A Patagonia road trip: 7 Lakes route from Bariloche, Argentina

Itinerary in brief:

• 1 night in Villa la Angostura
• 2 nights in San Martin de Los Andes
• 3 nights in Bariloche

Day 1: Villa la Angostura   

After landing at the airport in Bariloche, you’ll pick your rental car up and start your drive to the lakeside town of Villa la Angostura.

You’ll have your first experience of Patagonia’s northern Lake District as you drive the 80km scenic route that runs alongside Lake Nahuel Huapi. Passing wooded hills, snowy peaks and mirror lakes you’re very likely to end up stopping for plenty of photo opportunities! Once you arrive, you’ll have free time to explore this little town whose charm lures the wealthiest Argentinians who often come for a scenic getaway.

Day 2: San Martin de Los Andes 

Today after breakfast, you’ll drive north along the spectacularly scenic Ruta de Los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes) towards the picturesque San Martin de Los Andes, at the foot of the Andes. In the winter, the city is all about skiing and during the summer, it’s a playground for outdoor sports enthusiasts. During those two peaks, it’s a thriving hub, but during the quieter months, it has all the hallmarks of a quintessentially Andean village, retaining all its charm.  

Day 3: San Martin de Los Andes 

Today you’ll have time to discover your surroundings – we suggest visiting the Parque Nacional Lanin where you can book horse riding, mountain biking, kayaking or white-water rafting, or simply take a walk and enjoy the scenery and wealth of wildlife. If you prefer to stay more local, a boat ride on the lake is a serene way to take in your surrounds, or if you’re very daring – even go for a swim in the chilly waters of Lake Lacar!  

Day 4: Bariloche        

Today you’ll make your way back towards Bariloche to spend the last three nights in this picturesque, Alpine-styled town. You can choose to drive back along the seven lakes route again, or you could take a longer detour and drive the equally scenic but less-driven eastern route.

Day 5 & 6: Bariloche 

While you’re in Bariloche, you’ll have free time to enjoy the town and its surroundings at your own pace, whether that’s the little boutiques and chocolate shops along the main street of Bartolomé Mitre or the wilderness on your doorstep.

We’ve included a half-day boat trip o Brazo Tristeza (Arm of sadness) – a deep, super-scenic, glacial fjord of Lake Nahuel Huapi that’s surrounded by imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls and only accessible by boat. The western area of Brazo Tristeza is a natural reserve that protects several species including the southern river and lake otter, a mammal only found in central and southern Chile and Argentina. You’ll also be able to walk to Arroyo Frey waterfall in the heart of the forest, before enjoying lunch back on board the boat.

Days 7: Departure      

Today after breakfast it’s time to return your rental car at Bariloche airport and catch your onward flight.