Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of Seven Lakes)
Argentina, south-america
107 km
1,200 m
easy
November-April, with peak autumn color in April-May
# The Route of Seven Lakes: A Drive Through Patagonian Paradise
If you're planning a road trip through Argentina's Lake District, buckle up for the 107-kilometer stretch between San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura—and yes, you'll pass by seven absolutely breathtaking glacial lakes along the way. This scenic drive winds through Lanin and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, and honestly, it's hard to know which view to admire first.
Each of those seven lakes—Machonica, Falkner, Villarino, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, and Lacar—has its own personality, sporting colors that shift from deep emerald to brilliant turquoise depending on the light and angle. The backdrop doesn't disappoint either: snow-capped Andean peaks and towering ancient Araucaria forests (you know, those quirky monkey puzzle trees) frame everything perfectly.
The road climbs through mountain passes that seem designed to give you the best possible views, with plenty of pulloffs scattered throughout where you can actually stop and soak it all in. There are hidden beaches waiting to be discovered, viewpoints that'll make your jaw drop, and waterfalls tucked away just off the road. The whole region transforms with the seasons too—spring brings wildflower meadows bursting with color, while autumn sets the southern beech forests ablaze in fiery reds and golds. No matter when you visit, this stretch of Ruta Nacional 40 delivers serious Patagonian magic.
Where is it?
Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of Seven Lakes) is located in Neuquen, Patagonia, Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -40.6000, -71.5000
Driving Tips
# Road Trip Tips
The whole road is paved now, so you're in good shape! Plan to spend a full day on this drive if you can—there are some amazing viewpoints and short walks worth stopping for along the way.
Pack a picnic because the lakeside spots are gorgeous, but fair warning: restaurants are pretty sparse out here. Grab your food and fuel before you hit the road—fill up in San Martin de los Andes or Villa La Angostura so you're not caught short.
Just a heads up: this route is really popular with cyclists, so keep an eye out for them, especially on curves and narrower sections.
If you can swing it, hit this drive in autumn (April-May). The southern beech trees put on an incredible show with their fall colors—it's seriously worth planning your trip around if you're looking for that.
Road Surface
Paved, well-maintained two-lane road
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Region
- Neuquen, Patagonia
- Length
- 107 km
- Max Elevation
- 1,200 m
- Difficulty
- easy
- Surface
- Paved, well-maintained two-lane road
- Best Season
- November-April, with peak autumn color in April-May
- Coordinates
- -40.6000, -71.5000
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