Scenic Route of the 7 Lakes

From Villa La Angostura towards San Martín de los Andes, the road begins bordering Lake Nahuel Huapi.
It is time to make a stop at the Inalco viewpoint, to appreciate the huge surface of the lake and to observe the mountains of over 1,500 meters high, among which Mount Catedral stands out.
If you visit the viewpoint in summer, you will see the coihue and cypress forests in the lower part of the mountain and the high peaks with snow. In winter the landscape is completely covered in white, giving another perspective.
There is a small car park on the side of the road, next to the viewpoint.

To get to the viewpoint you have to take the detour to route 231 and after about 300 meters you reach the place to park the car next to the road.
From here to the viewpoint you have to walk another 300 meters along the road.

It is the first of the two viewpoints over Lake Espejo. From the viewpoint you can see in all its splendour the beach of Lake Espejo and the wooden pier in the central part of it.
It is an ideal place to stay and take several pictures of the surroundings, especially of the reflection of the mountains and the forest on the lake.

The second viewpoint over Lake Espejo is different, since the view changes to the bottom of the lake, where the high mountains have their protagonism.
From this place, if visibility permits, you can see the Campana hill, whose highest part has a pointed shape, and Constancia hill.
On the side of the road, next to the viewpoint, there is a large area to leave the car.

Lake Correntoso has two viewpoints, but it is at the first one where you have the best perspective of the landscape.
There is a place to park the car next to the viewpoint.
A few meters from the viewpoint, there is a dirt road that goes down to the old wooden bridge over the Ruca Malen river. Here you can see how the watercourse flows between Lake Correntoso and Lake Espejo Chico. The water is so clear that you can see the submerged tree trunks perfectly.

It's time to leave the car at the side of the road and walk along a path surrounded by tall Patagonian trees towards the Ñivinco waterfall.
It takes about 45 minutes and after crossing a stream on foot (you will get your feet a bit wet), you will reach this beautiful waterfall.
At all times, you will be accompanied by the landscape of the Patagonian forests.

On the Pichi Traful river, the Ñivinco waterfall stands out among several waterfalls. It is a perfect place to take pictures and take a good souvenir of the route of the 7 lakes.
The waterfall generates pools of water and although bathing is only for the brave due to the temperature of the water, it is worth at least getting your feet wet and enjoying the surroundings.

The return trip is along the same path, this time the path has a gentle downward slope.
Once you reach the road, it is time to get into the car and continue along the route of the 7 lakes.

The smallest lake on the route, almost inaccessible. From the viewpoint you can see part of the lake since in many areas visibility is obstructed by tree branches.
If you are lucky, you may see some pudu, a small deer that lives in the woods surrounding the lake.
At the viewpoint, there is room to park the car without problems.

Less than a kilometre from the previous viewpoint, another lake appears on the route. The Villarino lake has a large extension and from the viewpoint you can see only a part of it.
This lake joins the Falkner a few kilometres ahead. This can be appreciated when circulating by the bridge of the highway.
As in all the viewpoints, there is also a place to park the car.

One of the best viewpoints to take a break on the route of the 7 lakes as it has a wide sandy beach and the viewpoint is located at the water's edge.
As a backdrop to the lake, you can see several mountains such as the Cerro del Buque or Mesa.
There is ample parking to leave the car next to the viewpoint.

Very close to the viewpoint and on the same beach that forms the lake, there is a small parador that belongs to the campsite and where you can buy fast food and drinks. What could be better than eating outdoors and with a view!
It is usually open every day in high season. If you do not go in high season, you can bring a sandwich and fruit and eat at the wooden tables available next to the beach.

It is one of the most open viewpoints to the landscape, which allows contemplating everything that the route of the 7 lakes has for the visitor: high snowy hills, forests on the mountainside and the bluish colour of the lake.
There is ample parking next to the viewpoint to leave the car.

The viewpoint allows a complete view of the valley where the Pil Pil stream flows. In addition, you can see part of the great Lacar lake and snow-capped peaks such as Abanico and Colorado hills.
According to the time of the year you visit, the tonality of the colours of the valley will change. In winter the whole valley is dyed white, a unique postcard.
There is a place to park the car next to the viewpoint.

The last lake before reaching San Martín de los Andes is the Lacar, which bathes the coast of this city.
Route 40 begins to descend once it borders the lake until it reaches the city. In addition to the viewpoint, there is a trail that allows you to make the whole journey on foot.
This viewpoint, due to its orientation, is ideal to contemplate one of the best sunsets in Patagonia Argentina.
At the viewpoint, you can leave your car at the side of the road.

Once in San Martín de los Andes, it is time to leave the car in this public car park on the shore of Lake Lacar.

After an all-day tour with several stops and even a short hike, it's time to treat yourself to a gastronomic tribute with a craft beer.
The restaurant has background music that allows you to talk or relax while enjoying a sandwich, pizza or hamburger. If the choice is hamburger, a recommendation is to order La Tranqui which comes with vacuum, one of the most consumed cuts of meat by Argentines.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Monday: 19:00 – 1:00.

What better way to rest than in a beautiful cabin in front of Lacar Lake. Waking up watching the mountains from this place is priceless.
Many of the cabins have fully equipped kitchens. They also include an exquisite and varied breakfast.