Lácar Lake

Lago Lácar

A pristine turquoise lake surrounded by forests and mountains, forming the heart of the San Martín de los Andes region. Boat excursions, trekking, and water activities make it a focal point for outdoor recreation.

Things to do

• Boat Excursion to Quila Quina — A scenic half-day boat tour across turquoise waters to the village of Quila Quina, featuring Mapuche cultural centers and lakeside hiking trails.
• Trekking Cerro Chapelco — A challenging day hike up the prominent peak overlooking San Martín de los Andes and Lácar Lake, rewarding climbers with panoramic 360-degree views.
• Water Sports and Swimming — Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming in the pristine cold lake waters during summer months, with rental facilities available at the main beach.
• Fishing on Lácar Lake — Rainbow and brown trout fishing is excellent year-round, with guided fishing trips departing from San Martín de los Andes docks.
• Paseo a Caballo (Horseback Riding) — Ride along forested trails and meadows adjacent to the lake with local estancias offering guided half-day and full-day excursions.
• Camping and Picnicking — Multiple designated camping areas and picnic spots dot the shoreline, offering direct access to the water and mountain views for overnight stays.

Food to try

• Trucha a la Parrilla — Freshly caught lake trout grilled simply with local herbs, butter, and lemon, highlighting the region's excellent freshwater fishing.
• Cordero Patagónico — Slow-roasted Patagonian lamb, a regional specialty served in restaurants throughout San Martín, tender and flavorful from grass-fed herds.
• Empanadas de Maíz — Traditional corn-based empanadas filled with local cheese or meat, sold at markets and bakeries around the lake region.
• Chocolate Artesanal — San Martín de los Andes is famous for handcrafted chocolates made with local berries and Patagonian ingredients, sold in numerous chocolaterías.
• Pampas Cheese and Charcuterie — Local aged cheeses and cured meats from regional producers are featured at markets and served as appetizers in lakeside restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Mapuche Heritage — The Lácar region is ancestral Mapuche land; acknowledge this history by visiting cultural centers like those in Quila Quina and supporting indigenous artisans.
• Plan Around Seasons — Summer (December–February) is peak season with warm weather and all facilities open, while winter brings snow and many services close, so plan accordingly.
• Learn Basic Spanish — While some English is spoken in tourist areas, learning basic Spanish phrases is appreciated and makes interactions with local shop owners and guides more meaningful.
• Cash Payment Preference — Many small restaurants, lodges, and local vendors prefer cash (Argentine pesos) over cards, so withdraw sufficient funds from ATMs in San Martín de los Andes.