Mirador Bandurrias
A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Lago Lacar and the Patagonian Andes, accessible via a scenic hike or drive.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Mirador Bandurrias
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Lago Lacar and the Patagonian Andes, accessible via a scenic hike or drive.
"The views are absolutely worth it!"
💧 Bring Water!
Essential for the hike, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated!
💰 Entry Fee
Expect to pay an entrance fee to the Mapuche community. Check current rates.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Lake Views
Mirador Bandurrias viewpoint
Breathtaking vistas of Lago Lacar and the surrounding Patagonian landscape.
Mapuche Community Access
Entrance to the viewpoint area
Experience a unique cultural aspect with entry fees supporting the local Mapuche community.
Trekking Trails
Path from San Martín de los Andes
Enjoy a scenic hike through oak forests, leading to stunning viewpoints.
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La Islita Beach
Further along the trail from Mirador Bandurrias
A charming, hidden beach on Lago Lacar, accessible with a bit more trekking.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Fees
Trekking Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Bring Water!
Essential for the hike, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated!
💰 Entry Fee
Expect to pay an entrance fee to the Mapuche community. Check current rates.
🚗 Gravel Road Access
If driving, be aware the road is gravel. Doable with a sedan in dry conditions.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy footwear for the hike, even if it's considered easy.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Bring Water!
Essential for the hike, especially on warmer days. Stay hydrated!
💰 Entry Fee
Expect to pay an entrance fee to the Mapuche community. Check current rates.
🚗 Gravel Road Access
If driving, be aware the road is gravel. Doable with a sedan in dry conditions.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
Wear sturdy footwear for the hike, even if it's considered easy.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic scenery is incredible, don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mirador Bandurrias is praised for its absolutely breathtaking views of Lago Lacar and the surrounding mountains, making the hike or drive well worth the effort. Visitors appreciate the natural beauty and the opportunity to experience a unique viewpoint. However, some find the entrance fee to be quite high for the experience offered.
"it's definitely a hike up so bring lots of water - but the views are absolutely worth it! please note that you have to pay 5.000 pesos to enter Mapuche territory (2.000 if you're a resident of SMA)."
Marie Huamalies-Hayes
"Unique viewpoint and must see. It’s a hard and long drive on a gravel road, but doable with a normal sedan on a dry day. Can walk to it from San Martin de los Andes a d it probably takes the same amount of time.
The Mapuche tribe sold tickets to the area for $5,000 pesos pp or about USD $5 each."
Lucas de la Torre
"It’s amazing place to trek from the city. Easy and not difficult.from here you can have a nice view of the Lago Lacar and the snow clad mountains.The wind sometimes are very strong but seeing the view from here is really nice and amazing. I am sure that you will saw “wow” once you will reach here. There is a small fee of 1500 AR$ which the indigenous Mapuche peoples charge for the upkeep of the place but it is worth it"
imrajiv84
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Mirador Bandurrias by car, bike, or by hiking from San Martín de los Andes. The drive is about 8 km via Ruta Provincial N 48, taking the first left fork. The hike is approximately 3-6 km and is considered easy to moderate. +1
The road is primarily a gravel road. While doable with a normal sedan on a dry day, it can be challenging in wet conditions.
Yes, walking is a popular option. The trek is around 3-6 km and offers beautiful scenery along the way. +1
Public transport options are limited. It's best to consider a car, bike, or walking for direct access.
Driving takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Hiking can take 1-2 hours depending on your pace and starting point.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is an entrance fee charged by the local Mapuche community for the upkeep of the area. Fees have been reported around 5,000 ARS per adult for drivers and 2,000 ARS for walkers.
The entrance fee is collected by the indigenous Mapuche people who own and manage the territory.
Some reports indicate a lower fee for residents of San Martín de los Andes compared to tourists.
Some travelers suggest there might be alternative routes to avoid the fee, but this is not widely documented.
The fee is for the upkeep and maintenance of the Mirador Bandurrias area and the surrounding Mapuche territory.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the stunning panoramic view of Lago Lacar and the surrounding mountains, offering a sense of freedom and immensity.
The hike is generally considered easy to moderate, with some parts described as intermediate. It's a popular trek for families and individuals. +1
The distance to the mirador itself is about 3 km, but the entire circuit including La Islita can be up to 6 km.
Yes, it's a popular spot for families. The trail is manageable for most ages, though younger children might need assistance.
While there are no extensive facilities, some social media posts mention a restaurant or cafe at the viewpoint.
📸 📸 Photography
Mornings often offer clearer skies and softer light. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour hues. Be aware that weather can change quickly, affecting visibility.
Expect stunning landscape shots of Lago Lacar, the surrounding mountains, and the oak forests. It's a great spot for panoramic and nature photography.
Yes, especially if you catch interesting weather patterns like fog obscuring the lake but revealing the peaks, or vice versa.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive views. A polarizing filter can help enhance the colors of the lake and sky.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of the natural environment and any local customs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks for the hike. The entrance fee is also a consideration, so factor that into your budget. The nearby Playa La Islita offers a chance for kids to play by the water, making it a great addition to the outing.
+1🚗 Road Trippers & Drivers
Be prepared for the entrance fee charged by the Mapuche community. While some find it a bit steep, it's a contribution to the local culture and land preservation. The panoramic views are a rewarding payoff for the short drive and the fee. Consider combining this visit with other nearby attractions like the Route of the Seven Lakes.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Lovers
The natural beauty of the area, from the oak forests to the expansive lake views, is the main draw. Birdwatching opportunities may also be present. For those seeking a longer hike, continuing to Playa La Islita adds another dimension to the experience.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Trek to Mirador Bandurrias
While some sections might feel a bit more challenging, the overall consensus is that it's a rewarding hike for most fitness levels. Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water, as the path can be dusty and exposed in parts. For those driving, the road is gravel and can be bumpy, but is generally manageable for standard vehicles in dry conditions. The drive is relatively short, around 8 km from the town center. Cyclists also frequent this route, enjoying the scenic ride. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, the anticipation builds as you ascend, with glimpses of the lake appearing through the trees.
Beyond the main viewpoint, the trail continues to Playa La Islita and other points of interest, offering a more extended exploration of the area. This makes Mirador Bandurrias a versatile destination, suitable for a quick scenic stop or a longer day of hiking and beach relaxation.
+1Cultural Significance and Fees
Travelers have reported varying amounts for the entrance fee, with recent figures suggesting around 5,000 Argentine Pesos per adult for those arriving by car, and a lower rate for those walking. It's advisable to confirm the current rates upon arrival. This fee contributes to the upkeep of the trails and the protection of the natural environment.
Understanding and respecting the cultural context of Mirador Bandurrias enhances the visit. It's an opportunity to appreciate the Mapuche territory and contribute to its preservation, making the experience more meaningful than just a scenic overlook.
Capturing the Scenery: Photography Tips
+1Be prepared for the dynamic Patagonian weather. Clouds can roll in quickly, sometimes obscuring parts of the landscape, while at other times creating dramatic contrasts. Some visitors have noted unique photographic opportunities when the lake is hidden by fog, allowing the surrounding peaks to take center stage.
Wide-angle lenses are highly recommended to capture the full sweep of the scenery. Consider using a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sky and water and reduce glare. Beyond the main viewpoint, the trails leading to La Islita beach and through the oak forests offer additional photographic subjects. Capture the textures of the bark, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the tranquil waters of the lake. Remember to be mindful of your surroundings and capture the beauty responsibly.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit