Automne in Seven Lakes Route
Automne sur the Seven Lakes Route is South America's ultimate automne drive. Seven glacial lakes shimmer beneath forests of fire-red lenga and golden ñire, with snow-dusted Andean peaks completing the picture.
The Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) is a 107km stretch of Ruta 40 connecting San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura through the heart of Argentina's Lake District. This iconic drive passes seven glacial lakes — Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso, and Espejo — each with its own character and beauty. During autumn, de mars à mai, this route becomes arguably the most beautiful drive in all of South America.
The transformation is breathtaking. Native lenga, ñire, and coigüe trees that line the road and drape the hillsides explode into every shade of red, orange, gold, and amber. Each lake reflects these colors differently — some framed by pure golden forests, others by a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees creating striking contrast patterns. The overall effect, enhanced by snow-capped Andean peaks and crystal-clear automne skies, is simply staggering.
Self-driving is the ideal way to experience this route. Unlike summer, when tourist buses and heavy traffic can diminish the experience, automne offers a peaceful road with room to pull over at any viewpoint, take a detour to a lakeside beach, or simply stop and absorb the scenery. The route is fully paved and suitable for any vehicle, making it accessible to all drivers. Allow a full day for the drive, or better yet, two — rushing through this natural masterpiece would be a shame.
Apercu Meteo
Max Moyenne
15°C
Min Moyenne
3°C
Precipitations
Moderate rainfall increasing through autumn, from about 60mm en mars to 150mm en mai.
Vent
Generally calm within the sheltered lake valleys, with occasional gusts at exposed viewpoints.
Ensoleillement
La durée du jour diminue d'environ 12.5 heures en mars to around 9.5 heures fin mai.
Automne along the Seven Lakes Route is crisp and beautiful. March offers the warmest days with early color changes. April is peak foliage with cool, clear conditions ideal for photography. May brings colder temperatures, more rain, and possible early snow at higher elevations.
Activites
Activites Disponibles
Full Route Route Panoramique
Parcourez the complete 107km route between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, stopping at each lake's viewpoints and beaches. Couleurs automnales peak en avril, creating postcard-perfect scenes at every turn.
Lakeside Hiking
Short trails at several points along the route lead to hidden beaches, viewpoints, and forest walks. The Cascada Vullignanco and trails around Lago Falkner are particularly beautiful in automne.
Photography Expedition
The combination of colorful forests, reflective lakes, and mountain backdrops makes this one of the world's premier automne photography locations. Golden hour light in automne is especially dramatic along the route.
Picnic by the Lakes
Pack local provisions — artisanal cheese, smoked meats, bread, and wine — and stop at one of the many lakeside areas for a scenic automne picnic. Early automne temperatures are perfect for outdoor dining.
Town Exploration at Either End
Combine the drive with exploration of San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, both charming mountain towns with craft beer, chocolate shops, and cozy restaurants.
Non Disponible Cette Saison
Hebergement
Stay in San Martín de los Andes at one end or Villa La Angostura at the other, both with excellent hébergement options. A few lodges along the route itself offer stays between the lakes. Automne rates are significantly lower than summer, and availability is excellent. For the best experience, overnight at both ends to drive the route leisurely.
Affluence et Tourisme
Automne dramatically reduces traffic on the route. In summer, buses and tourist vehicles can create congestion at viewpoints. In autumn, you'll often have entire lake viewpoints to yourself, especially midweek. This solitude transforms the experience from a route panoramique to a private communion with nature.
Tarifs
Excellent value. Accommodation at either end of the route offers automne discounts. No toll or entrance fee applies to the route itself. Location de voiture from Bariloche (1 hour from Villa La Angostura) or San Martín is competitively priced in the entre-saison.
Conditions de Conduite
Important pour les voyageurs en voiture de location
The Seven Lakes Route is fully paved and in excellent condition, making it suitable for any vehicle. Automne conditions are generally ideal for driving: comfortable temperatures, good visibility, and light traffic. Watch for slippery fallen leaves on shaded curves, especially after rain. By late May, occasional frost or snow at the Córdoba Pass (the route's high point) may require caution. Parcourez during daylight for the best scenery and safety. The route has no fuel stations, so fill up at either end before setting off.
Essentiels de Bagages
Evenements et Festivals
Automne Foliage Season
The natural spectacle of couleurs automnales along the Seven Lakes Route, peaking mid-April to early May, is an event in itself. Photography groups and nature lovers time their visits to this peak period.
Local Markets in Endpoint Towns
San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura host automne markets featuring local crafts, artisanal food products, and handmade goods, perfect for picking up picnic supplies or souvenirs.
Avantages et Inconvenients
Avantages
- One of South America's most spectacular automne drives.
- Seven distinct lakes, each with unique beauty.
- Virtually empty compared to summer traffic.
- Fully paved and accessible to any vehicle.
- Charming towns at both ends for hébergement.
- Free to drive — no tolls or entrance fees.
Inconvenients
- No fuel stations along the route — must fill up before departing.
- Rain can obscure views, especially en mai.
- Shorter daylight limits driving and photography time.
- Some lakeside facilities close for the season.
- Weather can change quickly in the mountains.
Explorez en Voiture Cette Saison
Une voiture de location vous donne la liberte d'explorer la Patagonie a votre rythme, quelle que soit la saison.
Voir les Locations de VoituresExplorez Plus
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Guide de Destination
Planification
Aventures
Activites
Cyclisme à Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) 2026 — Meilleurs Spots, Conseils et À Quoi S'attendre
Tresors Caches
Tresors Caches a Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) (2026) — Lieux Secrets
Guide Famille
Guide Voyage en Famille a Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) (2026) — Conseils pour Enfants
Culture et Nature
Questions Frequentes
How long does the Seven Lakes Route take to drive?
The 107km route takes about 2.5 heures of pure driving time, but plan for a full day (or two) to properly enjoy viewpoints, short hikes, and lakeside stops. In autumn, with the incredible scenery, you'll want to stop frequently.
Which direction should I drive?
Both directions are beautiful. Driving nord from Villa La Angostura to San Martín places the afternoon sun behind you for better photography. Either way, the experience is spectacular.
When is the best time for couleurs automnales?
Peak foliage typically occurs from mid-April to early May. March offers early color changes with warmer weather. Late April provides the most intense reds and golds. Each week brings different color compositions.
Do I need a special vehicle?
No, the route is fully paved and suitable for any car. A standard rental vehicle handles the road easily. The only consideration is ensuring a full tank of fuel before departing, as there are no gas stations along the 107km route.
Can I do the route as a excursion d'une journée from Bariloche?
Yes, but it's a long day. Bariloche to Villa La Angostura is about 1 hour, then the Seven Lakes Route to San Martín is another 2.5+ heures with stops, then 3 heures back via a different route. Ideally, overnight at one end of the route.
Is the route open in winter?
Yes, the route is open toute l'année, though winter snow can require chains. Automne is the ideal season — spectacular colors, comfortable driving conditions, and no winter road restrictions.