PATAGONIA BY BOAT 🛥️🌄 Cruising on Glacial Lake Lacar in San Martín de los Andes, Argentina 🇦🇷🚤🥾

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Today we're exploring Patagonia by boat - namely Lake Lacar which is a lake of glacial origins! Lake Lacar is a popular boat excursion from the town of San Martin de los Andes, which sits on Lake Lacar's northeastern shores. This lake is tucked into the Andes mountain ranges and it stretches 25 kilometres in length. On this boat tour, we cruised Lake Lacar making stops at Quila Quina Beach, where we grabbed lunch and strolled along the beach; we hiked to the Chachin Waterfall, which can be reached by a dirt trail through the Valdivian forest; we visited Hua Hum, where we enjoyed some cakes and pastries; and lastly, we visited a small chapel on the island of Santa Teresita.

This boat trip of Lake Lacar was a really nice way to experience a slice of Patagonia by boat. This right here is Patagonia's Lake District, so as you can imagine, there are countless lakes to explore.

When it comes to things to do in Patagonia definitely consider a Glacial Lake Lacar tour departing from San Martín de los Andes. If you have other travel suggestions for things to do in Argentina and/or Patagonia please let us know in the comment section below?

🚤 Epic Lake Lacar Boat Excursion & Foodie Adventure in San Martín de los Andes, Patagonia | Full-Day Hiking, Waterfalls, Afternoon Tea & Island Hopping!

🌄 Introduction: Excursion Day Begins in Patagonia

Good morning from San Martín de los Andes! In this special Patagonian episode, we embark on a full-day lake excursion packed with scenic boat rides, easy-to-moderate hikes, beautiful waterfalls, lakeside relaxation, and irresistible food stops—including lakeside lunches and decadent afternoon tea. Follow along as we uncover all the highlights and practical tips for your own Lake Lacar adventure!

🚤 Setting Sail: Lake Lacar Boat Tour Essentials

We started our day with blue skies, light breeze, and perfect conditions for a Lake Lacar cruise—thankfully, as boat tours are canceled on windy days. The boat trip is a fantastic value:

Tickets: 1800 ARS (about $43 USD) per person for a seven-hour excursion, including a knowledgeable guide.

National Park Entry: Foreigners pay 350 ARS (approx. $8.50 USD); local discounts available for nationals, students, and retirees.

Departure & Return: Set sail at noon, return by 7 or 7:30 pm, making for a nearly full day of adventure.

🥪 First Stop: Lakeside Lunch at Quila Quina

After a short, scenic cruise, our first landing was Quila Quina—a peaceful beachside village. Lunchtime meant classic Argentine comfort food:

Milanesa Napolitana: Breaded beef with tomato sauce, ham, cheese, and oregano, served hot and crispy.

Empanadas: Two varieties—cheesy ham & cheese, and traditional meat—deep fried for maximum flavor, with the filling type marked on each.

Fries & Bread: Served with your meal and ideal for sharing.

Travel Tip: Several restaurants line the beach, so don’t settle for the first menu—explore for the best option.

A 20% cash discount is available for those on the excursion, and our meal stop lasted about 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the food and the lakeshore.

🥾 Hiking & Nature: Trails, Waterfalls, and Island Forests

Back on the boat, we crossed a narrow channel—just one meter deep!—and prepped for our next adventure:

Trail Options:

3.5-hour (10 km) hike (moderate)

6-hour (14 km) route

7-hour (15.7 km) trek (most difficult)

Our Trek: We opted for a manageable 2 km hike to a stunning waterfall lookout. The path was steep but short, offering breathtaking views of the waterfall, which cascaded down like a bride’s veil.

Travel Tip: Some tours let you hop off at Quila Quina for longer hikes or beach time and catch a return boat later in the day.

🍰 Afternoon Tea: Sweet Pause at Ostia Walton

Post-hike, we made our way to Ostia Walton for afternoon tea with panoramic lake views.

Menu: While sandwiches were sold out, we indulged in raspberry tarts, grapefruit sweets, and legendary coconut alfajores filled with thick dulce de leche—some of the most decadent we've ever tasted!

Setting: Enjoy tea with a backdrop of Lake Lacar and playful kittens outside. Don’t forget to grab an extra alfajor for the road!

🏝️ Santa Teresita Island: Forest Trails & Ancient Trees

Our last excursion stop: Santa Teresita Island, a lush 400-meter-long oasis in the middle of the lake.

Highlights:

Short hike through enchanted woods

Visit to a 90-year-old Arrayán tree, with cinnamon-colored bark—a unique natural wonder

Exploration of a quaint lakeside chapel

A chance to spot local flora and get a sense of Patagonia’s wild side

Fun Fact: The Arrayán trees are actually two that grew together, creating a unique intertwined trunk.

PATAGONIA BY BOAT 🛥️ | Cruising on Glacial Lake Lacar in Argentina from San Martín de los Andes 🇦🇷:

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