You dream of Argentina and wonder if you should include the Bariloche region and the 7 Lakes Route in your stay in Argentina? You’ve heard of Bariloche or San Martin de los Andes and want to know more? Or you already know that the Route des 7 lacs is a little paradise and you want to go there.
Whether you want to travel as a couple, with your family or alone, the Bariloche region and the 7 Lakes Route in northern Patagonia is an extraordinary playground to live your most beautiful adventures.
For those who dream of a roadtrip between these immense lakes at the bottom of the mountains, for those who wish to marvel at trekking trails with impressive views, for those who want to live the world of the gauchos and ride horseback in the forestsof Patagonia, Bariloche and its region is made for you!
In this guide, we give you all our local agency tips in South America to visit the Argentine Great Lakes region and not miss a thing!
How to get to Bariloche? When to visit the Argentine 7 Lakes Route? What are the best activities to do around Bariloche? We tell you everything!
Do you want to delegate the organization of your stay to ensure you have the best experiences? Nothing better than a local agency! You can contact our team by completing our customized trip quote form in Argentina.
L’un de nos agents de voyage, reviendra très vite vers vous !
The Argentine Lake District is located in the south of Argentina. It is the beginning of Patagonia also called Northern Patagonia. This region is located in two provinces, Rio Negro, whose capital is Bariloche, and Neuquen.
The region is mountainous and punctuated by lakes. Millions of years ago, it was glaciers that carved out valleys in the heart of the mountains. It is this history that has shaped the lake district and its landscapes.
The Lake District in Argentina is a true paradise if you are a nature enthusiast. Each area is different and each road offers magnificent views of the mountains and lakes ⛰️, each one more incredible than the last. As a local agency, we have listed the must-sees of Bariloche and the route of the 7 Argentine lakes.
We often hear about Bariloche, but the real name of the capital of the province of Rio Negro is San Carlos de Bariloche. It is a charming little town on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and is the gateway to Argentina’s Great Lakes region. With its Alpine-inspired architecture and artisan chocolate factories, Bariloche perfectly combines rustic charm with natural splendor. In the city center you can visit:
The Centro Cívico and the Museum of Patagonia : are the main attractions of historic center of the city. You can’t miss it with its wood and stone architecture. In the Centro Cívico, you will find the Museum of Patagonia, which offers you an insight into the natural, cultural and social history of the region.
Playa Bonita ️ and Playa Serena ️ beaches: these are two of the most popular beaches on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. They are perfect for relaxing on sunny days.
Artisan ️ chocolate factories and the Havana factory: Bariloche is famous for its chocolate. Be sure to visit one of the many artisan chocolate factories to sample local creations. Perhaps the most famous is the Havana factory with its chocolate museum.
The Cathedral of Nahuel Huapi ⛪: do not hesitate to enter and visit the cathedral, its dimensions are out of the ordinary!
To the east of Barilcohe is the Llao-Llao peninsula, it is a real natural gem where you will enjoy walking. You will find several hiking trails that will lead you to spectacular viewpoints of the surrounding lakes such as Lake Nahuel Huapi and the majestic mountains. The dense forest and hidden beaches add a touch of magic to this tour. It’s Morgane’s favorite who particularly liked these landscapes that are not found elsewhere and that will remain an essential souvenir of his trip to Argentina.
This is perhaps the most beautiful view you will have in the area, the Cerro Campanario ⛰️The incredible panoramic. To get there, you take the cable car to the top of Cerro Campanario. You will have views of the Nahuel Huapi, Moreno and Perito Moreno lakes.
Good to know: the chairlift may be closed depending on weather conditions, you can find out more on the Cerro Campanario page .
Closer to the city and also further down, you can go to Cerro Otto ⛰️. Same as Cerro Campanario, a cable car takes you to the top. A great advantage for pedestrians, the complex offers a transfer from the city center.
🙂 To find out more: you will find the prices and schedules, appointment on the teleferico Cerro Otto page
"I advise my + sporty travelers to do it by foot ! It only takes an hour. And if you don't have the courage but want to get some exercise anyway, you could opt for the cable car ride and the walk down."
