In Libertador General San Martín Department, you can include river landscapes, outdoor activities and local history in your travel plans. Paso Grande is in the department itself; Las Chacras and San Martín are nearby. Each place has its own focus: sometimes natural swimming spots take centre stage, while at other times it is hiking, cultural events or historic buildings. First, consider which of these themes you want to shape your trip.
Rivers, Swimming Spots and Outdoor Activities
Las Chacras is surrounded by a river landscape with natural swimming spots. There are also places to swim along the banks of the Grande, Las Chacras and de la Majada rivers, as well as at the Lagunas Largas stream, where you can cool off on warm summer days. Dique La Huertita adds another water destination: visitors can enjoy water sports and fish for pejerrey and rainbow trout there. This gives you a choice between spending time by the river and activities on the reservoir.
For outdoor exercise around Las Chacras, options include cycling through the town’s streets and trekking. You can also go for walks and horseback rides along trails in the mountainous terrain. Other activities mentioned there include birdwatching, guided excursions, nature photography and relaxing by the waterways. If you like to vary your activities during a trip, these offer different options without requiring you to follow a fixed itinerary.
San Martín also offers outdoor activities: abseiling, trekking and horseback riding in the surrounding area are available at Cerro Blanco. San Martín can be reached via provincial roads RP 2 and RP 20. Las Chacras is on Ruta Provincial 41, a few kilometres south of San Martín. Check road conditions before setting out.
Events and History in the Area
Two recurring events are part of local tradition in Las Chacras. The anniversary of its founding in 1856 is celebrated every year on 24 June. The patron saint’s festival in honour of San Roque includes masses, processions and various cultural activities. In San Martín, the traditional Festival del Cerro Blanco has brought together music, dance and folk performances for more than three decades. Its programme, as described, also includes food stalls and a fair featuring local entrepreneurs. Check the dates and programmes for your travel period separately.
Cultural sights in San Martín also include Capilla Nuestra Señora de Santa Bárbara and Museo Arqueológico Municipal Polifacético. The chapel preserves an old building whose origins are closely linked to the town’s historical development towards the end of the 18th century. It also preserves an old bell described as the largest in San Luis Province. Every year on 4 December, worshippers gather there for the patron saint’s celebrations in honour of Santa Bárbara. The museum exhibits artefacts from the area’s first Indigenous inhabitants and specimens of the region’s native animal species.
Paso Grande: River and Summer Trails
In Paso Grande, the Río Conlara offers a chance to cool off in the river. The Balneario has campsites and quinchos; a yellow bridge crosses the stream. In summer, you can hike and ride along the river at El Vallecito. If you are deciding when to travel, you can distinguish this seasonal option from the town’s year-round local and cultural attractions.
Another event in Paso Grande is the Fiesta Provincial del Cuarzo. Traditionally held in February, it features typical regional food and has been running for nearly three decades. The present-day Iglesia San José was completed in 1871 and is considered one of the oldest and most important sites in the town. Check event dates and current operating details for facilities such as the Balneario before your visit.
Planning the Right Trip
When choosing a holiday rental, you can start by deciding which experiences matter most to you: river swimming spots and water sports, activities in the mountainous terrain, or culture and history. For seasonal activities, also take their timing into account; the trails at El Vallecito are described as a summer activity. Plan separately for events, based on their dates.
Discover more destinations: Manantiales, Junín Department, La Capital Department, Belgrano Department, Chacabuco Department, Gobernador Dupuy Department, Coronel Pringles Department, General Pedernera.
For the general travel overview: San Luis.
