Villa La Angostura & San Martín de los Andes

About the destination: Villa La Angostura is a village located in the Los Lagos Department in the south of the Argentine province of Neuquén, on the northwest shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake. Nestled in the northern part of the Nahuel Huapi National Park, and surrounded by lakes, forests and mountains, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful locations in the mountainous parts of Patagonia; earning it the nickname 'Garden of Patagonia. Just located a couple of kilometers away from the border with Chile through the Cardenal Antonio Samoré Pass and with other nearby places such as Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes, it forms a popular tourist corridor during both summer and winter.

About the destination: San Martín de los Andes is a charming mountain town tucked into the Patagonian Andes, on the shores of the serene Lácar Lake. Smaller and more laid‑back than Bariloche, it’s ideal if you’re looking for nature, outdoor activities, and a relaxed atmosphere. Wooden cabins, flower-filled gardens in summer, and snow-dusted rooftops in winter give it a cozy, alpine feel, while good restaurants and cafés line its compact downtown. The town is the gateway to Lanín National Park, one of northern Patagonia’s most impressive protected areas. Here you’ll find native forests of coihue and araucaria (the iconic monkey puzzle tree), crystal-clear rivers, and the snowcapped cone of Lanín Volcano rising in the distance. Popular activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, kayaking on Lácar Lake, and boat trips to secluded beaches such as Quila Quina and Hua Hum. In summer, the long days are perfect for exploring the many trails and viewpoints. Winter transforms San Martín de los Andes into a ski hub, thanks to the nearby Chapelco Ski Resort. From June to September, visitors flock here for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, often rewarded with panoramic views of the Andes and the lake below. The town’s accommodations range from boutique lodges and family-run guesthouses to apartments and campsites, catering to different budgets while maintaining a strong mountain-lodge character. San Martín de los Andes is also the starting or ending point of the famous Seven Lakes Route, one of Argentina’s most scenic drives, which connects it with Villa La Angostura and passes by turquoise lakes framed by forest and peaks. Whether you arrive by car or bus, plan to stay at least a few days: between lakeside sunsets, local craft markets, Patagonian cuisine (try the trout and lamb), and the ever-present mountains, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and stay longer than planned.