All Seasonal Guides

Spring in Seven Lakes Route

The Seven Lakes Route in spring is South America's most beautiful drive at its absolute best. Wildflowers carpet the roadsides, snowmelt waterfalls cascade into crystal lakes, and uncrowded conditions let you savor each lake at your own pace.

Spring on the Seven Lakes Route (Ruta de los Siete Lagos), from September through November, transforms one of South America's most celebrated drives into a masterpiece of color, light, and natural beauty. This 110km stretch of Ruta 40 between San Martín de los Andes and Bariloche winds through the heart of the Argentine Lake District, passing seven named lakes — Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Correntoso, Espejo, and Nahuel Huapi — each with its own character, color, and surrounding landscape.

Spring adds extraordinary elements to this already stunning drive. Wildflowers explode along the roadsides and in forest clearings, with the iconic red notro (firebush) providing dramatic splashes of color against the deep green forest and turquoise water. Waterfalls swollen with snowmelt cascade down mountainsides that in summer might show only a trickle. The surrounding peaks still carry snow, creating a magnificent contrast with the fresh green of the valleys below.

What makes spring truly special on the Seven Lakes Route is the uncrowded road. In summer, this route sees significant traffic with tour buses, RVs, and rental cars creating a steady stream. In spring, you may drive for kilometers without seeing another vehicle, allowing you to stop at every viewpoint, pull off at any lakeside clearing, and spend as long as you wish at each of the seven lakes. For self-drive travelers, this is the route at its purest and most rewarding.

Weather Overview

Avg High

14°C

Avg Low

3°C

Precipitation

Moderate, with spring showers possible on any day. Rain tends to be brief, and sunshine follows. November is generally the driest month.

Wind

Moderate, with calmer conditions in the forested valleys than on exposed lakeshores.

Daylight

Increasing from about 11 hours in September to over 14.5 hours by late November, providing ample driving and exploration time.

Spring weather along the Seven Lakes Route is variable but often beautiful. You might encounter rain, sunshine, and dramatic cloud formations all in the same drive. Mornings tend to be cool and clear, with afternoon showers possible. The constantly changing conditions create extraordinary light for photography. November offers the warmest and most stable conditions.

Activities

Available Activities

The Complete Seven Lakes Drive

Drive the full 110km route, stopping at viewpoints, beaches, and trailheads for each of the seven lakes. Allow a full day to do the route justice, or spread it over two days.

Lakeside Hikes and Walks

Short trails at several lakes lead to secluded beaches, waterfalls, and viewpoints. The Cascada Vuliñanco near Lago Falkner and trails around Lago Correntoso are spring highlights.

Photography

Spring light, wildflowers, snow-capped peaks, and turquoise lakes create world-class photographic conditions. Early morning and late afternoon light on the lakes is spectacular.

Villa La Angostura Stop

This charming village at the midpoint of the route offers excellent dining, chocolate shops, and access to the Arrayanes Forest. A perfect lunch stop.

Birdwatching

The diverse lakeside and forest habitats support rich birdlife including Magellanic woodpeckers, austral parakeets, and various waterfowl on the lakes.

Picnicking

Designated picnic areas along the route, especially near Lagos Correntoso and Espejo, offer stunning settings for a lakeside meal with mountain views.

Not Available This Season

Swimming in the lakes (water remains cold until January-February)Some very high mountain trails near the route (lingering snow)Water sports rentals at lakeside (typically start in December)

Accommodation

Base in either San Martín de los Andes (northern end) or Bariloche (southern end), both with extensive options at spring shoulder season rates. Villa La Angostura in the middle offers charming mid-route accommodation. Several lakeside campgrounds along the route are available for adventurous travelers.

Crowds & Tourism

This is the defining advantage of a spring Seven Lakes drive. Summer sees the route crowded with tour buses and heavy traffic. In spring, the road is yours — viewpoints are empty, lakeside pulloffs are available, and the experience is intimate and personal. It is the way the route was meant to be experienced.

Pricing

Excellent value. Accommodation at both endpoints is at shoulder season rates (30-50% below peak). Car rental is competitive, and fuel prices are standard. The route itself is free to drive. This is the most affordable time to experience one of South America's great road trips.

Driving Conditions

Important for car rental travelers

The Seven Lakes Route is fully paved and beautifully maintained. It is one of the best-quality drives in Patagonia. Spring conditions are excellent — the road is clear, curves are well-marked, and pulloff areas are frequent. Occasional rain may make the road wet, requiring normal wet-driving caution. A standard car rental handles the route perfectly. The only consideration is that some secondary tracks to trailheads may be muddy in early spring.

Packing Essentials

Camera with extra memory cards and batteries
Layered clothing for variable temperatures
Rain jacket (brief showers are common)
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes for lakeside exploration
Picnic supplies (excellent bakeries in San Martín and Bariloche)
Binoculars for birdwatching and distant views
Daypack
Thermos with hot mate or coffee
Swimsuit (for brave cold-water dips or hotel pools)
Insect repellent (late spring)

Events & Festivals

Wildflower Season (October-November)

The route's wildflower displays peak in October-November, with notro (firebush), lupins, and numerous native species creating a natural flower show along the roadsides.

Fishing Season Opening (November 1)

Lakes along the route open for fishing, and the season opener adds excitement to the region, particularly at the San Martín and Bariloche endpoints.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Uncrowded road conditions — experience South America's best drive at its most peaceful.
  • Spectacular wildflower displays add color to every kilometer.
  • Snowmelt waterfalls at peak flow create dramatic scenery.
  • Snow-capped peaks provide stunning contrast with spring greenery.
  • Shoulder season pricing at both endpoints saves significantly.
  • Fully paved road makes the drive accessible to any rental car.

Cons

  • Spring rain showers can be frequent, though usually brief.
  • Lake water is too cold for swimming.
  • Some lakeside services (boat rentals, cafes) may not be operating yet.
  • Early spring mornings can be cold, with possible frost.
  • Variable weather means some viewpoints may be clouded over.

Explore by Car This Season

A rental car gives you the freedom to explore Patagonia at your own pace, no matter the season.

Browse Car Rentals

Explore More

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which direction should I drive the Seven Lakes Route?

Both directions are beautiful. Driving south to north (Bariloche to San Martín) puts the afternoon sun on the lakes more favorably. North to south (San Martín to Bariloche) is equally scenic. Consider doing it both ways on different days.

How long does the Seven Lakes Route take?

The drive itself takes about 3 hours non-stop, but plan for a full day (6-8 hours) to stop at viewpoints, take short hikes, and enjoy each lake properly. Rushing defeats the purpose.

Is the Seven Lakes Route open year-round?

Yes, the fully paved route is open year-round. Spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons. Winter is also possible but with shorter days and occasional snow on the road.

Can I camp along the Seven Lakes Route?

Several campgrounds are located along the route, particularly near Lagos Correntoso, Espejo, and Machónico. Some may have limited spring services. Wild camping is not permitted within national park boundaries.

What type of car do I need?

Any standard rental car handles the Seven Lakes Route perfectly. It is fully paved with gentle curves and well-maintained surfaces. No special vehicle requirements.

When do the wildflowers peak on the route?

Peak wildflower season is typically October to mid-November, with the red notro (firebush) being the most spectacular bloom. Different species flower at different times, so any spring visit will have something in bloom.

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