Get ready for an epic road trip! Stretching between the town of San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura in the stunning region of Patagonia is the famous Ruta de los Siete Lagos or Seven Lakes Routes.
Despite its name, the route is much more than just its lakes — it’s one of Argentina’s most iconic scenic drives! With charming villages, hikes, waterfalls, and much more in between, we’ll break down how to make the most of it in this 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary.
Ruta de los Siete Lagos Map
How to Visit Ruta de los Siete Lagos
The most common ways to visit are driving or joining a tour from Bariloche:
- DIY 2-Day Trip: this is what we recommend the most! Rent a car in Bariloche, and follow the itinerary on this post for the best experience. There’s much to see but we think two days is enough to experience most of it.
- DIY Day Trip: you can rent a car and easily drive the whole route out and back from Bariloche in one day. It takes about 3 hours each way without stops.
- Guided Tour: if renting a car or driving is just not your thing, you can also join a tour like this one…
Seasonal Considerations
The route is more accessible and enjoyable during the warmer months from November to April when the road conditions are best, and all recreational activities are available. From March to May the landscape transforms with vibrant autumn hues, which is also a great time to visit!
In the winter months, the snow-covered landscape opens up opportunities for snowshoeing and even snowmobiling, providing a completely different experience of the Route of the Seven Lakes.
Ruta de los Siete Lagos | 2-Day Road Trip Itinerary
D-1: Preparations
Here are a few things we learned that we can recommend you do the day before you set off on this short trip:
🚗 If possible, get your rental car this evening instead of Day 1 morning. We booked our car with RentalCars from a Hertz shop in the city center. Turns out high-season mornings at Hertz are just absolute chaos. We had to wait almost 2 hours to get our pre-booked, already paid-for car.
🥾 In this itinerary we included a short hike that requires you to cross a small river by foot. We recommend you either take a pair of Crocs or water shoes with you to make the crossing easier.
🍫 Pack water and snacks. Except for the little towns you’ll stop by, there aren’t really any other restaurants or shops on the road.
🛏️ Book your room in San Martin de Los Andes beforehand, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months as the best accommodations get booked super fast.
Book your accommodation in San Martin de Los Andes >
Day 1: San Martin de Los Andes via Villa Traful
1. Valle Encantado
Take off from Bariloche for your first stop of the day, which, surprisingly enough, is NOT a lake. You’ll drive for about 1 hour on Route 237, right on the border between the provinces of Neuquen and Rio Negro, until you reach Valle Encantado.
This valley is renowned for its stunning rock formations, shaped over millennia by the elements, creating a magical landscape that really does feel enchanted!
Make sure to stop at Mirador el Dedo de Dios (location here), for the best views.
Hot tip: We recommend bringing your breakfast and having a small picnic here. Just please make sure you leave no trace.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to Malargüe – Argentina’s Real Hidden Gem
2. Villa Traful
Hit the road again for another 50 minutes to reach Villa Traful. There is a lot to do here but one thing you can’t miss is a boat tour to El Bosque Submergido, a submerged forest under the most beautiful clear bright blue water. You can book this tour directly with Traful Extremo here.
Some other things to do here include swimming, kayaking, or paddleboarding in the freezing glacial water lake, and hiking to the Cascada Cataratas and Cascadas Arroyo Blanco waterfalls.
Tip: for lunch, check out Costa Traful for some delicious food! 🍽️
3. Cascadas Ñivinco
As you leave Vila Traful, you’ll join the legendary Ruta 40, one of the world’s longest highways. Your next destination is the trailhead for Cascadas Ñivinco, a beautiful waterfall hidden within the forest.
At the start of the trail, you’ll encounter a shallow stream that must be crossed on foot. While many opt to remove their shoes, if you’ve followed our preparation tips, this is where your Crocs come in handy! The riverbed is rocky and can be challenging to navigate barefoot.
The hike to the waterfall is straightforward, well-marked, and mostly flat, taking approximately 40 minutes. If you visit during the summer, the icy water can be refreshing, and you might even be tempted to take a dip!
Important: avoid leaving any valuables inside your car at the parking lot, as car break-ins are not uncommon in the area.