This volcano is located on the border between Argentina and Chile. It is famous for its glaciers, in addition to the views it offers. Its name, Tronador, means Thunder in French. It was so named because of the roar of the glaciers from which black ice sometimes breaks off. You can hike to the base of the Ventisquero Negro glacier for the more adventurous.
Colonia Suiza is a charming village ️ reminiscent of German-Swiss architecture near Bariloche. It is known for its artisan markets and culinary delights. It’s a perfect place to sample the local cuisine and learn about the region’s Swiss heritage.
Lake Nahuel Huapi is located in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park . The lake covers more than 500 km² and is huge. It is the ideal lake for water ⛵ activities and its many hiking opportunities around the lake. The lake is also perfect for boat trips, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush forests.
Located about 120 km south of Bariloche, it is a small town ️ Renowned for its bohemian atmosphere. It is a mecca for hiking in the region to discover the Cerro Piltriquitrón nature reserve which is full of beautiful waterfalls. El Bolson is also famous for its orchards and craft breweries, where you can taste high-quality local products.
The province is located in the north of the province of Rio Negro. Its capital is the city of Neuquen. It is best known internationally for the Route of the 7 Lakes on Route 40 and the villages of San Martin de Los Andes and Villa La Angostura.
Another great must-see on your trip to Argentina and on the route of the 7 lakes: Villa La Angostura. This small village ️ located at the foot of a mountain, the Cerro Bayo. It is a popular destination for its tranquil atmosphere. With its chalets, grand houses, shops and restaurants, Villa La Angostura is the place of transition between San Martin de los Andes, Bariloche and/or Villa Traful.
It’s a fact, during your trip you’ll see Arrayanes, these trees with orange, red trunks. Sound familiar? It is a small national park that aims to protect a unique forest of Arrayanes . This park is located on the point of the Quetrihue peninsula. It can be reached on foot with a 13 km one way trail, by bike on the same trail and by boat ️ from Villa la Angostura or Bariloche.
Very close to Villa la Angostura is Cerro Bayo⛰️. At its top, you will find a “boutique” ⛷️ski resort due to the relatively small ski area compared to other resorts. In summer, it is possible to go up by car for a good part and then by chairlift to enjoy a view of Villa La Angostura and Lake Nahuel Huapi.
To find out more: you will find prices and schedules, appointment on the Cerro Bayo page
The 7 Lakes Route is a very scenic portion of Route 40 ️that connects Villa La Angostura to San Martin de los Andes and passes by some of the most beautiful lakes in the area, including Lake Espejo, Lake Correntoso, Lake Villarino. At each stop you will have incredible views of the lakes and mountains. In fact, this route is a real dream route for lovers of roadtrips and natural landscapes.
-> Good to know: each lake has lookouts or viewpoints. As a travel agency in Argentina, we advise our travelers to take a lunchbox and enjoy the beach at Lake Espejo.
It may be an attraction off the beaten track.
Sur le chemin entre Bariloche and Villa Traful, along the Limay River, you can observe spectacular, gigantic rock formations. Those rock formations, sculpted by erosion, are surprising because of their contrast with the rest of the landscape.
–> Good to know: the road is paved on the portion of route 237, but if you take the gravel road 65 towards Villa Traful, be aware that the path is a track under construction. You need a high clearance vehicle .
"One of my absolute favorites! What a surprise when leaving the main road to find yourself in the middle of these colorful mountains and this emerald river !"
This charming village ️ named Villa Traful is nestled on the shores of Lake Traful. Between the crystal clear waters and the surrounding mountains, you really feel privileged in the heart of this village: here in one day, everyone knows each other, you meet and cross paths again in a good atmosphere. This is Anne’s favorite who would have stayed there a little longer! You’ll also hear about the Bosque Submergido, a wood on the north shore that gradually sinks into the lake. You can also enjoy walks with impressive views, especially of the Cerro Negro⛰️.
