7 Lagos trail from San Martín de Los Andes

National Route 40 is the setting for this wonderful tour. Camino 7 Lagos is a 100-kilometer walk that delights us with the natural beauty of Argentine Patagonia, entering several majestic sites in the region. It is impossible to visit San Martín de Los Andes and not do this activity.

It consists of a four-hour trip that connects 7 lakes that resulted from a glacial metamorphosis that, millions of years ago, was recorded in this area. We are talking about Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso, Espejo and Nahuel Huapi. Together, they give us an unprecedented show.

Hence, it is suggested to carry out this experience with a travel agency. Thus, you will be able to enjoy each landscape without interruption, and it should be noted that the tour includes a stop at strategic points in each of them. 

ROUTE THROUGH THE 7 LAKES ROAD 

This low-difficulty adventure starts from San Martín de Los Andes. We will leave behind this picturesque mountain village as we border Lake Lácar along a curvy road that ends just 5 km away. There, we will take a detour that gives us access to the Catritre beach.

It is the first majestic place we will come across. This paradisiacal place located on the shore of the lake has a campsite with capacity for 80 pitches, toilets, showers, a grocery store and even a restaurant.

Just 1 km further on, we have the path that leads to the Quila Quina summer village, one of the most famous natural spas in the region. And it is that, in addition to its beauty, it is located on the border between the Lanín National Park and the lands of the Mapuche community.  For more information Excursions in San Martín de Los Andes.

Now, we travel 15 kilometers along National Route 40 to marvel at the imposing Cerro Chapelco, the ski center with the greatest means of elevations in South America. Just a few meters later, we pass right in front of the viewpoint of the broken stream. The name is due to the fact that it divides in two, dumping its waters into the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. Find out how it happens!

Thus, we will be reaching each protagonist of the 7 Lakes Trail. The tour itself is indescribable. It is framed by the Patagonian Andean forest, which is made up of lengas, radales, coihues, raulies, cypresses, nires and pellín oaks.

The colors of the landscape depend on the time in which you decide to travel to San Martín de Los Andes. For example, in autumn you will run into red, ocher and orange colors. Meanwhile, as expected, winter dyes the entire scene white. Summer, meanwhile, gives us a deep green forest, while spring shines a little more with the colors typical of the time that contrast with the white of the mountains. It is the time of the thaw!

GOODNESS OF THE 7 LAKES TRAVELED FROM SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES 

•         Lake Machónico: it has a natural viewpoint with an unbeatable panoramic view. It is an obligatory stop! Returning to the tour, we pass the wonderful boundary between the Lanín and Nahuel Huapi national parks, which represent two of the protected areas of the corridor. Meanwhile, km 43 presents the Vuliñanco waterfall: a 35-meter waterfall whose slope is divided majestically in two, behind the giant stone on which it slides.
•         Lake Falkner: its main attraction is the Buque hill that is located on the south bank. This natural monument has impressive black stone towers at its top where, in addition, condors nest. Meanwhile, Falkner beach offers us a rugged campsite with bathrooms, a grocery store and a fire pit. 
•       Villarino and Escondido: just to the right of the Falkner is Villarino Lake. Impressive in magnitude! Not in vain they call it “iron lake”. A few kilometers later we have the Escondido Lake, whose place has a viewpoint that, although small, allows us to appreciate the magical colors and the exquisite aroma of the forest. 
•     Correntoso and Espejo: now it is the turn of Lake Correntoso, famous for the delicacies that its inhabitants of Mapuche descent offer to visitors (pastries, homemade fried cakes and more). Then, you arrive at Lake Espejo, whose name is due to the effect seen in its waters: the sky, the mountains and the forest are reflected in these. After this magical place, we reach the 100 km of the route.
•         Nahuel Huapi Lake: just a few more kilometers later we will achieve a spectacular view of the northern sector of Nahuel Huapi Lake. Known as “The Tiger of the Rivers” since, according to the legend, an ancient creature would inhabit its waters. In the same way, you will also learn about the history of Nahuelito, an illustrious inhabitant whose existence has not yet been confirmed by science. Whatever it is, this lake allows us to close the excursion with a flourish.

Is San Martín de Los Andes the destination of your next getaway? You already know that you cannot miss Camino 7 Lagos. A walk without waste, for which we recommend spending a full day. In that case, you can complement it with a short visit to the city. Just in case, we invite you to ask our travel assistance specialists for advice.