The Route of the Seven Lakes is one of the most photographed stretches of Argentina's Ruta Nacional 40 and one of the most iconic scenic road trips in South America. It links the Patagonian towns of Villa La Angostura (Neuquén province, 85 km north of Bariloche) with San Martín de los Andes (Neuquén, 195 km north of Bariloche) along 107 fully paved kilometers that cross two national parks (Nahuel Huapi and Lanín) and skirt the seven original glacier-fed lakes that give the circuit its name: Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico, and Lácar (the last one already at San Martín). Five smaller lakes are visible from the road as well, which brings the total to 12 in the expanded version.
The ecosystem here is the classic Andean-Patagonian forest of coihues, ñires, lengas, arrayanes, and Andean cypress, with abundant native flora across alpine meadows and wetlands. Wildlife includes pudús, the rare huemul deer (in remote pockets), Andean condors, torrent ducks, and occasional foxes and pumas in winter. The road was carved out in the 1930s connecting the first tourism settlements in northern Patagonia, fully paved as recently as 2018 (the final 25 km of gravel between Villarino and Falkner became asphalt that year, transforming access), and today receives roughly 500,000 visitors per year who drive it mostly as a day trip from Bariloche or with one night in Villa La Angostura.
The Seven Lakes, One by One
Each lake has its own character. Lago Espejo lives up to its name — "Mirror Lake" — with water so still and clear that it reflects the surrounding peaks with surreal symmetry. It is the first major stop coming from Villa La Angostura (km 12), with a roadside lookout, parking, and a pebble beach you can walk down to. Allow 15 minutes for photos.
Lago Correntoso (km 18) is famous for the Río Correntoso, considered one of the shortest rivers in the world — barely 200 meters connect it to Lago Nahuel Huapi. Playa Bahía Brava is reachable by car (a short stretch of gravel) and is ideal for a picnic or summer swim.
Lago Escondido ("Hidden Lake," km 45) is true to its name: it sits right next to the highway but you have to walk a 500-meter trail to actually see it. Turquoise water ringed by dense forest. The elevated overlook delivers the panoramic shot.
Lago Falkner (km 75) is widely considered the most beautiful and most photographed of the seven. Playa Auquinco has fine sand and crystalline turquoise water with Cerro Falkner rising at the back. There is an official national park campground (USD 15 per person, full services). Plan 1-2 hours here for lunch, a swim, and photos.
Lago Villarino (km 78) sits next to Falkner, joined by a natural channel. Both are visible at once from the Villarino-Falkner overlook at km 85 — one of the route's signature panoramas. Lago Machónico (km 95) is smaller, ringed by ñire forest, with its own roadside lookout.
Finally the road ends at Lago Lácar (km 107), the lake that mirrors the town of San Martín de los Andes, with Playa Catritre five kilometers from downtown and the Hua Hum boat crossing toward the Chilean border.
Other Essential Stops
- Mirador Pichi Traful (km 28): a panoramic viewpoint that punches above its weight.
- Cascada Vullignanco (km 62): a 30-meter waterfall reached via a 10-minute trail.
- Cascada Ñivinco (km 90): smaller but charming.
- Mirador Río Hermoso: an iconic bridge over the river — postcard material.
San Martín de los Andes
The endpoint is San Martín de los Andes, a mountain town built in stone and timber that feels like an Alpine village. Compared with busy Bariloche, San Martín keeps a quieter, boutique character. The lakefront promenade along Lago Lácar — restaurants, craft breweries, and artisan shops — is the perfect way to wind down at the end of the drive.
Tour or Self-Drive: How to Do It
You have three realistic options. Renting a car in Bariloche (USD 55-80/day) is the most flexible — you stop wherever and whenever you want. The full-day organized bus tour from Bariloche runs USD 55-85 with a bilingual guide, hits the main viewpoints, but limits how long you spend at each. For experienced cyclists, the route by mountain bike or e-bike is a legendary 2-3 day trip with overnights at national park campgrounds. Pure driving time is just 1 hour 45 minutes, but with photo stops it stretches to 4-5 hours, and as a full day trip with short trails and lunch it runs 8-10 hours.
Best Time for the Seven Lakes
The route is open year-round, but each season delivers a very different experience. In summer (December-March) the lakes shimmer turquoise and you can swim at several beaches; this is also peak season, so book ahead. Autumn (April-May) is when the ñire and lenga forests explode in reds and golds — the second half of April with peak fall color is widely considered the most photogenic moment of the entire year. In winter (June-September) snow can close sections temporarily and chains may be required. Spring (October-November) brings flowers, fewer crowds, and softer light.
Recommended 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Bariloche to Villa La Angostura (85 km, 1h20) → lunch in Villa La Angostura → start the route as far as Lago Falkner (75 km, 3 hours with stops) → overnight at the Falkner campground or back in Villa La Angostura.
Day 2: Falkner to San Martín de los Andes (32 km, 1 hour with stops) → lunch in San Martín → Playa Catritre or the Hua Hum boat crossing → return to Bariloche directly via RN 231 (195 km, 3 hours).
