Within the Argentine Lake District are the renowned Seven Lakes near to San Carlos de Bariloche passing through the Lanín and Nahuel Huapi National Parks. If you are visiting this beautiful, picturesque and tranquil region of Argentina and South America, you will not be disappointed. The route around the seven magnificent lakes passes the Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Viallarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar Lakes all of which are flanked by mixed natural forests.
No matter which season you visit this region, it is always ready to impress. In winter the snow covered landscapes and frozen lakes offer a winter wonderland and if you arrive early in the morning, the lakes often have low lying fog just above the water making for unforgettable memories and incredible photographs. During spring the area is full of stunning mountain flowers blossoming and in the summer the warm mountain climate and wide variety of boating trips on the calm lakes brings the region to life. Autumn especially, April to May is our favorite season to visit the area as the mountain forests change color offering different shades of browns, reds, oranges and yellows making for one of the most attractive sceneries in South America.
Nahuel Huapi & Villa la Angostura
The journey begins in the traditional mountain resort of Bariloche, with its traditional chocolate shops and architecture, the alpine city is a beautiful destination in itself when visiting Argentina. As you make your way along the winding mountain roads towards the quaint, upmarket town of Villa la Angostura, a favorite of the Argentines, you will pass by the jaw-dropping scenic Nahuel Huapi Lake. Although this is not officially in the 7 Lakes route, the Nahuel Huapi Lake is often included and is well worth stopping to see along the way. The lake is surrounded by a number of snow-capped glacial valleys and the vistas of the lake and its surroundings are truly breath-taking. Once you reach the smart town of Villa la Angostura with its boutique hotels and fine dining, the small Los Arrayanes National Park offers fairytale woodlands where you can walk or take a boat along the calm lake water.
Lake Correntoso, Lake Espejo & Lake Escondido
Once you leave Villa la Angostura you will be treated to a beautiful view of Correntoso Lake with its green-blue water surrounded by the Patagonian Mountains, the lake has spectacular beauty. Following Lake Correntoso, you will reach Espejo Lake meaning Mirror Lake. As the name suggests, the clean, calm and quiet waters offer picture-perfect reflections of the lake landscape. Fed by a number of streams bringing melt water from the nearby mountains, the lake also has a volcanic sand beaches making for the perfect place to stop and relax whilst enjoying the nature around you. As your journey continues you will see the small lake of Lake Escondido meaning Hidden Lake which you should stop at to appreciate the panoramic views.
Lake Villarino & Lake Falkner
From Lake Escondido the road begins to climb up offering views overlooking the shores of Lake Villarino, you will be stunned by the beauty and open vistas of the Patagonian National Park lake with its water full of trout and therefore attracting many visitors and locals that enjoy sports fishing. Next to Lake Villarino is the popular fishing lake of Lago Falkner which is a wide open lake with forest covered fjord-like mountains that descend steeply into the calm lake water. The long narrow beach on the shoreline of the Falkner Lake makes for a great place to stop and take time to enjoy the view and fresh mountain air. These two lakes are two of the most beautiful along the Seven Lakes route
Lake Machónico, Lake Lácar & San Martín de los Andes
Similarly to the other lakes on this route, the Machónico Lake lies at the foot of the Andes however you will begin to notice that the landscape has changed and is drier and more arid than at the previous lakes. Here you can enjoy kayaking or canoeing along the peaceful water of if this beautiful part of Patagonia. Following on to Lake Lácar, the small lakeside and charming village of San Martín de los Andes sits proudly at its head. The chalet-style village lies in the Lanín National Park whose conical volcano can be seen from miles around. Whether visiting San Martín de los Andes to explore the Seven Lakes or as a center to the surrounding ski resorts a wide variety of activities are available from this mountain village taking advantage of the nearby nature and environment.
The 7 Lakes of Argentina is one of the highlights and most beautiful area of Patagonia. Its natural beauty, landscapes, bright blue lakes and mountain environment makes for an unforgettable experience during your vacation to Argentina.
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