San Martin de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes is a city in the Neuquen province in Argentina, it is on the edge of the Patagonian Andes mountains beside the Lácar lake. It is a charming town that is a popular recreational destination because of the lake, nearby parks, and winter skiing at nearby Cerro Chapelco.
Understand
editSan Martin de los Andes is home to the quartermaster of Lanin National Park, one of the most important protected areas in Argentina. The city of San Martin de los Andes offers a wide range of accommodation, with an architecture based on prevailing local materials of stone and wood. The warmth in the decorations, the attention to every detail and personalized attention. Large windows, logs in household stoves, aromas and crafts pleasantly surprised visitors at each of the environments, and everything comes together to provide warmth and comfort in a unique natural environment. The accommodation consists of five star Hotels, Hosterias (lodges) and Cabañas - Apart hotel (cabins) are distributed harmonically taking advantage of the natural environment, combining the beauty of it with care landscaping. The population of San Martin de los Andes is estimated at 31,000 inhabitants. Its natural environment, allows the development of outdoor activities including fishing, hiking, camping, climbing, rafting, ecotourism, among many others.
Get in
editBy plane
editAeropuerto Chapelco - Aviador Carlos Campos (CPC IATA) is the local airport. It is served by Aerolineas Argentinas and JetSMART with daily flights from Buenos Aires Jorge Newbury Aeroparque (AEP IATA). The flight takes about 2 hours. Van transfers and taxis are available to and from the airport.
By car
editYou can get in from Bariloche (4 hours, 60 pesos), Villa la Angostura or Neuquén.
By bus
editSeveral bus companies in major cities throughout Argentina offer routes to San Martin de los Andes.
- 1 Terminal de Ómnibus San Martín de los Andes, Gral. Villegas 252, ☏ +54 297 242 7044. The bus station handles arrivals and departures for 13 bus companies serving long distance and regional bus routes, including connections to Chile. Various traveler services available including a coffee shop, ticket kiosk, and baggage storage.
Get around
editSee
edit- 1 Cascada Sepulveda. High waterfall with a seasonal flow.
Do
edit
- Cerro Chapelco (Ski Station). Ski in the Chapelco resort (day pass: 285 pesos)
- Lake Lacar
- 1 Chapelco Golf Resort, ☏ +54 297 241 0219. Daily 10:00 - 18:00. 18-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. Clubhouse has bar and restaurant with full menu. Spectacular natural scenery.
Eat
edit- 1 Corazon Contento, Av. San Martín 467, ☏ +54 297 241 2750. Daily 09:00 - 23:30. Cafe with in-house bakery serving fresh empanadas. Several vegan options.
- 2 Doña Quela, Av. San Martín 1017, ☏ +54 297 242 0670. Daily 12:00 - 00:00. Cozy Argentinian restaurant serving Patagonian regional cuisine, hearty beef dishes and more. Well-selected wine list with lots of Malbecs amid other varietals. Live piano music. AR$20,000.
Sleep
editBudget
editMid-range
edit- 1 Ensueño, Perito Moreno, 1332, ☏ +54 2972 422508. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 10:00. Apart Hotel 2 stars in the city center. 62 usd.
Splurge
edit- 2 [dead link] Arco Iris Cabins - Patagonia, Los Cipreses, ☏ +542972428450. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Lodging in cabins in San Martin de los Andes city - Trout fly fishing - Ski in Chapelco - Large yard with gardens, grill and stream - Access to the forest and Lanin National Park.
- 3 Antares Patagonia, 251, San Martin Avenue, ☏ +54 (02972) 427 670. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with LCD TV, DVD and audio equipment, mini-bar, coffee/tea maker, and Internet connection. Some of its facilities are spa/sauna/jacuzzi, fitness room/gym, game room, business center, and business center. Rate starts at USD 173.55.
- 4 Siete Flores Hostería de Montaña, Callejón de Gin Gins y Callejón de Bello Barrio Raitrai, ☏ +54 2972 411126. All rooms equipped with Internet connection, Cable TV, Private toilet and shower. Some of its facilities and services Restaurant, Tea room, Room service and Laundry service. From USD 107.00.
- 5 Patagonia Plaza, Av. San Martin 502, ☏ +54 297 242 2280. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Established downtown hotel with clean, comfortable rooms (no air conditioning, but it's only useful a few days per year). On-site gym and swimming pool. Excellent on-site restaurant with breakfast buffet. US$100.