Ruta Sur Rental company category:Standard
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Ruta Sur San Martin de los AndesSan Martin de los AndesView map
Hiring a campervan in San Martín de los Andes starts your trip at the head of Lake Lácar, in Neuquén province, in the heart of Lanín National Park. This small town of wooden and stone chalets is the northern end of the Seven Lakes Route and the gateway to Lanín volcano, the monkey puzzle forests of Aluminé and two little-used passes into Chile. Ruta Sur, our partner company, hands over its vehicles here.
Its fleet is made up of 4x4 campers: five versions of the Adventure Camper and the Eminence Camper, with two to four berths, built for the ripio gravel tracks of northern Patagonia.
1 rental partner
Where to pick up your vehicle in San Martin de los Andes?
Observed prices
Rental prices observed in San Martin de los Andes
| Vehicle | Winter July | Spring October | Autumn April |
|---|---|---|---|
| Campervan | from €309/day median €321/day | from €353/day median €364/day | from €329/day median €345/day |
Daily prices observed on October 26, 2026 for a 15-day rental: CoolDrive selling price, mandatory fees included, 1 rental companies compared. 100% of offers with unlimited mileage. Median excess: €3,000.
Road trip ideas
Road trips from San Martin de los Andes
1 Lanín volcano and lakes Huechulafquen and Paimún
- San Martín de los Andes
- Junín de los Andes
- Lake Huechulafquen
- Puerto Canoa
- Lake Paimún
- Junín de los Andes
- San Martín de los Andes
Along Ruta 40, Junín de los Andes, known for trout fishing in the Chimehuín river, comes before Provincial Route 61, largely gravel, which runs beside Lake Huechulafquen facing the snow-capped cone of Lanín. From Puerto Canoa, trails lead to the foot of the volcano and boat trips set off; further on, Lake Paimún has campsites run by Mapuche communities.
- Distance
- about 280 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 camper
2 The monkey puzzle forests of Aluminé and Villa Pehuenia
- San Martín de los Andes
- Junín de los Andes
- Aluminé
- Lake Rucachoroi
- Villa Pehuenia
- Lake Moquehue
- Aluminé
- San Martín de los Andes
North of Junín, Provincial Route 23, with some sections still on gravel, climbs the Aluminé valley to the town of the same name. A detour to Lake Rucachoroi, on Mapuche land, leads to the first stands of pehuenes, the monkey puzzle trees whose pine nuts are harvested. Villa Pehuenia and Lake Moquehue, at the foot of Batea Mahuida volcano, are the northernmost point before returning through the same valley.
- Distance
- about 500 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 camper
3 A loop through Chile: Pucón, Panguipulli and the Hua Hum pass
- San Martín de los Andes
- Junín de los Andes
- Mamuil Malal Pass
- Curarrehue
- Pucón
- Villarrica
- Panguipulli
- Puerto Fuy
- Lake Pirehueico
- Hua Hum Pass
- San Martín de los Andes
The Mamuil Malal pass, at the northern foot of Lanín, leads into Chile towards Curarrehue, Pucón and Lake Villarrica, overlooked by the volcano of the same name. Via Panguipulli and Choshuenco you reach Puerto Fuy, where a ferry crosses Lake Pirehueico; the Hua Hum pass, one of the lowest in the Andes, then brings you back to San Martín de los Andes on a track along Lake Lácar.
- Distance
- about 400 km
- Recommended vehicle
- 4x4 camper, with the rental company's consent
Weather and seasons
When to go in San Martin de los Andes?
Best time
Southern summer, December to February
December to February
highs 16 to 19 °C, lows 4 to 6 °C
The longest days, with up to 14 hours of sunshine in December, and the lowest rainfall of the year make summer the season for nights by the lakes. January and February, the most pleasant months, are also the Argentine holidays: the campsites on lakes Lácar and Lolog fill up fast. Bring warm clothes, as nights stay cool.
