Playa Yuco is my favorite spot in San Martin de los Andes. Yuco is a small peninsula jutting out into Lago Lacar with 5 different beaches to access.

There are two parking lots, don't overthink it. Park in whichever is most convenient because the walk to the different beaches is very short. In the back parking lot by the access to Playa 4 you'll see food trucks that are open during the summer.

I've only been during the spring and fall shoulder season so we had Yuco practically to ourselves both times. It is paradise. The first three beaches are a must and the walks connecting them are very short. Beaches 4 & 5 are exposed to the wind so we couldn't enjoy them on our cooler visits.

How to get to Playa Yuco: It's on the northern shore of Lago Lacar along Ruta 48 in Parque Nacional Lanin. It is a 40 minute drive from downtown SMA, first driving through expansive ranch land before finishing off the last half of the drive in the forest. The road is gravel at the start then packed dirt and in great condition the entire drive. You can visit with any size rental car

It's not a hidden gem by any means, so go earlier in the day to avoid crowds if visiting in the busy summer months.

Summer regulations: Speaking of summer's busy season, crowds can be a problem in the summer across Argentina, particularly in January and February. Parque Nacional Lanin posted these rules for Yuco for 2024's summer season - limited access after 11 am, the addition of bathrooms, and a reminder that the food trucks are cash only. The parking lot allows 130 cars and there is no parking allowed along the road. So, get up with the sun to enjoy Yuco with a bit of peace and quiet in the summer.