San Martín de los Andes

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Description

The town lies on the banks of Lake Lácar, one of the park’s many glacial lakes, and has a boat pier and a sandy beach. The First Settlers Museum displays exhibits on indigenous tribes and European pioneers. Like a mellower version of Bariloche, San Martín has two peak periods: winter for skiing at Cerro Chapelco and summer for trekking, climbing etc, in nearby Parque Nacional Lanín. Brave souls also swim in the chilly waters of Lago Lácar on the western edge of town. Between these times it’s a quiet little town with a spectacular setting that retains much of the charm and architectural unity that once attracted people to Bariloche. A boat ride on the lake is pretty much a must if you’re passing through, and if the snow’s cleared (anytime from November onward) and you’re heading south, you should seriously think about leaving town via the scenically neck-straining Ruta de los Siete Lagos (RN 40), which runs south to Villa la Angostura, Lago Nahuel Huapi and Bariloche.