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Hot Springs: San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes, a charming alpine town on the shores of Lake Lácar in Neuquén province, offers access to thermal springs heated by the Lanín Volcano. The combination of mountain scenery, Patagonian forests, and warm mineral water creates an exceptional wellness experience.

3 hot springsBest Season to Visit: Termas de Lahuen Co operates year-round and each s...

Introduction

San Martín de los Andes is one of Argentine Patagonia's most picturesque towns, nestled between the Andes and the shores of Lake Lácar. The nearby Lanín Volcano, one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the Andes chain, heats underground water that surfaces as hot springs in the surrounding national park lands. The town has embraced thermal tourism as a complement to its world-class skiing, hiking, and fishing offerings. Termas de Lahuen Co, the area's premier thermal facility, has become one of the most popular hot spring destinations in Argentine Patagonia, while lesser-known natural springs await adventurous visitors in the valleys around Lanín.

Hot Springs

Termas de Lahuen Co

Resort

Termas de Lahuen Co is the flagship thermal complex of the San Martín area, set in a stunning valley with views of Lanín Volcano. The name means 'healthy water' in Mapuche. Multiple outdoor pools at varying temperatures are built into the mountainside, with some offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and forests. The full spa offers massages, mud treatments, and hydrotherapy. The complex combines rustic Patagonian architecture with modern comfort.

Temperature: 36-42°C
Entry Fee: $20,000 ARS per adult; spa packages available
How to Get There: Located 16 km from San Martín de los Andes on Ruta Provincial 62 toward Lago Currhué. Paved road most of the way, short gravel section. About 25 minutes by car.
Best time: Year-round; winter is magical with snow-covered surroundings
multiple outdoor poolsindoor poolssparestaurantchanging roomslockersparkinggift shop

Termas de Epulafquen

Natural

Located within Lanín National Park near the beautiful Epulafquen Lake, these natural thermal springs offer a more rustic experience. The warm water emerges near the lakeshore, and informal pools have been created by stacking rocks. The setting is pure Patagonian wilderness, with araucaria forests and volcanic peaks all around.

Temperature: 33-39°C
Entry Fee: National park entry fee ($5,000 ARS for foreigners)
How to Get There: About 50 km from San Martín de los Andes, near Lago Epulafquen within Lanín National Park. Gravel road, 4x4 recommended in wet conditions. About 1.5 hours by car.
Best time: December to March
basic changing areanational park facilities nearby

Termas de Queñi

Wild

One of the most rewarding wild hot springs in Argentine Patagonia, the Queñi springs require a scenic hike through lenga and coihue forest. The trail passes waterfalls and river crossings before arriving at natural pools steaming in a forest clearing. The journey is as memorable as the destination.

Temperature: 34-40°C
Entry Fee: Free (boat crossing fee applies)
How to Get There: Accessible via a boat crossing of Lago Lácar to Quila Quina, then a 3-hour hike through native forest. Can also be reached by a longer overland trail.
Best time: January to March
none at the springs; basic facilities at Quila Quina

Safety Tips

Book Termas de Lahuen Co in advance during ski season and holidays, as it can reach capacity

The trail to Termas de Queñi is demanding — carry sufficient water and supplies

Register at the national park ranger station before hiking to wild springs

Winter driving to hot springs requires snow chains or winter tires

Altitude effects can occur above 1,500m — stay hydrated

Wildlife is present in national park areas — store food properly

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
  • Towel
  • Water shoes
  • Warm layers (temperatures drop quickly after sunset)
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Drinking water
  • Cash in Argentine pesos
  • Hiking boots for wild springs
  • Snow chains in winter (for driving)

Best Season to Visit

Termas de Lahuen Co operates year-round and each season offers a distinct experience. Winter (June to September) combines skiing with hot springs, and soaking in warm water surrounded by snow is unforgettable. Summer (December to March) is ideal for combining thermal visits with hiking to wilder springs. Autumn (April to May) brings stunning fall foliage.

Getting There

San Martín de los Andes is served by Chapelco Airport (CPC) with flights from Buenos Aires. The town is 1,600 km southwest of Buenos Aires (about 2 hours by plane or 18 hours by bus). From Bariloche, it is 190 km north via the famous Seven Lakes Route (Ruta 40/Ruta 234). A rental car is recommended for visiting hot springs, especially those in Lanín National Park.

Nearby Attractions

Lanín Volcano trekking
Seven Lakes Route scenic drive
Chapelco ski resort (winter)
Quila Quina Mapuche community
Fly fishing on Lake Lácar and rivers
Huechulafquen Lake and lava fields

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine skiing and hot springs in winter?

Yes, this is one of the most popular winter activities. Chapelco ski resort is just 20 km from town, and Termas de Lahuen Co is 16 km in the other direction. A day of skiing followed by an evening soak is a classic San Martín experience.

Is Termas de Lahuen Co suitable for children?

Yes, Lahuen Co is family-friendly with pools at safe temperatures and good facilities. There are shallower pools suitable for children and a restaurant for breaks.

How difficult is the hike to Termas de Queñi?

The hike is moderate to challenging, taking about 3 hours each way from Quila Quina. It involves some elevation gain, river crossings on log bridges, and forest trails. Good fitness and proper hiking footwear are required.

Are there accommodation options near the hot springs?

San Martín de los Andes has abundant accommodation from hostels to luxury hotels. There are also cabañas and lodges along the road to Lahuen Co. For wild springs, camping is available in designated national park areas.

Do I need a Lanín National Park pass?

Yes, if visiting hot springs within Lanín National Park boundaries (Epulafquen, Queñi), you need to pay the national park entry fee. Termas de Lahuen Co is outside the park and does not require a park pass.

San Martín de los Andes

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