Marjolein Dilven
Interested in a road trip that would take you along mesmerizing lakes and a variety of amazing Argentine Patagonia landscapes? Try Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina.
Exploring the Seven Lakes Route, part of Argentina’s famous Route 40, is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. This route offers breathtaking natural wonders, including turquoise lakes, waterfalls, snow-capped volcanic peaks, mountain views, verdant forests, national parks, and valleys.
Excursions such as trekking, rafting, and hikes are available to add adventure to your trip. With multiple itineraries, you can customize your trip duration from 3 hours to a full day, depending on your starting point and the number of stops.
To make the most of your Ruta de Los Lagos journey, plan carefully and stay updated with current travel information.
What Is the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina?
The Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina is a famous route located far north of Argentina. Some tourists also know this route as the “Route of the Seven Lakes.” Contrary to its name, the route spans not just 7 lakes but around 40. However, the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina got its name for covering the largest lakes.
The route is a winding path through an epic landscape, including multi-hued forests, serene lakes, and sweeping and towering peaks. The Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina takes travelers to some of the country’s most beautiful sights, highlighting its unique geographical features, such as tranquil lakes, ancient forests, pristine national parks, and snow-capped volcanoes.
To get to Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina, you have to proceed to San Martin de Los Andes or Bariloche. San Martin is a wonderful town that serves as this trip’s starting point until it reaches Bariloche, the endpoint. The distance of this route is over 124 miles (200 kilometers).
Conversely, if you start your journey in Bariloche, the route will end for you in San Martin.
Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Trip
The lakes you will see on the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos, Argentina, include:
1. Correntoso Lake
We can’t even begin to explain the beauty of Lake Correntoso, as the mountains around it greatly increase the scene’s beauty. Lake Correntoso runs vast and has many beaches and bays to stop and enjoy the view.
2. Escondido Lake
The smallest of the 7 lakes along this renowned route, Lago Escondido, translates to ‘hidden lake.’ Its mesmerizing turquoise color showcases a captivating view that can transform one’s perception of lakes.
3. Espejo Lake
Lake Espejo has become a tourist attraction for having the warmest water out of all the lakes on the route, making it an ideal stop if you take the trip in the summer.
The lake takes its name (mirror) from its calm and clean waters, which beautifully reflect the landscape.
4. Villarino Lake
Lakes Villarino and Falkner lay side by side. However, Lake Villarino is ideal for people who love fishing and want to enjoy the quiet with fewer crowds.
5. Falkner Lake
Lake Falkner offers a sandy beach with a beautiful scenic view, including the mountains. Its water levels border the road, giving you a beautiful view and a wonderful landscape with Patagonian woods adding more life to the scenery.
6. Machonico Lake
Lake Machonico has glacial origins, and the surrounding mountains and forests combine with this lake to complete an amazing landscape and give it a special charm. It’s at least 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from San Martin and has one of the most beautiful scenes on the route.
The view from the lake’s beach looks even more beautiful and adds value to the trip.
7. Lake Lacar
Lake Lacar has always been a favorite site for guests and San Martin de Los Andes locals. It has fabulous views and is a perfect place to conclude the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina tour for travelers starting from Bariloche.
In the traditional language, the name of this lake means “Crumbled Cliffs.”
How to Travel the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos
Planning how you will travel before taking the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina trip is very important.
There are 3 excellent ways of traveling on this route:
- By Car
Taking a car is the best way to explore and make the most of your Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina trip.
It is a great way to enjoy scenic views, make pit stops, and set your journey. However, if you can’t bring your car to the trip, you can also consider making car rentals from Bariloche or any nearby towns, depending on where you start your journey. However, the rentals usually get booked from February to December, so it would be best to call beforehand and book a rental.
You can still get a car from Bariloche if you forget to book one. This option is cheaper than in San Martin de Los Andes, and the rental companies will likely allow you to make last-minute bookings.
- By Bus
You can also take a bus to travel the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina, but it will be less advantageous. The buses won’t make any stops and just will take you directly from 1 city to another. If you get a window seat, you can live in the moment when going through the route and see the lakes while in motion.
Since traveling by bus won’t allow you to stop and take photos whenever you want, think twice about taking a bus for your Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina trip.
- Take a Tour
If traveling alone is not your cup of tea and you would rather have a guided tour of the entire trip, you should book a tour.
Many services offer a full-day tour of Argentina’s Ruta de Los 7 Lagos. These tours will include a round trip from Bariloche and will stop at all of the 7 main lakes on the route, allowing you to briefly stop at every place and do more sightseeing.
How Long Will the 7 Lakes Route Take?
Going through the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina is a process consisting of 2 steps.
First, you will go from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura; the distance between them is 51 mi (82 km). According to Google Maps, the route should take an hour and a quarter. However, Google hasn’t factored in the beautiful views on the way and the stops you may opt to make. Covering this stage with very minimal stops should take 2 hours at best.
Second, the next journey takes you from Villa La Angostura to San Martín de Los Andes. The distance between these 2 locations is 67 mi (108 km). The route should only take 1 hour and 40 minutes. But again, that isn’t factoring in the views on the route, so with a couple of stops. This route is 3 hours long.
In short, covering the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina may take about 5 hours. Allot a couple of additional hours for the drive back. As stated, that would only cover the travel time and a minimum of stops, sightseeing, and picture-taking.
Considering that the Ruta de Los Lagos offers one of the most scenic views in Patagonia, it’s best to plan your stops and allot a longer time.
Best Time to Make a Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Trip
Taking the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina at any season will present Patagonian at its best. Regardless of where you go, the area offers a distinct seasonal tone and a matching color palette, making all your nature-based experiences memorable.
