Mirador de las Bandurrias
This mirador (scenic overlook) isn't easy to get to: from town, you'll need to hike, mountain bike, or drive 5 km (3 miles) up a steep hill through a cypress-and-oak forest to the summit. Once there, however, you’ll be rewarded with a view of San Martín's environs and scintillating Lago Lácar. 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 for sale, you can continue another 5 km (3 miles) to Playa La Islita, a small, rocky island in the middle of of the lake.
If you're walking, take Av. San Martín to the lake, turn right, cross the bridge behind the waterworks plant over the creek, and then head uphill on a path around the mountain. By car, take Ruta Provincial 48 northwest out of town for about 4 km (3 miles) to a turnoff (there's no sign) on your left. After the turn, continue to Comunidad Mapuche Curruhuinca, where you'll pay a small fee to visit the lookout.
