RoadAtlas
Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina — Scenic
South America

Route of the Seven Lakes

Argentina

In short: Route of the Seven Lakes is a 110 km scenic road trip in Argentina, typically driven over 1–2 days, best in Nov–Apr. Highlights: Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, Lago Correntoso.

Distance
110 km
Duration
1–2 days
Best Season
Nov–Apr
LegendaryEasyScenic

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
This is a paved mountain route, but winter snow, fog, and black ice can make the passes slow or temporarily closed, especially between June and September. Fuel up in Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes, since services thin out between towns and lake shores.
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Stops along the route

Bariloche — City — Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
City
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 — 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 — City — Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
City
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 — 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 — 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 Falkner — Nature — 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 — Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Waterfall
Cascada Vuliñanco
A picturesque waterfall along the Seven Lakes Route, ideal for a short hike and photos.
Los Arrayanes National Park — National Park — Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
National Park
Los Arrayanes National Park
Home to unique cinnamon-barked arrayán trees, accessible via a scenic trail.
Mirador Bandurrias — Scenic Viewpoint — Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Scenic Viewpoint
Mirador Bandurrias
Offers panoramic views of Lake Lácar and surrounding mountains near San Martín de los Andes.

Where to Eat

El Esquiador — Argentinian — 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 — 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 — Route of the Seven Lakes — Argentina
Seafood
La Costa del Pueblo
Renowned for fresh seafood and lakeside views in San Martín de los Andes.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Route of the Seven Lakes drive?

The Route of the Seven Lakes covers 110 km from start to finish.

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

Most travellers spend 1–2 days on the Route of the Seven Lakes, depending on stops and pace.

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

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

Where does the Route of the Seven Lakes start and end?

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

What are the main stops on the Route of the Seven Lakes?

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

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

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

Is the Route of the Seven Lakes safe to drive?

This is a paved mountain route, but winter snow, fog, and black ice can make the passes slow or temporarily closed, especially between June and September. Fuel up in Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes, since services thin out between towns and lake shores.

What scenic tier is the Route of the Seven Lakes?

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.