The most iconic section of the RN 40, Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes' Drive) is a scenic 110km stretch from San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura, where the road rims seven lakes in the region. Every Argentine has done it, and every tourist wants to.
Take the Day...or More
Take your time and give yourself the freedom to stop, hike a trail, sit on a beach or have a chat. Tourists tend to rush this route, but aim to savor it. There's a lot to explore if you stay somewhere along the way or spend a night or two at either end.
Cycle the Route
It's a very popular road to cycle, with plenty of camping available, and the distance being about the right size for an easy, multi-day trip. The roads are good, even the gravel – the only issue is the 1500m elevation gain. It’s trial by fire, with the first section from San Martín being an immediate climb. You can hire bikes in San Martín and return them in Villa La Angostura.
Cascada Ñivinco
Just 11km after Lago Escondido, you’ll see the parking area for the 30-minute hike to this stunning waterfall, which is suitably packed in summer. Some of the walks here have been closed in recent times because there's a population of torrent ducks that call the area home. Very sensitive to environmental changes, the ducks live in the Andes near very fast-running water. They don’t like to be disturbed by humans, let alone drones and trash, so do the right thing.
Seven Lakes & Counting
Not surprisingly, there are more than seven lakes in the region and some are easily accessible from the road. Lago Hermoso is a stunning lake – some say the most beautiful – and it is just a short detour from the main road. Lago Traful is a longer detour but worth a stopover with sights like the Bosque Sumergido, a group of 60 cypress trees that are submerged in the crystal-blue water. Lago Espejo Chico is a very short 2km detour, and worth it.
Winter on the Road
Between July and September, vehicles must carry chains and can only drive between 9am and 6pm due to snowy conditions. Check road conditions before you leave. The beach and banks of Lago Faulkner covered in snow is a sight to behold. The landscape between Faulkner and Lago Machónico is also particularly pretty in winter – with the green lichen-covered trees, gray boulders, red branches and white snow all combining in a rainbow of alpine colors. Watch out for wildlife and farm animals.
Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes
Not technically part of Ruta de los Siete Lagos, the park is geographically easy to access at either the beginning or end of the trip in Villa La Angostura. Tourists tend to take the boat trip to Isla Victoria from Bariloche to experience the incredible stand of 650-year-old trees, but the boat only allows for a limited time in the forest. To spend a day with these rare ancient trees (and check out the indigenous rock wall paintings), enter the park from the land entrance. The trees are at the southern end of the peninsula, so if you are pressed for time, you can also catch the ferry over from Puerto Quetrihué in Villa la Angostura.
