Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the lakefront at the bottom of Avenida San Martín, cross the Arroyo Pocahullo and follow the path west past the gate of the Curruhuinca Mapuche community. It climbs steadily through cypress and coihue forest above the shore of Lago Lácar, with glimpses of the water through the trees, and reaches a track below the viewpoints. Short paths lead to the Bandurrias viewpoints, looking back over the town at the eastern end of the lake, and west down Lago Lácar towards the Chilean border. Return the same way.
It is 4 km there and back with 201 m of ascent; allow about 1½ hours. The grade is Easy: a steady forest climb with a few steep, rocky bits near the top.
Lanín National Park asks walkers to register online before setting out on its trails. The Curruhuinca community, whose land the viewpoints stand on, charges a small entry fee at its gate. Take care near the edges of the viewpoints.
La Islita, a rocky islet off a small beach, is about half an hour further along the same path.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The viewpoints are named after the bandurria, the black-faced ibis of Patagonia
- San Martín de los Andes lies at the eastern end of Lago Lácar, which drains west into Chile and the Pacific
- The path climbs some 200 m from the lake through forest to the viewpoints
- La Islita, a rocky islet with a beach, is about half an hour further along the same path
Getting there
Start: Lakefront car park, San Martín de los Andes. -40.15799, -71.36183
Directions to the start
Places to stay nearby
Rooms in and around Lakefront car park: Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.