Overview
During our time in San Martín de los Andes, the weather was unpredictable, so we only managed to squeeze in two solid hiking days. Despite the limited opportunities, both hikes offered fantastic workouts and absolutely breathtaking views.
While researching trails near San Martín, we found that many required a car to access. Since we didn’t have one, we sought out hikes that were easily reachable on foot from the town center. These two hikes were our favorites, offering a mix of natural beauty and convenience.
1. Sendero Mirador Bandurrias / La Islita
Overview
This is one of the most popular and accessible hikes near town, located to the right of Lake Lácar. The trail is well-marked, and you’ll often encounter other hikers enjoying the same journey.
The hike begins with a walk to the park entrance, where you’ll pay a small 1500 ARS donation to the local Mapuche community, which helps maintain the trails—well worth it. From there, you have two options:
- Mirador Bandurrias: A short 10-minute hike to multiple stunning lookouts over the lake.
- La Islita: A peaceful trail through the forest that descends to the lakeshore, offering serene views of the crystal-clear water and a small, picturesque island.
We started with La Islita, a tranquil hike through shaded forests. Along the way, you’ll pass a few houses, but mostly it’s a calm and quiet walk. When you reach the lake, the views are spectacular—clear waters surrounded by towering mountains with the charming “little island” (Islita) adding to the beauty. This is a perfect spot to relax, snap photos, or enjoy a packed lunch.
On the way back, we explored Mirador Bandurrias. The lookouts provide a panoramic view of Lake Lácar, and each vantage point offers a slightly different perspective. You’ll truly appreciate the lake’s size and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. The hike back into town is an easy descent.
Hike Details
- Distance:
- Mirador Bandurrias: 4 km (2.5 miles) round trip
- La Islita: 6 km (3.75 miles) round trip
- Combined: ~12 km (7.5 miles) round trip if you do both
- Duration: ~2–3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Directions to the Trailhead
From the town center, head toward the lake via General Roca (or any parallel road). Turn onto Juez del Valle, cross a small bridge, and continue to the intersection. Turn left onto Pasaje Bandurrias, which will eventually become Federico Gesiuff. Follow this road to reach the trailhead.
I spent two months traveling through South America, exploring Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. While I enjoyed my time in the cities, my journey focused largely on the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia, where I hiked during the spring season (October–November). I hope these travel and hiking guides inspire you to explore the beauty of this region.
2. Sendero Arrayán to Arrayán House of Tea
Overview
High above San Martín de los Andes is the charming Arrayán House of Tea, an English-style tea house with stunning views of Lake Lácar. While the prices are steep, the ambiance, service, and vistas make it worth the splurge.
We visited midday but had to wait 30 minutes for it to open, so it’s worth checking the hours beforehand. Note that reservations are usually required after 3 PM. The hike to the tea house is relatively quick, and you can take either the service road (RP19) or a more adventurous trail.
Hike Details
- Distance: Varies depending on the route.
- Duration: ~1–2 hours (round trip, depending on stops).
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Views
Along the way, there are several lookout points with benches and clearings where you can pause and take in the breathtaking views of Lake Lácar. Each stop offers a unique perspective, making them ideal spots to relax and soak in the landscape.
3. Mini Trail Around Arrayán House of Tea
Overview
Once you arrive at Arrayán House of Tea, set aside 20–30 minutes to explore the small trail around the property. To the right of the tea house, you’ll find a marked entrance next to a trail map. This short and easy loop includes cute benches, wood carvings (like a teapot!), and beautiful forest scenery.
It’s a quick, charming walk that adds a little something extra to your visit.
Directions to the Tea House
- Service Road (Easier Option):
- From the town center, head to the intersection of Avenida Koessler and Calle Félix Amador.
- Turn right onto Félix Amador, which becomes RP19. Follow the road uphill to the tea house.
- Trail Option (More Adventurous):
- Start on General Roca or a parallel street toward the lake, then turn right on Coronel Rohde.
- Just before the street dead-ends, you’ll see a small trail on the right. Follow it to Juez de la Paz Julio César Quiroga, turn left, and after two minutes, you’ll find a steep uphill trail.
- The trail has a few steep sections and mountain biking paths, so be cautious. It leads to RP19 near the tea house. We took this trail up and the service road down, which made for a fun workout with great views along the way.
