Ruta de los Siete Lagos

To fully experience the Lake District, head north of Bariloche past Nahuel Huapi Lake to the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes). This excursion has it all: lake after lake, mountains, wildflowers, waterfalls, hiking trails, and small towns along the way.

The route itself links Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. Start in Bariloche and follow the Circuito Grande along Ruta 237 and Ruta 231 to Villa La Angostura, then pass Lagos Espejo and Correntoso on Ruta 231 to get to mostly unpaved Ruta 234; take this north to San Martín.

For a day trip, return from San Martín de los Andes through Junín de Los Andes and Alicura (rutas 234, 40, and 237) on 260 km (161 miles) of paved road. If you have the time, though, overnight in San Martín de los Andes, take Ruta Provincial 63 to Confluencia, and then join Ruta 237 south along the Río Limay to Bariloche.

Renting a car is best, but even on a group tour it's spectacular. Buses are available from Bariloche or Villa La Angostura; you can also rent bicycles in these towns and take to the road on two wheels instead of four.

Tips

Ask about road conditions before you leave Villa La Angostura; the route's unpaved portion north of there is often closed during heavy rains, winter storms, or construction. Best bets for picnic spots or campsites are the beaches of lakes Villarino, Falkner, and Hermoso. For maps, pick up Guía Busch and Viajar Hoy (tour pamphlets in English and Spanish). There are no gas stations on the Ruta de los Siete Lagos.

Highlights of the Drive

Rivers. Just past Villa La Angostura, the Río Correntoso—one of the world's shortest rivers at 300 meters (984 feet)—flows from the lake of the same name into Nahuel Huapi. This is a classic mouth-of-the-river fishing spot; you can watch the action from the glassed-in deck at the Hotel Correntoso or from the old fishing lodge on the shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Lakes. Traveling north from Villa Angostura to San Martín de los Andes is the most scenic part of the drive, and it's no coincidence that this is where you'll find the region's most scenic namesake natural features—lakes. Lago Correntoso (Rapid Water Lake) is the first one you'll pass, and you'll do so immediately after you cross over the Río Correntoso. Drive along its northern shore to arrive at an abandoned hotel site; from here you'll see a road that leads to Lago Espejo Chico (Little Mirror Lake), with a beach, a campground, and trails. Return to the main road and you’ll come to Lago Espejo (Mirror Lake)—head to the viewpoint for a good lunch spot, or use the camping area's tables. Lago Falkner (east side of the road) has sandy beaches and a popular campground. It is linked by a stream and an isthmus, which you will cross to Lago Villarino (west side of the road). Lago Hermoso(Beautiful Lake) is a small sheltered lake. A sunny beach faces west, with nearby camping and a few cabins. Finally, before you reach San Martín de los Andes, enjoy Lago Machónico's dry landscape via the scenic overlook, or take the short walk to the shore.

Waterfalls. Between Lakes Villarino and Falkner, Cascada Vulignanco, a 20-meter (66-foot) waterfall, is visible on the left-hand side of the road, where you can pull off at the mirador (overlook).

Detours

Four km (2½ miles) south of Lago Villarino, jade-green Lago Escondido (Hidden Lake) lies veiled in a thick forest. You'll need to park and walk in.

At Pichi Traful, turn east onto a bumpy road for 2 km (1 mile) and walk to the sandy beach at Pichi Traful Lake (aka Brazo Norte of Lago Traful). Fishermen, bikers, and hikers enjoy camping or picnicking here.

About 30 km (18 miles) north of the junction of Ruta Provincial 234 and Ruta Provincial 65, look on your left for a sign indicating the trail to Casacada Ñivinenco (Whispering Falls). The 2-km (1-mile) trail crosses a river (in November and December the river is high; check conditions ahead of time), then follows the river into a silent forest.

If you pass through Confluencia, take Ruta Provincial 65 along the Traful River west a few km to Cuyín Manzano, a dirt road that continues along the river into a world of strange caves and limestone rock formations.