Ruta de los 7 Lagos, an iconic drive in Patagonia
Argentina, south-america
107 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through northwest Patagonia in northern Argentina, wind in your hair (maybe!), on the legendary Ruta de los 7 Lagos – the Seven Lakes Route! This baby is paved from start to finish, winding you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes you've ever seen.
Think crystal-clear, deep-blue lakes reflecting snow-capped Andes mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. You'll be driving through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks, so keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife. The road gets its name from the seven stunning lakes it connects: Machónico, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo, Lácar, Falkner, and Villarino.
The whole shebang is about 107km (66 miles) between Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. I'd say dedicate a full day to really soak it all in, with plenty of stops for photos and maybe a picnic by one of those gorgeous lakes. Just a heads-up: you might share the road with some semi-trailer trucks, so stay alert and enjoy the ride! Trust me, this is one road trip you won't forget.
Where is it?
Ruta de los 7 Lagos, an iconic drive in Patagonia is located in Argentina (south-america). Coordinates: -34.5745, -61.9970
Road Details
- Country
- Argentina
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 107 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- -34.5745, -61.9970
Related Roads in south-america
extremeHow to get to Abra Llamaorgo?
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! Abra Llamaorgo in the Huancavelica region of Peru is calling your name! This insane mountain pass tops out at a whopping 15,419 feet, so get ready for some seriously thin air. You'll kick off your ascent near \[city name], tackling [length] of winding road with an almost 1,000-meter climb. Picture this: hairpin turns galore clinging to the mountainside with jaw-dropping views at every switchback. The road? Think mostly gravel and dirt, but surprisingly decent. A regular car *might* make it if you take it super slow and the weather's on your side. Now, the not-so-chill part: this road is STEEP – we're talking double-digit gradients in places! The weather is a total wildcard at this altitude, and rain can turn that dirt into a slick mess in a heartbeat. Plus, keep an eye out for snow, landslides, and even avalanches – yeah, it’s that wild! Pro tip: pack like you're heading to the moon. Extra fuel, water, food, warm clothes – the works! A solid GPS and actual paper maps are a must, because cell service is a myth out here. Best time to go? Aim for the dry season (May to September). Rainy season? Mud and ice become major party crashers. And remember, that high altitude will mess with your engine and your lungs, so pace yourself!
hardRoad CA-109 (Bambamarca-Celendín)
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, buckle up for CA-109 in northern Peru – it's a wild one! This 109 km stretch between Bambamarca and Celendín in the Cajamarca region is definitely not for the faint of heart (or weak stomachs!). Seriously, if you get carsick easily, maybe skip this one. Trust me, you don't want to overeat before tackling this road. We're talking serious hairpin turns here – like, hundreds of them. Even seasoned drivers will be kept on their toes. The road's gravel surface and narrow passages demand constant attention, and with those dramatic drop-offs, you really need to focus. But hey, you're driving in the Andes Mountains! This route climbs to a lung-busting 3,755 meters (over 12,000 feet!), so the views are absolutely incredible... assuming you dare to take your eyes off the road for a second! Just remember, CA-109 is a humbling experience, so leave the ego at home and drive carefully.
extremeThe unpaved road to Abra Huarcaya
🇵🇪 Peru
Okay, adventure junkies, buckle up for Abra Huarcaya, a beast of a mountain pass tucked away in the Cotahuasi Subbasin Landscape Reserve in Peru's Arequipa Region! We're talking serious altitude here – a whopping 5,057 meters (16,591 feet) above sea level. This isn't just a high road; it's one of the highest in the entire country! The road, officially named AR-105, is completely unpaved. Think sandy stretches and hairpin turns that'll make you grip the wheel. Keep an eye out for patches of loose gravel that can sneak up on you. Rainy days? Forget about it. Even a little drizzle can turn this route into an absolute nightmare. The unpaved bits become impassable when wet. This climb is brutal. Expect a serious lack of oxygen that'll test your lungs. And those steep inclines? Killer! This road's got a rep for unpredictable snowstorms and blizzards. Driving through that is NOT for the faint of heart! You might even spot a mine vehicle or two along the way.
extremeAbra Llamaorgo: Driving one of the highest mountain passes in Peru
🇵🇪 Peru
Abra Llamaorgo is an extreme mountain pass reaching an elevation of 4,700m (15,419ft) above sea level, located in the Department of Huancavelica, Peru. This high-altitude route is a true test for any driver, offering raw Andean scenery and challenging gradients in one of the most remote regions of the country. The ascent starts from the city of Huancavelica. The road to the summit is 22.7 km long, involving a significant elevation gain of 995 meters. The drive is famous for its 20 hairpin turns that snake up the steep mountain slopes, providing constant views of the surrounding peaks. The road is totally unpaved but generally well-maintained. While it consists mainly of gravel and dirt, its condition often allows a standard passenger vehicle to reach the summit during periods of good weather, provided the driver proceeds slowly and with caution. The road is extremely steep, with some sections exceeding a 24% gradient. Due to the extreme altitude, weather conditions can change in minutes. Even a single rainfall can make the surface challenging. The area is prone to heavy snowfalls, landslides, and avalanches, with frequent patches of ice making the track dangerous at any time of year. Because of its remote location and altitude of 4,700 meters, it is vital to be fully prepared. Drivers should carry extra fuel, water, food, and warm clothing. A reliable GPS and physical maps are highly recommended, as mobile signal is virtually non-existent in this part of the Andes. The best time for driving is during the dry season (typically from May to September). During the rainy season, the risk of road blockages due to mud or ice increases significantly. Regardless of the season, the high elevation means the air is thin, which can affect both engine power and the driver's physical well-being. Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our interactive map to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click here to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.