San Martín de los Andes—A Patagonian Fairytale

San Martín de los Andes feels like a fairytale. The architecture of the houses—designed this way because of the snow, with sloped rooftops—the roses, and all the greenery make the town feel magical. Everything looks clean, charming, and harmonious.

For me, enjoying Patagonia means either spending a long period of time there—ideally a month—or choosing one place and staying for at least three nights. San Martín de los Andes is perfect for that. Stop the rush of your daily routine, disconnect, and live the destination.

One of the best ways to experience the area is from the lake. From the pier, boats depart to different parts of Lake Lácar. Taking the boat to Quila Quina, inside Parque Nacional Lanín, is a must. Once there, you can lie on the sand and swim in the lake, surrounded by steamboat ducks, geese, and wildlife. Sometimes sheep or even cows wander nearby. Wind may suddenly pick up—that’s Patagonia.

Pier on Lake Lácar, San Martín de los Andes

Even the geese are football fans in Argentina. Quila Quina–Lanín National Park

The lakebed is rocky, so bringing flip-flops, sandals, or water shoes is essential. The water is cold at first, but you get used to it quickly. It is crystal clear, with a beautiful blue tone. When the wind is calm, you can rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards by the hour.

For lunch, you can bring a picnic from San Martín de los Andes and eat on the beach, or choose the restaurant next to the pier. I recommend the mixed greens salad with pears, caramelized walnuts, and smoked trout. Trout is a must in San Martín de los Andes.

In town, I recommend dining at La Bernardita and Pantera Bistró. At Pantera, do not miss the sushi—it is sublime. Reservations are essential at both places.

Patagonian lamb—one of the finest meats in the world.

Another beautiful natural area to visit is Yuco. The forests there feel dreamlike, and the beaches—especially Playa Turquesa—are incredibly scenic and very Instagrammable. You can visit Yuco by car, but I recommend joining a tour that also includes Chachín Waterfall and allows enough free time to enjoy the beaches at your own pace. It is very comfortable and well organized.

Turquoise Beach—Yuco

If you enjoy hiking, San Martín de los Andes will not disappoint. The trek to Mirador Bandurrias, La Islita, and Playa Bonita is a fun experience with constantly changing landscapes. That day, I walked 17 kilometers. Bring sunscreen, water, and a snack. At Playa Bonita, there is a campsite with a small shop selling simple food.

Hua Hum, meaning “a hole in the sky” in Mapuche, is one of those places near San Martín de los Andes where nature feels almost unreal.

Wonders you find on the hike to Playa Bonita—hidden gems that appear between the trees.

Along the way, I saw goats, sheep, native plants, and flowers that only exist in Patagonia, and trees that are over 800 years old. San Martín de los Andes feels like a place that could have inspired fairytales.

Living Patagonia is not the same as seeing Patagonia. Allow yourself the time to enjoy it. Feel the magic.

Nature in bloom. No matter the season, Patagonia is always beautiful.

Le Chatelet—a boutique fairytale in Patagonia.

San Martín de los Andes rewards slow travel. Staying several nights makes a real difference—ideally up to four nights. For longer stays, consider exploring the surroundings. An excellent option is adding a trip to Chilean Patagonia, with beautiful places such as Huilo Huilo and Pucón. They are not far from San Martín de los Andes, and there are boat crossings available.

Choosing the right hotel matters. Staying at a boutique property like Le Chatelet enhances the experience. Its fairytale-style architecture, cozy common areas, spa facilities, and personalized service align perfectly with the town’s charm. The hotel does not have air conditioning (rooms have ceiling fans instead), and the pool is small—both consistent with its boutique nature. Breakfast at Le Chatelet is sublime. Expect a Patagonian-style spread with local cheeses, dulce de leche, red fruit jams, homemade breads, eggs, cured meats, scones, fresh juices, and excellent coffee.

The lake is part of the journey. Boats departing from the pier connect different areas of Lake Lácar and are one of the best ways to explore the surroundings, especially when visiting Quila Quina. Be sure to pack for the lake and bring flip-flops, sandals, or water shoes for swimming comfortably.

Expect changing weather. Wind can appear suddenly, and the water is cold at first—both are part of the Patagonian experience. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available by the hour. If you are new to these activities, try them only on calm days.

Hiking days can be long. Wear comfortable shoes (trail sneakers or hiking boots are the best option), apply sunscreen, bring water and snacks, and allow enough time to take pictures and enjoy the trails at a relaxed pace.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Argentine Patagonia page.