How to Get to Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route)
Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, a breathtaking scenic drive through the heart of Patagonia's lake district. This iconic route, nestled between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, offers unparalleled natural beauty, from pristine azure lakes to lush Andean forests. Discover the best ways to reach this bucket-list destination and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime.
8 min readUpdated for 2025–2026 Season
The Ruta de los Siete Lagos, or Seven Lakes Route, is one of Patagonia's most celebrated road trips, connecting the charming towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes in Argentina's Neuquén province. This picturesque stretch of Ruta Nacional 40 winds through a landscape sculpted by glaciers, revealing stunning vistas of lakes such as Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico. To truly appreciate its beauty and explore at your own pace, understanding the various transport options is key. While some sections can be done by bus, a self-drive adventure offers the ultimate freedom to stop at countless viewpoints, embark on short hikes, and discover hidden gems along the way.
Nearest Airports
San Carlos de Bariloche Airport
The closest and busiest airport for the southern start of the route, offering numerous domestic flights and some international connections.
Aviador Carlos Campos Airport (Chapelco)
Convenient for the northern end of the route, ideal if you plan to start your journey from San Martín de los Andes. Offers domestic flights.
Presidente Perón International Airport (Neuquén)
A larger regional hub offering more frequent flights, though further away. Requires a longer drive to reach the Seven Lakes Route.
By Flight
Flying is the quickest way to reach the Patagonian Lake District from major Argentine cities like Buenos Aires. The most convenient airports are Bariloche (BRC) and Chapelco (CPC), both providing relatively easy access to the Ruta de los Siete Lagos.
Airlines
Flight Tips
- Book flights well in advance, especially during peak season (December-February and July), as seats can fill up quickly and prices increase.
- Consider flying into Bariloche (BRC) for broader flight availability and then renting a car to drive to Villa La Angostura to begin the route.
- For a less crowded arrival, Chapelco (CPC) near San Martín de los Andes is an excellent choice, though it typically has fewer direct flights.
- Be mindful of luggage restrictions, especially with budget airlines, to avoid unexpected fees.
By Car
Driving the Ruta de los Siete Lagos is the quintessential experience, offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore every viewpoint and hidden trail. The route is primarily paved along Ruta Nacional 40, making it accessible for most vehicles, though some side roads to specific lakes may be gravel.
Main Driving Routes
| From | Route | Distance | Duration | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Carlos de Bariloche | Ruta Nacional 40 | Approximately 80 km to Villa La Angostura (start of the route) | 1-1.5 hours | Excellent paved road, well-maintained with clear signage. |
| San Martín de los Andes | Ruta Nacional 40 (Southern direction) | Approximately 20 km to the start of the Seven Lakes section (Lago Lácar) | 20-30 minutes | Paved and in very good condition, forming the northern end of the route. |
| Neuquén City | Ruta Nacional 237 then Ruta Nacional 40 | Approximately 430 km to Villa La Angostura | 5-6 hours | Mainly paved, good condition, passing through scenic steppe and mountain landscapes. |
| Buenos Aires | Ruta Nacional 5 to Santa Rosa, then Ruta Nacional 35, Ruta Nacional 152, Ruta Nacional 143, Ruta Nacional 237 to Ruta Nacional 40 | Approximately 1600 km | 18-20 hours (usually split over two days) | Mostly paved, some sections can be challenging, especially Ruta Nacional 237 with its long stretches through the Patagonian steppe. Ensure your vehicle is well-prepared. |
Driving Tips
- Always fill up your fuel tank when you see a gas station, especially before heading onto the Seven Lakes Route, as stations are scarce between towns.
- Check local weather and road conditions before departure, particularly in shoulder seasons (spring/autumn) for possible snow or ice.
- Carry spare tires and basic emergency tools. Cell phone signal can be intermittent along the route.
- Drive cautiously, as wildlife (deer, guanacos) can cross the road, and the winding roads have many curves and elevation changes.
By Bus
Bus travel is a viable and economical option for reaching the towns surrounding the Seven Lakes Route, and even for traversing parts of the route itself. Long-distance buses offer a comfortable experience, often with reclining seats ('cama' or 'semi-cama') and onboard services.
Bus Companies
Bus Tips
- Buses run regularly between Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, and San Martín de los Andes. You can take a bus from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura, and then another bus from there towards San Martín de los Andes, making stops at some of the lakes.
- Book tickets in advance, especially during high season, as popular routes can sell out.
- For the Seven Lakes Route itself, while buses cover the main road, they have limited stops. You'll miss out on many viewpoints and the flexibility to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.
- Night buses from Buenos Aires to Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes can save a day of travel and a night of accommodation.
From Major Cities
| City | Best Method | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Flight to Bariloche (BRC) or Chapelco (CPC), then car rental | Flight: 2-2.5 hours; Drive from airport to route: 1-1.5 hours | Varies widely from 50 USD to 200+ USD for flights, plus car rental. |
| San Carlos de Bariloche | Car rental (most recommended) or Bus | Car: 1-1.5 hours to Villa La Angostura; Bus: 1.5-2 hours | Car rental varies; Bus: 5-10 USD |
| San Martín de los Andes | Car rental (most recommended) or Bus | Car: 20-30 minutes to the route; Bus: 30-45 minutes | Car rental varies; Bus: 3-7 USD |
Local Transport
Once you arrive in towns like Villa La Angostura or San Martín de los Andes, local taxis and remises (private car services) are available for short distances. However, for exploring the Ruta de los Siete Lagos itself, a car is virtually indispensable. Public buses do run along Ruta Nacional 40, connecting the towns and passing some of the lakes, but their stops are infrequent, and they don't offer the flexibility to pull over at every scenic point, take detours, or linger at your favorite spots. Some organized tours are available from Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes, which cover the main highlights but on a fixed schedule.
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