6 Best Sights in The Lake District, Argentina

Found only in this part of the Andes, the ancient Araucaria Araucana tree grows to 30 meters (100 feet) and has long spiny branches. Cones the size of bowling balls are full of pinon nuts that provided nourishment to the Mapuche, who call these trees pehuenes. The northern portion of the park near Lago Huechulafquen and Aluminé is one of the best places to view these peculiar giants.

From town you can hike, mountain bike, or drive 5 km (3 miles) up a steep hill through a dense forest of cypress and oak to the Mirador de las Bandurrias, where you’ll be rewarded with a view of San Martín and the lake. The chance to visit Paraje Trompul—a Mapuche community that’s home to about 40 families—is an added bonus. After taking a snack break in the quincho (café) and perusing the weavings and wood carvings sold here, you can continue another 5 km (3 miles) to see Playa La Islita, a small, rocky island in the middle of Lácar Lake.

If you're walking, take Avenida San Martín to the lake, turn right, cross the bridge behind the waterworks plant over Puahullo Creek, and then head uphill on a path around the mountain. By car, leave town on RP48 and drive about 4 km (3 miles) to a turnoff (no sign) on your left. Take the turn and continue to Comunidad Mapuche Curruhuinca, where you pay a fee for the lookout.

Next to the tourist office, this museum occupies the tiny building that served as the original city council lodge. It is mainly dedicated to Mapuche ceramics and weavings; a collection of 13,000-year-old tools and fossils gives an idea of ancient life in the region.

Easy access and a family-friendly atmosphere have made Playa Catritre one of the most popular beaches in San Martín. On the south side of Lago Lácar, 4 km (3 miles) from the town center, it's a great spot to enjoy a dip in the calm, clear lake waters, and admire the view of the Cerro Bandurrias. Oak trees provide shade for picnics, and water activities for children are available. A Mapuche-run campground is nearby. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: swimming; walking.

Situated in a Mapuche village, this small lakeside beach is a tourist hotspot with ferries bringing visitors from San Martín five times a day. It's possible to arrive by car, but be prepared for a steep descent down to the rocky beach. Although busy, Playa Quila Quina is perfect for swimming and enjoying the panoramic views of Lake Lácar. Not far from the shore, a trail leads to a small waterfall (Arroyo Grande). To reach Playa Quila Quina, turn off R234 2 km (1 mile) before the road to Catrite and get on R108. Amenities: food and drink; parking; toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Rising 3,773 meters (12,378 feet) in solitary snow-clad splendor on the western horizon, Volcán Lanín towers over the area and is visible from every direction. It sits on the Chilean border, with Lanín National Park on one side and Chile's Villarica National Park on the other. The closest Argentine access is from Junín, but the northern route to Paso Tromen also offers endless photo ops through the tangled branches of the araucaria trees. You can climb Lanín in three to four days round-trip with a guide.