Hidden Gems: Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route)

Why it's hidden: It's located on a scenic detour road (RP63) that many tourists skip, believing the main RN40 offers all the highlights, making it less frequented.

How to find it: From Villa La Angostura, head north on RN40 towards San Martín de los Andes. Approximately 20 km north of the Villa Traful junction (or before, if coming from San Martín), look for a well-marked but unpaved turn-off for 'Villa Río Hermoso' or 'Ruta Provincial 63'. Follow RP63 for about 5 km. The entrance to the waterfall trail is clearly signed on your left, with a small gravel parking area. Road conditions on RP63 are gravelly but generally suitable for all vehicles.

Best time: Spring (October-November) for lush greenery and strong water flow, or late autumn (April-May) for golden foliage.

Why it's hidden: It's often overshadowed by the larger, more accessible lakes and the main viewpoints along RN40, requiring a keen eye to spot the short, unofficial trail from a discrete pull-off.

How to find it: Traveling north on RN40 from Villa La Angostura towards San Martín de los Andes, after passing Lago Correntoso and just before Lago Espejo Chico, there's a small, unmarked dirt pull-off on the left side of the road. Park carefully here. From the pull-off, a very short, unofficial path (about 50 meters) leads to the viewpoint. The main road is paved, but the pull-off is unpaved.

Best time: Mid-morning or late afternoon for optimal lighting on the lake's unique color.

Why it's hidden: Most visitors stop at the main campground and public access points on the north side, completely missing the more pristine and often deserted southern sections.

How to find it: From RN40, turn onto the paved road leading to the main Lago Falkner campground. Instead of entering the campground, look for smaller, informal dirt tracks heading south along the lake's edge. These are often unmarked but lead to various secluded spots. Parking is informal by the lakeside. Road conditions are gravel, suitable for 2WD but watch for occasional potholes.

Best time: Summer (December-February) for swimming and sunbathing; shoulder seasons for serene lakeside walks.

Why it's hidden: Its location just off RN40 between Lago Machónico and Lago Hermoso means many drivers pass by, focusing on the more prominent lake views. Signage is present but not as grand as other attractions.

How to find it: Driving north on RN40 from Villa La Angostura, after passing Lago Machónico, look for a sign on your left for 'Cascada Vullignanco'. There's a small, clearly marked gravel parking area directly off the main road. From the parking, a well-maintained trail of about 100 meters leads to the falls. The main road is paved.

Best time: Anytime during daylight hours. Offers refreshing mist on warmer days.

Why it's hidden: It requires a slight detour from the most direct route into San Martín de los Andes when approaching from the south, and is not heavily advertised on main tourist maps.

How to find it: Approaching San Martín de los Andes from the south on RN40, instead of continuing straight towards the city center, take the left turn onto RP19 (towards Hua Hum Pass/Chile border). After about 5-7 km on RP19, the Mirador Pil Pil is on your right, clearly signed, with ample gravel parking. The road is paved initially, then becomes good gravel.

Best time: Late afternoon for spectacular sunset views over Lago Lácar and the Andes.

Why it's hidden: It's a significant detour from RN40, requiring a drive on gravel roads (RP63) that deters many tourists sticking to the paved main route.

How to find it: From the junction of RN40 and RP63 (the turn-off for Villa Traful), head east on RP63. Continue past the turn-off for Villa Traful itself, following signs towards Confluencia or Paso Córdoba. Pichi Traful is a small lake accessible via various informal dirt tracks leading off RP63 to the shoreline. Parking is informal by the lakeside. Road conditions are variable gravel, sometimes bumpy, but generally manageable for 2WD with careful driving.

Best time: Summer for water activities; shoulder seasons for quiet contemplation and photography of changing foliage.

Why it's hidden: It's located just off RP63 (the alternative, less-traveled route to Villa Traful/Paso Córdoba), a road less frequented by direct Seven Lakes Route visitors.

How to find it: From Villa La Angostura, take RN40 north. Turn right onto RP63 towards Villa Traful. After about 15-20 km on RP63 (past the Cascada Ñivinco turn-off), look for a small sign indicating "Sendero Coihues Centenarios" or similar. There's a small dirt pull-off for parking. The road is gravel, generally in good condition.

Best time: Anytime. The dense forest offers welcome shade on hot days and protection on cooler ones, making it a pleasant walk year-round.