Camino de los Siete Lagos — San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura via the Andean Lake District
Seven lakes, zero crowds before 9am. Move early.
Route 234 through Argentina’s Neuquén lake district is known as the Ruta de los Siete Lagos — Seven Lakes Road — and it earns the name. Running 110km between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura through Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks, it passes Lácar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Espejo, Correntoso, and Nahuel Huapi. The first half is paved; the southern section from Villa Traful junction turns to compacted gravel and dirt that gets brutally washboarded by midsummer traffic. The real prize is the araucaria (monkey puzzle) forest above Lácar and the mirror-calm morning light on Lago Espejo — get there before 9am and the reflections will make you forget the corrugations.
This isn’t a technical trail — a high-clearance 2WD can handle it in dry conditions, but the gravel sections kick up rocks and blow tyres on unprepared rigs. Carry a spare and run slower than your instincts say. The route passes through two national parks; the fee is paid at park gates and covers both. Best driven October through April — winter closes the dirt sections entirely. Camping is excellent at Lago Machónico and Lago Espejo, both with established free sites inside the park. Fuel at San Martín before you leave; there’s nothing reliable mid-route. One of South America’s most iconic overland corridors, full stop.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 110 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 5250 ft |
| Best season | October-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance recommended; 2WD passable when dry |
| Nearest town | San Martín de los Andes, Neuquén |
| Land manager | Administración de Parques Nacionales Argentina (Lanín and Nahuel Huapi NP) |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Parques Nacionales — PN Lanín PN Nahuel Huapi official site |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 2WD SUV run this route, or do I need 4WD?
When dry, a 2WD high-clearance vehicle can manage it — locals do it in sedans during summer. After rain the gravel gets slick and washboard sections deepen fast; 4WD with decent all-terrains is the safer call if you're unsure of conditions.
When is the Seven Lakes Road open and what closes it?
October through April is the reliable window. Winter snowfall (May–September) can close sections entirely, and the dirt portions between lakes are the first to go. Check with Parques Nacionales Lanín before a winter attempt — don't assume it's passable.
Do I need a park entry permit and is there a fee?
Yes — you're passing through both Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks, so a park entry fee applies to each. Pay at the park gates or ranger stations; fees are set in Argentine pesos and change frequently, so check current rates at parquesnacionales.gob.ar or the Nahuel Huapi site before you go.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
There's no single gnarly obstacle — the challenge is cumulative: 110km of mixed gravel, washboard, soft shoulders, and occasional deep puddles after rain. The stretch between Lago Espejo and Villa La Angostura sees the most deterioration. Keep speeds low, watch for cyclists and tourist buses on blind curves, and don't rush it.
How far is it between fuel stops, and where can I camp along the route?
Fuel up in San Martín de los Andes before you start — there's no reliable gas along the route until Villa La Angostura at the far end, roughly 110km away. Dispersed camping is permitted in designated areas within both parks; established campgrounds sit near several of the lakes, but they fill fast in January and February — arrive early or plan a weekday run.
Trail track
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