San Martín de los Andes
The quieter Bariloche — a charming Patagonian mountain town on Lago Lácar with world-class skiing, hiking, and fly fishing, minus the tourist crowds.
About Living in San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes is what happens when a Patagonian mountain town gets it right. Sitting on the shores of Lago Lácar at the end of the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos, San Martín offers everything Bariloche does — skiing (Chapelco), hiking, mountain scenery, craft beer — but with a fraction of the tourists and a more authentic small-town character. The main street (San Martín) is lined with log-cabin-style shops and restaurants, and the pace of life is genuinely slow. Fly fishing on the area's rivers and lakes is world-class, attracting anglers from around the globe. The town has attracted a quiet community of expats, mostly European and American, drawn by the quality of life and the feeling of having discovered Patagonia's best-kept secret.
Monthly Budget
Typical monthly costs: $800–$1,500/month
| Expense | Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR) | $350–$600 |
| Groceries | $170–$280 |
| Dining Out | $90–$180 |
| Chapelco Pass | $250–$500/season |
| Transport | $20–$40 |
| Heating (winter) | $50–$100 |
| Total Range | $800–$1,500/month |
Neighborhoods
Main town — shops, restaurants, lake access
Residential — quiet, forested, mountain views
Lakeside — scenic, peaceful, some rentals
Cold oceanic — 15-25°C summers, -5 to 8°C winters, snowy
9°C annual average
20-50 Mbps
Very safe — extremely low crime, tight-knit community
Flights from Buenos Aires via Chapelco airport. Scenic drive from Bariloche (3 hours via Ruta 40 or Siete Lagos). Bus service.
Expat Appeal
Mountain enthusiasts who want Patagonian alpine living without tourist crowds. Smaller, more intimate community.
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