Lakes Corridor

In western Patagonia, parallel to the Andes Mountain Range, unfolds the mythical Route 40, the longest and most spectacular highway in Argentina. This route begins in Patagonia, more precisely at Cape Virgenes, the southernmost tip of the Province of Santa Cruz. This is where the starting point of a road that traverses 2,700 km of Patagonian territory is located, then extends to the north of the country, reaching a distance of 5,000 km. The circuit proposed here covers more than 600 kilometers of this route, which, along its path, connects picturesque mountain villages, ancient forests, majestic mountains and volcanoes, crystalline bodies of water, mysteries linked to the age of the dinosaurs, indigenous cultures, and numerous National Parks.

The ideal time to carry out this complete circuit is between October and April, as, at other times of the year, the trails are likely to be difficult due to ice and snow. However, the generous geography invites tourists throughout the seasons, offering opportunities to engage in sports and recreational activities in incomparable natural settings. Trekking, horseback riding, mountain biking, climbing, fly fishing, and kayaking are some of the most recommended activities, in an ideal setting for adventure tourism, exploration, and discovery.

The Journey

The circuit begins in the Neuquén locality of “Villa Pehuenia.” This picturesque, small town is located in the center-west of the province of Neuquén, on the northern shore of Lake Aluminé, amidst mountain ranges covered in forests of Pehuenes trees, prehistoric specimens that predominate and give the locality its name. The majesty of nature makes the town a place that offers endless possibilities. Water sports, fishing, horseback riding, climbing, and hunting and trekking excursions are some of the activities available. In winter, the “Batea Mahuida” Snow Park (2,000 meters above sea level), located 8 km from the town, in the territory of the Puel indigenous community, offers snow lovers alpine skiing, snowmobile rides, snowshoeing, and sledding. The park is managed by the Puel Mapuche community and currently offers various services for the whole family.

The tour continues through “Aluminé,” the main urban center of the Pehuenia region, where abundant native vegetation predominates. The backdrop for mountains covered with ñire trees, coihue cane, oak trees, and pehuenes, along with the brilliant blue rivers, waterfalls, and lakes, create a unique place where nature is expressed in all its splendor. Continuing south, you reach Junín de los Andes. Located at the entrance to Lanín National Park, the city invites you to learn about its rich history through its Mapuche and Roca Jalil museums, along the historical circuit, and also visiting the Artisan Walk, “Colegio María Auxiliadora,” the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows and Blessed Laura Vicuña, and the imposing Via Christi Park on “Cerro La Cruz,” designed by architect Alejandro Santana. In the surrounding area, there are Mapuche communities that open their doors to visitors to share their culture and worldview through various activities. Junín de los Andes is surrounded by unique nature. Crystal-clear rivers and streams meander down from the mountains of Lanín National Park, bathing its fertile lands. Rainbow, brown, and fontinalis trout can be caught in its rivers and lakes. The mouth of the Chimehuín River is a Provincial Protected Natural Area and a prime spot for sport fishing. The area is also suitable for water sports such as kayaking, rafting, windsurfing, or enjoying catamaran rides on Lake Huechulafquen from the “Puerto Canoa” site. For the more adventurous, the ascent of Lanín Volcano (3,776 m) is a worthy challenge for mountaineers. Its summit offers unparalleled panoramic views of the entire region.

Continuing along Route 40, we arrive at San Martín de los Andes, a typical mountain village surrounded by mountains with dense forests and deep glacial lakes. It is one of the most important tourist destinations in the province of Neuquén and a worthy possessor of immeasurable beauty. In this setting, San Martín de los Andes offers a wide range of options for all tastes throughout the year. Its hills and forests change colors with the seasons: green, yellow, gold, orange, red, and white. In spring and summer, the possibilities are more varied and allow for a more intense contact with nature: horseback riding, mountain biking, birdwatching, trekking, and hiking are options for all ages. In the surrounding area, there are numerous trails and circuits that traverse unique landscapes and allow for an interpretation of nature. In summer, the region’s rivers and lakes invite visitors to explore the area through lake excursions and water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and sailing. These environments are also popular among lovers of sport fishing in all its forms (fly casting, trolling, and spinning). The winter season covers the hills in a white blanket and welcomes the ski season at “Cerro Chapelco”: one of the most important ski resorts in South America, with 120 acres of skiable surface and 20 tracks offering alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowboarding. As you continue along the circuit, you will discover that the area offers no shortage of beauty. Landscapes that leave even the most seasoned traveler breathless unfold seamlessly.

