Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
FISHING INFORMA TION & LICENSES
Jorge T rucco,
Ten. Col. P erez 662
(
&
02972/429561;
www.jorgetrucco.com), organizes day and overnight fishing expedi-
tions to the M eliquina, Chimehuín, and M alleo rivers, among other ar eas. The other
local fishing expert is
Alberto Cordero
(
&
02972/421453;
www.ffandes.com), who will
arrange fishing expeditions around the area. He speaks fluent English; for more informa-
tion, visit his w ebsite. You can pick up a fishing guide at the
339
Oficina Guardafauna,
General Roca 849 (
&
02972/427091
).
GOLF
The new 18-hole golf course at the
Chapelco Golf & Resort
(
&
02972/427713;
www.chapelcogolf.com), just north of San Martín, was designed by Jack Nicklaus and his
son. It's being called the “best course in Argentin” and is part of an impressive new resort
and country club (see “ Where to S tay,” below). A full r ound of 18 holes star ts at $50
(£34).
HORSEBACK RIDING
Take a trip with some local gauchos at the
Estancia Chapelco
(
&
02972/411253;
www.chapelcogolf.com). A 2-hour trip costs $60 (£41). F or $150
(£101), you get a 4-hour ride and a giant
asado
barbecue. The scenery is beautiful.
KAYAKING
The doz ens of lakes near S an M artín practically call out for kayakers.
Paralelo 40 Expediciones
(
&
02972/428213;
www.paralelo40.com.ar) organizes full-
day and half-day outings in touring or sea kayaks.
MOUNTAINEERING
The guides at
Lanín E xpedition
(
&
02972/429799;
www.
laninexpediciones.com) have decades of experience and offer climbing and orientation
courses; ascents of Volcán Lanín and Volcán Domuyo; and treks, climbs, and overnight
trips in Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks. They have creative itineraries for moun-
taineering.
SKIING
The principal winter draw for S an Martín de los Andes is
Cerro Chapelco,
one of the pr emier ski r esorts in S outh America. J ust 20km (12 miles) outside to wn,
Cerro Chapelco is known for its plentiful, varying terrain and great amenities. Although
popular, the r esort isn't as swamped with skiers as B ariloche is. I nstead it draws mor e
families. The r esort spor ts one gondola (which takes skiers and visitors to the main
lodge), five chairlifts, and fiv e T-bars. The terrain is 40% beginner , 30% intermediate,
and 30% adv anced/expert. Chapelco offers ex cellent bilingual ski instr uction, ski and
snowboard rental, and special activities such as dog sledding. The resort has open-bowl
skiing and tree skiing, and numerous restaurants with an alpine theme. To get here with-
out renting a car, ask your hotel to arrange transportation or hire a
remise
(private taxi).
To drive to the resort from town, follow Route 234 south along Lago Lácar; it's paved
except for the last 5km (3 miles). Lift tickets ar e quite reasonable and vary from low to
high season. A 3-day ticket r uns $90 to $158 (£61-£107) for adults, and $60 to $108
(£41-£73) for kids. D uring the summer, the r esort is open for hiking and sightseeing,
with lift access. F or more information, call
&
02972/427460
or visit www .sanmartin
delosandes.com. The r oad is usually passable, but y ou may need chains during heavy
snowfall; check before heading up to the r esort.
For packages or guided trips with bilingual ski guides, contact
11
PowderQuest
tours
(
&
888/565-7158
in North America; www.powderquest.com).
WHERE TO STAY
If y ou arriv e in to wn without a r eservation, y our first stop should be the O ficina de
Turismo (see abo ve), next to the main plaza, which has an updated list of av ailabilities
and prices. Rates almost double in most places from December 18 to March 1. For more
information, go to
www.sanmartindelosandes.gov.ar
.
