View of the Seven Lakes Route.
This incredible route integrates the Lakes Corridor along with other towns in the southwest of the Province of Neuquén and tourist destinations in Chubut and Río Negro. It is also part of route 40 that one of the north has on the entire country through the dazzling Andes Mountains.
It comprises a total of 112 km. fully asphalteds, which are fully enjoyed both in the summer and winter seasons, always taking into account the weather conditions and checking the status of the routes, for the coldest time of the year.
The journey can start from Villa La Angostura or since San martin de los andes. Along the route, you can count on a variety of accommodation services (inns and free, wild and basically organized campsites) and small businesses to stock up on food.
Lacar Lake
Lake Lacar waterfront.
The circuit starts at Lake Lacar waterfront with the junction of National Route 40. There begins the slope of the southern shore of the lake, about 6 km. you can now enjoy Catritre Beach, one of the favorites of vacationers. A little further on on the right is the path to Villa Quila Quina; a natural space with services and circuits to spend the day on the banks of the Lácar.
Advancing a few kilometers you can see the entrance road to the Chapelco Ski Center which operates during the winter season, from there you begin to appreciate the Pil Pil valley, inhabited for decades by Mapuche communities.
The viewpoint of Party Creek You will find yourself traveling a couple of kilometers ahead. It is called that because its waters bifurcate, half flows towards the Atlantic Ocean and the other half towards the Pacific Ocean. A very striking phenomenon that does not occur in the water courses of the mountain area.
Machonic Lake
Continuing the path alongside the Culebra stream that runs through a narrow gorge, you reach the Machonic lakethe first of the 7 lakes.
A few kilometers from the Gendarmería settlement, along a 2 km gravel road, you enter the beautiful lakepassing through the Pudú Pudú lagoon. The area has a recreational space for day use and park ranger service.
Beautiful Lake
The landscape is characterized by a narrow valley surrounded by mountains covered by native forest with an abundance of coihues, lengas, ñires and some specimens of raulí.
Returning to National Route No. 40 at 43 km. of San Martín de los Andes you can see on the right hand Vullignanco waterfall, with a waterfall of 20 meters. Obligatory stop to take a photo.
Vullignanco Waterfall
Separated by a narrow isthmus are the Villarino lakes y Falkner, both on the banks of the route. There is space to park, camping plots and the possibility of enjoying and exploring the coasts or for the more adventurous, reaching the summit of the Buque (1950 meters above sea level) and Falkner (2120 meters above sea level) hills.
Lake Villarino
In addition, for fishermen, rainbow trout, fontinalis, brown trout and perch can be caught in both bodies of water and their tributaries.
Following the route, hidden among the trees is the hidden lake of a striking emerald green color.
Hidden Lake
On the way, approximately 34 km. From the intersection with National Route No. 231, there is the access path to the Ñivinco Waterfall, a beautiful jump of about 18 meters. high, surrounded by abundant and striking vegetation.
The path continues bordering the Pichi Traful River . From there, through a path alongside the river, you can access the mouth of the river. Lake Traful. On the way you can see some characteristic birds of the Patagonian Andean forest; Large Kingfisher, Giant Woodpecker, Common Huet-huet, among others.
Giant Kingfisher
Continuing the route, on the left bank it joins Provincial Route No. 65 that leads to Villa Traful (36 km.) and the Confluence on National Route No2 (41 km.)
Returning to National Route No. 40 on the right, there is an access road to the Lake Mirror Boy, excellent fishing site and camping place. Later, a section of the lake Correntoso until the Ruca Malén River. There is the mythical Ruca Malén inn as well as the vestiges of the old wooden bridge that crossed the river.
Mirror Lake
15 km away. more is found mirror lake and a few meters away is the junction of National Route No. 231 that culminates in the Cardenal Samoré Border Crossing that connects to the neighboring Republic of Chile. The beach of Lake Espejo is wide and allows you to enjoy tours in the Andean forest. It is accessed by a vehicle path 200 meters from the intersection of national routes No. 40 and 231. The lake viewpoint is 1 km away. from this crossing, located on a cliff, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lake and its beach.
Mirror Lake Viewpoint
Already in the final stretch of the Route of the 7 lakes, you begin to appreciate the magnificent Nahuel Huapi lake, framed in the landscape of the National Park of the same name. Shortly before arriving at the town of Villa La Angostura a bridge of considerable height is crossed over the Correntoso river, considered the shortest in the world. Its mouth on Lake Nahuel Huapi constitutes a preferential area for sport fishermen; excellent pieces of rainbow and brown trout are caught there. The coasts of Bahía Arauco capture the attention of visitors where they have a first wide panoramic view of Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Arauco Bay – Nahuel Huapi Lake.
Lake Correntoso
He lake Correntoso It is one of the largest on the circuit, with a large number of bays and beaches. The water mirror that forms this lake, of a blue-green color, is approximately 27 km2 and is framed in a mountain range of spectacular beauty. Its waters are warmer than those of Nahuel Huapi. On the south coast there is a camping area and services for tourists.
Bahía Mansa – Villa La Angostura.
Characteristic gabled houses built in wood begin to appear in the landscape, setting the tone for a growing urbanization until reaching Arrayanes Avenue. main artery of the picturesque Villa La Angostura where we will end this wonderful tour.
Source: NeuquenTur