Patagonia has become a synonym for nature and life quality, and an inexhaustible tourist resource, which has produced a great expansion of tourist-related services, a strong real estate upturn, and a choice of this destination as the best place to enjoy.

San Martín de los Andes

Within this context, San Martín de Los Andes is a mountain village nestled on the shores of Lake Lácar, where you will enjoy a permanent contact with nature and various activities all through the year.

San Martín de Los Andes is a tourist destination, located in the South of the Province of Neuquén, 400 Km. from the city of Neuquén, and 1,600 Km. from Buenos Aires. It is part of the 7-lake tourist corridor and has a privileged location on the shores of Lake Lácar, surrounded by mountains and forests of lengas, robles and cypresses. At present, this town has around 30,000 inhabitants.

The picture shows a satellite image of Lake Lácar (center) and the valley where the mountain village is nestled. Above, Lake Lolog, and below, Lake Meliquina. Between the Lácar and the Meliquina, the Chapelco Mountain Range, where the winter resort is located, is clearly made out.

The Chapelco international airport, located on National Route 234, 15km away from the village, receives daily flights from the City of Buenos Aires (2 hours) and Neuquén. The city is also reached from the main cities in the rest of the country by several bus companies. By car, it is accessed through National (paved) Route 234 or, from Bariloche and Villa La Angostura, through the 7-lake road (part of this road is made of rubble).

Banks and Financial Entities

At present, five banks operate in the district, namely: BBVA Francés, Banco de la Nación Argentina, Banco de la Provincia del Neuquén, Patagonia and Macro Bansud. There are 3 Banelco automatic cashiers and 2 red Link cashiers. As well, at the Andina exchange office, foreign currency may be purchased and sold.

Schools and Educational Institutions

There are elementary and high public schools, as well as three private educational institutions with the same levels: San Pablo Apóstol College, in the residential area of Alihuen, 4 Km. from town; FASTA, located on Route 234, 6 Km. from the urban shell and Escuela del Sol, in town.
As regards the university scope, the Universidad Nacional del Comahue venue dictates the Forest Technician and Tourist Guide training courses.