10-Day Lake District Road Trip

Your Lake District adventure begins upon arrival at San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC), where you'll pick up your pre-booked rental car. After checking into your accommodation, dedicate the afternoon to exploring Bariloche's charming city center. Stroll around the Civic Center, admire the alpine-style architecture, and begin your indulgence in the city's famous chocolate shops. There are countless options, each offering unique treats. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Patagonian dinner, perhaps trying regional specialties like Patagonian lamb or freshwater trout, paired with a local craft beer. Bariloche offers a vibrant culinary scene to kick off your trip.

Today is dedicated to the iconic Circuito Chico, a scenic loop easily explored by car. This picturesque route showcases some of Bariloche's most stunning viewpoints. Start with a drive to Panoramic Point for breathtaking vistas of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains. Continue to Cerro Campanario, where a chairlift ride takes you to a summit hailed as one of the world's best views. Afterward, explore the magnificent Llao Llao Hotel and its stunning surroundings. The area is perfect for a leisurely walk. Conclude your day by visiting one of the many craft breweries along the circuit, enjoying a refreshing beer with lake views.

After a final breakfast in Bariloche, embark on a scenic drive north along Ruta Nacional 40 towards the charming village of Villa La Angostura. This relatively short drive offers beautiful views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. You’ll pass through lush forests and by tranquil bays, making for a pleasant morning journey. Upon arrival in Villa La Angostura, check into your accommodation and take some time to explore the village. Walk along the waterfront, visit the two main bays, Bahía Mansa and Bahía Brava, and browse the artisanal shops. Villa La Angostura has a more subdued, exclusive feel compared to Bariloche.

Today, immerse yourself in the natural beauty surrounding Villa La Angostura. The highlight is a visit to Arrayanes National Park, home to a unique forest of cinnamon-barked Arrayán trees. You can reach the park either by taking a picturesque boat trip from Puerto Angostura or, for the more adventurous, by hiking or biking a beautiful trail (approximately 12 km one way) from the town. Spend the afternoon enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Villa La Angostura. You might choose to relax by Lake Nahuel Huapi, try some local Patagonian sweets, or simply enjoy the tranquility of this mountain retreat. It’s a perfect day for unwinding amidst nature.

Prepare for one of Argentina's most iconic drives: the Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route), which is a segment of Ruta Nacional 40. This breathtaking drive connects Villa La Angostura with San Martín de los Andes, winding through dense forests and past a series of stunning lakes. You'll encounter viewpoints for lakes Espejo, Correntoso, Hermoso, Villarino, Falkner, and Machónico. Take your time at each stop, soaking in the pristine Patagonian scenery. The entire route is paved, making for a comfortable drive. Arrive in San Martín de los Andes in the afternoon, another charming alpine-style town nestled on the shores of Lake Lácar. Check into your hotel and enjoy a stroll along the waterfront.

Today is dedicated to exploring the delightful town of San Martín de los Andes and its immediate surroundings. Start with a wander through the town's grid-patterned streets, admiring the wooden architecture and browsing the local artisan shops. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful shore of Lake Lácar, or visit the scenic La Islita viewpoint. For those seeking more activity, consider a short hike up to the Mirador Arrayán for panoramic views of the town and lake, or drive to Quila Quina, a lovely lakeside community with a beach and restaurant. San Martín offers a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying nature and gastronomy.

Embark on a day trip to Junín de los Andes, located approximately 40 km north of San Martín de los Andes via Ruta Nacional 40. This town is a significant spiritual center, particularly for indigenous Mapuche culture and Catholic pilgrims. Visit the impressive Via Christi, an open-air Stations of the Cross that combines religious art with local culture. From Junín, you can continue towards the majestic Lanín Volcano, a perfect cone-shaped stratovolcano that dominates the landscape. Drive towards Tromen Lake (partially gravel road) for spectacular views of the volcano and its reflection in the water, offering fantastic photo opportunities. Return to San Martín de los Andes for the evening.

Today, you'll make your way back to Bariloche, completing the loop of your Lake District adventure. Instead of repeating the Seven Lakes Route, you can opt for the more direct Ruta Nacional 40 heading south, which offers a different perspective of the Patagonian landscape, passing through more open steppe country and pre-cordillera regions. This is a longer driving day, so an early start is recommended. Upon reaching Bariloche in the afternoon, you'll have time to relax or perhaps explore an area you missed on your first days, like the bustling artisan market or another lakeside walk. Enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Bariloche's many fine restaurants.

Your final full day in the Lake District offers flexibility to choose your own adventure in Bariloche. You could opt for a half-day excursion to Colonia Suiza, a charming historic settlement known for its artisan market and traditional 'Curanto' Patagonian feast (available on specific days). Alternatively, take a scenic catamaran cruise on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest and Los Cántaros waterfall, a journey into pristine nature. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, revisit your favorite chocolate shops, try a new craft brewery, or simply unwind by the lake, reflecting on your incredible Patagonian road trip.

Enjoy a final Patagonian breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for some last-minute souvenir shopping or a final walk along the lake. Head to Bariloche Airport (BRC), where you will return your rental car, concluding your memorable 10-day Lake District road trip. Reflect on the stunning landscapes, charming towns, and delicious flavors you've experienced on this fantastic self-drive adventure through the heart of Argentine Patagonia.