From Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes

This is the most iconic holiday destination in southern Argentina. Located on the banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the so-called Capital of Adventure Tourism offers a wide range of services, accommodation, restaurant options, and excursions that suit all tastes and budgets. It is worthwhile staying a couple of days before doing the road trip around the circuit, as there's plenty to do and see in town.

This is the most iconic holiday destination in southern Argentina. Located on the banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake, the so-called Capital of Adventure Tourism offers a wide range of services, accommodation, restaurant options, and excursions that suit all tastes and budgets. It is worthwhile staying a couple of days before doing the road trip around the circuit, as there's plenty to do and see in town.

This is where the landscape starts to shift from forest to steppe. Dina Huapi is located on the coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake −where Limay River starts−, the provincial limit between Río Negro and Neuquén. As soon as you cross the bridge, a viewpoint offers you the most beautiful postcard of Bariloche city and Mount Catedral in the background. One of the must-sees in Dina Huapi is Cerro Leones Park, featuring an old volcano with three caverns to explore.

This is where the landscape starts to shift from forest to steppe. Dina Huapi is located on the coast of Nahuel Huapi Lake −where Limay River starts−, the provincial limit between Río Negro and Neuquén. As soon as you cross the bridge, a viewpoint offers you the most beautiful postcard of Bariloche city and Mount Catedral in the background. One of the must-sees in Dina Huapi is Cerro Leones Park, featuring an old volcano with three caverns to explore.

After driving 40 km through the steppe, National Route 40 comes down like a slide into Nahuel Huapi Lake again. To the left, the immense Huemul Branch and Mount Tres Monjes will emerge. From this point on, all the way to Villa La Angostura, the road follows the contour of the lake with curves going in and out of the forest.

After driving 40 km through the steppe, National Route 40 comes down like a slide into Nahuel Huapi Lake again. To the left, the immense Huemul Branch and Mount Tres Monjes will emerge. From this point on, all the way to Villa La Angostura, the road follows the contour of the lake with curves going in and out of the forest.

Leaving National Route 40 at kilometre 79, take the gravel road in good conditions to the right and drive for 6 km to reach the base of the mountain. After a few turns, you will spot 2 viewpoints that will reveal the lake and the mountain range. As you approach the end of the road, you will see the start of a trail that leads to Río Bonito Cascade. After following a 200-metre-long trail, you will discover a natural balcony in the shade of a coihue tree forest.

Leaving National Route 40 at kilometre 79, take the gravel road in good conditions to the right and drive for 6 km to reach the base of the mountain. After a few turns, you will spot 2 viewpoints that will reveal the lake and the mountain range. As you approach the end of the road, you will see the start of a trail that leads to Río Bonito Cascade. After following a 200-metre-long trail, you will discover a natural balcony in the shade of a coihue tree forest.

Surrounded by forests and lakes, this mountain village is known as the Garden of the Patagonia. This natural area is protected by Nahuel Huapi National Park. You can birdwatch and go on adventure excursions like horse riding, cycling, and trekking through Inacayal, Dorada, and Santa Ana cascades circuits. It is recommended to stay at least 2 nights before continuing the journey.

Surrounded by forests and lakes, this mountain village is known as the Garden of the Patagonia. This natural area is protected by Nahuel Huapi National Park. You can birdwatch and go on adventure excursions like horse riding, cycling, and trekking through Inacayal, Dorada, and Santa Ana cascades circuits. It is recommended to stay at least 2 nights before continuing the journey.

Located in Quetrihué Peninsula, this national park is home to a unique landscape in the world: a natural arrayán tree forest. You can get there by navigating Nahuel Huapi Lake, hiking, or riding a bike through a 12 km trail that crosses the forest to its southern end. On the way to Arrayanes Forest, you can stop at the viewpoints of Mansa and Brava bays, the branches of the lake, and the accessway to Patagua Lagoon. It’s a fun excursion for the day.

Located in Quetrihué Peninsula, this national park is home to a unique landscape in the world: a natural arrayán tree forest. You can get there by navigating Nahuel Huapi Lake, hiking, or riding a bike through a 12 km trail that crosses the forest to its southern end. On the way to Arrayanes Forest, you can stop at the viewpoints of Mansa and Brava bays, the branches of the lake, and the accessway to Patagua Lagoon. It’s a fun excursion for the day.

A few kilometres from Villa La Angostura, Correntoso Lake will amaze you with its wide and white-sandy beaches and turquoise waters. An old wood bridge crossing over Correntoso River makes a perfect picture that portrays one of the shortest rivers in the world.

A few kilometres from Villa La Angostura, Correntoso Lake will amaze you with its wide and white-sandy beaches and turquoise waters. An old wood bridge crossing over Correntoso River makes a perfect picture that portrays one of the shortest rivers in the world.

