Duration(in days): 7
From: Bariloche
To: Bariloche
See more ideas for: Argentina
Take a Patagonia road trip and experience the Seven Lakes route from Bariloche, Argentina. Prepare yourself for Argentina’s magnificent lake district; expect deep blue lakes adorned by emerald forests, white snow-capped mountains reflected in turquoise mirror lakes with picturesque lakeside villages scattered along the shores. You’ll visit Alpine-styled villages and spectacular lakes, before spending three nights in the region’s main hub – Bariloche - with its picture-postcard location on the banks of Lake Nahuel Huapi. With the freedom to discover this spectacular region at your own pace, you can take things slow, simply driving, relax and soaking in the views - or taking things up a gear with some adventure sports – choose the way you’d like to experience this unique landscape.
This itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements, please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
Today after breakfast it’s time to return your rental car at Bariloche airport and catch your onward flight.
This itinerary is best enjoyed between from mid-September to mid-April. The high season is during the Patagonian summer between December and February where temperatures will be at their mildest. It is better to avoid the winter months between June and August unless you are a keen skier.
This itinerary is purely a suggestion and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests, and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.
6 nights in 4* standard accommodation.
Hotels in this category include: