Experience the best of San Martín de los Andes

The town was founded in 1898 as a military outpost and now stretches along the shore of Lake Lácar, in the lake district of Neuquén province. Its streets are lined with timber chalets and stone-fronted buildings in an alpine style, and a small beach and pier look over the water. Lanín National Park, which protects forests and lakes around the snow-capped Lanín volcano, begins just beyond the town.

The Seven Lakes road runs north from the town through forest and past a string of lakes to Villa La Angostura, and boats cross Lake Lácar towards the Chilean border at Hua Hum. The Chapelco ski area is a short drive from town, and the Chimehuin river near Junín de los Andes draws anglers after trout.

Smoked trout, wild boar and venison turn up on local menus, along with jam, chocolate and craft beer from small makers in town. Snow and skiing arrive between July and September, the lakes are at their best from December to March, and in April the beech forests turn red and gold.