Lácar LakeAbout Lácar Lake
Lácar Lake is a freshwater lake in Neuquén Province in the Argentine Andes, located close to the town of San Martín de los Andes. It is part of the Andean-Patagonian lake district and is used for recreation and local water flows.
Visitors use the lake for boating, sport fishing and lakeside recreation, and the shoreline is developed around the nearby town with access points for visitors. The surrounding landscape is forested Andean terrain.
The lake and its basin were shaped by glacial and tectonic processes typical of the southern Andes; the area has long supported indigenous communities and later European settlement tied to forestry and tourism.
Lácar Lake sits at high elevation in the Neuquén Andes near San Martín de los Andes in Neuquén Province, Argentina, with the Chimehuin River draining the lake to the east.
- Proximity to San Martín de los Andes: The lake lies adjacent to the town of San Martín de los Andes and is a focal point for local tourism, recreation and lakeshore access.
- Outflow and fishing: The Chimehuin River flows eastward from the lake, serving as its primary outflow and a noted trout-fishing river downstream.
Best Time to Visit Lácar Lake
Late spring through summer (December-March) offers the warmest, most reliable conditions for enjoying Lácar Lake and nearby outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Lácar Lake
Lácar Lake's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Mediterranean - Warm-Summer Mediterranean climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 23°C. Abundant rainfall (1444 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 9° - 23° | 16° | 46 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 8° - 23° | 15° | 52 mm | - | - | 3.9 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 6° - 20° | 13° | 76 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 4° - 16° | 8° | 110 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 12° | 5° | 140 mm | - | - | 3.3 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 9° | 2° | 156 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 0° - 8° | 1° | 262 mm | - | - | 3.4 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 0° - 9° | 2° | 214 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 12° | 4° | 136 mm | - | - | 3.8 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 3° - 15° | 7° | 99 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 5° - 18° | 12° | 85 mm | - | - | 4.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 8° - 21° | 14° | 68 mm | - | - | 4.7 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Lácar Lake
Lácar Lake borders the town of San Martín de los Andes; the town sits on the lake’s shore so the nearest access is from the town centre (a few minutes’ walk to the waterfront and main viewpoints). If driving into the area, follow the local roads into San Martín de los Andes and use the town car parks before walking to the lakeside promenades and beaches.
Tips for Visiting Lácar Lake
- Aim for sunrise or early morning for the best still-water reflections of the surrounding Andes and far fewer day-trippers from San Martín de los Andes.
- Use San Martín de los Andes as your access point - the town's lakeside promenade and pier give the easiest viewing and photo opportunities, while short drives east or north of the town lead to much quieter shoreline spots that many visitors don't explore.