It is the starting or ending point of the Route des 7 Lacs. It’s a small town ️ quite charming, landlocked between the mountains⛰️. You will enjoy yourself by strolling through the pleasant streets of the city. Of course, you can enjoy the many shops, restaurants, ice cream parlours and chocolatiers. It is a small town and is worth spending several days there.
Cerro Chapelco is THE ski resort on the Route des 7 Lacs, with a wide ski area. It is located very close to San Martin de los Andes. Also open in summer, it is possible to go on beautiful walks or horseback rides.
To find out more: you will find the prices and schedules, appointment on the Cerro Chapelco page
San Martin de los Andes is the gateway to Lake Lacar which extends onto Lake Nonthue. In San Martin de los Andes, you will find boats and kayaking on the beach. You can also go up to the Mirador Bandurrias where to go see the so called “Islita”, a small popular beach. On site, everyone will recommend you to go and see the Yuco ️beach with its incredibly transparent waters.
The Lanin volcano is undoubtedly the diamond of the northern Argentine Patagonia region, it is located in the Lanin National Park. It is a must-see site for mountaineering and hiking enthusiasts . Climbing the 3,776-meter-high volcano is an adventure for the more experienced, but hiking in the park offers spectacular views of the volcano and surrounding lakes.
The Lake Huechulafquen is located at the foot of the Lanin volcano . You can enjoy fishing, kayaking and hiking on the lake. The shores of Lake Huechulafquen are bordered by forests and meadows, providing an idyllic setting for outdoor activities.
Junín de los Andes ️ is a picturesque destination that will charm you with its authenticity and landscapes. Crossed by the Chimehuin River, the city is renowned for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities, attracting fishing enthusiasts from all over the world in search of rainbow trout.
It is the gateway to the Parque Nacional Lanín which offers a multitude of hiking trails. The city is a meeting point for Mapuche communities, and their influence can be felt in art, gastronomy and local festivities.
Bariloche and the 7 Lakes Route in Argentine Patagonia is a real playground for lovers of outdoor adventures and spectacular scenery.
Lors de la Preparation for your trip to Argentina, we recommend that you include unique experiences and activities. Here is an overview of the must-do activities to do in this beautiful region.
The Great Lakes region of Argentina offers a multitude of hiking trails, suitable for all levels of hikers.
Parque provincial Llao Llao : this is a classic hike not far from Bariloche, the views are magnificent on Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains.
Cerro López: This is a more demanding trek, rewarded with spectacular views from the top.
Refugio Frey: this is a popular trek for climbing and hiking enthusiasts, it allows you to reach this mountain refuge.
Cerro Tronador: This trek is for experienced hikers, climbing this volcano offers an adventure with stunning views of the glaciers.
Cerro Negro: Off the beaten path, this trail will offer you a breathtaking view of Lake Traful.
Lanin volcano: this is already high mountains, an ascent for experienced mountaineers.
The north of Argentine Patagonia is also the world of the gauchos ! The landscapes lend themselves perfectly to horseback riding. Here are some of the horseback riding tours to do in the Argentine Great Lakes region, a must-do activity during your trip to Argentina :
Bariloche: Horseback riding through hills and forests, offering panoramic views of lakes and mountains.
Villa La Angostura: Horseback riding in the forests of coihues and lengas, with views of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
San Martin de los Andes: Horseback riding excursions around Lake Lacar and in the Enchanted Valley (Valle Encantado), with its unique rock formations.
In a region so well endowed with lakes and rivers, kayaking and rafting are must-do activities. Here are some ideas :
Lake Nahuel Huapi : Paddle on the quiet waters of this majestic lake, surrounded by mountains.
Limay River : An exciting rafting experience with moderate rapids, ideal for families and thrill-seekers.
Lake Mascardi : This is the quiet spot to try kayaking in the sheltered bays of the lake.
Lago Machonico : near San Martin de los Andes, you can go paddling on this lake that is part of the emblematic route of the 7 lakes.
