San Martín de los Andes travel guide
San Martín de los Andes is a mountain town on the shore of Lake Lácar, in the south of Neuquén province, surrounded by Lanín National Park and dominated on the horizon by the volcano of the same name. Its orderly layout and Patagonian-style architecture make it a comfortable, well-served base. It is the final stop of the Seven Lakes Route coming from Villa La Angostura and Bariloche, and the starting point for the park's lakes and for skiing at Cerro Chapelco.
Season by month
When to travel- Peak season
- High season
- Shoulder season
What to do in San Martín de los Andes
- The Seven Lakes Route approx. 8 h About one hundred kilometres on Route 40 between Villa La Angostura and the town, with lakes and viewpoints on the way.
- Lake Lácar and Quila Quina A boat trip on the lake the town sits on, across to the Quila Quina shore.
- Lanín volcano and its park The volcano gives the park its name and dominates the horizon; the park protects Andean-Patagonian forests with lenga and araucaria.
- Lakes of Lanín National Park Day excursions to lakes in the park, such as Huechulafquen, with the volcano as a reference point.
- Cerro Chapelco The town's ski centre, about 24 kilometres away; in winter its opening depends on the snow.
- Mapuche culture with local guides A visit to communities in the region, always with local guides.
- Horseback riding or fly-fishing Days around the lakes with local guides; fishing depends on the season and on the permits in force.
Where to eat in San Martín de los Andes
- A Patagonian cuisine dinner A Patagonian dinner in town is a good way to close a day of lakes or snow.
Who to offer it to
When to go
Summer (December to March) is the season for boat trips, hiking and lake activities; winter brings skiing at Cerro Chapelco, whose opening depends on the snow. Spring and autumn are quiet and scenic, with variable weather and cool nights, and some services may be reduced in the low season.
How many days
Three nights allow a combination of the town, Lake Lácar and a day excursion to the lakes of Lanín National Park. When arriving along the Seven Lakes Route from Villa La Angostura or Bariloche, two nights can be enough, because the drive itself is part of the programme.
What not to miss
The Seven Lakes Route, about one hundred kilometres along Route 40; Lake Lácar and the boat trip to Quila Quina; excursions to the lakes of Lanín National Park, with the volcano as a reference point; and, in winter, skiing at Cerro Chapelco, whose slopes open according to the snow.
What to offer and why
Three nights based in town: one day for Lake Lácar and the town, another for the park's lakes and a third free, or on the snow in winter. If the client arrives along the Seven Lakes Route, two nights are enough, with the drive as the arrival day.
When to book
The demand for lakes and snow concentrates in January, February and the July winter holidays. Always check availability in advance; for those dates, as far ahead as possible. Spring and autumn are the quietest seasons, when availability is easier.
Practical and operational
Flights to the local airport depend on the season: check them before quoting and keep the road from Bariloche as an alternative. The Seven Lakes Route is paved, but in winter snow may force the leg to be rescheduled. Nights are cool even in summer.
How we arrange it
We coordinate boat trips, lake excursions and transfers with licensed local operators and establishments. The local airport operates according to the season and in winter snow can affect the mountain roads, so we confirm every leg well in advance.
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Booking & policies
Are the prices shown net or retail?
Rates are net (wholesale) and reserved for travel agencies and tour operators, who sign in to see them and add their own margin. Public visitors see a reference “from” price, indicative and subject to availability; the net rate is never shown outside the B2B Portal.
What happens after I book?
When you book, we receive your booking and start working on it: it shows as “In process” and we let you know of every update. Vouchers are sent once payments have been received.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations are governed by the conditions stated in each quotation. The standard conditions are: more than 30 days before arrival, the deposit is non-refundable; 30 to 15 days before arrival, 50% of the total price is charged; less than 15 days before arrival or a no-show, 100%. They may vary on peak dates and depend on the policy of each hotel and service. Certain destinations — Patagonia, the Amazon region and high-demand dates in peak season — apply stricter terms, stated in the quotation. Conditions stated in the quotation and accepted by the agency at booking take precedence over the general schedule in Clause 7.1 of the Terms.
Can dates or passenger names be changed after booking?
Amendment requests must reach RUMBO LIBRE at least 72 business hours before the service begins. Changes are managed subject to availability, and any resulting rate difference applies. For private services, a name change may require re-issuing the booking at the current rate.
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