Destinations
You will not regret extending your stay in Argentina and taking an extra week to explore the beautiful Lake District. This mini self drive beings and ends in Bariloche and allows plenty of time to explore as you wish. There are walking trails galore in this region perfect for working up an appetite to enjoy a delicious evening meal, Argentina-style.
After spending a few nights in Buenos Aires you will fly to Bariloche in the Lake District. San Carlos de Bariloche is the main town in Argentina's Lake district, on the southern shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The town, a centre for skiing in winter (July and August), and walking in summer, is set against a stunning backdrop of glacial green-blue lakes framed by the mountains of the Andes. Depending on when you arrive in Bariloche, you will either be taken to pick up your vehicle on the way to your guesthouse at Los Juncos, or it will be delivered to you the following day.
Scenic lakeshore drives aplenty here! Also just a 40 minute drive away is the Llao Llao peninsula with walking trails and picturesque drives around Lago Moreno. Or a boat departs daily from Puerto Panuelo for Puerto Blest, regarded as one of the area’s best day-trips. We've included a morning of Stand Up Paddle-Boarding on the River Limay which is a fun thing to do if you are keen, but there's no obligation if it isn't your cup of tea.
Today’s drive is possibly the best in the area with seven beautiful lakes (Correntoso, Espejo, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, Machónico & Meliquina) and two national parks along the route between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes. Leaving Bariloche, the paved highway hugs the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi as far as Villa La Angostura where it crosses the Correntoso river before striking a more winding route though forests and glades in the heart of the lake district. The road emerges at a scenic pass with ridiculous views of Lago Lacar during the descent to San Martin. Start out early: it’s around 200km (4 hrs) of driving and roughly two-thirds is by paved road, but allow plenty of time if you intend to detour via Villa Traful or make the most of the numerous photo opportunities en route. You have 2 nights in a quaint little hotel, La Casa de Eugenia, close to the lakeshore.
Day 4 would be a great day to drive along the HuaHum Pass along a picturesque 50km gravel road along the north shore of Lago Lacar. With an early start (and a 4WD is best for this drive), it’s possible to do the rewarding trip to remote Lago Huechulafquen in the northern section of the Lanin National Park. Half the 100km drive is on a rough gravel road and it takes 2-3 hrs. On a clear day you’ll be treated to views of the snow-capped Lanin volcano, nearly 3,800m. This region has strong Mapuche community links and this is evident on the way to the park, as you pass through villages and see community churches. Huechulafquen is a glacial lake, and with Lanín Volcano in the background is one of the most photogenic places in the area.
Drive to Villa La Angostura. This is a 110km drive back along the gorgeous Seven Lakes route (2hrs). Villa La Angostura is a picturesque mountain village set on the northern shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. It has evolved since its early development in the 1920s into a small, upmarket resort with plenty of good restaurants and shops. The border with Chile is just 20 mins' drive away. Villa La Angostura means 'narrow village' and this pretty town takes its name from the thin isthmus that connects the town to the Quetrihué Peninsula. The town was founded in 1932 and was historically where the Argentine elite built their summer homes. The town offers the only land access to Parque Nacional Los Arranyes which is named after the unusual arrayán tree, a species of myrtle. This handsome cinnamon-coloured tree can grow to be a hundred years old and is either found standing alone or in groves with its trunks contorted and twisted and its roots skimming the ground. The park is also home to the Magellenic woodpecker, the largest species of woodpecker in the world and the symbol of Patagonia.
On your final full day you can enjoy the area at your leisure. We can recommend exploring the Arrayanes National Park. There are lots of walks in the park which can be done independently.
Drive back to Bariloche airport to drop off your vehicle and continue your onward journey.
Having a good, quality vehicle is key to every self-drive journey. We work carefully with our local team to source you the best vehicle available for your self-drive journey.
All our itineraries are tailor made, but here are some of our favourite routes and camp combinations.
Simply, because we care. Whether you have travelled in Africa with Safari Drive or whether this is your first journey with us, we will be working hard behind the scenes to support your trip and ensure sure you have a fantastic self drive adventure.
Your entire holiday is designed around your requirements. We will create the perfect trip, at your own pace, to your budget.
All our team in Latin America live in-country and have travelled extensively. Their knowledge and input is key to a successful self-drive safari.
We don’t mark up for our services, we only take commissions from the suppliers we use. Tailor-made does not have to mean expensive.
All our holidays are 100% financially protected.