"I like to recommend water activities with no environmental impact to our travelers. In general, it's new for them, but they come out conquered. A slow experience , where you take your time and have to opportunity to just be in the moment and feel this unique connection to nature"
The Lake District is a paradise for cyclists. With scenic roads and mountain trails, there’s something for everyone from simple walks to more technical experiences. For you we have selected 3 experiences to discover the Argentine lake region by bike:
Chico Circuit : you make a 27 km loop, through the woods and on the shores of the lakes.
Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes: this is a technical bike ride through the forest of 26 km round trip to cross the Quetrihue peninsula to go to the Arrayanes Park.
Route of the 7 Lakes: this is a spectacular 110 km route connecting Villa La Angostura to San Martin de los Andes, making up that entire portion of Route 40 that passes through the 7 lakes.
"For travellers who love itinerant bike tours, I have contacted many service providers on the Route des 7 Lacs. This one-of-a-kind trip preparation made me want to embark on the bikepacking adventure too!"
It is impossible to go to the Great Lakes region without enjoying a boat trip. More than a means of transport, it is a great way to access viewpoints that are otherwise inaccessible.
️Lake Nahuel Huapi: Enjoy these cruises either from Barilcohe to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest, with panoramic views of the mountains. It is also possible to leave from Villa la Angostura to reach the Arrayanes National Park.
️Traful Lake: This is a boat trip to reach the north shore of Traful Lake and the Hundido Bosque (or submerged wood).
️Lake Huechulafquen: north of San Martin, you will find Lake Huechulafquen, which you can discover by boat
️Lake Lacar: from San Martin, you will have the opportunity to make several outings on Lake Lacar.
Good to know: on Lake Lacar, Anne recommends that you choose the so-called “Hua Hum” outing which allows you to discover not only the Lacar but also Lake Nonthue
For water sports enthusiasts, the Bariloche region and the 7 Lakes Route also offers unique opportunities for altitude diving and snorkeling.
Lake Nahuel Huapi: Dive and explore the lake’s seabed, with surprisingly clear visibility and underwater rock formations.
Traful Lake: you will snorkel or a first dive (your choice) to discover the impressive submerged wood (bosque hundido).
Lake Lacar: this time go to the heart of the Lanin National Park, a unique experience with a visibility of 20 to 25 meters!
Good to know: diving and flying don’t mix! Make sure you respect the deadline after the dive to take the plane.
"Diving In cold water, observing a submerged forest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It's a unique place in the world for a dive that I'll never forget."
For those who want to push their travel experience in Argentina At a higher level, we offer you the opportunity to take to the skies while experiencing unique sensations. It is a breathtaking experience (literally) that we offer you: fly over the lake district in a paraglider and enjoy an excellent view from the sky.
Il est possible de paragliding in the Argentine Great Lakes region, in El Bolson and Bariloche. On the Bariloche side, the two cerros (mountains) that allow you to live this unique experience are:
Cerro Otto: Launch with your guide from this peak near Bariloche and enjoy a spectacular aerial view of Lake Nahuel Huapi and the surrounding mountains.
Cerro Catedral: Cerro Catédral, higher up, also offers ideal conditions for paragliding, this site will allow you to fly over the forests and valleys in complete safety.
The region of Bariloche and the Route of the 7 Lakes in Argentina, located in Patagonia, is a true paradise for fishing enthusiasts. The lakes are home to an abundance of rainbow and brown trouts. Each outing becomes an exciting adventure. Local guides, often experts in these waters, can take you to the best spots and share their knowledge, making every excursion memorable.
Lago Lácar : located near San Martín de los Andes, this lake is famous for its rainbow trout and brown trout.
Lago Machónico : Known for its clear waters and excellent fly fishing conditions, the lake offers a nice variety of trout.
Lago Falkner : This lake is a great place for boat fishing.
Lago Villarino : This is a popular spot among anglers with great catches of trout and other local fish.
Lago Escondido : this lake is perfect for a peaceful day of fishing during which it is possible to catch large trout.
Lago Correntoso : this is perhaps the best known for its waters rich in fish, this lake is ideal for catching trout and salmon.
