Pucón - San Martín de los Andes Private Transfer
Pucón - San Martín de los Andes Private Transfer
Pucón & San Martín de los Andes, Chile - Argentina
Price, timing and itinerary details change according to the selected option.
From Pucón
Transfer Overview
Our Pucón to San Martín de los Andes private transfer connects Chile’s Araucanía Region with Argentina’s Lake District. We’ll pick you up from your hotel, apartment or another agreed address and take you directly to your accommodation across the border. The vehicle is just for your group, with no bus terminals to get to and no need to change vehicles along the way.
The route takes you through Curarrehue to Mamuil Malal Pass, also known as Tromen on the Argentine side. After crossing the border, we continue through the Lanín National Park area and Junín de los Andes to San Martín de los Andes. The drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours; with the border crossing, allow around 4 to 5 hours. Forests, mountain scenery, lakes and volcano views make this an enjoyable part of a journey through southern Chile and Argentina.
You can book a direct transfer or add a stop along the way. Take a short forest walk, relax at the hot springs, visit a winery or craft brewery, enjoy a Mapuche lunch, or spend time at a farm, museum or local workshop. We recommend choosing one main visit and planning the day around it.
Transfers are available in both directions. We can also arrange pickup or drop-off at Temuco’s La Araucanía Airport, Chapelco Airport and other locations on request. We’ll confirm the route, timing and any optional visits before you book, allowing for daylight and border opening hours. Heading further south to Bariloche? See our Puerto Varas - Bariloche private transfer.
Price Details:
From
US$ 890per vehicle
The exact rate depends on the vehicle type, the pickup and drop-off locations, your schedule and the travel date.
Transfer Includes
- ● Private transportation
- ● Bottled water
Transfer Excludes
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pucón - San Martín de los Andes Private Transfer
How do you get from Pucón to San Martín de los Andes?
Our private transfer follows the road through Curarrehue to the Mamuil Malal border crossing, also known as Tromen on the Argentine side. Once in Argentina, we drive through the Lanín area to Junín de los Andes and continue to San Martín de los Andes.
The journey is entirely by road and covers approximately 185 km, depending on your pickup and drop-off addresses. We’ll pick you up where you’re staying and take you to your destination, with the vehicle and departure time arranged in advance.
We also arrange the transfer in the opposite direction, from San Martín de los Andes to Pucón, as well as to Villarrica, Temuco and other agreed locations.
The journey is entirely by road and covers approximately 185 km, depending on your pickup and drop-off addresses. We’ll pick you up where you’re staying and take you to your destination, with the vehicle and departure time arranged in advance.
We also arrange the transfer in the opposite direction, from San Martín de los Andes to Pucón, as well as to Villarrica, Temuco and other agreed locations.
How long does the Pucón to San Martín de los Andes transfer take?
The driving time is about 3 to 3.5 hours. For the full international transfer, including the border crossing, allow around 4 to 5 hours under normal conditions.
There is no fixed waiting time at the border. Immigration and customs may be fairly quick on a quiet day, while queues can build up in summer, over weekends and around public holidays. Traffic, road conditions and weather can also affect the arrival time.
A hot springs visit, winery tasting, museum stop or another activity will extend the day. Avoid tight flight connections or other time-sensitive bookings with non-refundable payments on the day of your transfer.
There is no fixed waiting time at the border. Immigration and customs may be fairly quick on a quiet day, while queues can build up in summer, over weekends and around public holidays. Traffic, road conditions and weather can also affect the arrival time.
A hot springs visit, winery tasting, museum stop or another activity will extend the day. Avoid tight flight connections or other time-sensitive bookings with non-refundable payments on the day of your transfer.
Can you pick us up at Temuco Airport or take us to Chapelco Airport?
Yes. We can arrange a private transfer from La Araucanía Airport (ZCO), near Temuco, directly to San Martín de los Andes, without stopping overnight in Pucón. This is a longer journey, so we’ll confirm the travel time and price separately. Your flight needs to arrive early enough for us to reach the border before it closes.
Your transfer can also finish in Junín de los Andes, at Chapelco Airport (Aviador Carlos Campos Airport), or at a hotel or lodge near San Martín de los Andes. Border delays are unpredictable, so please leave a generous margin before a departing flight.
Your transfer can also finish in Junín de los Andes, at Chapelco Airport (Aviador Carlos Campos Airport), or at a hotel or lodge near San Martín de los Andes. Border delays are unpredictable, so please leave a generous margin before a departing flight.
What vehicle will we travel in, and how much luggage can we bring?
We use private cars, minivans or minibuses according to the number of passengers and the space needed for luggage. A larger bus can be arranged for bigger groups.
Please tell us how many suitcases you’ll have and their approximate size, especially if you’re bringing more than one suitcase per person. Mention skis, bicycles, a stroller or any other bulky items, and we’ll choose a vehicle with enough space for a comfortable drive across the Andes.
Please tell us how many suitcases you’ll have and their approximate size, especially if you’re bringing more than one suitcase per person. Mention skis, bicycles, a stroller or any other bulky items, and we’ll choose a vehicle with enough space for a comfortable drive across the Andes.
Can we travel in winter, and what happens if the border is closed?
The crossing operates throughout the year, but snow, ice and poor driving conditions may lead to restrictions or temporary closures. Before each transfer, we check the current road conditions and the status of the border crossing.
If Mamuil Malal is closed, we’ll check whether another crossing offers a safe route. Other passes are much farther away, so a detour may mean a substantial increase in driving time and a change in price. If a safe crossing is not possible that day, we’ll discuss the available options with you.
In winter, forest trails and other outdoor sites may be inaccessible even when the main road is open. We’ll take this into account when suggesting a stop.