If you want to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or kayaking, the best time to visit would be during the summer months of December to February, when the weather is warmer and drier. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, and accommodations may be more expensive and harder to find.
If you prefer to avoid crowds and tolerate cooler temperatures, then the shoulder seasons of spring (September to November) or fall (March to May) could be a good time to visit. During these months, you can still enjoy outdoor activities, and the landscapes are beautiful with autumn colors or spring blossoms. However, it’s important to note that some roads or hiking trails may be closed due to snow or weather conditions.
Winter (June to August) can be a beautiful time to visit if you enjoy winter sports, such as skiing or snowboarding, but it’s important to note that some of the lakes and roads may be frozen or inaccessible during this time.
Overall, the best time to make a Ruta de Los 7 Lagos trip would depend on your interests and what you want to experience during your visit.
Where to Stay During Your Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina Trip
When touring Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina, consider these accommodation options from one of the 3 towns of Villa La Angostura, San Martin de Los Andes, and Bariloche.
Here are some of the lodgings available in the areas:
Bariloche
• Llao Llao Hotel
If money’s not a problem, make your trip cozy and convenient by staying at a luxury hotel. Llao Llao Hotel is your best choice. President Obama chose this amazing hotel in 2016 when he visited Argentina. You will find Llao Llao Hotel after a 30-minute drive from Bariloche.
Llao Llao Hotel boasts a 15-hectare park with a one-of-a-kind 18-hole golf course that offers 360º views amidst the stunning scenery of mountains, snow, and lakes. The course creates a charming contrast with the centennial woods surrounding it, offering an unforgettable experience to golfers.
• Design Suites Bariloche
Design Suites Bariloche is a great choice during your trip as they have spacious rooms and an astonishing view of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
• Huinid Hotel Pioneros
For people looking for an affordable place to stay, including a delicious breakfast, Huinid Hotel is a perfect choice. Huinid is the most cost-effective option for the trip to Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina.
Villa La Angostura
• El Faro Boutique Hotel & Spa
A great option for those who want to stay in Villa La Angostura, El Faro Hotel features floor-to-ceiling wrap-around windows, giving guests panoramic views over Lago Nahuel Huapi. The scenic views from this hotel are one of the best reasons to choose this hotel.
• La Escondida Casa de Huéspedes
This is another hotel in Villa La Angostura that offers its guests scenic views.
The biggest plus point of La Escondida is that it has a private beachfront on Lago Nahuel Huapi. The rooms of the hotels are spacious.
La Escondida also offers a sauna, many areas of relaxation and quiet, and a sauna.
San Martín de Los Andes
• Hosteria La Posta Del Cazador
If you decide to make San Martin de Los Andes your base, Hosteria La Posta Del Cazador is a great place to stay. The location of this hotel is perfect since it’s very close to Lago Lacar.
The hosteria has an alpine-themed design, and being family-owned and operated goes a long way in offering its guests an exceptional experience.
Hosteria also lets you snack anytime, as a snack bar is available all day.
• Antares Patagonia Suites & Eventos
A place with modern designs and many activities to keep you occupied, Antares Patagonia can be the perfect choice for you. The hotel has various attractive features, including a pool, spa, games rooms, and many others.
The hotel management will also help arrange excursions to nearby attractions for its guests.
For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina
What Is the 7 Lakes Route Like?
Ruta de Los 7 Lagos, Argentina, is known as the “Seven Lakes Route.”
Located in Argentina, this long route stretches over 124 mi (200 km) from San Martin de Los Andes to Bariloche, featuring blue lakes and dramatic mountains.
Where Does the Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Begin and Where Does It End?
The Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina travels along the shores of 7 different lakes. You have 2 options depending on where you start your trip.
You can begin in Bariloche, Rio Negro province, and end at San Martin de Los Andes.
Conversely, if you start at San Martin de Los Andes up north, the route’s end will take you to Bariloche.
Tips To Stay Safe During Your Trip In Ruta de Los 7
Traveling the Ruta de los 7 Lagos in Argentina can be an unforgettable experience, but it’s essential to prioritize safety with these tips:
- Vehicle Preparation: Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, with adequate fuel and proper tires, especially if traveling in winter.
- Drive Carefully: The route can be winding and the roads slick, especially after rain or snow, so drive cautiously.
- Stay Informed: Check weather and road conditions frequently, as they can change rapidly in this region.
- Emergency Kit: Carry a basic emergency kit including water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and warm clothing.
- Plan Your Stops: Know where you can stop for fuel, food, and rest along the route to avoid getting stranded.
- Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!
What Cities Does the Ruta de Los 7, Lagos Link?
The Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina links together the following towns and cities:
- Bariloche
- Dina Huapi
- Bariloche Junction
- Villa La Angostura
- Cardinal Antonio Samore International Border Crossing
- Quintupuray
- Villa Traful
- Paso Cordoba Junction
- Villa Lago Meliquina
- San Martín de Los Andes
Conclusion – Ruta de Los 7 Lagos Argentina
Planning a majestic trip to Patagonia, Argentina? Consider taking the Ruta de Los Lagos for an adventurous, scenic roadway experience.
Along the way, historic sites and state parks await your exploration. This paved route also offers ample opportunities for outfitters and numerous viewpoints, charming villages, and awesome views that will entice you to stop and capture the spectacular landscape through your camera.
With this guide, choose the itinerary that best suits your travel goals and personal preferences.
Enjoy your road trip!
Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources
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Related reads:
- Patagonia Itinerary: 3 Best Travel Guides From Chile To Argentina
- 14 Best Things To Do In Pumalin Park – A Patagonia Travel Guide
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.