Río Correntoso : The river that connects Lago Correntoso to Lago Nahuel Huapi is renowned for its excellent fishing conditions and abundant trout population.
Gastronomy lovers are not left out on the route of the 7 lakes. Whether it’s going to dinner at the Patagonia brewery’s headquarters (remember to book in advance), or having a 4-course tasting in a tea room, there’s something for every time of day and every style. Florence is more of the type to enjoy a traditional merienda on the beach and share a mate.
The best time to visit the Great Lakes region of Argentina is between November and March, during the austral summer. However, it can still snow in November, as shown in the photo below. Don’t worry, this temporary snow did not prevent most of our travel program in Argentina from going according to plan. If you plan to go hiking, choose the months of December to March. Indeed, mountain refuges for more challenging hikes often only open in December. Note, however, that the months of January and February are the absolute peak season for Argentinians and that hotels generally require a minimum of 5 nights. The temperatures are pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and cycling.
Autumn (April to June) also offers spectacular scenery with colorful foliage, the days are shorter.
Winter ⛷️ (June to September) is perfect for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding.
You can reach the Lake District by plane by landing at San Carlos de Bariloche Airport from Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Ushuaia or El Calafate with companies such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, LATAM or Flybondi.
There is also a flight between Santiago and Bariloche.
It is also possible to access the region by road from Chile via border crossings such as the Paso Cardenal Samore, connecting Villa La Angostura to Osorno, or the Paso Hua Hum, connecting San Martín de los Andes to Pucón.
The 7 Lakes region in Argentina is close to Araucanía and the Lakes region in Chile. By “pedestrian”, it is possible to connect Bariloche with Puerto Varas in 1 or 2 days depending on your choice. This crossing is Claudia’s favorite who did it in September. This adventure takes you through the Andes sometimes by boat, sometimes by bus. It is also possible to take a roadtrip between the two countries, and thus vary the panoramas.
Paso Cardenal Samore: this is the crossing point between Villa La Angostura and Osorno or Puerto Varas.
Paso Hua Hum: which allows you to connect Pucón in Chile.
Paso Tromen: which allows you to connect the Araucanía region.
The Lake District in Argentina is renowned for its mountains and vastness, glacial lakes , and dense forests, offering a variety of outdoor activities. In contrast, the Lake District in Chile features some active volcanoes, hot springs, and national parks such as the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, known for its deep blue waterfalls and lakes. Both sides offer distinct geographical and cultural features. It’s ideal for a handset!
To prepare the stay of your dreams in the Argentine and Chilean lake regions, you can contact our team through our tailor-made itinerary quote form in Argentina. One of our travel advisors will get back to you very soon!
"I had the chance to travel to the Bariloche area in winter, under the snow, and I was very surprised by the atmosphere of the city. Everything was very cozy and the activities in the fresh snow were super exotic because it doesn't snow often in Chile. I loved it"
The Argentine 7 Lakes region has a beautiful tourist infrastructure with a multitude of hotels, excursions and activities. Here are the main details to consider for your stay:
There are 3 transport options in the 7 Lakes region, depending on your desires and your way of travelling:
public transport: the area has a good bus network and a good connection, you can easily go from San Martin de los Andes to Bariloche or el Bolson.
Car rental: the car rental market is variable in Argentina, for smaller models you have to count from 50 USD per day and up to 250 USD for an SUV or 4×4.
with a driver-guide: this is the most expensive option, you need about 200 USD per day and per person based on two travelers, depending on the itinerary and the number of kilometers.
When budgeting, it’s crucial to know your hotel preference. If you are looking for simple hotels or if you want more luxurious or even exclusive services. At TavelCoachChile, we choose our providers by taking into account the specificities and needs of each type of traveler. We then searched for and selected the right addresses for each of the following categories.
Some activities are free, including hikes of course. For sailings and other excursions, prices start from 40 USD per person.