If Mamuil Malal is closed, we’ll check whether another crossing offers a safe route. Other passes are much farther away, so a detour may mean a substantial increase in driving time and a change in price. If a safe crossing is not possible that day, we’ll discuss the available options with you.
In winter, forest trails and other outdoor sites may be inaccessible even when the main road is open. We’ll take this into account when suggesting a stop.
What travel documents do we need?
The documents you need depend on your nationality, immigration status and the country you are entering. Please check the passport, visa and other entry requirements before traveling. Each passenger is responsible for carrying the necessary valid documents.
When you book, we’ll ask for the passenger details needed to arrange the international transfer.
When you book, we’ll ask for the passenger details needed to arrange the international transfer.
Where can we stop for photos or a short walk?
On the Chilean side, the road through the Puesco area offers views of Quinquilil, also called Colmillo del Diablo, and the jagged peaks of Las Peinetas. The Salto Momolluco viewpoint looks out over the waterfall and the surrounding mountains.
For a short walk, Sendero Quillelhue in the Puesco sector of Villarrica National Park leads through Andean forest to Laguna Quillelhue. Allow about an hour for the walk and the return to the vehicle.
On the Argentine side, Lake Tromen and the area around Lanín Volcano are among the highlights, with araucaria trees and, in clear weather, views of the snow-covered summit.
Brief photo stops of a few minutes can be agreed with your driver along the way. A walk or a longer visit to a viewpoint should be planned in advance.
For a short walk, Sendero Quillelhue in the Puesco sector of Villarrica National Park leads through Andean forest to Laguna Quillelhue. Allow about an hour for the walk and the return to the vehicle.
On the Argentine side, Lake Tromen and the area around Lanín Volcano are among the highlights, with araucaria trees and, in clear weather, views of the snow-covered summit.
Brief photo stops of a few minutes can be agreed with your driver along the way. A walk or a longer visit to a viewpoint should be planned in advance.
Can we visit hot springs during the transfer?
Yes. The Pucón and Curarrehue area lies in a volcanic region with several hot springs. Termas Montevivo has indoor and outdoor thermal pools, Parque Termal Menetúe combines thermal pools with a restaurant and spa services, and Termas de San Luis is another option along the road toward Curarrehue.
Allow at least two hours for a hot springs visit, plus any extra driving. Entry tickets, meals and any spa treatments cost extra and can be included in your quote.
Allow at least two hours for a hot springs visit, plus any extra driving. Entry tickets, meals and any spa treatments cost extra and can be included in your quote.
Can we stop for a winery tasting, craft beer or a Mapuche lunch?
Yes. Aires de Menetúe, within the Menetúe hot springs complex near Pucón, grows Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. A visit can include a walk through the vineyard and a tasting with food.
Cerveza Puesco is a small brewery on the international road toward Puesco, with its own craft beer, a bar, food and a terrace beside the river.
For Mapuche cooking with local ingredients, we can look into lunch at Cocina Mapuche de Anita Epulef in the Pichicurarrehue area.
Drinking water is provided, but meals, tastings and other drinks are not included in the standard transfer. Anything booked through us will be shown in your quote.
Cerveza Puesco is a small brewery on the international road toward Puesco, with its own craft beer, a bar, food and a terrace beside the river.
For Mapuche cooking with local ingredients, we can look into lunch at Cocina Mapuche de Anita Epulef in the Pichicurarrehue area.
Drinking water is provided, but meals, tastings and other drinks are not included in the standard transfer. Anything booked through us will be shown in your quote.
Are there cultural or family-friendly stops along the way?
Yes. In Curarrehue, Aldea Intercultural Trawupeyüm focuses on Mapuche history, traditions and crafts, and Expo Arte Curarrehue is a cooperative of local artisans with textiles, woodwork and metalwork. A visit to a weaver or a craft workshop can be arranged with the hosts in advance.
Puala Granja Educativa, near Curarrehue, is an educational farm where children can meet farm animals, with a short nature trail and a play area.
In Junín de los Andes, the Museo Arqueológico Municipal has archaeological, ethnographic and paleontological collections, including marine and dinosaur fossils. Parque Escultórico Vía Christi is an outdoor sculpture park that brings together Christian history and references to Mapuche culture.
Puala Granja Educativa, near Curarrehue, is an educational farm where children can meet farm animals, with a short nature trail and a play area.
In Junín de los Andes, the Museo Arqueológico Municipal has archaeological, ethnographic and paleontological collections, including marine and dinosaur fossils. Parque Escultórico Vía Christi is an outdoor sculpture park that brings together Christian history and references to Mapuche culture.
Can we combine several stops in one transfer?
We recommend choosing one main activity that interests you most. Short restroom breaks and brief photo stops are still possible along the way.
If you’d like to combine several longer visits, tell us before booking. We’ll check the driving time, opening hours, daylight and border schedule, then confirm whether the plan is practical and how it affects the price. A local guide can also be added for a visit or for the full journey on request.
If you’d like to combine several longer visits, tell us before booking. We’ll check the driving time, opening hours, daylight and border schedule, then confirm whether the plan is practical and how it affects the price. A local guide can also be added for a visit or for the full journey on request.
How do we book a Pucón - San Martín de los Andes private transfer?
Send us your travel date, direction of travel, pickup and drop-off locations, number of passengers and luggage details.
If you’d like a stop along the way, tell us what interests you: scenery, a short walk, hot springs, farm animals, wine, craft beer, Mapuche food, crafts, a museum or art.
We’ll check the route and vehicle availability, confirm any planned visits and send you a quote for your trip.
If you’d like a stop along the way, tell us what interests you: scenery, a short walk, hot springs, farm animals, wine, craft beer, Mapuche food, crafts, a museum or art.
We’ll check the route and vehicle availability, confirm any planned visits and send you a quote for your trip.