San Martín de los Andes is located at one end of the famous Road of the Seven Lakes, which connects this locality with Villa La Angostura. This is the start of one of the most fascinating routes in Patagonia, given the natural beauty along the way. Lakes “Machónico,” “Hermoso,” “Falkner,” “Villarino,” “Espejo,” “Escondido,” and Nahuel Huapi, as well as rivers such as the “Hermoso” and “Pichi Traful,” are all accessible along this path. Before reaching Villa la Angostura, two detours are worth the trip to visit the idyllic localities of “Villa Lago Meliquina” and “Villa Traful.” The former is a small village without electricity, home to just over 30 families. Lake Meliquina is one of its main attractions, boasting countless tree-lined beaches that invite visitors to take a break or have a picnic. Both the lake and the river are interesting fishing grounds, where you can catch good rainbow trout, and with some luck, some brown trout. Its waters also invite you to practice water sports such as windsurfing or kayaking. “Villa Traful,” meanwhile, is characterized by its scenic beauty and its untouched nature, surrounded by coihue forests and the majestic shapes of the Andean-Patagonian mountain range. It maintains a tourism style that has prioritized the preservation of the landscape and the mountain spirit.

The Road of the Seven Lakes culminates in Villa la Angostura. Surrounded by forests and lakes lies this wonderful mountain corner, considered the gateway to the Arrayanes National Park: the only place in the world to find a natural forest of this precious species. Today, Villa la Angostura is a warm mountain village, the stone and wood buildings of which are in harmony with nature and have given it the typical image of a mountain village. A privileged natural setting, protected within Nahuel Huapi National Park, provides the ideal space for various adventure activities, as well as tours or circuits available throughout the year: horseback riding, mountain biking, birdwatching, trekking, and circuits of the Inacayal waterfalls, the Bonito River, the Dorada River, and Santa Ana. During the winter, the ski center located on “Cerro Bayo” offers visitors more than 20 tracks, 12 ski lifts, and 200 acres where all types of skiing and snowboarding can be practiced. It also has all the necessary services for skiers to have a pleasant day.

Just a few kilometers away lies one of Patagonia’s most traditional and iconic tourist destinations: San Carlos de Bariloche. On the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this–highly developed tourist–city is the National Capital of Adventure Tourism. Known for its discos, variety of pubs and bars, and cuisine that fuses European culture with game, fish, smoked meats, cheeses, and berries, these dishes include typical dishes like trout carpaccio, lamb strudel, and curanto. Desserts include chocolate, fondue, and ice cream. Here, countless activities await tourists to surprise them and invite them to enjoy nature at every turn. Trekking, mountaineering, paragliding, kayaking, biking, horseback riding, and fishing are just some of the many options offered by this multifaceted mountain city. And when the cold weather sets in and the snow appears, “Cerro Catedral,” “Cerro Otto,” and “Cerro Neumeyer” offer services to ensure that both sports enthusiasts and those who enjoy snow activities can have a good time. For those new to winter sports, the hills offer suitable spaces with gentle slopes and forests. Experienced skiers will also find spectacular slopes to ride, reaching a maximum altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, although “off-piste” enthusiasts will be surprised by the available options.

To the south, another city of Río Negro stands out on the tour. It is El Bolsón; favored by a mild microclimate, this mountainous area offers nature, adventure, history, myths, culture, and tranquility. El Bolsón also offers a different and unique way to achieve harmony between mind, spirit, and body, combining conscious contact with nature, healthy activities and complementary therapies, and learning about various local traditions and practices. There are interesting options for the whole family: hiking and horseback riding through the mountain forests and participating in rural life and local production. For those seeking more intense activities, you can opt for rafting, paragliding, quadricycles rides, tree climbing, bicycle touring, and much more.

Continuing, the trail leads to the Chubut localities of Lake Puelo, El Maitén, El Hoyo, Epuyén, and Cholila, where you can visit ranches, orchards, and rural establishments to learn about the characteristic production of this part of the mountain range, always in a stunning natural setting. The last link in this fascinating mountain circuit is Esquel. Patagonian steppe and Andean forest blend perfectly around the city, located at the foot of the mountain range in a valley of glacial origin. There, you can board the “La Trochita” train, also known as the Old Patagonian Express. “Los Alerces” National Park—recently declared a World Heritage Site—is another must-see in the area, which connects a complex system of lakes of singular beauty. The star attraction is the ancient larch forest, with specimens more than 3,000 years old. It can be explored along its main route or on various lake and land excursions, or simply enjoy its viewpoints, beaches, and trekking trails. The “La Hoya” Mountain Activities Center offers all the necessary facilities for winter sports, especially skiing and snowboarding. It has 10 ski lifts, 25 tracks, and 60 skiable acres. It also offers food services, a school, a daycare, and equipment rentals. October and December bring new surprises, as the tulip and peony fields bloom in the Trevelin area during these times of the year. During the summer, the mountain has one of its ski lifts and several trekking trails. For those who enjoy panoramic views, the trail offers views of the valley surrounding Esquel and the peaks of the Andes Mountain Range.

This is the estimated time to complete the entire circuit by vehicle. If you have less time, we suggest starting from the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, either heading south or north. It is important to keep in mind that snowfall in the area tends to occur between May and September, making the routes difficult to navigate. You should take appropriate precautions for driving on ice and snow (see “Organize Your Trip”).