San Martín de los Andes y Villa La Angostura travel guide
San Martín de los Andes is a town in southern Neuquén, in Argentine Patagonia. It sits at 640 m on Lake Lácar, next to Lanín National Park, 1,575 km from Buenos Aires. It was founded on February 4, 1898, and the Lácar department has 39,596 residents (2022 census).
From San Martín, the Seven Lakes Route runs south: 110 km of fully paved Route 40 to Villa La Angostura, on Nahuel Huapi Lake and the gateway to Los Arrayanes National Park. Between the two towns are lakes Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo, the 3,776 m Lanín volcano, lake beaches, and the Chapelco and Cerro Bayo ski resorts.
It is a year-round destination. Summer highs average about 24 °C (75 °F), while July highs are around 7 °C (45 °F) with lows near 1 °C (34 °F). December to March is the season for beaches, hiking and boat trips; July to September is for snow.
Things to do in San Martín de los Andes y Villa La Angostura
- 1
Seven Lakes Route
110 km of paved Route 40 between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks. Driven straight through it takes about 2 hours, but it is worth a full day: about 20 km from San Martín is the turnoff to Lake Hermoso, where Lanín ends and Nahuel Huapi begins; then come the Vullignanco waterfall, lakes Falkner and Villarino, Lake Escondido, the turnoff to Villa Traful and, near Villa La Angostura, lakes Correntoso (27 km away) and Espejo (12 km away). Side roads to lakes Espejo Chico, Hermoso, Traful and Meliquina are gravel.
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Lake Lácar, the waterfront and viewpoints
The town lies in a valley on Lake Lácar, with its lakeside promenade, bus terminal and beaches such as Catritre a few kilometers from downtown. Boat trips run on the lake, and inside Lanín National Park trails climb to the Bandurrias and Arrayán viewpoints over the lake and town. Hikers in the park must register first on the National Parks online form.
- 3
Quila Quina
A small village on the shore of Lake Lácar, inside Lanín National Park. You reach it from Route 40 along an access road with a lake viewpoint, passing homes of the local Mapuche community before the beach. It is one of San Martín's classic summer outings.
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Hua Hum, Yuco and Chachín Waterfall
West along Provincial Route 48 lies the far end of Lake Lácar: the turquoise beaches of Yuco and Hua Hum, and an internal park road to Chachín Waterfall, open most of the year. The mixed forest of coihue, raulí, roble pellín and lenga turns red in autumn. In summer there is rafting on the Hua Hum River.
- 5
Lanín Volcano and Lake Huechulafquen
Lanín National Park, created in 1937, protects 412,000 hectares, some 24 lakes and forests of araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees that grow up to 50 m tall and live about 1,000 years. The 3,776 m Lanín volcano towers over the lakes Huechulafquen, Paimún and Epulafquen circuit, reached via Junín de los Andes. The climb starts from the Tromen area, takes 2 days with a night in a hut or tent, and runs from October to April (best December to March). It is a hard climb: advance registration and booking, mandatory gear and, without ice experience, a licensed guide are required.
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Skiing at Chapelco
Neuquén's main ski resort and San Martín de los Andes' home mountain. Its first lift opened in 1963, and today it has a gondola and runs for every level. The season depends on snowfall, which in the area comes from June to August; open runs and lifts are posted daily in its snow report.
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Arrayanes Forest (Villa La Angostura)
Los Arrayanes National Park, created in 1971, protects over 1,700 hectares on the Quetrihué peninsula, with myrtle trees over 650 years old and more than 15 m tall. From the entrance next to the Bahía Brava pier, a 12 km trail leads to the forest; by bike the round trip takes about 3 hours. Entry times apply: in summer, until 2 pm to walk there and back and until 3 pm by bike; in winter, until 11 am and noon. You can also go or return by boat from Bahía Brava or Bahía Mansa, buying the ticket before you enter.
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Villa La Angostura: viewpoints, Inacayal Waterfall and Cerro Bayo
From the Quetrihué isthmus, which gave the town its name, a 20-minute trail climbs to the Brazo Norte viewpoint. The 50 m Inacayal Waterfall and the Belvedere viewpoint are reached by heading uphill from downtown along Cacique Antriao street. Cerro Bayo, 15 minutes from town, has 126 skiable hectares, 24 runs and 11 lifts between 1,050 and 1,803 m; in summer it runs a bike park and its gondola goes up to 1,500 m.
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San Martín de los Andes y Villa La Angostura weather
| Month | High | Low | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C 75°F | 11°C 52°F | 14.6 h |
| Feb | 24°C 76°F | 12°C 53°F | 13.6 h |
| Mar | 21°C 69°F | 10°C 49°F | 12.3 h |
| Apr | 15°C 60°F | 7°C 45°F | 11.0 h |
| May | 11°C 51°F | 4°C 40°F | 9.9 h |
| Jun | 7°C 45°F | 2°C 36°F | 9.4 h |
| Jul | 7°C 44°F | 1°C 34°F | 9.6 h |
| Aug | 8°C 46°F | 2°C 35°F | 10.6 h |
| Sep | 10°C 50°F | 2°C 36°F | 11.9 h |
| Oct | 14°C 57°F | 4°C 39°F | 13.2 h |
| Nov | 18°C 65°F | 7°C 44°F | 14.4 h |
| Dec | 22°C 71°F | 9°C 49°F | 15.0 h |
2015–2024 averages calculated from Open-Meteo historical data (ERA5 reanalysis). They may differ by one or two degrees from the local weather station.
