{"id":11316,"date":"2025-10-13T17:12:04","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T17:12:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.rentennials.app\/?p=11316"},"modified":"2025-10-14T18:47:40","modified_gmt":"2025-10-14T18:47:40","slug":"de-bariloche-a-san-martin-de-los-andes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.rentennials.app\/en\/de-bariloche-a-san-martin-de-los-andes\/","title":{"rendered":"How to go from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Sometimes we drive along a scenic road and can\u2019t believe the landscapes we see \u2014 and that\u2019s exactly what happens with the route that goes from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong>. We\u2019re talking about the famous Route 40, or as it\u2019s called in this stretch, the \u201cRoute of the 7 Lakes.\u201d Mountains, trails, vast mirrors of water, streams, and waterfalls<\/strong> \u2014 and that\u2019s just the beginning. We have no doubt: this is one of those journeys that stay in your memory forever.<\/p>\n

You can start the route from Bariloche<\/strong>, and from there begin your road trip toward the Neuqu\u00e9n city of San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong>. All you need to do is rent a car with Rentennials<\/strong><\/a><\/span> and plan the adventure at your own pace. This way, you\u2019ll have the freedom to stop wherever you want, enjoy every viewpoint, and experience the road your own way.<\/p>\n

To make your trip easier, here are recommendations, tips, and must-see stops<\/strong> to enjoy this unforgettable journey among the most beautiful lakes in Patagonia.<\/p>\n

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Why is it called the Route of the 7 Lakes?<\/h2>\n

Between Bariloche<\/a><\/span> and San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/span><\/a><\/strong>, National Route 40 unfolds one of its most stunning stretches. Although the total distance between both cities is around 190 kilometers<\/strong>, it\u2019s from Villa La Angostura<\/strong> where the real show begins: the Route of the 7 Lakes<\/strong>, a 110 km drive winding through mountains, forests, and lakes.<\/p>\n

While it\u2019s possible to do it in a single day, the best option is to take your time, stop at each viewpoint, and let yourself be immersed in the landscape. Along the way, you\u2019ll discover the seven lakes that give this route its name: Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Mach\u00f3nico, and L\u00e1car<\/strong> \u2014 each with its own unique charm.<\/p>\n

In the area, you\u2019ll also find trails for hiking<\/strong>, campgrounds<\/strong> where you can sleep by the lake, trekking routes with panoramic views<\/strong>, and peaceful beaches<\/strong> to rest. Every stop offers a different way to connect with Patagonian nature and enjoy the experience at your own pace.<\/p>\n

This is the map from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/a><\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best way to go from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes?<\/h2>\n

The first thing you need to go from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong> is a car. Don\u2019t worry \u2014 renting one is the best way to enjoy this beautiful route.<\/p>\n

There are different ways to make the most of this stretch of National Route 40. Some travelers choose to do it in a single day, leaving early from Bariloche. But ideally, you should take your time, stop, walk, and calmly take in each lake.<\/p>\n

Another highly recommended option is to drive to Villa La Angostura and stay there for a few nights<\/strong>. From this point, you can plan small outings to nearby lakes and viewpoints.<\/p>\n

For those who prefer a slower and more relaxed experience<\/strong>, the best alternative is to leave from Villa La Angostura and stop at different points along the way. There are ideal campsites for spending the night<\/strong>, as well as cabins and lodges<\/strong> for travelers looking for more comfort.<\/p>\n

How many days do you need to go from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes?<\/h2>\n

There\u2019s no single correct answer. It all depends on what you want to do and, of course, how much time you have. Sure, you can do it in a single day \u2014 but you\u2019d be missing a lot. We recommend that this little road trip<\/strong> take at least 4 days<\/strong>. That way, you\u2019ll have time to sleep along the route<\/strong> and stop at the most incredible places.<\/p>\n

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The stops you have to make from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/h2>\n

The Route of the 7 Lakes<\/strong> that goes from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong> has at least five must-see stops<\/strong>. Some at the beginning, others halfway through, and of course, toward the end of the journey.<\/p>\n

Of course, where you stop is up to you, but here are the unmissable ones \u2014 and we encourage you to go further and discover even more.<\/p>\n

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Villa La Angostura<\/h3>\n

It may sound strange to include the starting point as a stop, but Villa La Angostura<\/strong> is the perfect place to make your base and explore the Route of the 7 Lakes<\/strong>, especially if you\u2019re not into camping or staying in cabins.<\/p>\n

