Seven Lakes Route

Ruta de los Siete Lagos

A 107-kilometer scenic drive connecting Villa La Angostura to San Martín de los Andes, passing through forests and alongside seven stunning alpine lakes. This route is one of Patagonia's most beautiful drives with countless pull-offs for photography.

Things to do

• Lago Espejo viewpoint — Stop at this perfectly still lake to photograph mirror-like reflections of surrounding peaks, located at one of the route's most iconic pull-offs.
• Cascada de Los Siete Lagos — Hike to a series of small waterfalls flowing between the alpine lakes, accessible from marked trailheads along the route.
• Lago Lácar kayaking — Paddle on the deepest and largest of the seven lakes near San Martín de los Andes to experience Patagonian waters up close.
• Mirador del Traidor — Climb to this scenic overlook for panoramic views of multiple lakes and the Andes mountains, typically a 30-minute walk from the roadside.
• Lago Villarino fishing — Cast for introduced rainbow and brown trout in this pristine alpine lake, popular with fly fishers during the southern summer months.
• Villa La Angostura colonial town — Explore the charming Alpine-style village at the route's southern terminus with galleries, craft shops, and lakeside walks.
• Parque Nacional Lanín access — Enter this national park from the route to hike among lenga forests and approach the base of Volcán Lanín.

Food to try

• Trucha a la mantequilla — Fresh locally caught trout pan-seared in butter, a signature dish at lakeside restaurants throughout the route.
• Venison empanadas — Hand-held pastries filled with Patagonian deer meat, sold at roadside stops and local bakeries in Villa La Angostura.
• Smoked salmon from Andes streams — Cold-smoked local salmon served as an appetizer or snack at village restaurants and artisan food shops.
• Chocolate from Bariloche — Patagonian chocolate shops near the route's northern sections offer rich, handmade chocolates with regional specialties.
• Wild boar stew — A hearty regional preparation using invasive wild boar meat, served in rustic lodges and restaurants along the route.
• Cordero patagónico — Grilled lamb from local Patagonian ranches, often served with chimichurri sauce at restaurants in San Martín de los Andes.

Local customs & good to know

• Drive counterclockwise from Villa La Angostura — Local drivers recommend this direction to have the best views and pull-off positioning on the left side of the vehicle.
• Plan for winter closures — The route can be partially or fully closed from June to August due to snow, so verify road conditions before traveling in southern winter.
• Respect quiet hours at lodges — Patagonian hospitality values early bedtimes and quiet evenings; most accommodations expect guests to wind down by 10 PM.
• Bring sun protection year-round — The high altitude and clear Patagonian air intensifies UV exposure even on cool days, making sunscreen essential for outdoor activities.