Seven Lakes Route and San Martin de los Andes Day Trip from Bariloche

The Road of the Seven Lakes (Route 40)

The Road of the Seven Lakes, Ruta de los Siete Lagos in Spanish, is the stretch of National Route 40 that links Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes in the province of Neuquen. It runs for a little over one hundred kilometres through Nahuel Huapi and Lanin national parks, between forested mountains and a chain of glacial lakes, each a slightly different shade of blue and green.

On this Seven Lakes tour from Bariloche you pass Lake Correntoso, Lake Espejo, whose name means mirror, the small Lake Escondido, then Villarino and Falkner, separated by a narrow strip of land, followed by Hermoso and Machonico. The bus stops at several viewpoints so you can photograph the lakes, the coihue and lenga forests and the snow on the higher peaks. The road is paved today, which makes the day comfortable even for travellers who do not enjoy mountain driving.

Villa La Angostura

Villa La Angostura sits on the northern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, where a narrow isthmus, the angostura that gives the village its name, joins the Quetrihue peninsula to the mainland. Often called the garden of Patagonia, it is a true mountain village of log and stone houses with steep roofs, flower-filled gardens and small shops selling chocolate, smoked foods and local crafts.

The village marks the start of the Seven Lakes Road, so it is the natural first stop of the day. Your guide points out the main street and the Alpine-wood architecture that defines the area, and you have a short break to stretch your legs and take photos before continuing north. Many visitors who do this Villa La Angostura tour say it is the place they would most like to come back to for a longer stay.

San Martin de los Andes and Lake Lacar

San Martin de los Andes, founded in 1898, lies at the eastern end of Lake Lacar, surrounded by forested hills. Strict building rules keep the town low and in harmony with the landscape, so the streets are lined with wooden chalets, stone-built shops and tree-shaded squares. The lakeside promenade and small beach are the heart of town, with views along the long blue lake towards the Chilean border.

On this San Martin de los Andes day trip from Bariloche you have about three hours to explore at your own pace. You can walk the waterfront, browse the craft and chocolate shops on the main avenue, have lunch in one of the many restaurants or climb to a viewpoint above the lake. Your guide suggests the best options for the time available before the group meets again for the return drive.

The lakes of the route

Each of the seven lakes has its own character. Lake Correntoso drains into Nahuel Huapi through the Correntoso River, one of the shortest rivers in the country. Lake Espejo is known for still water that reflects the mountains perfectly on calm days, while the tiny Lake Escondido hides among the trees beside the road.

Further north, Lake Villarino and Lake Falkner almost touch, and the road crosses the narrow land between them, one of the most photographed points of the trip. Lake Hermoso, whose name means beautiful, and Lake Machonico complete the chain before the road descends towards Lake Lacar. Ancient forests of coihue, lenga and cypress cover the slopes, and in autumn the lenga turns red and gold. Watch for condors above the ridges and waterfalls such as Vullignanco near the road.

Best time to visit the Seven Lakes

The Seven Lakes Road is open all year, but each season changes the view. From December to March the days are long and warm, the lakes are at their bluest and the beaches of San Martin de los Andes are lively. Late March to May brings autumn colours in the lenga forests, and many travellers consider it the best time to visit the Seven Lakes for photography.

In winter, from June to September, snow can cover the mountains and parts of the road, giving a quiet, white landscape; the trip runs whenever the road conditions allow. Spring, from October to November, brings fresh green leaves and fuller waterfalls. Whatever the month, bring layers, because the weather in the Andes can change quickly between Bariloche, the lakes and San Martin de los Andes.