Autumn, March to May
March to May
highs 5 to 15 °C, lows -2 to 4 °C
March keeps mild days and lakeshores emptied after the holidays. In April, the southern beeches turn red on the slopes of Chapelco and along the Hua Hum track, but rainfall almost doubles. In May the first frosts set in: choose short stages and a heated vehicle.
Winter
Winter, June to September
June to September
highs 2 to 5 °C, lows -4 to -3 °C
The heart of winter is also the wettest period, with more than 200 mm of rain or snow in June. The Cerro Chapelco ski resort then draws visitors, especially during the July holidays, but night frost and snowbound passes make a 4x4 camper trip a choice for well-equipped, cautious drivers only.
Spring, October and November
October to November
highs 7 to 12 °C, lows -2 to 1 °C
Days lengthen quickly, with 11 to 12 hours of sunshine, but nights still freeze in October and snow lingers on Lanín. Campsites reopen little by little, roads stay quiet and rivers swollen by snowmelt herald the fly-fishing season, which normally opens in November on the Chimehuín and Aluminé rivers.
Climate in San Martin de los Andes, month by month
Most pleasant months: November to March.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24 °C | 11 °C | 28 mm | 13 h/day |
| Feb | 24 °C | 12 °C | 29 mm | 12 h/day |
| Mar | 21 °C | 10 °C | 61 mm | 10 h/day |
| Apr | 15 °C | 7 °C | 106 mm | 8 h/day |
| May | 11 °C | 4 °C | 132 mm | 6 h/day |
| Jun | 7 °C | 2 °C | 238 mm | 4 h/day |
| Jul | 7 °C | 1 °C | 203 mm | 5 h/day |
| Aug | 8 °C | 2 °C | 169 mm | 7 h/day |
| Sep | 10 °C | 2 °C | 113 mm | 8 h/day |
| Oct | 14 °C | 4 °C | 95 mm | 10 h/day |
| Nov | 18 °C | 7 °C | 62 mm | 12 h/day |
| Dec | 22 °C | 9 °C | 38 mm | 13 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Fuel and pesos before the lakes
San Martín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes are the last real supply points before lakes Huechulafquen and Paimún, as well as before the Hua Hum pass. Fill up in town before each outing, withdraw pesos from the cash machines in the centre and keep cash: Mapuche campsites and small lakeside shops do not always take cards.
Sleeping in Lanín National Park
The town is surrounded by Lanín National Park, where you may only sleep at authorised sites: organised or basic campsites, many of them run by Mapuche communities, notably on the shores of Lake Lácar. Outside the park, check the local rules; campsites close to the town centre make the first night after picking up the vehicle easier.
Arriving at Chapelco airport
Aviador Carlos Campos airport, known as Chapelco, lies between San Martín de los Andes and Junín de los Andes, about twenty kilometres from town. It mainly receives flights from Buenos Aires, more frequent in summer and during the ski season. Give Ruta Sur your flight time to arrange the hand-over appointment.
Gravel roads in the park
The roads to Hua Hum, Lake Lolog and Lake Huechulafquen are wholly or partly ripio gravel, dusty in summer and slippery after rain. Drive slowly, close windows and roof vents when passing another vehicle and wedge the crockery: corrugated gravel shakes the camper body of 4x4 campers hard.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in San Martin de los Andes
Where can I pick up a campervan in San Martín de los Andes?
Ruta Sur, the only partner company departing from the town, has a depot here. The exact address and appointment time are confirmed after booking. Allow a good hour for the 4x4 hand-over: how the camper body and camping equipment work, the spare wheel, and advice for driving on the tracks of Lanín National Park.
How much does campervan hire cost in San Martín de los Andes?
The rate depends on the season, the rental length and the 4x4 camper model: a departure at the height of the southern summer or during the July winter holidays, when Cerro Chapelco draws skiers, is not priced like a departure in April. Run a search with your dates to get real prices, mandatory fees included, bookable immediately.
Which vehicles can I hire in San Martín de los Andes?
The offers found are all 4x4 campers. The Adventure Camper range comes in Elite, Freedom, Freedom Plus and Premium versions, with five seats, and Luxury, with three seats, offering two or three berths. The Eminence Camper, with four berths and five seats, is better suited to a family. Check seats and berths in each offer.
