Lake District Seven Lakes Road & Lanín Loop
A self-drive loop starting and ending in Bariloche, heading to San Martín via the Seven Lakes Road, and returning via Paso Córdoba.
The classic route through the northern Patagonian Lake District. While the Seven Lakes Road itself can be driven in a single day, this itinerary focuses on staying overnight along the way to allow time for hiking, viewing Lanín Volcano, and relaxing on lake beaches. The route is mostly on paved roads with low driving stress, making it suitable for families traveling with children or seniors. It excludes the lake crossing boat tour into Chile.
Autumn colors are best from March to April. Peak season is January to February, when accommodation must be booked well in advance.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Downtown Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche（Centro Cívico、Calle Mitre (Chocolate Street)、Cathedral of Our Lady of Nahuel Huapi）
Take a taxi from the airport to the city center (approx. 30 minutes). Walk along the lake in the afternoon; all major sights are within walking distance.
Stay: City Center
Day 2 · Circuito Chico & Viewpoints
San Carlos de Bariloche（Cerro Campanario、Circuito Chico、Llao Llao Hotel & Capilla San Eduardo、Colonia Suiza）
Drive along Bustillo Avenue for a loop of about 60 km, taking half a day to a full day. You can take a chairlift up to the viewpoint.
Stay: City Center
Day 3 · Mount Tronador Day Trip
San Carlos de Bariloche（Lake Mascardi、Cerro Tronador & Pampa Linda、Ventisquero Negro）
Drive via Lake Mascardi to Pampa Linda (approx. 85 km). The latter section is a gravel road, and the round trip takes a full day.
The road to Pampa Linda has scheduled one-way traffic windows. Confirm with the park before setting off.
Stay: City Center
Day 4 · North Shore to Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura（Villa La Angostura、Los Arrayanes National Park）
Drive around the lake via National Routes 237 and 40 (approx. 80 km, 1.5 hours). Spend the afternoon hiking or taking a boat tour.
The Arrayanes trail is about 12 km one way. You can take a boat back, but check the schedule beforehand.
Stay: El Cruce Town Center
Day 5 · Heading North on the Seven Lakes Road
Villa La Angostura（Lago Correntoso、Lago Espejo） → San Martín de los Andes（Ruta de los Siete Lagos、Lago Villarino、Lago Falkner、Lago Hermoso、Lago Machónico）
Drive along National Route 40 (approx. 108 km, 2 hours direct). Stopping at viewpoints along the way will take most of the day.
Stay: Town Center and Lakefront
Day 6 · Both Shores of Lake Lácar
San Martín de los Andes（Mirador Bandurrias、Quila Quina、Lago Lácar）
Walk up to the Bandurrias Viewpoint in the morning. In the afternoon, drive on a dirt road to Quila Quina (approx. 40 minutes).
Quila Quina and Bandurrias are managed by local indigenous communities and may charge an entrance fee.
Stay: Town Center and Lakefront
Day 7 · Lanín Volcano & Lake Huechulafquen
San Martín de los Andes（Junín de los Andes、Lago Huechulafquen、Volcán Lanín）
A round trip of about 180 km via Junín de los Andes, taking a full day. The lakeside sections are partly gravel roads.
Stay: Town Center and Lakefront
Day 8 · Return via Paso Córdoba
San Martín de los Andes（Lago Meliquina） → San Carlos de Bariloche
Return to Bariloche via Lake Meliquina, Provincial Route 63, and National Route 237 (approx. 4 hours). Some sections are gravel.
The pass can be in poor condition after rain or snow; if so, return via the Seven Lakes Road instead.