All Seasonal Guides

Summer in Seven Lakes Route

The Seven Lakes Route between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes is South America's most beautiful drive, and summer reveals it at peak splendor. Crystal-clear lakes, snow-dusted peaks, and Andean forest line this 110km scenic highway from December to February.

The Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) is a 110-kilometer scenic highway connecting San Carlos de Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes through the heart of Argentina's Lake District. Following Ruta Nacional 40 and Ruta 234, this road passes seven named lakes — Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, and Machónico — each a different shade of blue, green, or turquoise, set against a backdrop of Valdivian forest and Andean peaks.

Summer from December through February presents this route at its absolute finest. The fully paved road is in excellent condition, the lakes shimmer under blue skies, snow lingers on higher peaks providing dramatic contrast against green forests, and the long daylight hours (16-17 hours) allow for a leisurely drive with countless stops.

While the route can be driven in under three hours without stopping, this would miss the entire point. The Seven Lakes Route is designed for lingering — pulling over at viewpoints to photograph lake panoramas, taking short hikes to hidden waterfalls, swimming at sandy lakeside beaches, picnicking in forest clearings, and stopping at the small communities along the way. Villa La Angostura, roughly midway, makes an excellent lunch or overnight stop.

The route is one of the strongest arguments for renting a car in Patagonia. While tour buses cover it in a single direction, having your own vehicle lets you stop when and where inspiration strikes, loop back for a different perspective, and discover the quieter side roads that lead to some of the area's most beautiful hidden spots.

Weather Overview

Avg High

24°C

Avg Low

8°C

Precipitation

Summer is the driest season with about 25-40mm per month along the route. Occasional afternoon showers are possible, especially near Villa La Angostura.

Wind

Generally calm within the forested valleys. Lakeshores can have light afternoon breezes. Open viewpoints may be windier.

Daylight

16-17 hours of daylight — essential for a leisurely drive with multiple stops and short hikes.

Summer on the Seven Lakes Route is warm and mostly sunny. The forested valleys create a pleasant microclimate. Morning light is typically the best for photography (calm water, clear air). Afternoon clouds can develop but rarely produce prolonged rain. The route's varying elevation creates subtle temperature changes between lake levels and mountain viewpoints.

Activities

Available Activities

Scenic Driving

The core experience — 110km of constantly changing lake-and-forest scenery. Each lake has a different color and character. Numerous viewpoints and pulloffs are marked along the route.

Lake Swimming

Several lakes have accessible beaches where summer visitors swim. Lago Correntoso, Lago Espejo (Mirror Lake), and sheltered bays on Lago Nahuel Huapi are popular spots. Water temperatures reach 16-20°C in warm spots.

Short Hikes

Trailheads along the route lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and forest walks. The Cascada Vullignanco and Cascada Nireco are easily accessible. Most are 1-2 hour round trips.

Villa La Angostura Stop

This charming town at the route's midpoint offers restaurants, chocolate shops, and the Bosque de Arrayanes (myrtle forest). An ideal lunch stop or overnight base.

Photography

Each lake offers different lighting and color conditions. Morning provides mirror-calm reflections. The contrast of turquoise water, green forest, and snow-capped peaks is a photographer's dream.

Picnicking

Numerous lakeside areas with natural clearings provide perfect picnic spots. Pack supplies from Bariloche or San Martín and enjoy lunch with a lake-and-mountain backdrop.

Not Available This Season

In very rare cases, road sections may have temporary closures for maintenanceSome lakeside campgrounds may close briefly between seasons in early December

Accommodation

Villa La Angostura at the midpoint offers excellent hotels, cabañas, and hostels. Both Bariloche (southern end) and San Martín de los Andes (northern end) have full accommodation ranges. Campgrounds along the route provide lakeside overnight options. Summer is busy — book ahead for January, especially in Villa La Angostura.

Crowds & Tourism

The route is popular in January with both tourist buses and self-drivers. Viewpoints can have parked tour buses mid-day. For a quieter experience: drive early morning, go on weekdays, or explore in December/February. Despite traffic, the route's length and many stopping points distribute visitors well.

Pricing

The drive itself is free — no tolls. The main cost is car rental plus fuel. Villa La Angostura and Bariloche accommodation ranges from moderate to expensive. Pack food for lakeside picnics to save on dining. Budget the car rental as a per-day cost across your Lake District stay.

Driving Conditions

Important for car rental travelers

The Seven Lakes Route is fully paved and in excellent condition. It's one of the best roads in Patagonia — suitable for any rental car. The route has curves and elevation changes but is well-engineered with guardrails at exposed sections. Watch for cyclists and motorcyclists in summer. Plenty of pulloffs for photos and rest. Drive at a moderate pace to enjoy the views safely.

Packing Essentials

Camera with charged batteries and extra memory
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Swimsuit for lake stops
Picnic supplies from town
Light jacket for lakeside breezes
Comfortable walking shoes for short hikes
Binoculars for distant views
Reusable water bottle
Towel for swimming stops
Cash for Villa La Angostura shops
Daypack for lakeside walks

Events & Festivals

Summer Peak Season

The route is at its busiest and most vibrant from mid-December through February, with all services, viewpoints, and lakeside facilities fully operational.

Villa La Angostura Summer Events

The midpoint town hosts summer festivals, artisan markets, and cultural events that add a pleasant social dimension to the driving experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • One of South America's most beautiful scenic drives.
  • Fully paved road in excellent condition — accessible to all vehicles.
  • Seven distinctly colored lakes create ever-changing scenery.
  • Long summer daylight allows leisurely exploration.
  • Swimming, hiking, and picnicking opportunities throughout.
  • Connects two of the Lake District's best towns.

Cons

  • January tour bus traffic can be heavy at popular viewpoints.
  • Clear weather not guaranteed — cloud cover reduces the impact.
  • Requires a car for the best experience.
  • Popular lakeside beaches get crowded in peak season.
  • The drive deserves a full day but many rush through it.

Explore by Car This Season

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

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Explore More

Discover more guides and resources for this destination

Frequently Asked Questions

Which direction should I drive?

Both directions are equally scenic. Bariloche to San Martín (south to north) is slightly more popular. The key is driving in daylight with time for stops. Start early morning for the best light and fewer crowds.

How long does the drive take?

The 110km can be driven in 2.5-3 hours without stopping, but plan a full day (6-8 hours) to properly enjoy viewpoints, short hikes, swimming stops, and lunch. Rushing defeats the purpose.

Can I do it as a round trip?

Yes, though it's better as a one-way drive with an overnight in San Martín or Villa La Angostura before returning. If doing a round trip, you'll see the lakes in different light on the return — morning light heading north, afternoon light heading south.

Do I need a special vehicle?

No. The route is fully paved and any rental car handles it easily. It's one of the best-maintained roads in the region. Just ensure your vehicle is in normal working condition.

What are the seven lakes?

The named lakes are: Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo (Mirror Lake), Escondido (Hidden Lake), Villarino, Falkner, and Machónico. Some count additional lakes visible from the route, like Lago Hermoso, bringing the actual tally higher.

Is Villa La Angostura worth a stop?

Absolutely. This charming town at the route's midpoint offers excellent restaurants, artisanal chocolate shops, and access to the Bosque de Arrayanes. It's the ideal place for a leisurely lunch or an overnight stay to split the route into two days.

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