How to get to San Martín de Los Andes

If you are planning a trip to this magnificent city in the Patagonia Argentina, this article will help you a lot. We explain how to get to San Martín de Los Andes with precise data for each of the alternatives. That is, routes and means of transport, including the distances you have from specific points of the nation and other data of interest.

 

Before going into the matter, we want to remember that this destination is located south of the province of Neuquén, on the shores of Lake Lácar. It is an access road to the Lanín National Park, which houses the imposing Lanín Volcano, glacial lakes such as the one mentioned above and a majestic fauna among which you can find guanacos and pumas. 

TRAVELING BY BUS TO SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES 

 

Right in front of the spectacular Lake Lácar (500 meters from the civic center of the city) is the Bus Terminal where services from all over the country arrive and, in the same way, connections depart to the main tourist circuits in the Patagonian region.

 

The estimated time of the trip, from the Federal Capital (1575 km away), is 20 to 22 hours. For this and other cases of long distances, there are offered sleeper or executive services that include gastronomic service on board. 

 

In the case of trips to and from Chile, the service is offered through two international companies that are in charge of ground transportation through Paso Tromen.

TRAVELING BY PLANE TO SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES 

 

Arriving by plane to San Martín de Los Andes is not inconvenient. This city has an Air Terminal. This is the Carlos Campos Aviator Airport, 22 km from the town center, on National Route 40. 

Throughout the year, air traffic is daily. However, flight frequencies grow during winter and summer season, increasing the arrival of all types of tourists. It should be noted that this airport has new operating technology which it’s intended to improve landings. 

This system is part of a technological development promoted by Aerolineas Argentinas, avoiding inconveniences due to weather conditions.

GETTING TO SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES BY LACUSTRE ROAD 

 

Travelers from Chile have the possibility of accessing San Martín de Los Andes by sea through the international pass Hua Hum. This involves navigating the waters of Lake Pirehueico aboard a modern ferry with capacity for 22 vehicles (embarked) and 56 passengers.

REQUIREMENTS TO CROSS THE BORDER

If you are one of those who are going to travel to San Martín de Los Andes from Chile, you must be aware of the requirements to cross the border:

•         Personal documentation

1. National Identity Document (DNI), in the case of Argentines and nationals.
2. Passport and visa, which are subject to international agreements with the country of origin, in the case of foreigners. 
3. Minors must travel accompanied by their parents, who must have marriage certificate or certified copy of the birth certificate. In the event that they travel with only one of the parents, the same must consign an authorization from the spouse duly notarized. If you are traveling alone, then the notarized permission of both parents.

•         Vehicle documentation

1. Green card in the name of the owner of the car. If the owner does not travel, a notarized authorization from the owner must be recorded.
2. If the vehicle is Argentine, the current legislation contemplates –obligatory– the car’s patent engraving on the car’s windows. 
3.   Driver’s license (valid).
4. Proof of the liability insurance of the owner or driver, necessary to circulate within Argentina. This applies to private or rental cars that are making international travel without registration in the country.  

Now that you know how to get to San Martín de Los Andes, you just have to choose the route and means of transport that best suits your needs, budget and travel plans. Do not forget that you can consult our specialists for advice. Also, if you wish so, you can hire one of the travel itineraries already prepared and that includes the entire package (from air tickets, to excursions and accommodation).