An Adventure on the Ruta de los Siete Lagos in Argentina

Patagonia is a vast region that spans the southernmost expanses of both Argentina and Chile. Famous for its extraordinary beauty, the area is home to what seems like countless Patagonia lakes and glaciers. It’s also home to Los Glaciares National Park, where Argentina offers outdoor adventures like kayaking and glacier trekking tours, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore the area’s unique landscapes.

Experience Patagonia’s Extraordinary Beauty

Patagonia’s diverse geography features several distinct landscape types, including:

• The Andes Mountains: Forms a natural spine through the region. Famous peaks include Mount Fitz Roy and the Torres del Paine mountains.
• The Southern Patagonia Ice Field: The world’s third-largest continental ice mass after the North and South Pole regions. This huge ice body feeds many Patagonia glaciers, including the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, as well as Patagonia lakes.

Why Are There So Many Patagonia Lakes?

The sheer number of lakes in Patagonia is astonishing! But why does this region of Argentina have so many? The answer is simple – glacial melting! Patagonia glaciers are remnants of the great Patagonian Ice Field. As the ice field grew, it carved deep valleys into the surrounding landscape. And, as it melted, the valleys filled with water, creating the Patagonia lakes we see today.

Exploring the Ruta de los Siete Lagos

The Route of the Seven Lakes (Ruta de los Siete Lagos) is a stunning scenic drive in Patagonia, Argentina that takes travelers on an epic 67-mile journey between Villa La Angostura (near Bariloche) and San Martin de los Andes. The route is named after the seven beautiful lakes travelers will encounter along the way, and includes:

• Lake Nahuel Huapi: A favorite among tourists, Lake Nahuel Huapi is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters. The lake’s elongated shape and many islands are unique, and its location near Bariloche makes it a haven for fishing and other Argentina outdoor adventures.
• Lake Espejo: The second stop on the Ruta offers visitors a chance to enjoy the clear lake waters and picturesque surroundings.
• Lake Correntoso: Not only can you enjoy beautiful views at Lake Correntoso, but you can also hike along a scenic trail and look for native wildlife against the backdrop of pristine water in this Patagonia Lake.
• Lake Escondido: Escondido Lake is one of the most scenic excursions in Ushuaia, where a landscape of forests, valleys, and mountains offers visitors a chance to enjoy the beauty of the region.
• Lake Villarino: Known for its clear waters and the surrounding mountains, this lake provides visitors with a peaceful spot to take a break from the Ruta and take in the incredible views.
• Lake Falkner: The transparent water of this lake makes it a destination for outdoor enthusiasts who love fishing, kayaking, or snorkeling.
• Lake Machónico: Fed by Patagonia glaciers, this lake is crystal clear. Although it is remote, visitors flock to its waters for kayaking and rowing.

In addition to these seven Patagonia lakes, there are many other smaller lakes and scenic viewpoints to hike around and explore as you travel along the Ruta de los Siete Lagos.

When Is the Best Time to Drive the Ruta?

If you’re planning an itinerary that includes a bucket list of Argentina outdoor adventures, the best time to drive the Ruta de los Siete Lagos is from September to November or December to February. This is when the weather in Patagonia is generally mild, and the scenery is breathtaking! During the summer months, you also have access to local camping sites, as well as stores along the route that sell food and supplies. However, during the winter months, you may face heavier rain showers and a lack of amenities, especially at local campgrounds.

Additional Attractions in Patagonia

While the Ruta de los Siete Lagos is a popular day trip from Bariloche, you can extend your Argentina outdoor adventure by making several additional stops along the way. Popular attractions in the area include Cascada Vuliñanco, a beautiful waterfall, where visitors can hike or bike around the falls, as well as  Lanín National Park and Nahuel Huapi National Park. But the biggest attraction of all is one of Argentina's most famous national parks, Los Glaciares National Park, where you can see Patagonia glaciers like the Perito Moreno Glacier.

Visiting Los Glaciares National Park

To reach Los Glaciares National Park from the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, travelers can take a scenic drive along Provincial Route 11 from El Calafate. This route is a popular choice if you want to explore the natural beauty of Patagonia. Once you arrive at Los Glaciares National Park, you can begin your outdoor adventure! The park is a nature lover’s delight, with mountain treks, glacier walks, river cruises, and lakeside horseback rides. Of course, your Argentina outdoor adventure would not be complete without a tour of the Patagonia glaciers in the park!

• Perito Moreno Glacier: This magnificent ice formation spans almost 97 square miles. Unlike most other glaciers that are shrinking, Perito Moreno is growing. This incredible glacier towers above one of the most impressive Patagonia lakes, Lake Argentino. Visitors can take a boat tour near the glacier for an up-close view of its massive ice wall, or trek across the surface of Perito Moreno on a guided tour.
• Upsala Glacier: Although the Upsala Glacier is in Los Glaciares National Park, it is less accessible than the Perito Moreno glacier. This offers visitors a more secluded and tranquil experience. Unlike its more famous counterpart, the best way to view the glacier is by booking a goat tour around it. There is no option to trek across its surface; however, nearby hiking trails offer stunning viewpoints for those who want to get a unique perspective of this impressive landmark.

Reaching New Heights on Mount Fitz Roy

Many Argentina outdoor adventures begin – and end – on foot. With so many hiking trails, it’s difficult not to get carried away and want to explore on your own. If that’s the case, Los Glaciares National Park offers incredible treks around the base of Mount Fitz Roy and its surrounding peaks. Popular trails include the Laguna de los Tres trail, which leads to a glacial lake with a direct view of Fitz Roy. The area surrounding this iconic peak includes Poincenot, Saint-Exupéry, and Torre peaks, all of which present a unique view of the Patagonian landscape.

Outdoor Adventures on Patagonia Lakes and Glaciers

If an outdoor adventure is what you crave on your next overseas vacation, consider exploring Argentina. From wildlife observation to glacier trekking, and from kayaking to scaling the heights of famous mountains, there’s something for everyone. Start planning your adventure today! Explore Patagonia lakes and glaciers for the adventure of a lifetime.