SAN MARTIN DE LOS ANDES
SURROUNDINGS
VILLA TRAFUL
Located on the south bank of Lake Traful, 717 meters above the sea level, and about 100 km away from San Martín de los Andes, it is one of the last villages in the cordillera, with an unspoiled natural setting and beautiful scenery worth visiting. Around 200 inhabitants live in the typical mountain-type constructions where log walls, steeply tilted roofs and fireplaces prevail.
As regards vegetation, as soon as winter snow begins to melt in springtime, wild flowers begin to bloom, among them: notros, rosa mosqueta, muticias, amancay and broom.
Fishing is another feature of this place, mainly fishing for "salmon encerrado", a special tourist attraction this village offers.
It is an idyllic place, where it is possible to hear the murmur of trees rocking in the wind and, at night, contemplate the sky in all of its splendor.
Access
Caleufú river is 30 km. away along Provincial Route Nº 63. On the right there is a cave called Ruca Curá ("stone house", in Mapuche language), that, according to the legend, was used as refuge by the Indians that lived in the area. At this point the Córdoba Pass begins; and once its ascent and descent have been completed, it is possible to see the Traful river, which takes its name from the lake that is only a few kilometers away.
The Traful joins the Limay river in what is called the Confluencia Traful. On taking Provincial Route 65 to the right and traveling 33 km., you arrive in Villa Traful, located between the mountains and the lake and offering inns, restaurants and campsites. From the village numerous excursions, both on foot and on horseback can be taken, while fishing lovers prefer to go fishing for the "salmon encerrado" (Salmo salar sebago).
Along the way it is possible to stop at the Pared del Viento Vantage Point, from which one gets a panoramic view of the lake. A curious fact about this lookout point is that, due to its position, it receives the wind coming from the lake frontally. This wind, blowing through a hole in the rock, climbs the immense stone wall at high speed and on windy days if a coin is thrown into the hole, it will not fall to the lake, but will rather be driven upward by the force of the steady air current until it is above the people standing on the lookout point.
Further ahead along Provincial Route Nº 65 (which after 28 km. joins National Route Nº 234) one may go back to San Martín de los Andes, covering part of the Seven Lakes Circuit.
SEVEN LAKES CIRCUIT
Along National Route Nº 234 and after crossing the bridge over the Hermoso river, 30 km from San Martín de los Andes, you start this circuit that, as its name indicates, includes a great number of provincial lakes.
After Lake Lácar, the first lake you see is the Machónico, on the right-hand side of the road. A few kilometers ahead, a road appears on the right. Driving along this road for 2 km., you reach Pudú Pudú Lagoon and Lake Hermoso, located in the midst of mountains and forests of ñires, coihues and lengas.
Resuming the journey along National Route Nº 234 and 43 km. from San Martín de los Andes, Vullignanco waterfall is seen on the right, with a fall about 20 meters high.
Three kilometers ahead is Lake Falkner, on the left side of the route, and Lake Villarino on the right. The latter empties its water into the former through its river with the same name. Upon crossing the bridge, on the left, there is a hostel. In both lakes it is possible to fish rainbow trout, stream trout, brown trout and perch.
From the left side of the route the imposing Mt. El Buque can be viewed. It serves as a frame for Lake Falkner on the east. A little further on, concealed among the high, thick forests, you discover Lake Escondido, with its emerald waters. The road continues skirting Pichi Traful river. To the left, Provincial Route Nº 65 leads to the lake and Villa Traful.
Continuing down the Seven Lakes Route (National Route Nº 234), Lake Correntoso is skirted until Ruca Malén valley is reached.
Before arriving- through an access on the right- Lake Espejo Chico can be visited, this being an excellent place for free camping. Once you cross Ruca Malén river, at a distance of 15 km, you get to Lake Espejo.
At this point, and on National Route Nº 234, there is a vantage point. A few kilometers ahead is the intersection with National Route Nº 231- in which you will find another vantage point- and that road leads to the International Pass Cardenal Samoré (former Puyehue) where it is possible to cross over to Chile.
From this intersection onward, taking the road forking to the right, you begin to skirt Lake Nahuel Huapi (in Mapuche: "The Tiger´s Island"), a privileged place for fishing enthusiasts. Continuing down this route toward the south, you arrive in Villa La Angostura, but first you have to cross a bridge over the Correntoso river, which is one of the shortest rivers in the world. It is born in Lake Correntoso and pours its waters into Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Total distance, leaving from San Martín: 210 km.
Seasons: spring, summer and fall.
LAKE TROMEN - LANIN VOLCANO
After leaving Junín de los Andes behind you, and crossing the bridge over the Chimehuin river, on the left you will find the detour leading to the city of Aluminé, along Provincial Route Nº 23. A hundred km. further on, having traveled the first 17 km. along some paved sectors, the first bridge over Malleo river is crossed, and on the left you will see the detour to the Mamuil Malal International Pass.
From this point onward you will be able to see the gradually increasing vegetation and other signs showing the change in environment Patagonian steppe to transition forest, eventually giving way to the Andean Patagonian Forest, a spectacular setting taken together with the majestic volcano that accompanies us practically during the whole circuit. In the place known as Primeros Pinos the first specimens of araucarias will be found and shortly after that you are welcomed into the National Park.
A few kilometers further on, on the right, you will see the detour to Lake Tromen, 2 km. away from here, with volcanic-sand beaches and abundant vegetation.
Continuing along Provincial Route Nº 60, you will see the "Gendarmería Nacional" (National Border Guard) Station as well as the Park Ranger Division cabin, where you will have to register if you intend to ascend the volcano; you can also go to the small Visitor's Center, where you will see testimonies of the first ascents, as well as information on the geologic features and the flora and fauna of the area.
About 3 kilometers further on you will reach the new Customs building, where migratory paperwork is done (consult "How to arrive/ Routes of access"). Only a few meters ahead you arrive at the border line, where you will see a sculpture of the Redeeming Christ carved in wood as a symbol of union between Argentina and Chile. 20 km ahead, already in Chile, you get to the "Carabineros" (Chilean police/border guards) and Post and Customs Offices.
Attractions: Lake Tromen, Lanín Volcano, Tromen vantage point, araucaria forest, Malleo river.
Activities: Walking, trekking, camping, going to the beach, fishing and interpretation of nature.
Services: Rustic camping ground.
Seasons: Spring- summer- fall- (winter: subject to weather conditions).
Total distance: 198 km.
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