Bariloche, if you want everything at hand
The largest town in the corridor: the civic centre, restaurants, chocolate shops, the Circuito Chico, Llao Llao and the widest choice of tours leaving from town.
It suits you if it's your first time in the area, if you travel without a car or if you want plenty of options to eat out and go out at night.
San Martín de los Andes, if you prefer a walkable town
An alpine-style town on Lake Lácar, within the Lanín National Park area: tidy, walkable and with very good food.
In summer it has the beaches of Quila Quina and Catritre, and short trails you can walk from town.
For skiing
- Bariloche: Cerro Catedral.
- San Martín de los Andes: Cerro Chapelco.
How they connect
They're about 3 hours apart by car. The most beautiful way is the Seven Lakes Road: from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura (1 h 15) and from there to San Martín de los Andes (around 1 h 45).
With only a few days, pick one as your base; with a week, you can split your stay and drive the Seven Lakes Road in between.
Before you set off
- Check today's conditions on Route 40: in winter there can be ice, snow or closures on the Seven Lakes stretch.
- If you're crossing to Chile from San Martín de los Andes, the Hua Hum and Mamuil Malal crossings are close by.