Seven Lakes Road: from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes

The trip starts along the shore of Nahuel Huapi. From Bariloche, Route 40 follows the lake's northern coast to Villa La Angostura, almost 90 kilometers away, and that's where the stretch that names the tour begins: the Seven Lakes Road, about a hundred paved kilometers linking Villa La Angostura with San Martín de los Andes through two national parks, Nahuel Huapi and Lanín. Until 2012 this road was part of Route 234; today it's Route 40.

Before leaving the village, stop at the Correntoso River, which carries water from the lake of the same name into Nahuel Huapi in just 200 to 300 meters, depending on lake levels. It's one of the shortest rivers in the world, and you can see all of it from the bridge. Further on, near Lake Espejo, Route 231 branches off toward Chile over the Cardenal Samoré pass, while Route 40 turns north into the forest.

From south to north, the seven are Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico and Lácar. Villarino drains into Falkner through a short river, and both lie right beside the road, with shores where you can get out for a while. Machónico has a natural lookout over the road, the kind that makes you pull over. Side roads lead to other lakes too, such as Traful, Hermoso or Meliquina, if you have time to spare.

The route ends at Lake Lácar, 625 meters above sea level, with San Martín de los Andes on its eastern shore. It's one of the few lakes in the southern Andes that drains into the Pacific, through the Hua Hum River. There are only two settlements along the whole road, Lago Hermoso and Villa Río Hermoso; the rest is forest, water and curves.

• Tour type: Sightseeing, by car or on a day tour
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Tip: Leave with a full tank and some food, since there are hardly any towns along the way. It snows in winter, so check road conditions before you go.