Patagonia, April 01, 2009
Neuquén: the Road of the Seven Lakes
On the whole, lakes and rivers, natural promontories and other endless attractions cover an area of 110 km joining wto beautiful villages in Patagonia: San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura.
This outing stands as a classic for people visiting the mountain range area in Patagonia.
Weather:
As it is settled in a mountain range area, temperatures in winter are really low and it often snows. In summer, the temperature reaches 30 ºC, usually warmed by a soft breeze. Spring time and fall offer average records, though they can go really down at night.
Best time to go:
Every season offer different colors and attractions, so the visitor´s own interests will decide on the best season to visit the place. Summer is great to enjoy the beaches and perfect for water sports; however, spring and fall display unique colors over the vegetation. In winter, you can combine the tour together with skiing, although many roads may be closed on account of the snow storms.
How to get there:
San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura as well have bus stops. You can also make this trip by car since there is a net of national and provincial routes linking the area. Several flights reach San Martín de los Andes airport during the peak season. Another option is to fly up to Neuquén city and do the 440km still to go by bus or a rented car.
Once on the road, the scenery unfolds itself to the visitor who discovers seven or more magnificent lakes: Lacar, Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Pichi Traful, Correntoso and Espejo. The road goes through three national parks: Lanín, Arrayanes and Nahuel Huapi.
You can follow this stretch, along route 234, starting in Villa La Angostura or San Martín de los Andes by car (either of your own or rented), through a travel agency or, for those adventurers and accordingly fit, by bike, then camping for a night amidst Patagonian nature.
The combination of large forests, snowy peaks and crystal clear lakes makes the landscape something astonishing and unique; the kind of view to be admired all through a lifetime. At several lakes, you can do nautical activities, go riding or walk through the woods. There are tourist services, which provide visitors with lodging, restaurants and excursions all along the way, as well as small towns and camp sites.
As regards San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura too, they have not only the largest variety in tourist infrastructure but also amazing places, built in a cozy style on overwhelming landscapes.
These are the ones you can´t miss on the Road of the Seven Lakes (from San Martín de los Andes to Villa La Angostura)
Standing amidst a privileged natural environment, which is guarded by the Lanín National Park, this picturesque city evidencing a stone and wood construction, features enticing tourism itineraries, warm people and a comprehensive service infrastructure. Furthermore, it may be visited any time during the year, that is, visitors may go skiing at the renowned Cerro Chapelco in winter and go trekking.
Lácar Lake
Despite the fact that it is not one of the seven, it is the lake on which San Martín de los Andes city lies and it will certainly welcome travelers to this amazing path of waters and forests. Of a deep, dark blue color, the lake has a beach that merges with the city. The mountains around complete a perfect picture.
Panoramic viewpoint: Partido Creek (Split up Creek) and Hermoso River (Beautiful River)
20 km away from the starting point, the waters coming down from Chapelco mountain combine into a creek reaching the route. An overlook stands there on this particular water course, which feeds the Hermoso River 5km further ahead.
Quila Quina
This small village, 18 km away along the lakes road, is located on the southern edge of Lácar Lake. Quila Quina is a peninsula you can walk around and discover its beauties. It has a harbor, beaches, camp sites as well as a cypress and oak forest. It is precisely from here that you can reach Escondido Lake (Hidden Lake).
Machónico Lake
It is the first one to come out among the mountains by the route. Its calm and dark waters can only be admired from an overlook, since there is no access to the coast.
Hermoso Lake (Beautiful Lake)
Still within Lanín National Park, this lake honors its name with splendid views accompanied by the typical calm and silence, which perfectly picture the Patagonian nature: forests of ñires, radales, coihues and araucarias.
Vullignanco Waterfall
This unavoidable landscape, 15 km ahead, shows the entrance to the Nahuel Huapi National Park. A large overlook lets you fully enjoy the marvelous view offered by the Filuco river, meandering across the forest and rocks. The waterfall is over 20 mts high.
Falkner Lake
Its wide sandy beaches stretch all along the way. Sheltered from the wind, it is frequently visited by backpackers following the Seven Lakes route, since it is practically half way to the end. It has campsites and fishing areas.
Villarino Lake
A river links it to the Falkner Lake; as a result, it is impressively huge. It is surrounded by a coihue forest and a mountain range. It also offers free camp sites .
Pichi Traful Lake
Right in the middle of the woods, there is a fantastic sandy bay displayed on the northern branch area of Traful Lake. It is covered by a coihue forest, which alternates with grass spaces, ideal for camping or a summertime rest. It also proves especially attractive to fishermen.
Small Espejo Lake (Mirror Lake)
Hidden among the mountains, it is one of the most beautiful corners along the Seven Lakes Road. With emerald green waters, it is surrounded by sandy beaches. In an open forest, it is an ideal place to put up your tent and forget about the rest. It is frequently visited by backpackers.
Big Espejo Lake
Its huge dimensions and still waters are surprising. It is surrounded by a coihue forest. Several overlooks let you enjoy amazing landscapes.
Correntoso Lake
It is the largest still lake along the Route and the entrance door to Villa La Angostura. It is astonishingly displayed across the Andean-Patagonic forest and reaches the Nahuel Huapi Lake through the shortest river in the world: the Correntoso river, a paradise for trout fishing. There are lots of hidden bays as well.
Villa La Angostura
This warm mountain village is one of the Argentine gems. Its particular architecture, similar to the one found in San Martín de los Andes but not so big, provides the place with an exclusive atmosphere and stunning views. In winter time, you can go skiing at Cerro Bayo whereas, during the summer, you can enjoy a walk around town in the relaxed summer afternoons.
