 View of San Martín and Lake Lácar | ||
| San Martín de los Andes | ||
| province | Neuquén | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 27.956 (2010) | |
| height | 651 m | |
no tourist info on Wikidata:  | ||
| location | ||
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San Martin de los Andes is a small town with about 20,000 inhabitants in the Andean region of the Neuquén Province. It is the most famous holiday resort in the province, is located on Lake Lácar and, in addition to its scenic beauty, is also known for its charming cityscape, which is based on places in the Alps.
background
San Martín de los Andes is a popular tourist destination in both summer and winter. In summer, because there are numerous rivers waiting for bathers next to Lake Lácar and the area is also excellent for hiking. In winter, because one of the most important ski centers is close by, Cerro Chapelco, is located. It is considered cheaper and less crowded than San Carlos de Bariloche or Las Leñas (Mendoza).
getting there
Dynamic cardsBy plane
The nearest airport is Chapelco (CPC, address: Ruta Nacional 234, km. 22), which is about 20 km from San Martín on the way to the neighboring city Junín de los Andes lies. It has flights to and from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque) twice a week. The airport offers more connections San Carlos de Barilochewhich, however, is 200 km further south.
By bus
The journey usually goes through the provincial capital Neuquén. Buses run from there every day. In some big cities, e.g. Buenos Aires (approx. 20 hours in the luxury bus, daily) and Cordoba (23 hours, twice a week), there are also direct connections.
In the street
The starting point for trips to the region is Neuquén, which can be reached e.g. from Buenos Aires via the RN 3 and RN 22. From there there are two options:
- RN 237 to the intersection with Ruta 40, then north to Rinconada and west to Junín de los Andes. From there it is another 35 km to the southwest.
- RN 22 to Zapala, then RN 40 to Rinconada, continue as above.
mobility
Tourist Attractions
activities
Trekking
Colorado volcano
Day tour to the summit of Cerro / Volcán Colorado northwest of the city. The ascent begins on the RP48 road about 10km outside of town. You can also start on the beach promenade and walk along the lake to the starting point and thus shorten the road. The ascent is steep and dusty, but the tour is otherwise not particularly difficult. It only takes four hours from the parking lot at the RP48, and guided tours are also available.
To go biking
Along the lakeshore (main road) you have a wonderful view and there is a wide verge for bicycles. The surrounding back roads are often still graveled and are also ideal for bumpy MTB tours. Bicycles can be rented from many tour operators on site (MTB or racing bikes). Endless trails in the immediate vicinity. Day and multi-day tours over the Andes to Chile. E-mail: [email protected]
shop
kitchen
nightlife
accommodation
- , quite simple hostel, German-speaking owner, offers, among other things, mountain bike tours
- Hostal Gleb, Rivadavia. simple breakfast; 3er dorms and double rooms; fast Wi-Fi; no laundry service.Price: from $ 200 p.p.
health
Practical advice
information
The tourist office is located on the corner of the central "San Martín" square. There is also a very helpful information center on the Lanín National Park.
money
There are several banks around the central "San Martín" square. In many places you can also pay with dollars or Chilean pesos. Euros are only sometimes accepted and there are often discounts for cash payments.
trips
San Martín is the best starting point to Lanín National Park, which, with its lakes and volcanoes, offers spectacular landscapes for hiking, mountain biking, swimming and horse riding.
