Route Of The Seven Lakes

The Route of the Seven Lakes is a spectacular 65-kilometer driving circuit through Argentina's Nahuel Huapi National Park, linking the resort towns of San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. This scenic byway winds past a chain of glacial lakes, ancient forests, and snow-capped Andean peaks, offering one of Patagonia's most accessible and photogenic road trips. The route is paved year-round, making it perfect for self-drive travelers, and each lake reveals a different shade of emerald, turquoise, or deep blue.

Highlights & What to See

• Lácar Lake: Starting near San Martín de los Andes, this large lake is ideal for kayaking or simply stopping at the beach for panoramic views.
• Hua-Hum Lake & the Paso Puyehue: The road crosses into Chile via the scenic Hua-Hum Pass, where you can see the border crossing and dense temperate rainforest.
• Villarino Lake: A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by ñire and coihue forests; look for the small chapel on its shore.
• Falkner Lake: One of the most photographed spots, with a viewpoint that captures the lake framed by mountains.
• Escondido Lake: A tiny hidden gem, perfect for a quiet picnic stop.
• Correntoso Lake & River: The short but powerful Correntoso River connects this lake to Nahuel Huapi Lake; the historic Correntoso Lake Hotel is a landmark.
• Nahuel Huapi Lake: The grand finale, with views of the Cerro Bayo ski resort and the town of Villa La Angostura.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate at least one full day to drive the route at a relaxed pace, stopping at the many viewpoints and short trails. If you want to include a hike, a picnic, or a detour to the hot springs near Copahue, plan for two days. The drive itself takes about 2–3 hours without stops, but with photography and short walks, you'll easily spend 5–6 hours. Overnighting in either San Martín de los Andes or Villa La Angostura allows you to experience both towns.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• San Martín de los Andes: A charming alpine-style town on Lácar Lake, with excellent fly-fishing, hiking, and a lively craft beer scene.
• Villa La Angostura: A laid-back lakeside village with boutique shopping, the Arrayanes Forest (myrtle trees), and access to Cerro Bayo for skiing or mountain biking.
• Bariloche: The adventure capital of the Argentine Lake District, about 80 km from Villa La Angostura, famous for chocolate, hiking, and the Circuito Chico.
• Cerro Chapelco: A ski resort near San Martín de los Andes, with summer hiking and panoramic views.
• Lanín National Park: Home to the iconic Lanín Volcano, with climbing opportunities and pristine wilderness.
• Puyehue National Park (Chile): Accessible via the Hua-Hum Pass, offering hot springs and lush Valdivian forest trails.

Please check official sources for current details.