What's included in the tour?

Hotel pickup and dropoff in San Martín de los Andes, minivan transport, guided tour of Chapelco Hill and Pil Pil/Arrayanes circuits, and a knowledgeable guide covering local history and Mapuche culture. Artisan shop browsing time is included; meals and any purchases are not.

How difficult are the Pil Pil and Arrayanes walks?

Both are moderate forest trails suitable for anyone with basic fitness. They're not steep or technical, but involve uneven ground and tree roots. Comfortable hiking boots are recommended. Your guide will set the pace and can suggest shorter segments if needed.

Is this suitable for families with children?

Yes, families with children aged 8+ typically enjoy it well. The walks are short and scenic, and the minivan ride is engaging. Younger children may find the pace slow; check with the operator about adaptations for specific ages.

Comfortable hiking shoes, layers (fleece or light jacket), sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A camera or phone for photos is recommended. Weather can change quickly at altitude, so a lightweight rain jacket is wise even if sun is forecast.

How many people typically go on the tour?

Tours are capped at 12 passengers maximum, ensuring a small-group, personalized experience with ample time for questions and photography stops.

Can I buy things at the artisan shops?

Yes. You'll have dedicated browsing time at local craft and artisan shops during the tour. Hand-knitted woolens, ceramics, and other local goods are on sale. Cash (Argentine pesos) and card payments are both typically accepted, though cash is preferred at smaller stalls.

Chapelco Hill Tour Including Pil Pil and Arrayanes Circuit

Top Deal1 / 7

Top Deal

1 / 7

Chapelco Hill Tour Including Pil Pil and Arrayanes Circuit

(5)

San Martín de los Andes, Argentina

City ToursNature Tours

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About this activity

Explore the alpine scenery and Mapuche heritage of Patagonia on this half-day minivan tour from San Martín de los Andes. Visit Chapelco Hill ski resort, walk the forest circuits of Pil Pil and Arrayanes, and enjoy curated stops with panoramic Andes views and local artisan discoveries.

Take in the dramatic natural beauty of the Argentine Patagonia on this 4-hour tour by minivan. Starting from San Martin de los Andes, travel along the sparkling blue Lago Lácar on the way to Chapelco Hill, a world-class ski resort, and enjoy free time to explore artisanal shops and see the sights. Capture sweeping panoramas of the Andes mountain rage and learn from a knowledgeable guide about the Mapuche communities you pass through along the way. Bonus: This small-group tour limited to 12 people comes with hotel transport.

Highlights

✓Scenic drive along turquoise Lago Lácar shoreline
✓Chapelco Hill summit with sweeping Patagonian mountain vistas
✓Guided Pil Pil and Arrayanes forest nature trails
✓Mapuche cultural context and local history insights
✓Artisanal shops and local craft browsing time
✓Small-group experience (max 12 passengers) with hotel pickup

Insider tips

★Bring layers: mountain weather shifts rapidly; mornings are cool even in summer
★Wear comfortable hiking boots or trainers for the forest circuit walks—trails are moderate but uneven
★Ask your guide about Mapuche place names and seasonal plant uses; many locals have family ties to indigenous communities
★Visit artisan shops early in the tour before crowds; hand-knitted woolens and locally-made ceramics sell quickly

Good to know

•Duration is 3.5 hours; allow full morning or afternoon; hotel pickup/dropoff included
•Suitable for moderate fitness; forest trails are accessible but not wheelchair-friendly
•Bring water, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket; sun exposure is intense at altitude
•Small group capped at 12 ensures personalized attention and easier photography stops

Who it's for

Nature and hiking enthusiasts seeking moderate mountain walks with cultural contextPatagonia first-timers wanting a curated introduction to landscape and Mapuche heritagePhotography-focused travellers chasing Andes panoramas and forest scenerySmall-group travellers preferring personalized guides over large coach tours

Best time to visit

Visit December–March (southern summer) for stable weather and fully open trails; October–November and April are shoulder seasons with cooler temps but fewer crowds. Early morning departures (7–8am) offer clearer skies and better light for mountain photography.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

(5)

James R.

Jun 2026

our guide Dmitri was brilliant and the bit at the end nobody expects was the highlight, and for our anniversary.

James B.

May 2026

our guide Beatriz couldnt do enough for us and a stop the guide added on the fly was the highlight, and spot on for a couples day out, and ran the full 4 hours promised.

Kev S.

Nov 2025

our guide Fatima couldnt do enough for us and a little local spot off the usual route was the highlight ... Over easter break so it wasnt too busy. Great if youre not super fit, and ran the full 4 hours promised, and used it for our summer trip. Would book again no question, no joke

Maya A.

Oct 2025

So nice this one, the bit at the end nobody expects was amazing and Nadia the guide explain everything good. Better than Crete for sure, we go again!

Pete P.

Apr 2025

Very enjoy, a stop the guide added on the fly the best part. Zara take care us very well, 6 stops in about 3 hours. Thank you so much!

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