Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina — Scenic
South America

Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes

Argentina

Point-to-point
Bariloche San Martín de los Andes

In short: Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes is a about 193 km including Bariloche approach scenic road trip in Argentina, typically driven over 2 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, Lago Correntoso.

Distance
about 193 km including Bariloche approach
Duration
2 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr
LegendaryEasyScenicPermit requiredGuide recommended

The most beautiful short drive in South America, Ruta Nacional 40 and Ruta Provincial 234 through the Andes foothills between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, threading through seven glacier-fed Andean lakes of extraordinary blue-green clarity: Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, and Machónico. The Swiss Alps transplanted to Patagonia.

Practical notes
The classic Villa La Angostura–San Martín segment is 110 km; this disclosed version includes the Bariloche approach. Prebook any Los Arrayanes navigation and obey the current 12 km trail entry cutoff. Check Vialidad/park weather and RN40 status the same day, carry chains when ordered, drive only in daylight and retain a closure alternative. Use formal pullouts only.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1Bariloche to Villa La Angostura; reserved Los Arrayanes option

Los Arrayanes National Park · El Esquiador

Day 2Villa La Angostura to San Martín via the Seven Lakes corridor

Cascada Vuliñanco · Lake Machónico signed viewpoint · Morphen

Stops along the route

Bariloche — Departure — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Departure
Bariloche
Patagonian alpine resort on Nahuel Huapi's southern shore. Artisan chocolate shops and Cerro Catedral ski fields mark the route's start.
Hotels
Villa La Angostura — City — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
City
Villa La Angostura
Lakeside village on a Nahuel Huapi peninsula. Boat access reaches Los Arrayanes, a 200-year-old cinnamon-barked arrayán myrtle forest.
Hotels
San Martín de los Andes — Arrival — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Arrival
San Martín de los Andes
Refined Andean town on Lago Lácar's shore. Lanín Volcano (3,776 m) dominates the skyline above wooden storefronts and lamb asado smoke.
Hotels

Things to Do

Lago Correntoso — Nature — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Nature
Lago Correntoso
One of the world's shortest rivers (200 m) links Correntoso to Nahuel Huapi. The 1917 Hotel Correntoso overlooks the fly-fishing confluence.
Lago Espejo — Nature — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Nature
Lago Espejo
Mirror Lake's still surface reflects beech forest and Andean sky in near-perfect symmetry. The most photographed reflection on the route.
Lago Escondido — Nature — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Nature
Lago Escondido
A hidden lake tucked below the roadside viewpoint, glimpsed through the trees rather than approached directly. One of the quieter, less-visited lakes on the drive.
Lago Villarino — Nature — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Nature
Lago Villarino
A narrow, forest-fringed lake with a namesake roadside viewpoint and campground. A calm stop between Espejo and Falkner.
Lago Falkner — Nature — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Nature
Lago Falkner
A deep glacial lake flanked by lenga beech slopes and snow-streaked peaks. A roadside beach offers the clearest swimming on the circuit.
Cascada Vuliñanco — Waterfall — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Waterfall
Cascada Vuliñanco
A picturesque waterfall along the Seven Lakes Route, ideal for a short hike and photos.
Show 3 more
Los Arrayanes National Park — National Park — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
National Park
Los Arrayanes National Park
Home to unique cinnamon-barked arrayán trees, accessible via a scenic trail.
Lake Machónico signed viewpoint — Scenic stop — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Scenic stop
Lake Machónico signed viewpoint
Use the formal corridor stop in the true lake order.
Lácar approach to San Martín — Scenic stop — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Scenic stop
Lácar approach to San Martín
Identify the final lake explicitly at the town approach.

Where to Eat

El Esquiador — Argentinian — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Argentinian
El Esquiador
Cozy spot in Villa La Angostura known for hearty local dishes and warm ambiance.
Morphen — Patagonian — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Patagonian
Morphen
Offers a fusion of Patagonian flavors with modern twists in San Martín de los Andes.
La Costa del Pueblo — Seafood — Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Seafood
La Costa del Pueblo
Renowned for fresh seafood and lakeside views in San Martín de los Andes.

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes drive?

The Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes covers about 193 km including Bariloche approach from start to finish.

How long does the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes take to drive?

Most travellers spend 2 days on the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes?

The recommended season for the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes is Nov–Apr.

Where does the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes start and end?

The Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes runs from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes.

What are the main stops on the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes?

The Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes passes through Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, Lago Correntoso.

How difficult is the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes to drive?

The Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes is rated easy and is best handled with any vehicle.

Can I drive the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes in a regular car?

Yes — the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

Do I need a permit or border paperwork for the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes?

Yes — the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes requires permits, fees, or border paperwork. Plan ahead: The classic Villa La Angostura–San Martín segment is 110 km; this disclosed version includes the Bariloche approach. Prebook any Los Arrayanes navigation and obey the current 12 km trail entry cutoff. Check Vialidad/park weather and RN40 status the same day, carry chains when ordered, drive only in daylight and retain a closure alternative. Use formal pullouts only.

Is the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes safe to drive?

The classic Villa La Angostura–San Martín segment is 110 km; this disclosed version includes the Bariloche approach. Prebook any Los Arrayanes navigation and obey the current 12 km trail entry cutoff. Check Vialidad/park weather and RN40 status the same day, carry chains when ordered, drive only in daylight and retain a closure alternative. Use formal pullouts only.

What scenic tier is the Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes?

The Bariloche Extension to the Route of the Seven Lakes is a legendary drive — The world's most extraordinary drives — once-in-a-lifetime road trips with cinematic scenery, legendary roads, and unmatched cultural depth.