Getaway to San Martín de los Andes: 5 Experiences in Natural Paradises

A city dressed up in white in full winter, showing off its best shades of green after the cold: San Martín de los Andes is a paradise in Neuquén, where the feeling of being nested by mountains becomes more tangible than ever. The cast of the scene is made up of several figures sharing the limelight: in this Patagonian town, these natural stars shine with their impressive features.

Lakes, waterfalls, native forests, and many rock elevations make it the perfect destination for a getaway; and the endless experiences you can have in the first person double it down.

1. Kayaking in Quila Quina

A film set unfolds 18 kilometres from the centre of San Martín de los Andes. In this magical village, you can breathe the purest air of the area. The air which makes you understand why thousands of tourists visit it annually; which justifies the trip to venture into the waters of Lácar Lake, or to discover the most remote spots of its forests; which can only be found in Quila Quina.

The ways to get there are tailored to the travellers’ thirst for adventure: by land or by water —in either, you’ll fall in love with the panoramic views. By land, you’ll cover a part of the mythical Route 40, the longest route in the country, crossing it from north to south. The journey by car next to the mountain offers amazing views of the lake and the region’s lush forests. Some also opt for the two-wheel alternative, and find bicycles the perfect ally for combining sports with nature. If you prefer the watery way, boats leave from the San Martín de los Andes dock, and the trip lasts about half an hour to get to Quila Quina’s coast.

Once you arrive at your destination, apart from relaxing on the shores of the lake with mate, a classic activity is renting kayaks and getting immersed in the waters of the iconic Lácar Lake. Observing up close the deep blue of the water mirror is one of the charming attractions this must-visit place offers.

2. Trekking to Bandurrias Viewpoint and La Islita

A path that starts from the heart of the city and leads to a superb natural balcony from which you can get incredible views. And, although the end of the route is the gem of the circuit, the path to reach the summit is equally stunning. Cypress forests rise, marking a clear trail suitable for experts and beginners of the world of trekking. What can you expect to see from the Bandurrias Viewpoint? To say the least, some of the best views of San Martín de los Andes landscapes: the city stands on one side, crowned by Lácar Lake and the coast surrounding it, and Cerro Chapelco in the distance.

A great bonus: walk 30 minutes more and get to a quaint island in the middle of the lake. This place is known as La Islita, and you can get there swimming a few metres.

3. Diving in Lácar Lake

Infinite turquoise, the sound of the waves created by the boat, and nature everywhere… That is, in short, floating over the waters of one of the most important lakes of glacial origin in Patagonia. It is within the protected area of Lanín National Park, and it is packed with beaches, bays, and cliffs. Its coasts are an optimal oasis if you love sinking your feet into the sand and contemplating Mother Earth.

In addition to enjoying the lake from the shore and getting on a catamaran, take a twist and get your adrenaline surging: dive into its deep waters and discover the marine flora and fauna under the water mirror. Diving in Lácar Lake is possible accompanied by professionals and with the right equipment. Discover hidden wonders among blue shades! You can also adjust the experience if you do not dare to do intense diving by snorkelling. The result will be the same: you’ll be able to see the bottom of the most beloved lake in the region.

4. Climb Cerro Chapelco

Not everything is skiing and snowboarding at the award-winning Cerro Chapelco ski resort. Yes, its winter version dazzles everyone with snowy slopes ideal for winter sport fans, but its offer goes far beyond the frozen season. When the season ends, by the end of September, the white canopy covering the slopes begins to melt down, slowly giving way to the distinctive green shades of spring and summer. And, along with the lively colours, the activities for the restless people begin.

Hikes are on demand because, once at the top, the lenga forest provides a perfect setting to discover every corner. Trekking with experts allows you to take amazing panoramic views of Lácar Lake and the Lanín Volcano, making your way through the most varied vegetation of the area. Thanks to the abundance of trees, zip-lining can also be added to the itinerary to feel your spine chilling —an unbeatable combination to get to know Chapelco from an alternative angle.

5. Watching the Sunset from Arrayanes Viewpoint

The golden hour of Neuquén takes place among the scenery surrounding you. The Arrayanes Viewpoint witnesses how the city looks from above and the perfect harmony in which it coexists with Lácar Lake. The daytime view is always dazzling, but the real magic is worked when the sun goes down and dyes the sky with the characteristic orange shades. The reflection of those colours on the water mirror, the mountains feeling closer than ever, and the deep silence offered by nature meet in a unique experience worthy of being treasured in memory. And if you add a toast with a good Patagonian beer, you won’t want to ask for more.