SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES
ATTRACTIONS
LANIN NATIONAL PARK ADMINISTRATION
It was built in 1946 by Luis Bottini, according to the original project of Arq. Bustillo. That is when the current Civic Center was planned and Plaza San Martín was relocated. In its gardens may be seen the native flora of Lanín National Park. The main features of the architectural style of this period (1940-70) are the use of stone, rustic woodwork on the upper floor, skylights below the roof and the use of wooden roofing tiles.
In administration working hours one can get details here on Lanín National Park and its facilities.
LAKE LACAR
Of glacial origin, this silvery-blue liquid expanse extends to the west, forming Lake Monthué, a natural extension of Lácar lake. Located in Lanín National Park, this is Argentina's first lake to empty in the Pacific Ocean, through a complicated lake basin system that ends near the city of Valdivia.
When we get to the lakeshore boulevard, the panorama of the lake framed by mountain chains is overawing.
The city lies in the Lake Lácar basin, a wide plain known as La Vega. This basin is fundamentally different from the others in the province, because it empties into the Pacific through the river Hua Hum.
The basin forms part of a naturally characteristic system of the humid Andes, with densely-wooded mountains, pampas, vegas (low-lying fertile areas), streams and rivers. The slopes of the surrounding peaks are blanketed with forests of lenga, raulí and roble pellín, this last predominant up to 1,000 meters above sea level. The beaches are gravel, and are mostly located on the left bank, a few kilometers from San Martín de los Andes.
Its cold waters are used for different nautical sports and for lake excursions to the border area of Hua Hum., during which the full magnificence of the lake can be really appreciated.
La Playa
On this beachhead the lake offers its widest and longest sandy beach. In summer it is used by residents and tourists alike for recreational purposes and bathing. The placid waters are ideal for practicing canoeing, kayaking, sailing and water-cycling, the latter machines being locally hired out.
The jetty
All the main water activities are carried out from this jetty and supervised by the Argentine Naval Prefecture (Coastguard).
The whole of the landscape visible on and beyond the lake is the jurisdiction of the National Parks Administration.
Formerly, before the creation of the National Park, forestry exploitation was the main commercial activity in this area.
La Islita (The Little Island)
If you go further along the lake shore, after around half an hour you will come to a small white-sanded beach, with a natural island only a few meters offshore.
During your walk there, you will see the local rural school building, and at the sides of the path, the homes of the local population, in an idyllic setting of fragrant woods, grazing animals and fruit orchards. Some of the houses offer homemade bread, cherries, raspberries or soda drinks for sale. In the summer season, if you take this road you will have to pay the entry fee to Mapuche community territory.
Lake Lácar:
Surface area: 50 sq km
Length: 24.7 km
Maximum Depth: 277 m
Median Depth: 178 m
PISCICULTURE REPRODUCTION STATION
It is located on the lakefront boulevard of Lake Lácar, at the mouth of the Pocahullo stream.
This is a watermill trapping device for the salmon that, following their natural instinct, try to swim upstream to spawn.
The specimens captured are selected and screened according to gender, maturity and species, and are later artificially spawned by technical staff.
Artificial spawning enables an enormous increase of reproductive effectiveness, creating a great stock of young fish that are earmarked for seeding this and the other surrounding basins, in order to increase the population of this species in the area.
The building is specially designed for an interpreted visit, supervised by a guide who will explain the purpose of this facility and how the salmon is handled.
Depending on the date of your visit, you can watch the capture process, the fish in the glass-walled pools and the spawning process.
Visiting Days and Hours:
Open Timetable including Guided Visits
Tuesday through Sunday
Mornings 10 to 12 a.m.
Afternoons 3.30 to 5.30 p.m.
e-mail: peces@smandes.com.ar
Gral Roca and Costanera
Tel. ( 02972) 422927
DEL CENTENARIO NATURAL RESERVE
Location: Mt Comandante Díaz.
Access: From Lake Lácar you climb the Juez de Paz Quiroga slope, and after passing the Hotel Sol de los Andes, you continue along the road to the Arrayán lookout point, finding the "Portal de Acceso" (Entry Gate) a few meters to the right of the point where the gravel track starts.
