San Martin de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes in Argentina is a popular Patagonian mountain town with about 30,000 inhabitants. Being “of the Andes”, the town sits between high peaks of the Andes. The primary trade of San Martin de los Andes (SMA) is tourism. San Martín de los Andes forms a gateway to the Lanin National Park and the lake corridor, and during winter, skiing and snowboarding becomes the main focus of activities at Chapelco ski resort.

Like the nearby towns of Bariloche and Villa la Angostura, San Martin features Swiss wooden architecture and lots of Swiss boutique chocolate shops. The town has grown somewhat in recent years, as have the prices, yet SMA has managed to retain its alpine charm and it's a much more tranquil and upscale version of Bariloche.

San Martin de los Andes was also put on the map by “The Motorcycle Diaries” book and movie where Che Guevara and his mate visited the sleepy town and crossed the Andes on their motorcycle.

Where is San Martin de los Andes Argentina?

San Martin de los Andes is located in the southwest of Neuquén Province in the Lakes District of Patagonia. The town is only 45km (28 miles) from the Chile border and the Hua-Hum international pass.

The town is situated at the north end of the 7 Lakes Road (Siete Lagos Ruta), an incredibly scenic stretch of road that travels past lakes, mountains and forests.

San Martín de los Andes is 1,565km (973 miles) southwest of Buenos Aires and a 3 hour drive north of Bariloche. San Martin has a regional airport that is only 22km from town, or alternatively the Bariloche Airport can be used as a gateway airport.

San Martin Skiing and Snowboarding

Cerro Chapelco is only 20km (12 miles) from San Martin de los Andes, a trip that takes about 20 minutes by car, shuttle or taxi. The Chapelco ski resort has modern infrastructure, lots of snow, and terrain for all ability levels. The gorgeous views of the Lanin Volcano and the turquoise Lake Lácar also add to the positive experience of skiing at Chapelco.

Hotels San Martin de los Andes

The town of San Martin offers a wide range of lodging for most budgets, ranging from various hostels up to 3 and 4 star hotels. In between, other San Martin de los Andes accommodation includes lots of hostelries (guest houses), apart hotels, and cabins. There is also lodging on-mountain near Cerro Chapelco.

San Martin de los Andes Accommodations Listings

Why Visit San Martin Argentina?

Aside from being the ski town for Cerro Chapelco, San Martin de los Andes is a fabulous town to visit. Enjoy the unassuming nightlife and the Patagonian delights in the many restaurants and tea houses, and sample all the chocolate your complexion and waistline can handle. Stroll the charming streets to check out the ski shops or artisan handicrafts, and generally just enjoy the serenity of the town.

How Does San Martin Compare to Villa la Angostura and Bariloche?

San Martín (pronounced San Martine) is very similar to Villa la Angostura. They are both affluent resort towns, the main difference being that San Martin is much larger.

Villa la Angostura and Bariloche have majestic turquoise lake views, yet only a small part of the San Martin town sits on the lake so it's not quite as picturesque.

Relative to Bariloche, San Martin de los Andes is much smaller, classier, more modern and much more relaxed.