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Verão in Seven Lakes Route

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

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.

Verão from dezembro a fevereiro presents this route at its absolute finest. The fully estrada pavimentada 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, natação 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.

Resumo do Clima

Max Media

24°C

Min Media

8°C

Precipitacao

Verão is the estação mais seca with about 25-40mm per month along the route. Occasional afternoon showers are possible, especially near Villa La Angostura.

Vento

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

Luz do Dia

16-17 horas de luz do dia — essential for a leisurely drive with multiple stops and short hikes.

Verão 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.

Atividades

Atividades Disponiveis

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 verão 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.

Nao Disponivel Nesta Temporada

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

Hospedagem

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 hospedagem ranges. Campgrounds along the route provide lakeside overnight options. Verão is busy — book ahead for January, especially in Villa La Angostura.

Lotacao e Turismo

The route is popular em janeiro 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 em dezembro/February. Despite traffic, the route's length and many stopping points distribute visitors well.

Precos

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

Condicoes de Estrada

Importante para viajantes com carro alugado

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

Essenciais de Bagagem

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 natação stops
Cash for Villa La Angostura shops
Daypack for lakeside walks

Eventos e Festivais

Verão Peak Season

The route is at its busiest and most vibrant from mid-dezembro a fevereiro, with all services, viewpoints, and lakeside facilities fully operational.

Villa La Angostura Verão Events

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

Pros e Contras

Pros

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

Contras

  • 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 alta temporada.
  • The drive deserves a full day but many rush through it.

Explore de Carro Nesta Temporada

Um carro alugado da a liberdade de explorar a Patagonia no seu ritmo, em qualquer estacao.

Ver Aluguel de Carros

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Perguntas Frequentes

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, natação 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 carro alugado 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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