San Martín de los Andes was recognized as one of the ten most welcoming places on the planet in the 14th edition of the Traveller Review Awards 2026, organized by Booking.com. The award is based on hundreds of millions of verified reviews from travelers worldwide and highlights the friendliness, warmth, and quality of service offered to visitors.
The Patagonian city shares the distinction with destinations such as Harrogate (United Kingdom), Montepulciano (Italy), and Pirenópolis (Brazil), among others. The selection is based on the proportion of award-winning accommodations within each location and the consistent performance of its tourism providers in the area of hospitality.
Jimena Gutiérrez, general manager of Booking.com for Argentina, noted that the recognition reflects the joint effort of the local community to provide outstanding service, allowing the destination to be positioned internationally thanks to the warmth of its inhabitants and the dedication of the tourism sector.
Located on the shores of Lake Lácar and surrounded by the Andes Mountains, the town combines natural landscapes with a distinctive mountain character. Its surroundings invite outdoor activities year-round, from hiking, kayaking, and observing flora and fauna in the nearby Lanín National Park to skiing and snowboarding at Cerro Chapelco during the winter season.
The executive also highlighted the importance of hospitality as a competitive differentiator for the country on the global stage, noting that the visitor experience is built on the close and personalized treatment they receive in each destination.
The Traveller Review Awards are compiled from over 370 million verified reviews and recognize accommodations that consistently maintain high standards of service. In Argentina, other provinces and cities have been recognized in previous editions, such as Santa Cruz, Misiones, El Chaltén, and Ushuaia.
Globally, apartments remain the most awarded property type for the ninth consecutive year, followed by vacation homes and hotels. Campsites, villas, and ryokans also saw significant growth, reflecting a preference for stays with a unique character and more personalized experiences.
The inclusion of San Martín de los Andes in this international list reinforces its position as a leading tourist destination in Argentine Patagonia and underlines the value of hospitality as a central component of the travel experience.