Argentina never ceased to amaze and delight us. From the awe-inspiring Perito Moreno Glacier and the incredible hiking in El Chalén, to the arid landscapes of Salta and the vineyards of Mendoza, the country’s variety is simply astonishing.
After a few days relaxing in Bariloche and getting our first glimpse of the Lake District, we decided to explore further into the region and visit the National Parks. While there are many routes to take, we chose to visit the villages of Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes, as well as Lake Lolog.
We set off on the renowned Seven Lakes Route with our rental car. Contrary to its name, this route includes eight lakes: Nahuel Huapi, Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Machónico, and Lacar, along with two National Parks – Nahuel Huapi and Lanin.
Starting in Villa La Angostura, the official Seven Lakes Route stretches 184 kilometers to San Martín de los Andes. Many opt to drive from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes and back to Villa La Angostura in a single day. However, with four days on our hands, we decided to leisurely explore this picturesque area.
The drive from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura is a mere 84 kilometers, but just 20 minutes in, we were compelled to stop for a photo. The sun was out, the sky was clear, and the view of Lake Nahuel Huapi and Bariloche was stunning. Although we encountered mostly rain over the next four days, it didn’t hinder our enjoyment of the natural surroundings.
In Villa La Angostura, we bypassed numerous shops selling fishing, hiking, and camping gear and continued to our hotel on the outskirts of the town. The Correntoso Lake and River Hotel, perched on a hill overlooking the lakeshore, would be our home for the next two nights. Despite a few clouds, we could still see the Andes Mountains from our room’s window. Surrounded by lakes, a renowned fly-fishing river, and pristine forests, the hotel’s setting was perfect.
Celebrating 100 years in business, Correntoso Hotel has a rich history. Before roads were built, a boat shuttle used to carry passengers from Llao Llao near Bariloche across Lake Nahuel Huapi to the hotel’s dock. Nowadays, anglers use the dock to fish for trout, grayling, and browns, and the hotel offers lake tours.
Due to the less-than-ideal weather, we enjoyed wine in the hotel bar, dined on local dishes, and relaxed at the spa and heated pool. The spa, surrounded by nature with steam rising off the water, was incredibly romantic.
We took scenic drives, walked along the nearby river, witnessed vibrant sunsets, and went on a brief boat tour of Lake Nahuel Huapi with the hotel. On a future visit, we’d plan for summer to take full advantage of activities like kayaking, boating, and fishing, but the autumn visit was peaceful with no crowds.
Continuing north on Routes 231 and 40, we passed Espejo Grande Lake, Tratful Lake, and the shores of Villarino and Falkner Lakes. Even with limited visibility, we tried to enjoy the drive and made stops at viewpoints.
We stayed at Río Hermoso Boutique Hotel in Lanín National Park, about 30 minutes from San Martín de los Andes. After navigating a bumpy dirt road, we reached the isolated hotel on the Río Hermoso’s banks. The staff welcomed us warmly, and we enjoyed tea while admiring the river. Our spacious room featured a king-size bed and a balcony overlooking the river.
Río Hermoso’s setting was tranquil and perfect for unwinding. This region is a top fly-fishing destination and, despite visiting at the season’s end, Nick was determined to fish the river. Our drive to San Martín de los Andes offered stunning scenery with clearer skies transforming the landscape.
San Martín is a charming town with a beach, numerous shops for outdoor activities, restaurants, and hotels. With help from Google Translate and some Spanish skills, Nick quickly rented fishing gear and obtained a permit. Local advice led us to the river flowing into Lake Lolog, an ideal fishing spot. The riverbank was perfect for a picnic, surrounded by birds and peaceful nature.
Back at Río Hermoso Hotel, we enjoyed freshly caught trout (not by Nick, though it was delicious), venison, and wine while reflecting on our trip. Eager to try again, Nick headed to the nearby river the next morning but didn’t catch anything this time. However, his luck would improve with a guided trip from Wilderness Patagonia.
The Lake District is a spectacular place and, despite the weather, we thoroughly enjoyed our trip.