Major city · Argentina
San Martín de los Andes
Spend 2–3 days in San Martín de los Andes for lake, mountain and ski activities; longer only for extensive trekking.
San Martín de los Andes sits on Lácar Lake at the foot of the Andes. The town offers lake‑side walks, access to Lanín National Park and the Chapelco ski resort. A short stay covers the main sights; extra days let you hike longer trails or ski multiple days.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- ARS
- Best months
- Dec–Feb (ski), Mar–May (hiking, lake), Sep–Nov (spring colors)
- avoid Jun–Aug (heavy snow may close some trails)
- Airport
- CPC
- Nights
- 2–3
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Argentina ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Argentina's National Migration Directorate (Migraciones) or an Argentine consulate before booking.
- Argentina ↗Since April 2025 the official, MEP and street ('blue') dollar rates sit within a few percent of each other; a foreign card is usually the best-value way to pay, while ATM withdrawals carry high fixed fees. Rules have changed often — check before you fly.
- Argentina ↗Patagonia (El Calafate, El Chaltén, Ushuaia) is a November–March trip; in winter many services close and hiking is limited.
- Argentina ↗Since August 2026 non-resident foreigners must show insurance or pay for non-urgent care at nationally run public hospitals, and Buenos Aires City, Mendoza, Salta, Jujuy and Santa Cruz charge visitors for scheduled care; emergencies are still treated. Travel with medical insurance — check the current rules.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Martín de los Andes911 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about San Martín de los Andes, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Argentine peso (ARS, $).Argentina-wide
- SIM or eSIMClaro, Movistar and Personal cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their shops with a passport, or an eSIM before you fly.Argentina-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable in Buenos Aires and most cities; in the Northwest and rural areas ask or use bottled.Argentina-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% in cash; the cubierto (cover charge) is not a tip.Argentina-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/I. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Argentina-wide
- SafetyGenerally safe; stay alert for sudden mountain weather, keep valuables secure in town, and use marked trails.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés, shopping centres and bus terminals (small fee sometimes); carry tissues.Argentina-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police · 100 fire · 107 ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysSiesta hours (13:00–17:00) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Siesta hours (1:00 PM–5:00 PM) in the provinces close many shops; Buenos Aires works straight through.Argentina-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCPC Aeropuerto Chapelco – Aviador Carlos Campos (2 h flights from Buenos Aires AEP; taxis and van transfers available.).
- Getting aroundLocal taxis, rental cars and seasonal bus routes connect the town, lake shore and Chapelco.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffeecafé latteAR$150–250
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi (city centre 5 km (3.1 mi))Taxi (city centre 3.1 mi (5 km))AR$1,200–1,500
- Budget bedHostel / budget hotel, a night, per personARS 2,500
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomARS 9,000
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomARS 13,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ARS 3,500 · Mid ARS 6,000 · High ARS 12,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CPC Aeropuerto Chapelco – Aviador Carlos Campos (2 h flights from Buenos Aires AEP; taxis and van transfers available.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Mar
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
May
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Jun
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Jul
Avoid
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
Aug
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Sep
Best
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Oct
Best
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Sep–May. Avoid: Jun–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Mar (16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)), coolest Jul (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Mar (6). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Martín de los Andes: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
8 rd
Feb
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Apr
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
May
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
9 rd
Jun
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
Jul
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
Aug
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
10 rd
Sep
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
8 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
6 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
7 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Local taxis, rental cars and seasonal bus routes connect the town, lake shore and Chapelco. Walks in the centre are easy; longer trips need a car or organized tour.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Lanín National Park
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Bus or car, about 30 min each way
Hiking trails range from easy lake walks to challenging mountain climbs.
Villa La Angostura
goDoor to door: ≈2 h total
Bus, ≈1 h 30 min
Scenic town on the other side of the lake, good for a lunch stop.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Ensueño
2‑star apart‑hotel, city centre, $62 USD per night.
Patagonia Plaza
$100 USD per night, downtown, gym & pool.
Antares Patagonia
Rooms start at $173.55 USD, spa facilities.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- AR$3,500–6,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- AR$6,000–12,000 excl. bed
- High
- AR$12,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel1 × 2 nights × ARS 9,000 | ARS 18,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × ARS 6,000 | ARS 24,000 |
| Chapelco ski day pass2 × ARS 290 · check | ARS 570 |
| Airport taxi to town (≈30 km)2 × ARS 1,500 · check | ARS 3,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ARS 4,560 |
| Trip total≈ ARS 12,530 per person per day, bed included | ARS 50,130 |
2026 estimate in Argentine pesos; flights and long‑distance buses excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffeecafé latte | AR$150–250 |
| Empanadastreet vendor | AR$200–350 |
| Ski lift ticket (full day)Chapelco | AR$285 |
| Taxi (city centre 5 km) | AR$1,200–1,500 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Roads to Lanín NP can close in heavy snow; check conditions before heading out.
- Ski lift tickets are sold per day; buy early in high season.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 911
- Fire
- 100
- Ambulance
- 107
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San Martín de los AndesSan Martín de los Andes
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police911
- Ambulance107
- Fire100
Embassy
US consulate in Buenos Aires; Argentine embassy in Washington, D.C.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → town (taxi): ≈ AR$1,500, 30 min (check)
- Bus to Villa La Angostura: ≈ AR$500, 90 min (check)
Say or show
- Disculpe — Excuse me / Sorry (disˈkulpe)
- Gracias — Thank you (graˈθjas)
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much is it? (ˈkwanto ˈkwesta)
- ¿Dónde está el baño? — Where is the toilet? (ˈdonde esˈta el ˈbano)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for San Martín de los Andes. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Feb (ski), Mar–May (hiking, lake), Sep–Nov (spring colors) · avoid Jun–Aug (heavy snow may close some trails) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about San Martín de los Andes
Loading…