Seven Lakes Route: Patagonia’s wild and scenic heart

Stretching 110 km through glacial lakes, snowy mountains and native forests, Argentina’s Seven Lakes Route is a journey unlike any other.

Located in the northern part of Neuquén province, in the heart of Patagonia, the route links San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura along seven glacially carved lakes: Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso and Espejo. Snow-capped mountains, thick forests, crystal-clear rivers, waterfalls and sweeping valleys frame the entire drive.

A road trip on your own terms

While it is technically possible to complete the route in a single day, most travelers recommend spreading it over three or four days. Stopping for hikes, camping overnight or taking a boat out on the water turns a scenic drive into a full-blown adventure. Winding bends alternate with open straights cutting through meadows and green tunnels of native Andean-Patagonian forest.

How to get there and get around

The route can be traveled by car, motorcycle or bicycle. Local agencies offer guided tours, and vans, buses and taxis are available for those without their own vehicle. The area has solid infrastructure, with campgrounds, hotels, guesthouses and restaurants spread along the way.

What to do along the way

Boat trips on glacial lakes such as Nahuel Huapi and Lácar are among the most popular activities. Sport fishing on the Chimehuin and Correntoso rivers draws anglers from around the globe. Hikers can tackle the “Lago Lácar Circuit” or take on the ascent of Lanín volcano, one of Patagonia’s most iconic landmarks.

Other standout experiences include glamping, diving in the submerged forest of Villa Traful, walking through the Arrayanes Forest and practicing forest bathing (shinrin-yoku), the Japanese tradition of deep sensory immersion in nature. The region also hosts the Patagonia Run, one of Latin America’s most grueling ultramarathons.

Flavors of Patagonia

Local cuisine celebrates native ingredients and artisan production. Highlights include lamb roasted in a clay oven, trout with Andean potatoes, wild boar, mushroom soup and waffles topped with forest berries. Handmade chocolates and homemade breads sold roadside round out the food experience.

Best time to visit

The route is open year-round, with each season delivering a different mood. Winter blankets the landscape in snow for postcard-perfect scenery, though some areas may be harder to access. From September through March, milder temperatures are ideal for hiking, glamping and water activities.

Practical information

Getting there: The most convenient option is to fly into Teniente Luis Candelaria Airport in Bariloche, then drive to Villa La Angostura or San Martín de los Andes. Direct flights to Aviador Carlos Campos Airport in San Martín de los Andes are also available.

Entry requirements: Brazilian citizens do not need a visa or passport — a valid national ID is sufficient to enter Argentina.

Currency: Argentine peso.

Photo: Press release