4. Lake Viewpoints
Following along Ruta 40, you’ll first come across the Mirador Lago Escondido, or Hidden Lake Viewpoint. While the name might pique your curiosity, the irony is that the lake is so well-hidden that there’s actually nothing to see from this viewpoint.
Note: Mirador means Viewpoint in Spanish and Lago means Lake. Get familiar with these terms as you’ll see them a lot on this journey!
Just a few meters further, you’ll find the Mirador del Lago Villarino. The lake was named in honor of the explorer Basilio Villarino, who played an instrumental role in mapping the Patagonia region in the 18th century.
Five more minutes down the road, you’ll arrive at Lago Falkner, a favorite spot for campers. This area has well-equipped campsites, a nice sandy beach, and of course the lush surrounding forest. It’s a really nice spot for a picnic too!
Also read: How to Visit Aconcagua – Ultimate Guide & Tips
5. San Martin de Los Andes
Your final destination for the day is the charming town of San Martín de Los Andes, nestled at the edge of Lago Lácar and surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Lanín National Park.
Take some time to settle into your hotel and relax. The town’s cozy alpine atmosphere, with its wooden cabins and stunning mountain views, is the perfect place to spend the night.
🍽️ For dinner, we recommend trying El Regional or La Casona for a taste of traditional Patagonian cuisine. Turin is a more sophisticated option and Corazon Contento is the place to go for a delicious budget meal.
Hot tip: get some chocolate for dessert at Pata Negra or Mamuschka.
Where to stay in San Martin de Los Andes:
Note: if you don’t mind staying a little bit further away from the city center, we also recommend the Arrayan Lake View Mountain Lodge for some crazy lake views.
Day 2: San Martin de Los Andes & Villa La Angostura
1. San Martin de Los Andes
Rise and shine! It’s time to explore San Martín de Los Andes. Head to Plaza San Martín, where you can grab a coffee or pastry at one of the many local bakeries. Enjoy the beautiful alpine architecture with its wooden chalet-style buildings and natural stone facades, then head to Lake Lácar for a serene walk along the shores.
Slow morning over, it’s time to hop in the car, snacks, and water at the ready — day two of your road trip begins now!
Hot tip: the most beautiful view of San Martin de Los Andes is at Mirador Lago Lacar in the morning. Make sure to stop for some pics before leaving town!
2. Lake Viewpoints
On the road, your next stop is at Mirador Lago Machónico, where you’ll get a beautiful view of the deep blue lake surrounded by green hills.
A few kilometers further, you’ll turn onto a dirt road leading to Playa Lago Hermoso. This hidden gem is a quiet, pristine beach with crystal-clear water, framed by dense forest. It’s the perfect spot to stretch your legs, relax, or even take a refreshing dip if you’re up for some icy water.
Heading back south along Ruta 40 for about an hour, you’ll arrive at Lago Espejo. Here, you’ll visit one of our favorite viewpoints in the region. It was a photo from this viewpoint on Instagram that originally inspired us to explore Patagonia in the summer and seeing it in person was just magical!
3. Villa Angostura
Time for a well-deserved lunch break, right? Before you roll into Villa La Angostura, take a moment to stop and admire the Río Correntoso, a stunning stream that connects two of the area’s major lakes.
Once you arrive, park along Avenida Arrayanes and pick your lunch spot. We recommend La Caballeriza or Pizzería Hora Cero, both serve up fantastic parilla, the traditional Argentinian barbecue. You can’t go wrong with either!
4. Mirador Bahía Mansa
After lunch, make your way to Bahía Mansa and find a comfortable spot to relax and take in the view. You’ve got some hiking ahead, so feel free to linger until you’re ready to move. When you’re set, head over to Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes and start the short hike up to Mirador Bahía Mansa (listed as Mirador del Puerto on Google Maps). There’s a small entrance fee, and the trail to the viewpoint is just a 20-minute walk.
Hot tip: The park is renowned for its breathtaking myrtle forest, which is best explored on a longer six-hour hike. If that feels a bit too ambitious, consider this boat tour that departs from Bariloche which lets you experience the most beautiful section of the trail without the extended trek.
After enjoying the hike, it’s time to drive back to Bariloche, wrapping up the perfect 2-day Seven Lakes Route adventure!
Also read: How to Visit Circuito Chico, Bariloche: a DIY Guide
