Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes)

The first time I crested that hillside on RN231 between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes, I actually said “wow” out loud to no one. Lakes appeared below us like scattered sapphires—each one a slightly different blue, framed by lenga forests and the distant Andes peaks. That’s the thing about the Ruta de los Siete Lagos: no photo quite captures it. You just have to drive it yourself.

This stretch of Patagonia highway is roughly 115 kilometers one-way, winding through some of the most consistent scenery I’ve found anywhere in South America. I spent years driving different routes out of Bariloche, and this one still pulls me back. If you’re based in Bariloche and wondering what to do with a full day, the Seven Lakes drive to San Martín de los Andes is one of those routes that rewards you whether you rush or linger.

Route Overview

The drive from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes via the Seven Lakes route covers approximately 115 kilometers (about 71 miles) along RN40 and RN231. Most travelers should plan for 4.5 to 6 hours of pure driving time, but realistically you’re looking at 7 to 9 hours when you factor in photo stops, a proper lunch, and a few short hikes along the way. I always recommend treating this as a full-day outing or even an overnight trip if your schedule allows.

Best season to drive the route: Late spring through early fall (roughly November to April in the Southern Hemisphere), when the roads are clear and the lenga forests show their best colors.

Recommended vehicle: A compact SUV or crossover works well. The road is mostly paved but has some gravel sections and occasional potholes that are easier to handle with higher clearance. If you’re renting a car in Bariloche, check current availability and rates for Bariloche car rentals to compare options before you commit.

Route sequence and why this order works:

• Bariloche → Villa La Angostura: About 80 km. This first section follows RN40 south with views of Lago Nahuel Huapi. The road is well-maintained and a good warm-up.
• Villa La Angostura → Bahía Manzano: About 12 km. A quick detour through a quieter area with lake access and fewer crowds.
• Bahía Manzano → Lago Espejo viewpoint: About 15 km. The road climbs slightly, revealing the first truly panoramic lake views.
• Lago Espejo → Lago Correntoso: About 20 km. The route narrows here with passing restrictions—give yourself patience.
• Lago Correntoso → San Martín de los Andes: About 25 km. The final push brings you into the town, where the lake reappears and you can smell the pine forests.

Driving tip: Fill up on fuel in Villa La Angostura before continuing east. Gas stations are sparse after that, and the last thing you want is to run low between lakes.

What to Know Before You Go

The Seven Lakes route isn’t technically difficult, but it does have some quirks that catch first-timers off guard. I’ve broken down the main considerations below.

Road conditions and passing: Most of RN231 is single-lane with occasional passing lanes. However, between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, there are long sections where overtaking is simply impossible. Don’t expect to make good time here, and don’t tailgate the car in front—aggressive driving on these winding mountain roads just creates stress for everyone.

Weather variability: Patagonian weather can shift fast. I’ve driven this route in brilliant sunshine one hour and low clouds obscuring the views the next. In spring and early summer (November to January), afternoon thunderstorms are common—watch for dark clouds building over the peaks and plan your stops accordingly.

Wildlife awareness: Guanacos are common along the roadside, particularly near Lago Espejo and Lago Correntoso. They’re beautiful animals but unpredictable, so don’t pull over directly alongside them. Also watch for condors soaring near the higher elevation sections.

Limited services: Outside of Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, facilities are scarce. There are a few small cafes and pull-offs, but don’t count on finding a proper restaurant or gas station between those two towns. Bring water, snacks, and a full tank before leaving Bariloche.

Key Stops and What to Expect at Each

Villa La Angostura: This small town is the logical halfway point and where most drivers pause. The main street has decent restaurants and cafes. We stopped at a bakery near the central square that made excellent empanadas—nothing fancy, just good local food. If you need a rest room break or want to stretch your legs, this is the place.

Bahía Manzano: A quieter area with direct lake access. I found it less crowded than the main stops and the water here was remarkably still—you could get those perfect mirror-reflection shots if the wind cooperated. Parking is limited to a small dirt lot, but it rarely fills up.

Lago Espejo viewpoint: There’s a marked viewpoint pull-off with enough space for maybe 10 cars. The lake really does look like a mirror on calm mornings. I’d suggest arriving before 10 AM if you want it to yourself. The short walk from the parking area to the viewpoint takes about 3 minutes and is wheelchair accessible.

Lago Correntoso: The lake has a small area where you can pull over and get close to the water. The color here is a deeper blue-green than the other lakes, probably because of the different mineral content. There’s a modest campground nearby if you’re doing this as an overnight trip and want to wake up lakeside.

San Martín de los Andes: The endpoint feels like a reward. The town sits right on Lago Lácar and has a proper tourist infrastructure—restaurants ranging from casual to upscale, small hotels, and a charming waterfront promenade. We spent an afternoon wandering the main street and ended up at a brewery with views over the water. If you’re turning around the same day, I’d suggest leaving San Martín de los Andes by 3 PM to get back to Bariloche before sunset on the mountain sections.

Packing and Preparation Tips

Essentials: Drivers license (plus international permit if needed), mobile phone with offline maps downloaded (cell service is unreliable between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes), sunscreen (the UV index here is genuinely high even when it’s cloudy), and a light jacket regardless of the forecast.

For the car: A phone mount makes navigation easier on the winding sections. Keep a water bottle and some snacks in the cabin—you won’t go hungry but finding a place to buy food between stops is unpredictable. If you’re renting in Bariloche, browse available vehicles and pick up locations in Bariloche that suit a full-day scenic drive.

Clothing: Layering is non-negotiable. In one drive I did last December, it went from 22°C in Bariloche to near zero at the higher viewpoints. A windbreaker and a fleece took care of it. Hiking shoes aren’t necessary unless you plan to do short trails, but comfortable walking shoes are useful for the viewpoint stops.

FAQ

Is the Seven Lakes route suitable for RVs or large vehicles? It’s doable but challenging. The road is narrow in places and some of the pull-offs won’t accommodate longer vehicles. A standard sedan works fine for this route—I did it in a compact hatchback without issue. If you’re in an RV over 7 meters, I’d recommend a different route.

Can I do the return trip via a different road? Yes. Many drivers return via RN40 through Junín de los Andes, which forms a rough loop of about 380 kilometers round trip. The RN40 section is less scenic but faster. This is a good option if you’re short on time and don’t want to backtrack the same road.

Are there tolls on the Seven Lakes route? There are no toll booths on RN231 between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. However, RN40 southbound has occasional tolls. Have some Argentine pesos small bills for these.

What’s the altitude like on this route? The road stays between roughly 800 and 1,100 meters above sea level, so altitude sickness isn’t a concern. The highest viewpoint sections might feel slightly breathless if you’re exerting yourself with a hike, but it’s not an issue for standard driving.

Is it safe to drive at night? I’d avoid it. The road has limited lighting, wildlife activity increases after dark, and some sections have no guardrails. Plus, the whole point of this route is the views, which are gone by sunset. Plan to complete your drive well before dark.

Final Thoughts

The Ruta de los Siete Lagos isn’t the most dramatic drive in Patagonia, but it’s one of the most reliable. The scenery holds up kilometer after kilometer, the road is navigable even for less experienced drivers, and there’s enough variety—lakes, forests, mountain views, small towns—to keep things interesting. I keep coming back to it because it delivers every time, regardless of season.

The honest downside is that it can get busy in peak summer (January and February), particularly around the main viewpoints. If you can, aim for a shoulder season trip or start early in the morning. Either way, give yourself permission to stop whenever something catches your eye. That’s what this route is for. Last updated: May 2026.