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Argentina San Martin |
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Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains on three sides and Lago Lacar on the fourth, San Martin de los Andes is a charming little town. It is located 158 km north of Bariloche, accessible via the scenic Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes) route or the Paso Cordoba/Enchanted Valley route. Junin de los Andes is a short 40 km north of San Martin.
Founded in 1898, it's growth has been controlled and the town has a consistent prettiness to it - streets are lined with rose bushes, buildings are low and mostly of blond wood construction. It is a friendly town that has grown rapidly in recent years and lives mainly off tourism. Everything is within walking distance from the Centro Civico in the heart of town. Restaurants, chocolate shops, ski outfitters and tourist agencies abound.
Just 20 km south of town is Cerro Chapelco ski centers, one of the main ski areas in Argentina, with runs for beginners and experts, at a maximum elevation of 5760 feet. Ski season is July through September.
The Parque Nacional Lanin, covering 1508 sq. miles and one of the largest in Argentina, is dominated by the snow-capped Lanin Volcano, 12,388 feet high, and one of the youngest in the Andes. The park has 24 glacial lakes, and stretches 200 km along the frontier with Chile.
San Martin de los Andes is the base for exploring the Parque Nacional Lanin and for climbing Lanin Volcano. In addition to skiing in season, there is excellent fishing, good terrain for mountain biking, and river rafting in addition to hiking and trekking and plain ole' scenery enjoying.