This is where one of the most stunning routes in Patagonia starts. The Seven Lakes Route connects Nahuel Huapi and Lanín national parks and leads to a ride to Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar lakes up to San Martín de los Andes. Along the way, you can visit other lakes just detouring a few kilometres from the main road. There are multiple viewpoints, trails, beaches, kayak rentals, campsites, and various accommodation facilities. At the crossroad of routes 40 and 231, turning left before driving across the Seven Lakes Circuit, you will discover the Espejo Lake viewpoint, a must-see spot to take pictures.

Following a short gravel road, you will come across Espejo Lake (Spanish for mirror lake), which undoubtedly does justice to its name. There’s a picnic area, a small grocery store, and gorgeous wide beaches that invite you to enjoy the landscape. This place can only be visited during the day.

Following a short gravel road, you will come across Espejo Lake (Spanish for mirror lake), which undoubtedly does justice to its name. There’s a picnic area, a small grocery store, and gorgeous wide beaches that invite you to enjoy the landscape. This place can only be visited during the day.

A key stop if you wish to see Espejo Lake from another perspective. This little bay is home to gaggles of ruddy-headed geese and flocks of southern lapwings that nest on its shores. You may camp there and, during the summer, there’s a beach bar where you can buy food and drinks. From this bay, you can walk along a 1.2 km trail that leads to a beach by Correntoso Lake.

A key stop if you wish to see Espejo Lake from another perspective. This little bay is home to gaggles of ruddy-headed geese and flocks of southern lapwings that nest on its shores. You may camp there and, during the summer, there’s a beach bar where you can buy food and drinks. From this bay, you can walk along a 1.2 km trail that leads to a beach by Correntoso Lake.

The trail goes through valleys until it reaches the north side of Correntoso Lake, one of the largest lakes in this circuit with many bays and beaches. There are campsites with utility services and a guest house.

Following a 2 km gravel road along the shore of Ruca Malén river, you will arrive at Espejo Chico Lake. Two campsites with services await you there.

Twenty-five kilometres from National Route 40, following gravel Provincial Route 65, you reach Villa Traful. This town is the perfect spot to disconnect from your daily routine for a couple of days. You will find hotels, guest houses, cottages, and campsites there. Besides trekking, you can also practice diving in the mysterious submerged forest of Traful Lake. You can take the same road to continue driving along The Route of the Seven Lakes, or you can follow Route 65, go past the Confluence, and continue your way through Paso Córdoba and Meliquina to arrive at San Martín de los Andes.

Twenty-five kilometres from National Route 40, following gravel Provincial Route 65, you reach Villa Traful. This town is the perfect spot to disconnect from your daily routine for a couple of days. You will find hotels, guest houses, cottages, and campsites there. Besides trekking, you can also practice diving in the mysterious submerged forest of Traful Lake. You can take the same road to continue driving along The Route of the Seven Lakes, or you can follow Route 65, go past the Confluence, and continue your way through Paso Córdoba and Meliquina to arrive at San Martín de los Andes.

This is a must-see, indeed. An easy trail guides you to one of the most spectacular cascades in southern Argentina. This walk may take between 30 and 40 minutes. Ideally, you should wear sandals or bring an extra pair of trainers since, at the beginning of the trekking, you’ll cross a small creek on foot.

This is a must-see, indeed. An easy trail guides you to one of the most spectacular cascades in southern Argentina. This walk may take between 30 and 40 minutes. Ideally, you should wear sandals or bring an extra pair of trainers since, at the beginning of the trekking, you’ll cross a small creek on foot.

Halfway through the circuit, before crossing a bridge, you can turn right and follow a 2 km gravel road to visit the north branch of Traful Lake. This place has a campsite with utility services. An alternative to this detour is to follow National Route 40 and stop on the left side of the road to visit an open camping area by Pichi Traful River. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs, have a mate (Argentine drink) or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. This is a wild area with no services.

Halfway through the circuit, before crossing a bridge, you can turn right and follow a 2 km gravel road to visit the north branch of Traful Lake. This place has a campsite with utility services. An alternative to this detour is to follow National Route 40 and stop on the left side of the road to visit an open camping area by Pichi Traful River. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs, have a mate (Argentine drink) or enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. This is a wild area with no services.

As the road becomes steep, you start driving into the forest. After taking several turns, behind some coihue trees, you will spot Escondido Lake viewpoint.

As the road becomes steep, you start driving into the forest. After taking several turns, behind some coihue trees, you will spot Escondido Lake viewpoint.

This is the fourth lake you will come across in this circuit. Villarino Lake honours the Spanish marine and explorer Basilio Villarino who, during the closing years of the 18th century, explored the Limay River’s basin. On its coast, you’ll find a campsite area.