The town lies on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi<\/strong>, surrounded by the Inacayal, Bayo, and Belvedere hills<\/strong>. In winter, Cerro Bayo<\/strong> turns into a ski resort perfect for snow sports lovers. In summer, the trails reopen with routes like Cerro Bayo<\/strong> or the Bonito River waterfall<\/strong>, both showing off the essence of the Patagonian landscape.<\/p>\n

From Villa La Angostura, you can also access Los Arrayanes National Park<\/strong> \u2014 a 12 km trail that leads to the southern tip of the park, home to the famous array\u00e1n forest<\/strong>. You can walk or bike the trail (highly recommended), and you can rent bikes in town before starting your adventure. To get your park entrance ticket, you can easily do so from this link<\/strong><\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Lake and River Correntoso and Lake Espejo<\/h3>\n

Coming from the south, Lake Correntoso<\/strong> is the first \u201cofficial\u201d stop on the route that goes from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong>. It features wide beaches, quiet bays<\/strong>, and a wooden bridge<\/strong> overlooking the Correntoso River<\/strong>, one of the shortest rivers in the world, connecting the lake to Nahuel Huapi. There are campgrounds<\/strong> and places to stay by the water<\/strong> in the area.<\/p>\n

A few kilometers ahead, a gravel road leads to Lake Espejo<\/strong>, known for its perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains \u2014 just like its name suggests. It\u2019s an ideal place to spend the day, with beaches and picnic areas<\/strong>. Nearby, Bah\u00eda del Guardaparque<\/strong> offers a quieter spot with a short trail connecting to one of Correntoso\u2019s beaches<\/strong>, surrounded by trees and stunning views worth every stop.<\/p>\n

Lake Traful (and Villa Traful)<\/h3>\n

Taking a short detour along Provincial Route 65<\/strong>, you\u2019ll reach this mountain village within Nahuel Huapi National Park<\/strong>. On the shores of Lake Traful<\/strong>, the town radiates tranquility and direct contact with nature \u2014 an ideal place to rest or make your base for a few days.<\/p>\n

There are hiking trails of different levels<\/strong> leading to waterfalls, hills, and untouched forests. Among the best are the Coa Co and Arroyo Blanco waterfalls<\/strong>, and Cerro Negro<\/strong>. Before heading out, it\u2019s important to register with the park rangers. Most trails are self-guided, though some require a guide.<\/p>\n

You can also go horseback riding or enjoy water sports<\/strong> on the lake, including the unique experience of diving in the submerged forest<\/strong>, where trees remain underwater creating an otherworldly scene.<\/p>\n

Lake Escondido and \u00d1ivinco Waterfall<\/h3>\n

Continuing north on Route 40, you\u2019ll find Lake Escondido<\/strong>, with a perfect viewpoint to admire its crystal-clear surface. Further on is Pichi Traful<\/strong>, one of Lake Traful\u2019s arms. Nearby, a small basic campsite<\/strong> awaits those seeking something more rustic and peaceful.<\/p>\n

A little further north is one of the highlights of the Route of the Seven Lakes: \u00d1ivinco Waterfall<\/strong>, considered one of Patagonia\u2019s most beautiful. It\u2019s reached via a short, moderate trail<\/strong> through the forest leading directly to the waterfall \u2014 a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the sounds of nature.<\/p>\n

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Lake Hermoso and Lake Mach\u00f3nico<\/h3>\n

As you approach the end of the Route of the Seven Lakes<\/strong>, you\u2019ll cross two lakes marking the border between Nahuel Huapi National Park<\/strong> and Lan\u00edn National Park<\/strong>. Lake Hermoso<\/strong> is reached via a small gravel road \u2014 a peaceful place, perfect for spending the night, with a campground<\/strong> and, a little further ahead, a famous eco lodge<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Continuing on Route 40<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find Lake Mach\u00f3nico<\/strong>, best viewed from its scenic lookout \u2014 a perfect spot to stop and soak in the landscape. A bit further along, near the Hermoso River<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find several lodging options<\/strong> to rest before continuing toward San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong> or returning to Bariloche<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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When is the best time to travel from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes?<\/h2>\n

The best months to travel from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/strong> are October to December<\/strong> and February to April<\/strong>. In winter, it can snow, and many activities may not be available. Summer is another option, but being high season, you\u2019ll find more people along the way.<\/p>\n

Tips for driving the route from Bariloche to San Mart\u00edn de los Andes<\/h2>\n