Chachin Waterfall (Cascada Chachin)

The basics

Admiring the tumbling waterfall itself only takes a couple of minutes, but it’s the journey to get there that makes it such a popular and enjoyable trip. To reach Chachin Waterfall, visitors can board a cruise from the port in San Martin de los Andes and disembark by the port of Chachin on Lake Lacár’s western end. The cruise to Chachin passes small islands that spring from the blue lake and skirt past sea caves that were once used by indigenous Mapuche settlers.

If traveling by car, the drive down Route 48 passes numerous hidden beaches. Once in Chachin, a 30-minute hike leads through the temperate rainforest to the lookout over the falls, where snowmelt gathering from the Andean peaks will eventually make its way down to Lake Nonthué and the Pacific.

Things to know before you go

• The trails to the waterfall vary in difficulty, with ones suitable for families with young children.

• Chachin Waterfall is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Argentina.

• Located close to the waterfall, the Hua Hum Pass is an international mountain pass in the Andes between Chile and Argentina and is named for the river that flows between the two countries.

How to get there

While the trail to Chachin Waterfall isn’t long, it’s essential to use caution since it’s often slippery and wet. If visiting by car, continue your trip with a stop in Hua Hum, just a few miles closer to the Chilean border. In the event of rain, the dirt road can quickly turn to mud and become impassable. When sunny, however, the drive from San Martin de los Andes to the Chachin Waterfall should take 45 minutes to an hour.

When to get there

The best time to visit the Chachin Waterfall is during the summer months (December to February) when the weather is warm and the water levels are at their highest. It’s also the most popular time, so expect the largest crowds then. In the highest areas of San Martin de los Andes, it starts to snow at the beginning of June.

Lake Lacár (Lago Lácar)

Enclosed by the Andes mountain range, Lake Lacár (Lago Lácar) is one of the most popular attractions in San Martin de Los Andes. Although its waters are cold year-round, this huge glacial lake serves as an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and other watersports and attracts both locals and tourists alike.