San Martín de los Andes, Argentina Travel Guide

Discover the enchanting beauty of San Martín de los Andes, a serene Patagonian town offering a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and tranquil relaxation.

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San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes, nestled in the heart of Patagonia, is a picturesque town framed by the majestic Andes mountains and the serene shores of Lake Lácar. This quaint destination is known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, making it a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The town itself boasts charming alpine-style architecture, with wooden cabins and cozy lodges that blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. Stroll through the vibrant streets, where you'll find an array of local shops, cafes, and restaurants offering delicious Patagonian cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try the region's famous smoked trout and artisanal chocolates. Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted by the myriad of activities available. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular in the summer months, while winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing and snowboarding. The nearby Lanín National Park is a must-visit, offering breathtaking trails, lush forests, and the iconic Lanín Volcano. For a more relaxed experience, take a leisurely boat ride on Lake Lácar or visit one of the many miradores (viewpoints) for panoramic views of the town and its stunning surroundings. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, San Martín de los Andes promises an unforgettable escape into nature.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring San Martín de los Andes.

Visit during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
Try the local delicacies, especially the smoked trout and artisanal chocolates.
Rent a bike to explore the scenic trails around the town and Lake Lácar.
Pack layers, as the weather can change rapidly in this mountainous region.
Don't forget to bring cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.

Explore San Martín de los Andes: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in San Martín de los Andes

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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La Islita

Explore La Islita, a breathtaking tourist attraction in the Andes, offering stunning hiking trails and a peaceful public beach for nature lovers.

4.6

Plaza Centenario

Discover the serene beauty and vibrant culture at Plaza Centenario, the heart of San Martín de los Andes, a must-visit park for every traveler.

4.5

ESTANCIA MIRAMAS - Parque de Montaña

Discover the breathtaking landscapes and exquisite regional cuisine at Estancia Miramas - Parque de Montaña in San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén.

4.7

Senda a La Islita

Explore Senda a La Islita, a stunning tourist attraction in San Martín de los Andes, where nature's beauty and adventure await every traveler.

4.4

Best landmarks in San Martín de los Andes

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Mirador Bandurrias

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Lácar and the Andes Mountains from this must-visit observation deck near San Martín de los Andes.

4.6

San Martin Plaza

Discover the heart of San Martín de los Andes: a vibrant plaza surrounded by stunning Patagonian landscapes and local artisan culture.

4.6

Cartel San Martín de los andes

Snap a photo with the iconic San Martín de los Andes sign, a must-visit spot on the scenic Costanera with stunning lake and mountain views.

4.4

Centro de Visitantes y Museo del Parque Nacional Lanín

Discover the natural and cultural heart of Lanín National Park at this informative visitor center and museum in San Martín de los Andes.

4.4

Best restaurants in San Martín de los Andes

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Parrilla Patagonia Piscis

Experience authentic Argentinian barbecue at Parrilla Patagonia Piscis in San Martín de los Andes - where flavor meets tradition.

4.1

La Nueva Barra

Discover authentic Argentine cuisine at La Nueva Barra in San Martín de los Andes - a culinary experience amidst breathtaking landscapes.

4.1

Ulises

Experience authentic Argentinian flavors at Ulises, where every dish tells a story amidst stunning Patagonian landscapes.

4.6

Doña Quela

Experience authentic Argentinian cuisine at Doña Quela in San Martín de los Andes - a must-visit for food lovers seeking local flavors.

4.2

Best bars in San Martín de los Andes

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Dublin South Pub

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin South Pub in San Martín de los Andes, where delicious food meets a cozy ambiance and friendly locals.

4.1

Fassbier Cervecería

Discover the lively Fassbier Cervecería, where local brews and delicious fast food come together in the heart of San Martín de los Andes.

4.6

Tijuana Resto-Bar villegas 961

Experience the vibrant flavors of Argentine cuisine in a modern gastropub setting at Tijuana Resto-Bar in San Martín de los Andes.

4.3

Tío Paco.

Discover the cozy charm of Tío Paco in San Martín de los Andes, where delicious Patagonian cuisine meets a warm, inviting atmosphere.

3.0

Best nightclubs in San Martín de los Andes

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Dublin South Pub

Discover the vibrant Dublin South Pub in San Martín de los Andes - where local flavors meet international cuisine in a cozy gastropub setting.

4.1

Bunker resto bar

Experience the vibrant spirit of San Martín de los Andes at Bunker Resto Bar, where cozy ambiance meets local flavors and lively nightlife.

4.1

WILD RestoBar

Experience the flavors of the Andes at WILD RestoBar, a vibrant gastropub in San Martín de los Andes offering innovative cuisine and a lively atmosphere.

3.9

La Bandurria coffee & beer

Discover La Bandurria, the cozy bar in San Martín de los Andes offering exceptional coffee and craft beer in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

3.7

Best shops in San Martín de los Andes

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Best Shops

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Mamuschka

Discover the enchanting world of artisanal chocolates at Mamuschka, San Martín de los Andes, where every bite is a taste of paradise.

4.6

Mamusia

Discover the enchanting flavors of Mamusia, a chocolate and ice cream shop in San Martín de los Andes that delights every visitor with its artisanal treats.

4.5

Riche Patagonia

Experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence at Riche Patagonia, a charming cafe in San Martín de los Andes, where every bite tells a story of flavor and passion.

4.3

Unser Traum

Discover the heavenly delights of Unser Traum, a charming bakery and cake shop in San Martín de los Andes, where every bite is a sweet escape.

4.3

Explore San Martín de los Andes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in San Martín de los Andes, mapped for you.

San Martín de los Andes Essentials

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.

When is the best time to visit San Martín de los Andes?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for San Martín de los Andes

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in San Martín de los Andes. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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 ...)]

History of San Martín de los Andes

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.