About San Martín de los Andes
Located within the National Park Lanín and some 1.575 km of the city of Buenos Aires, San Martín de los Andes has become one of the main tourist destinations in Patagonia.
The proximity of the international center ski center Chapelco and the multiple outdoors activities that make possible their mountain landscape, forests and lakes, are complemented by ample chances for relaxation. All this without mentioning fishing and hunting.
The city goes back to the foundation of the fort in 1883, nevertheless the date of foundation is taken to be the 4 of February of 1898 when the fort is transferred to the present location of the city in the margin of the Lacar Lake extending to the "Fertile valley of the Maipu '".
With an orthogonal layout that facilitates moving within a city of wide paved avenues and with mountain style, surely this is one of the most beautiful cities of Patagonia. It peace and tranquility are remarkable.
San Martín is one of the most important tourist centers of the province of Neuquén. With the development of the Chapelco Hill in the decade of ´70s an explosive expansion takes place, with the development og infrastructure that today include even an airport. Its commerce is provided with supply in specialized articles, fish, wood crafts and chocolate with excellent variety of gastronomical offerings and hotels providing over 3.000 beds.
As far as the hotels and hostels the prices vary, existing an ample range of possibilities for all the pockets. Cabins are usually totally equipped, the majority with telephone and cable TV. Some have fully equipped kitchens with microwaves ovens. Most of the constructions are very new and in general they are well taken care by the owners.
Most are located within the town itself, surrounded by the Hills Curruhuinca, Diaz Commander and the Lacar Lake, so that from any place you will have an excellent view.
The center of town takes about 15 by 12 blocks. The civic center is in the Avda. San Martín (main street) winch beginning in the coast of the Lácar Lake. Bordering the Lácar Lake the route of the Seven Lakes has its begins. Following this route 20 km of town you reach Chapelco ski center.