San Martín de los Andes

Where to stay

Budget hostels cluster along Avenida San Martín and the streets immediately behind it, keeping you within a short walk of the Plaza San Martín and the main bus terminal. Staying here puts you close to the lakefront promenade and the bulk of the town's restaurants and tour agencies, avoiding the need for taxis to reach daily essentials.

Getting around

• The bus terminal is on the edge of town, but a local bus or a short walk connects it to the central hostel area. Arriving on a long-distance coach from Buenos Aires or Bariloche means you are already in the right zone for budget stays.
• Cerro Chapelco is the main ski resort and is just a short drive or bus ride from town. Day passes for skiing cost a fraction of what a guided package charges, and equipment rental is widely available in town.
• Lanín National Park headquarters is in town, making it the logical base for hikes and lake activities. The park covers a vast area, so confirm trail conditions and weather before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in the Andes.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest and easiest to book in the shoulder months of April and October, when the weather is mild but crowds are thin. Prices spike during the December-January summer holidays and the June-August ski season, when domestic and international travelers fill the town.