/pehr-dohn]
• How are you?¿Cómo estás?
  [koh-moh ehs-tahs]
• Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y tú?
  [byen. ee too]
• Do you speak English?¿Hablas inglés?
  [ah-blahs een-glehs]
• I don't understandNo entiendo
  [noh ehn-tyen-doh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah behr ehl meh-noo, pohr fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [noh koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-lood]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-ree-ah pah-gahr, pohr fah-vohr]

• Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-yoo-dah]
• Go away!¡Vete!
  [veh-teh]
• Call the Police!¡Llame a la policía!
  [yah-meh ah lah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!¡Llame a un médico!
  [yah-meh ah oon meh-dee-koh]
• I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [ehs-toy pehr-dee-doh]
• I'm illEstoy enfermo
  [ehs-toy ehn-fehr-moh]

• I'd like to buy...Quiero comprar...
  [kyeh-roh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [soh-loh ehs-toy meer-ahn-doh]
• How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [kwan-to kwehs-tah]
• That's too expensiveEs demasiado caro
  [ehs deh-mah-syah-doh kah-roh]
• Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [pweh-deh bah-hahr ehl pree-syoh]

• What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [keh oh-rah ehs]
• It's one o'clockEs la una
  [ehs lah oo-nah]
• Half past (10)Las diez y media
  [lahs dyehs ee meh-dee-ah]
• MorningMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoche
  [noh-cheh]
• YesterdayAyer
  [ah-yehr]
• TodayHoy
  [oy]
• TomorrowMañana
  [mah-nyah-nah]
• 1Uno
  [oo-noh]
• 2Dos
  [dohs]
• 3Tres
  [trehs]
• 4Cuatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [seys]
• 7Siete
  [syeh-teh]
• 8Ocho
  [oh-choh]
• 9Nueve
  [nweh-veh]
• 10Diez
  [dyehs]

• Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está...?
  [dohn-deh ehs-tah]
• What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [kwal ehs lah dee-rek-syohn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?¿Puede mostrarme (en el mapa)?
  [pweh-deh mohs-trar-meh (ehn ehl mah-pah)]
• When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (colectivo)?
  [kwan-doh ehs ehl proh-ksy-moh (koh-lehk-tee-voh)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un boleto (a ...)
  [oon boh-leh-toh (ah ...)]

San Martín de los Andes was founded on February 4, 1898, by Colonel Celestino Pérez. It was initially established as a strategic military outpost to secure the Argentine frontier and promote settlement in the region.

Before the arrival of European settlers, the region was inhabited by the Mapuche people. Their culture and traditions have significantly influenced the local customs and heritage of San Martín de los Andes. The Mapuche language, Mapudungun, is still spoken by some community members.

Lanín National Park was established in 1937 to protect the diverse ecosystems and the iconic Lanín Volcano. The park covers an area of over 1,500 square miles and is a major draw for tourists, offering activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation.

European settlers, primarily of German, Austrian, and Swiss descent, began to arrive in the early 20th century. They contributed to the development of agriculture, dairy farming, and the timber industry, shaping the economic landscape of the region.

The construction of Route 40, one of Argentina's most famous highways, played a crucial role in connecting San Martín de los Andes with other parts of the country. This enhanced access significantly boosted tourism and commerce in the area.

San Martín de los Andes hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, including the National Chocolate Festival and the Snow Festival. These events celebrate the local heritage and attract visitors from all over Argentina and beyond.

In recent years, San Martín de los Andes has been at the forefront of environmental conservation efforts. Local organizations work tirelessly to protect the natural beauty of the region, promoting sustainable tourism and conservation of native flora and fauna.

The town's architecture reflects its diverse history, featuring a blend of European alpine styles and traditional Patagonian designs. Notable buildings include the Chapel of San José and the local civic center, both of which showcase the town's unique architectural heritage.

Tourism has become the backbone of San Martín de los Andes' economy. The town's scenic beauty, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences attract thousands of visitors annually, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

San Martín de los Andes is located in the Neuquén Province of Argentina. The nearest airport is Aviador Carlos Campos Airport (CPC), also known as Chapelco Airport, which is approximately 20 kilometers away from the town center. Direct flights are available from Buenos Aires. Alternatively, you can fly into San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) and take a scenic 3-hour drive or bus ride to San Martín de los Andes. Long-distance buses from major cities like Buenos Aires, Neuquén, and Bariloche also connect to San Martín de los Andes.

San Martín de los Andes is a walkable town, but for longer distances, there are several options available. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked via phone. Car rentals are another convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas, such as Lanín National Park. Buses operate within the town and to nearby destinations. Cycling is also popular, with bike rentals available for those who prefer an eco-friendly mode of transport.

The official currency in Argentina is the Argentine Peso (ARS). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in San Martín de los Andes, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in the town center, but be aware of potential withdrawal limits and fees. It's a good idea to exchange some money before arriving or use ATMs upon arrival for convenience.

San Martín de los Andes is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions are always advisable. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While the town does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Petty theft can occur, so use hotel safes to store valuables.

In case of emergency, dial 107 for medical assistance, 100 for fire emergencies, and 101 for police assistance. The local hospital, Hospital Dr. Ramón Carrillo, is equipped to handle most medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For more extensive medical care, the city of Neuquén has larger medical facilities.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly. Avoid wearing overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect when visiting religious sites, even though there are no strict dress codes. Public Transport: Do have small change for bus fares and be respectful to fellow passengers. Don't play loud music or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. Using 'Hola' (Hello) and 'Gracias' (Thank you) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes like 'asado' (barbecue) and 'empanadas.' Don't leave a tip out of the bill; instead, leave it on the table or hand it directly to the server.

To experience San Martín de los Andes like a local, visit the Feria Artesanal, an artisan market where you can buy handmade crafts and local products. Engage with locals, as they are generally friendly and willing to share stories about the town's history and culture. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Lanín National Park, home to the Lanín Volcano and numerous hiking trails. For a unique experience, take a boat tour on Lake Lácar or enjoy a day of fishing in the pristine rivers and lakes surrounding the town.