The Route of Seven Lakes: North Patagonia

Departing San Martín brings you south along the scenic paved bends of Route 40, entering the Lanín National Park to arrive at the shores of Lake Correntoso. Blessed with incredibly clear, deep-green water, the lake is a spectacular glacial basin surrounded by ancient, moss-covered coihue and arrayán forests. Walking the beach of soft sand is a deeply peaceful experience; the lake is fully sheltered from wind, creating a calm, quiet sanctuary. Nearby, the Correntoso River—famed as one of the shortest rivers in the world, connecting Lake Correntoso to Lake Nahuel Huapi—is a legendary fly-fishing hotspot where giant rainbow trout swim clearly visible in the turquoise river pools.

Winding south past the final lakes brings you to San Carlos de Bariloche, a vibrant historic city perched on the shores of the massive Lake Nahuel Huapi. Famous for its Swiss-alpine timber-and-stone architecture, the town is the undisputed chocolate capital of South America, established by Swiss-Italian immigrants in the 1940s. Walking the bustling central avenue of Calle Mitre is a sensory-rich experience; the air is thick with the sweet scent of cocoa and toasted hazelnuts. You can wander past dozens of artisan chocolate shops, sample world-class double-cream chocolate truffles, and relax in cozy alpine cafes. The town is surrounded by spectacular mountain peaks (like Cerro Catedral), providing a beautiful, alpine climax to your Patagonia drive.