Seven Lakes Route Argentina

A Spectacular Journey Through the Lake District in Neuquen Province

May 30, 2008 Rosemary Findley

Starting in San Martin de los Andes this classic 110km route passes seven sparkling lakes set in lush forest before ending at the charming village of Villa La Angostura.

This Switzerland of Latin America offers much more than one of Argentina's most scenic drives. The Seven Lakes Route connects the national parks of Lanin and Nahuel Huapi where there are opportunities to fish, horse ride,hike or take a boat excursion. For more leisurely activites there are some enticing stops along the way to taste artesan jams, chocolate and liquers.

It is best to drive the route in a private car stopping at will to take a photo, have a picnic or just admire the view. A car also gives accommodation choices out of town like cabanas (small cottages with equipped kitchens) in a forest setting. Alternatively regular buses service the route or a tour can be arranged in San Martin de los Andes for ARS90 (USD30).

If you have time continue south from Villa La Angostura for a few hours to arrive at San Carlos de Bariloche, the biggest town in the area, offering a huge range of excursions. Still continuing south there is more dramatic scenery as well as the national parks of Lake Puelo and Los Alcerces accessable from the small towns of El Bolson (Ruta Nacional 258) and Esquel (Ruta Nacional 40).

The Seven Lakes Route

Starting at San Martin de los Andes, a charming town of chalet style buildings prettily set on Lake Lacar, you follow Ruta Nacional 234. This mainly paved road winds through forest of nire and coihue to arrive at Villa la Angostura, a smaller but equally picturesque village. On the journey the views are of lush valleys,snow-capped peaks and jewel like lakes. En route lookout points allow you to pull over and admire the views.

The lakes are as follows;

Lake Machonico, Lake Falkner where there is a 20m waterfall, Lake Villarino, Lake Escondido, Lake Correntoso, Lake Espejo and finally Lake Nahuel Huapi in Villa La Angostura.

The National Parks

From San Martin de los Andes the southern and central part of Lanin National Park can be explored. In the central part is Volcano Lanin (3776m) majestically rising above everything. Popular are boat trips on Lake Huechulafen where hardy Patagonian forest grows on wrinkled lava flows and, if the weather is kind, views of the imposing south face of Volcano Lanin .

From Villa La Angostura the Arrayane forest can be visited either by boat or hiking. This stand of myrtle forest is located at the tip of Peninsula Quetrihue in National Park Los Arrayanes, a small park within National Park Nahuel Huapi. Their long, slim caramel coloured trunks stretch skywards giving the impression of walking in a forest of cinamon sticks.

How to Get There

Flights from Buenos Aires service San Martin de los Andes Chapelco Airport. In town you can hire a car or a bike or book an excursion through one of the many travel agencies. There are also regular flights to San Carlos de Bariloche.

Accommodation

Both San Martin de los Andes and Villa La angostura offer full tourist services including a wide range of accommodation from camping to resorts as well as high quality restaurants. Bookings are essential in the peak summer and winter ski season, also prices are higher at these times.

When to Visit

Hugely popular with both Argentinans and foreign visitors the Lake District can be very crowded in the summer months of December through to February and in the winter ski season. Autumn and Spring are beautiful times to visit and for avoiding crowds.

The copyright of the article Seven Lakes Route Argentina in South America Travel is owned by Rosemary Findley. Permission to republish Seven Lakes Route Argentina in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Lago Escondido (Hidden Lake)	Lake Huechulafen Lanin National Park	Bosque de Las Arrayanes Nahuel Huapi National Par
Lake Nahuel Huapi in Villa La Angostura	Lake Machonico