Day 1 : This is the day of your arrival. You arrive in Bariloche and enjoy the afternoon to visit the city. You can go to the Nuestra Señora del Nahuel Huapi Cathedral or stroll along the lakeside, from where the view will give you a holiday feeling. If you feel like it, take the opportunity to eat an artisanal ice cream in one of the many shops in the center.
Day 2 : This morning, you will do the Circuito Chico to the end of the Llao-Llao peninsula. You will hike and enjoy the different viewpoints of the lakes, discovering the waterfalls in the middle of the forests. You spend the day at Cerro Campanario.
Day 3 : On this day, you take the road to Villa La Angostura, which you will reach in the early afternoon. You will take advantage of the afternoon to discover Bahia Mansa and Bahia Brava, as well as the Quetrihue peninsula. You spend the evening and the night at Villa La Angostura. The next day, if the weather is good enough, you can go up to Cerro Bayo to enjoy a different view of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The afternoon is dedicated to the 7 Lakes Route. Enjoy each lookout, because they are definitely worth it: each lake is different, offering colors ranging from green to blue. Some are more peaty, others are incredibly transparent. In the late afternoon, you arrive at San Martin de los Andes.
Day 4 : You spend the day in San Martin de los Andes. You can enjoy the beaches or go sailing on Lake Lacar. For those who love water sports, it is possible to rent kayaks, and for those who prefer horseback riding, it is possible to go to Cerro Chapelco.
Day 5 : Return to Bariloche. You can take the 7 Lakes Route again and, if you like contemplation, take your picnic to enjoy the beach of Lake Espejo. Alternatively, you can take the road that passes through the Encantado Valley. You arrive in Bariloche in the evening.
Day 6 : This is the day of departure. You go to the airport in Bariloche to fly to new horizons!
Day1: It’s your first day in Northern Patagonia. You arrive in Bariloche, the epicentre of tourism in the region. You take advantage of the afternoon to visit the city and its most famous places with the Centro Civico and if you like alfajores you can visit the Havana factory. At the end of the afternoon, you can take advantage of the many chocolate shops located in the city centre to eat a little sweet.
Day 2: This morning, let’s head East. We suggest you start with Cerro Campanario to the top of which you can go by chairlift. And then you can either do the Circuito Chico or go to Colonia Suiza.
Day 3: Today you go hiking to Cerro Catedral or Refugio Frey. You can enjoy the magnificent panoramas of the mountains and valleys, and enjoy the well-marked trails.
Day 4: On this day, you will drive to Villa La Angostura and drive along Lake Nahuel Huapi. The afternoon is dedicated to the Parque Nacional Los Arrayanes, or to the Cerro Bayo according to your preferences.
Day 5: Today you take the Route of the 7 Lakes, a portion of Route 40, to San Martín de los Andes. You arrive in San Martin in the early afternoon. This is an opportunity to go to the Mirador Bandurrias to enjoy the view of Lake Lacar.
Day 6: You spend the day in the vicinity of San Martín de los Andes. You can opt for the Hua Hum navigation which allows you to go around Lake Lacar and go close to the border with Chile.
Day 7: Today you are going on an excursion to Lago Lolog. You can enjoy the serene scenery, go kayaking, or just relax by the lake.
Day 8: You take the road to Junín de los Andes to visit the Parque Nacional Lanín and spend the night in Junín de los Andes.
Day 9: You return to Bariloche via Villa Traful. It’s a scenic day drive, a last look at the 7 Lakes region. You arrive in Bariloche in the evening.
Day 10: Enjoy a relaxing morning with a visit to Cerro Otto, where you can take a cable car to admire the panoramic views. Then, you will go to the airport in Bariloche to fly to new adventures!
You will find more information on the Lonely Planet Argentina, the guide backpacker Patagonia.
You can read Bruce Chatwin’s “In Patagonia” for a historical and cultural perspective.
Anne is a Travel Designer at TravelCoachChile and has traveled extensively in Chile and Argentina. Recently she went on a trip to visit hotels and scout the route of the 7 lakes, Bariloche and San Martin. So she took charge of writing our travel guide to Argentina.
