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
Related Roads in south-america
hardA wild mining road to Abra de La Deidad in the Andes
🇨🇱 Chile
Alright, adventure junkies, listen up! If you're in Chile's Coquimbo Region and crave some serious altitude, you HAVE to check out Abra de La Deidad. This bad boy clocks in at a whopping 4,907 meters (that's 16,099 feet!), making it one of Chile's highest roads. Nestled in the heart of the Andes, practically kissing the Argentinian border near Los Cuartitos, this isn't your average Sunday drive. We're talking a completely unpaved, rugged mining road. Expect a challenging journey, folks – think narrow stretches, seriously steep inclines, and hairpin turns galore. But here's the catch: due to its extreme elevation, you can only tackle this beast during the summer months (December to April). The rest of the year, Mother Nature slams the door shut with heavy snow. And even in summer, be prepared for biting winds and bone-chilling cold. The views? Absolutely epic. The bragging rights? Totally worth it.
moderateSalar del Hombre Muerto
🇦🇷 Argentina
Okay, picture this: you're in northwest Argentina, Catamarca province, standing on a salt flat called Salar del Hombre Muerto. We're talking serious altitude here, like 13,123 feet above sea level! The road in, RP43, is a gravel track, so a 4x4 is definitely recommended. This place is famous for its lithium-rich brine (yep, that stuff in your phone battery!), but be warned, if it's wet, that road can turn into a muddy mess. Heading south, the road gets a bit rougher as you climb towards Antofagasta. Expect plenty of sandy and corrugated sections – it's hard work! If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, maybe skip this one. Heights bother you? Steer clear! The southern part of the road is usually in better shape though, so there's that. Get ready for some incredible scenery and a truly off-the-beaten-path adventure!
hardLaguna Saquicocha
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to check out Laguna Saquicocha, a mind-blowing lagoon chilling way up in the Ancash Region of Peru, at a staggering 14,425 feet! The road to get there? Buckle up, buttercup! It's a bumpy gravel track that demands a 4x4, especially after any rain. Seriously, even a little drizzle can make things interesting. Be warned: the road can get seriously steep with some sudden loose gravel spots waiting to surprise you! The climb kicks off from the AN-111 road, winding upwards for about 4 kilometers, tackling a crazy 12 hairpin turns. You'll gain almost 300 meters in elevation, making for an average climb of nearly 7%. Oh, and keep an eye on the weather – this high up, snow is a real possibility, and the road can close in winter. But trust me, if you can handle the challenge, the views in the Pampas Galeras National Reserve are absolutely worth it!
extremeRoad 1NC
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits on Carretera 1NC in the Peruvian Andes! This insane stretch of road clocks in at over 47 km, practically all of it perched above 4,500 meters. Yeah, you read that right – we're talking serious altitude! The highest point hits a staggering 4,780m (15,682ft), so be prepared for some thin air. Connecting the Huayllay District in Pasco with the Pacaraos District in Huaral, this isn't your average Sunday drive. Picture this: a super narrow road, clinging to the mountainside with drops of hundreds of meters just inches from your tires – and no guardrails! Add to that the occasional traffic jam caused by lumbering trucks, and you've got yourself an adrenaline-pumping experience. Because of its altitude and remote location, preparation is key. Weather changes in an instant up here. Rain can turn the road into a real challenge, and avalanches, heavy snow, and landslides are all potential hazards. Patches of ice are common, too, so drive carefully and keep your eyes peeled. Despite the challenges, the views are absolutely breathtaking.