Can I do a one-way trip to Bariloche or Mendoza?
Our partner companies also depart from Bariloche, Mendoza, Puerto Madryn, Trelew, El Calafate and Río Gallegos. Bariloche is just under 200 km away along the Seven Lakes Route, which winds through forests and lakes to Villa La Angostura; Mendoza is reached by Ruta 40 heading north, about 1,200 km via Zapala and Malargüe. Enter the return city when you search.
Can I cross into Chile from San Martín de los Andes?
Yes, provided you get the rental company's written permission to take the vehicle out of the country, to be requested when booking. At the region's two border posts, Argentine then Chilean formalities follow each other, then a strict agricultural inspection: fruit, meat, honey and fresh dairy products are banned. The passes may close temporarily in snow; check their status before setting off.
Verified customer reviews
They rented in San Martin de los Andes with CoolDrive Nomad
4.3
818 reviews
Excellent follow-up, pleasant and efficient contact.
Jérôme K.
Argentina · Mar 2025
Avis Vérifiés
Booking a pick-up with a rooftop tent. A flawless experience from the first exchange with Cooldrive to the return of the vehicle, which allowed us to travel across Argentina just as we wanted: on an ADVENTURE!! This will remain an unforgettable trip. A big thank you for your valuable advice and your responsiveness. Rental company in Buenos Aires very professional and extremely kind.
S.
Argentina · Mar 2025
Trustpilot
The quality of the vehicle was limited, with basic comfort considering the excessive price. Good rating for customer relations, but there was a lack of verification of the rented vehicles.
(anonymous)
Argentina · Jan 2024
Avis Vérifiés
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Campervan and motorhome hire in San Martín de los Andes
What licence do I need to drive in Argentina?
A valid national licence is generally accepted for a tourist stay, but an international driving permit is still advisable, especially for crossing the Chilean border. The minimum age and years of driving required are set by the rental company and shown in the offer. Argentina drives on the right, with dipped headlights on by day outside built-up areas.
Is there a fee for Lanín National Park?
An access fee may be charged at some park entrances, with different rates for foreign visitors and Argentine residents. A few sites run by Mapuche communities, such as the Bandurrias viewpoint above Lake Lácar, also ask for a contribution. Check the current fees and accepted payment methods before you go, and carry cash.
Do I need snow chains in winter around San Martín de los Andes?
On the climb to Cerro Chapelco, the Seven Lakes Route and the Mamuil Malal and Hua Hum passes, snow and ice are common from June to September, and the authorities may require chains or close the road. Ask the rental company whether a set of chains is supplied, check road conditions every morning and avoid driving at night.
When should I book a 4x4 camper in San Martín de los Andes?
With only one partner company in town, the choice shrinks fast: book several months ahead for January and February, and for July, when the Argentine winter holidays coincide with the ski season. For a departure in March, April or spring, a few weeks are usually enough, except around long weekends.
Can I swim in Lake Lácar?
Yes, in summer: the town beach, at the end of Avenida San Martín, and Catritre beach, a few kilometres away, are very busy in January and February; Quila Quina, on the southern shore, can be reached by road or by boat from the harbour. The water stays cold, fed by Andean snow, and the wind often picks up in the afternoon.
About us
Why start a campervan trip from San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes brings together, within a small area, the most varied landscapes of northern Argentine Patagonia: Lake Lácar and its beaches, the Arrayán and Bandurrias viewpoints, Lanín volcano, the pehuenes of Aluminé and two routes to the lakes and volcanoes of Chile. Quieter than Bariloche, the town keeps a human-scale centre, with its grid of streets, its chocolate and local produce shops, and Cerro Chapelco as a backdrop.
Ruta Sur offers 4x4 campers here, able to handle the gravel of Lanín National Park. Bariloche, 105 km away as the crow flies, Mendoza, Puerto Madryn and El Calafate, other departure cities of our partners, make it possible to extend the trip one way. January and February remain the most pleasant months to enjoy the lakes and the long summer evenings.
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