This is the fourth lake you will come across in this circuit. Villarino Lake honours the Spanish marine and explorer Basilio Villarino who, during the closing years of the 18th century, explored the Limay River’s basin. On its coast, you’ll find a campsite area.

Next to Villarino Lake and by the road, this lake is named after Tomas Falkner, a missionary Jesuit priest who lived in the 18th century and collected geographical data in the region. It features wide sand beaches, a campsite with services, and a beach bar with different meals. For trekking lovers, there's a trail that leads to Falkner Hill's peak.

Next to Villarino Lake and by the road, this lake is named after Tomas Falkner, a missionary Jesuit priest who lived in the 18th century and collected geographical data in the region. It features wide sand beaches, a campsite with services, and a beach bar with different meals. For trekking lovers, there's a trail that leads to Falkner Hill's peak.

From a viewpoint located on National Route 40, you can spot this charming waterfall only a few meters away.

From a viewpoint located on National Route 40, you can spot this charming waterfall only a few meters away.

Leaving Nahuel Huapi National Park behind, Lanín National Park starts with Hermoso Lake, 2.6 km from the route. The headwaters of Hermoso River feature an easy-access cascade with two successive green waterfalls among the rocks.

Leaving Nahuel Huapi National Park behind, Lanín National Park starts with Hermoso Lake, 2.6 km from the route. The headwaters of Hermoso River feature an easy-access cascade with two successive green waterfalls among the rocks.

With a more arid landscape and mountains alongside the road, you will spot Machónico Lake. Although you can’t visit the coastline, you can enjoy this lake from a wide viewpoint.

Following Provincial Route 63, 15 km away from National Route 40, there is Villa Meliquina, a small town by Meliquina Lake. Cabins and campsites are available there. On Provincial Route 63, the journey continues to Filo Hua Hum Lake, the natural pools at Caleufú River, and Córdoba Pass. This is a great alternative road to return to Bariloche. This leg is 52 km on a gravel road to the Confluence, with road sections in bad conditions. From there,follow paved Provincial Route 237 along 67 km and cross the Encantado Valley.

Following Provincial Route 63, 15 km away from National Route 40, there is Villa Meliquina, a small town by Meliquina Lake. Cabins and campsites are available there. On Provincial Route 63, the journey continues to Filo Hua Hum Lake, the natural pools at Caleufú River, and Córdoba Pass. This is a great alternative road to return to Bariloche. This leg is 52 km on a gravel road to the Confluence, with road sections in bad conditions. From there,follow paved Provincial Route 237 along 67 km and cross the Encantado Valley.

Pil Pil viewpoint is the perfect excuse to appreciate the majesty of Lacar Lake and Vizcacha, Sabana and Colorado hills, and a large portion of Pil Pil Creek’s Valley from the very top.

As the circuit comes to the end, on the southern shore of Lácar Lake, there is a consolidated gravel road to visit the beach and the Patagonian oak forest. A natural 400 m trail, named El Cipresal, takes half an hour. Visitors can also take a lake navigation excursion to Quila Quina from San Martín de los Andes.

As the circuit comes to the end, on the southern shore of Lácar Lake, there is a consolidated gravel road to visit the beach and the Patagonian oak forest. A natural 400 m trail, named El Cipresal, takes half an hour. Visitors can also take a lake navigation excursion to Quila Quina from San Martín de los Andes.

On the southern side of Lácar Lake, a trail leads to Catritre Beach. It has a picnic area, campsites, a small grocery store, and a restaurant.

On the southern side of Lácar Lake, a trail leads to Catritre Beach. It has a picnic area, campsites, a small grocery store, and a restaurant.

This is the last lake on the Seven Lakes Route. The road runs along its marvelous south coast for 4 kilometres. This lake boasts multiple bays, beaches, cliffs, and spectacular beaches like Yuko and Nonthué (30 and 36 km from San Martín de los Andes, respectively.)

This is the last lake on the Seven Lakes Route. The road runs along its marvelous south coast for 4 kilometres. This lake boasts multiple bays, beaches, cliffs, and spectacular beaches like Yuko and Nonthué (30 and 36 km from San Martín de los Andes, respectively.)

The circuit ends in San Martín de los Andes, a mountain town surrounded by forests. Featuring accommodations, restaurants, and services for all tastes and budgets, this journey could not have ended in a better place. Full of beaches, pathways, mountain bike trails, and boat excursions, it is the perfect place to relax by the most beautiful lakes as well as to embark on adventure excursions.

The circuit ends in San Martín de los Andes, a mountain town surrounded by forests. Featuring accommodations, restaurants, and services for all tastes and budgets, this journey could not have ended in a better place. Full of beaches, pathways, mountain bike trails, and boat excursions, it is the perfect place to relax by the most beautiful lakes as well as to embark on adventure excursions.