To avoid any inconveniences, it is better to leave your vehicle parked next to the Radio Nacional premises, continuing on foot, as it is a narrow one-way track.
In this Centenario Natural Reserve pure cypress woods are predominant.
The recreational area has children's games, an attractive sunny lookout from which one gets a good view of Lake Lácar, the city and Mt Bandurrias, making an excellent "postcard" picture. There is also a picnic area with tables, benches and barbecues.
BANDURRIAS LOOKOUT POINT
This is a classic family excursion possible almost all year round, because the forest affords protection from rain and wind. You will find unforgettable panoramic views, as well as the chance to visit Mapuche community territory and make friends with the native inhabitants. It requires a minimally fit condition and the will to undertake a climb. You go up to 800 m altitude, from where you get a panorama including the city, Lake Lácar, the Abanico, Vizcacha, Cte. Díaz, Curruhuinca and Sabana mountains, and the Piedra de Trompul.
By car:
You leave along National Route Nº 234 towards the north up to the left fork near the Virgen de la Montaña (Virgin of the Mountain shrine). Taking this fork (Provincial Route Nº48), you will find a left branch taking you to the Park Ranger's Cabin and the lookout point after about 4 km.
On foot:
Crossing the road bridge of Juez del Valle street, a few meters from the shoreline boulevard, you go left, passing in front of the "effluent treatment facility", and entering the territory of the Curruhuinca Mapuche Community.
Continuing, you will find a large number of trails. When in doubt, stick to your right, and after about an hour you will get to the road crossing that will take you to the Bandurrias lookout.
At the crossing you must go left, getting to the lookout after some 500 m.
ARRAYÁN LOOKOUT POINT
Leaving S.M.A. city center along Avenida San Martín, you will reach the shoreline boulevard of Lake Lácar. Here you turn left until you reach a fork: the right track is the Seven Lakes Route, and the left one will take you to the Hotel Sol de los Andes. Taking the latter, you go up a path lined with broom and cypresses. Then, leaving the hotel behind you, go to the right through a densely forested area, mainly of cypresses. During your walk you will get glimpses of Lake Lácar and parts of the city, until you get to the lookout point itself where a complete panorama of the city at the head of the lake unfolds before you. At this point you will find the Arrayán Tearoom Restaurant, where you may sample the exquisite local cakes during the afternoon, or if you prefer, taste delicious regional cooking in the evening. To return to the city, continue along the gravel track up to the crossing with Ruta 234, that follows the lake shore up to the boulevard.
Access Provincial Route Nº 19, with 2.5 km of paving up to the Hotel Sol de los Andes and 0.5 km of gravel up to the right fork to the lookout, and from there 1,000 m of gravel up to the panorama point. Continuing along this road for another 7 km, you will find the crossing with National Route Nº 234 (paved) to return to San Martín de los Andes.
Attractions
Lookout point affording a beautiful view of the city of S.M.A. and the shores of Lake Lácar.
Activities
Walks observing and interpreting nature, trekking, mountain biking.
Services: Tearoom and restaurant.
Season: All year round.
Total Distance: 22 km.
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| SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES INTRODUCTION |
| San Martin de los Andes Pictures |
Attractions in San Martin de los Andes
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The City,
Civic Center,
Museo Municipal,
San Jose
Theater,
Holl & Castillo
Family
Residences,
Chidiak & Ragusi
Family
Residences,
Former
Hotel Lacar,
Former National
Bank Building,
Nº5 School
Building,
Caso Hardware
Store,
Sarmiento Square
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Lanin
National Park
Administration,
Lake Lacar,
Pisciculture
Reproduction
Station,
Del Centenario
Natural Reserve,
Bandurrias
& Arrayan
Lookout Points |
Surroundings in
San Martin de los Andes
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Adventure Travel in San Martin de los Andes |
Nature in San Martin de los Andes
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When To Go -
Weather & Climate in
San Martin de los Andes |
How To Get There - Access to San Martin de los Andes |
Transport in
San Martin de los Andes |
| Hotels in San Martin de los Andes |
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Restaurants in San Martin de los Andes
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Useful Information in San Martin de los Andes
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| San Martin de los Andes Destinations
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LUGARES 93
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