Best time to visit San Martín de los Andes y Villa La Angostura
San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura are worth visiting year-round: December to March for lake beaches, hiking, boat trips and the Seven Lakes Route; July to September for skiing at Chapelco and Cerro Bayo. Autumn brings red forests and fewer crowds.
Summer
December to February
Average highs of 22–24 °C (72–75 °F), lows of 9–12 °C (48–54 °F) and up to 15 hours of daylight. Peak season: beaches on Lake Lácar, Quila Quina and Yuco, kayaking, rafting and the Lanín climb.
Autumn
March to May
Lenga forests turn red and gold and crowds thin out. Highs drop from about 21 °C (70 °F) in March to 11 °C (52 °F) in May. Fishing season usually closes in April.
Winter
June to August
Highs of 7–8 °C (45–46 °F), lows of 1–2 °C (34–36 °F) and 9 to 10.5 hours of daylight. Ski season at Chapelco and Cerro Bayo. Snow chains are required to drive the Seven Lakes Route.
Spring
September to November
Days get longer and highs climb from about 10 °C (50 °F) to 18 °C (64 °F). Fishing season opens in November, when the Arrayanes Forest switches to summer hours.
How to get to San Martín de los Andes y Villa La Angostura
By plane
Chapelco Aviador Carlos Campos Airport is 22 km from San Martín de los Andes and 132 km from Villa La Angostura, with daily flights from Buenos Aires in high season. For Villa La Angostura it is often easier to fly into Bariloche: Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport is 83 km away, with direct buses and transfers.
By road
San Martín de los Andes is 1,575 km from Buenos Aires and 430 km from the city of Neuquén, via National Route 237 to Piedra del Águila and then Route 234, or via Route 40 from Zapala. Villa La Angostura is 1,624 km from Buenos Aires and 83 km from Bariloche, and Bariloche to San Martín is 184 km along the Seven Lakes Route. Both towns have bus terminals with long-distance services.
From Chile
Villa La Angostura lies on the Cardenal Samoré pass (1,305 m), via Chilean Route 215 and Argentine National Routes 231 and 40; Osorno is about 160 km away. From San Martín de los Andes, the Hua Hum pass crosses Lake Pirehueico by ferry (22 vehicles and 56 passengers, booking required) toward Panguipulli, and the Mamuil Malal (Tromen) pass leads to Pucón.
How many days in San Martín de los Andes y Villa La Angostura
4 or 5 days cover San Martín de los Andes, the Seven Lakes Route and Villa La Angostura. Plan a week to add the Lake Huechulafquen circuit or the Lanín climb.
Day 1
San Martín de los Andes: Lake Lácar waterfront, Primeros Pobladores Museum and the Bandurrias viewpoint.
Day 2
Quila Quina in the morning, or a full day at Yuco, Hua Hum and Chachín Waterfall.
Day 3
Seven Lakes Route to Villa La Angostura, with a detour to Lake Hermoso or Villa Traful.
Day 4
Arrayanes Forest: 12 km on foot or by bike from Bahía Brava, returning by boat.
Day 5
Inacayal Waterfall and Belvedere viewpoint, or Cerro Bayo (skiing in winter, bike park in summer).
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit San Martín de los Andes?
December to March for lake beaches, hiking, boat trips and the Seven Lakes Route, with highs of 22–24 °C (72–75 °F). July to September for skiing at Chapelco. Autumn, with its red forests, is the quietest season.
How long is the Seven Lakes Route?
The Route 40 stretch between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura is 110 km and fully paved. It passes lakes Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo. Driven straight through it takes about 2 hours; with viewpoints and detours, a full day.
Should I stay in San Martín de los Andes or Villa La Angostura?
San Martín de los Andes, with its own airport 22 km away, is better for Lake Lácar, Quila Quina, Hua Hum, Chapelco and Lanín volcano. Villa La Angostura, 83 km from Bariloche, is better for the Arrayanes Forest and Cerro Bayo. With 4 or 5 days you can split your nights between them.
What is the weather like in San Martín de los Andes?
Summers are mild, with average highs of about 24 °C (75 °F) and lows of 11 °C (52 °F) in January. Winters are cold, with highs of about 7 °C (45 °F) and lows near 1 °C (34 °F) in July. It snows on the mountains in winter, and snow chains are required on the Seven Lakes Route.
How do you get to San Martín de los Andes from Buenos Aires?
Fly into Chapelco Aviador Carlos Campos Airport, 22 km from town, with daily flights in high season. By road it is 1,575 km by car or long-distance bus. You can also fly to Bariloche and drive 184 km along the Seven Lakes Route.
How do you get to the Arrayanes Forest from Villa La Angostura?
On foot or by bike along a 12 km trail from Bahía Brava, or by boat from Bahía Brava or Bahía Mansa. In summer you must enter by 2 pm to walk there and back, or by 3 pm by bike; in winter, by 11 am and noon. If you are returning by boat, buy the ticket before you enter.
Can you climb Lanín volcano?
Yes, from October to April (best December to March). The climb to 3,776 m starts from the Tromen area and takes 2 days with a night in a hut or tent. It is rated hard: National Parks requires advance registration and booking, mandatory gear and, without ice experience, a licensed guide.