Photo of San Martin de los Andes

About San Martin de los Andes

San Martin de los Andes, in the Argentinian province of Neuguen lies at the foot of the Andes mountain range by the border with Chile and is regarded as a gateway to the Lanin National Park. Perfect for anyone looking for an outdoor adventure but from a quieter base - you don't come here to party all night long. The best places to stay in San Martin de los Andes offer access to a stunning landscape and a wide range of outdoor activities all year round.

San Martin was founded in 1898 as a centre for wood logging and husbandry and was modelled much like a European style alpine village. In 1937 the Lanin National Park was established (for which San Martin is the head quarters) and much of the original industry became obsolete. This forested park contains some of the most spectacular scenery in Patagonia, with numerous sparkling blue lakes, an extinct volcano and plenty of flora and fauna.

The 1970s saw the advent of tourism. Chapelco (12 miles away) is one of South America’s top ski resorts and in spring this is a bird watching mecca - the South American Bird Fair is held here every November. In summer there is kayaking, mountain biking, trekking, horseriding and golf. San Martin is also renowned for arts and crafts and epicurean delicacies - there are lots of great restaurants showcasing both Patagonian and Argentinian cuisine.

Our pick of the best places to stay in San Martin de los Andes are both outside of town, but they are ideal properties for making the most of this stunning location.

The best places to stay in San Martin de los Andes

For getting back to nature

  • Rio Hermoso is a charming lodge in an enviable location set in pine forest beside a crystal clear river. The rooms have large glass windows with views to match. It is all very cosy - open fires, stone walls and pine. An ideal spot for walking and fly fishing.

For a luxury ranch

  • Estancia Huechahue is a boutique ranch set amid 15,000 acres. Rooms are cosy and traditional and the food is excellent. Come here for a laidback cowboy experience.

for an apartment or villa

  • If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

travel information

  • The nearest airport to San Martin de los Andes is Chapelco (23 km away) with domestic connections to Buenos Aires.
  • The best time of year to visit is between November and March, in the southern hemisphere summer. Temperatures range from 12-16 degrees celsius on average.
  • If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in San Martin de los Andes

Best Hotels in San Martin de los Andes

  • La Casa de Eugenia San Martin de los Andes 9 rooms from $130

    Country Escape  -  Located in a beautiful natural setting at the foot of the Andes, this charming hotel is a unique country retreat
    Active Holiday  -  With hiking, cycling and canoeing all available locally, this hotel is a great option for active holidaymakers
    Hideaway  -  Set on the edge of town within ample gardens, this hotel makes a great country bolt-hole
    Fishing  -  Spend a quiet afternoon fishing on the nearby lake; the hotel can rent equipment for you, so there's no hassle getting started
    Swimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    This boutique hotel is located a short walk from Patagonia's 7 lakes. Rooms are cosy and well-appointed, each individually styled with homely soft furnishings and high-quality linens; book the triple suite for split-level living space. Wander the gardens or relax by the pool; a chic nature retreat. See More

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  • Antares Patagonia Suites & Eventos San Martin de los Andes 10 rooms from $218

    Spa breaks  -  With a fully-equipped spa including a sauna, pool and hot tub, this hotel makes a great choice for a spa break
    Romantic Break  -  Couples love the grown-up atmosphere at this adults-only hotel; book a luxury suite for cosy living space
    Country Escape  -  With a great location close to Lake Lácar, book this hotel for a relaxed country getaway
    Sailing  -  Take a boat ride on Lake Lácar for beautiful views of the natural landscape; the hotel can recommend local providers
    Air conditioningSpaSwimming PoolGardenDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    This contemporary lodge is located on the banks of Lake Lácar inside the Lanin National Park, Argentina. Guestrooms are warm and inviting, with cosy throws and comfortable beds; book a suite for a charming fireplace and pretty views. Unwind by the pool before dinner at the restaurant; a chic hotel. See More

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  • Rio Hermoso San Martin de los Andes (Parque Nacional Lanin) 7 rooms from $276

    Back to Nature  -  A quaint lodge nestled amidst rugged pine forests and surrounded by mountains.
    Great walks  -  Spend hours wandering through the forest, following the river and admiring the mountains.
    Fishing  -  Take a course in fly-fishing.
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    RestaurantGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet

    A charming lodge with an enviable location besides a picture-perfect river and surrounded by gorgeous forests and mountains. Large glass windows allow for constant admiring of the views. Fireplaces, pine furniture and exposed stone give a cosy feel. The perfect spot to get back to nature. See More

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