ATTRACTIONS

PISCICULTURE REPRODUCTION STATION
It is sited on the lakefront boulevard of Lake Lácar, at the mouth of the Pocahullo river.
This is a watermill trapping device set for the salmons that, following their natural instinct, try to swim upstream to spawn.
The specimens caught are selected and screened according to gender, age and species, and are later artificially spawned by technical staff.
Artificial spawning enables an increase of reproductive effectiveness, creating a great stock of young fish that are earmarked for seeding this and the other basins, in order to increase the population of this species in the area.
The building is particularly designed for an interpreted visit, supervised by a guide who will explain the point of this facility and how the salmon is handled.
Depending on the date, you can observe the capture process, the fish in the glass-walled pools and the spawning process.

Visiting Days and Hours:
Open Timetable including Guided Visits
Tuesday through Sunday
Mornings 10 to 12 a.m.
Afternoons 3.30 to 5.30 p.m.
e-mail: peces@smandes.com.ar
Gral Roca and Costanera
Tel. ( 02972) 422927

DEL CENTENARIO NATURAL RESERVE
Location: Mt Comandante Díaz.
Access: From Lake Lácar you climb the Juez de Paz Quiroga slope, and after passing the Hotel Sol de los Andes, you continue to the Arrayán lookout point, finding the "Portal de Acceso" (Entry Gate) a few meters to the right of the point where the gravel track starts.
To avoid inconveniences, it is better to leave your vehicle parked next to the Radio Nacional premises, continuing on foot, as it is a one-way track.
In this Centenario Reserve cypress woods are predominant.
The recreational area has children's games, a sunny lookout from which one gets a good view of Lake Lácar, the city and Mt Bandurrias, making a "postcard" picture. There is also a picnic area completed with tables, benches and barbecues at the disposal of the visitor.

BANDURRIAS LOOKOUT POINT
This is point were a classic family excursion is possible almost all year round, because the forest affords protection from rain and wind. You will find treasured panoramic views, as well as the chance to visit Mapuche communal territory and make friends with the native inhabitants. It requires a fit condition and the spirit to undertake a climb. You go up to 800 m altitude, from where you get a panorama that includes the city, Lake Lácar, the Abanico, Vizcacha, Cte. Díaz, Curruhuinca and Sabana mountains, and the Piedra de Trompul.

By car:
You go along National Route Nº 234 towards the north up to the left fork close to the Virgen de la Montaña (Virgin of the Mountain shrine). Taking this fork (Provincial Route Nº48), you will find a left branch taking you to the Park Ranger's Cabin and the lookout point after about 4 km.

On foot:
Crossing the road bridge of Juez del Valle Sreet, some few meters from the shoreline boulevard, you go left, passing in front of the "effluent treatment facility", and entering the territory of the Curruhuinca Mapuche Community.
Continuing, you will find many trails. When in doubt, keep to your right, and after an hour you will get to the road crossing that will take you to the Bandurrias lookout.
At the crossing you must go to the left, getting to the lookout after some 500 m.

ARRAYAN LOOKOUT POINT
Leaving S.M.A. city center along San Martin Av, you will reach the shoreline of Lake Lácar. Here you turn left until you reach a fork: the right track takes you the Seven Lakes Route, and the left one will take you to the Sol de los Andes Hotel. Taking the latter you will walk up a path lined with broom and cypresses. Then, leaving the hotel behind you, go to the right through a forested area, chiefly of cypresses. During your stroll you will get glimpses of Lake Lácar and parts of the city, until you get to the lookout point itself where a panorama of the city at the head of the lake is revealed before you. At this point you will find the Arrayán Restaurant, where you may sample the local cakes during the afternoon, or if you prefer, taste delicious regional cooking in the evening. To return to the city, continue along the gravel track up to the crossing with Ruta 234, that follows the lake shore up to the boulevard.

Access
Provincial Route Nº 19, with 2.5 km up to the Sol de los Andes Hotel and 0.5 km of gravel up to the right fork to the lookout, and from there 1,000 m of gravel up to the panorama point. Continuing along this road for another 7 km, you will find the crossing with National Route Nº 234 (paved) to return to San Martin de los Andes.

Attractions
Lookout point affording a striking view of the city of San Martin and the shores of Lake Lácar.

Activities
Walks observing and interpreting nature, trekking, mountain biking. A perfect place to read poetry.

Services:
Tearoom and restaurant.

Season:
All year round.

Total Distance:
22 km.