BLUE APARTS
Seven Lakes Road from Bariloche: A Practical Guide
Seven Lakes Road crosses forests, mountains and lakes between Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes.
From Bariloche, it requires a carefully planned day or an overnight stop. Verify roads, weather and daylight the same day.
Last updated: July 2026.
Quick answer
Travel by rental car or organized tour. Leave extra time, avoid a rigid stop list and check National Roads, National Parks and tourism authorities first.
Contents
- What is Seven Lakes Road?
- Where does it begin?
- Traveling by rental car
- Taking an organized tour
- Starting from Bariloche
- Starting from Villa La Angostura
- Lakes and stops
- How much time is needed?
- Road conditions
- Winter
- Summer
- Traveling with kids
- Fuel
- Restrooms and food
- Road safety
- What to avoid
- Car, itinerary and alternatives
What is Seven Lakes Road?
It is a scenic section of National Route 40 connecting Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes through protected landscapes.
Where does it begin?
The tourism route is usually organized from Villa La Angostura; travelers from Bariloche must add the drive to that town.
Traveling by rental car
A car offers flexibility but requires checks for fuel, weather, tires and driver experience.
Taking an organized tour
It removes the driving burden. Verify duration, stops, meals, accessibility and change policies.
Starting from Bariloche
The day can be long. Do not treat any travel estimate as a guarantee or add too many activities.
Starting from Villa La Angostura
This places you closer to the corridor. Read the Villa La Angostura guide and view Blue Aparts Angostura accommodations.
Lakes and stops
Available viewpoints depend on conditions. Choose a few stops and respect signs, parking and protected areas.
How much time is needed?
Use a full day as broad guidance from Bariloche, not a guarantee. Traffic, works, weather and stops affect duration.
Road conditions
Check National Roads and local authorities before leaving. Do not continue through an official closure.
Winter
Ice, snow and chain requirements are possible. Carry required equipment and follow official instructions.
Summer
More daylight also brings traffic and wildfire risk. Follow fire and parking restrictions.
Traveling with kids
Plan breaks, food and layers. Avoid an excessively long day and supervise children near roads and water.
Fuel
Do not assume continuous availability. Fill up before the route and verify operating stations.
Restrooms and food
Services are not present at every stop. Carry water and food and pack out waste.
Road safety
- Follow speed limits and signs.
- Stop only in designated areas.
- Use lights and seat belts.
- Check alerts and visibility.
What to avoid
- Leaving without a road check.
- Promising a return time.
- Adding too many stops.
- Lighting fires or leaving waste.
Car, itinerary and alternatives
Review the rental car guide, the car-free guide and the Bariloche itinerary.
Frequently asked questions
Can it be done in one day from Bariloche?
It can be planned as a full-day trip, but route, weather and stops determine the actual duration.
Is a rental car required?
No. Organized tours are another option.
Is the road open year-round?
Conditions and requirements change. Check official road information before leaving.
Official sources
Plan a base in Villa La Angostura
If you want to split the route, compare accommodations and verify availability. View Blue Aparts Angostura