San Martín de los Andes

The charms of San Martin de los Andes with its biodiversity and crystal water mirrors have no boundaries in Patagonia Argentina. The city is the main center of tourism in the province of Neuquen, for good reasons. Located on the edge of Lake Lacar, it is a strategic point for visitors with all main attractions at reach. The possibility of skiing and snowboarding in the Winter Center Chapelco is one of them. You can also travel by dog sled guided, trekking with snowshoes and snowcars offer fantastic riding. The resort has its own equipment Rental. Hostelling International suggests you to bring Polartecs, warm clothes and always carry waterproof jacket and pants, snow goggles and sunglasses.

Of course the enormous range of experiences you can live in San Martin de los Andes do not end here. After having had a good rest in the youth hostel, you're ready to become a skilled horseman and ride through the woods crossing rivers and streams. If you prefer you can go from tree to tree on suspended steel cable, or do some Canopy. Sport hunting on private ranches and in the Lanin National Park is also one of the options offered in San Martin de los Andes, known as the capital of red deer. Sport fishing for trout and mackerel is a classic. And of course, biking and trekking along the Lake Lacar or the route of the 7 Lakes.

The 7 lakes is one of the most prominent zone of San Martin de los Andes. This is a fabulous series of oak and Araucaria forests, lakes, mountains and viewpoints. The circuit, which is 100 km long, connects the city with Villa La Angostura and Villa Traful, home to 3 protected areas: Lanin National Park, Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi National Park and los Arrayanes.

Laní-Tromen is also very much visited, for being an ascenting point. There await the Lanin volcano and the great Patagonian forest. It is a magical place of ancient auraucaria trees and eternal snows. But if your preference is a nice Spa, your destination must then be the thermal station of Lahuen - Co or Epulaufquen. Its name relates to a Mapuche word meaning ¨“miraculous waters”, and indeed, its waters have healing properties.


A final Hostelling International recommendation: Before you return be sure to try some of the exquisite dishes of the region: trout, deer, wild boar, mushrooms, raspberries, smoked, grilled and marinated Goats.

Places to visit:

- Civic Center
- Visitor Center and Museum of Lanin National Park
- La Pastera, Museo del Che
- Ruta del Arte
- Lake Lácar SPAs.
- Selva Valdiviana
- Chapelco
- Cascade Chachin - Hua Hum
- Quila Quina
- Lahuen-Co (Epulaufquen) SPAs
- 7 lakes
- Volcan Lanin
- Lake Huechulaufquen and Epulafquen
- Meliquina and Filo Hua Hum