San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes sits at the eastern end of Lago Lácar, hemmed in by forested mountains, and it has kept a tight rein on its own appearance: building codes require timber and stone in an alpine idiom, so the town looks coherent in a way few Argentine resorts do. The lake beach runs right up to the main street, boats leave for Quila Quina and Hua Hum on the Chilean border, and the Chapelco ski area, twenty kilometres south, gives it a winter season alongside the summer one. It is the northern anchor of the Ruta de los Siete Lagos and the main base for Lanín national park, with trekking, fly fishing, mountain biking and rafting all organised from the town.

What you actually see

• Lago Lácar - the lake beach at the foot of the main street, with boat trips.
• The timber town - alpine-style architecture enforced by local building codes.
• Chapelco - the ski area and summer chairlift with views to Lanín volcano.
• The Seven Lakes start - the scenic road running south toward Villa La Angostura.

When to go

December to March for hiking, lakes and long days; July to September for skiing at Chapelco. Shoulder seasons are quiet and cheap, with autumn colour in April and May. Summer and winter holidays fill accommodation.

Honest expectations

The town is expensive by Argentine standards, and peak-season prices and crowds are considerable. Weather in the lake district changes fast, with rain possible any day. Popular trails and the Seven Lakes road are busy in January.

Nearby

Junín de los Andes and Lanín park lie north; the Seven Lakes road runs south.