7-Day Lake District & Northern Carretera Austral Road Trip
Discover Argentina's Lake District and Chile's northern Carretera Austral on a 7-day self-drive adventure. From Bariloche's alpine scenery and the iconic Seven Lakes Route to the wild gravel roads of the Carretera Austral, this itinerary immerses you in Patagonia's lush forests, turquoise lakes, and remote frontier towns.
9 min readThis 7-day road trip takes you through some of Patagonia's most beautiful and diverse landscapes, starting in the alpine charm of Bariloche and finishing in the heart of Chilean Patagonia at Coyhaique. Along the way, you'll drive the legendary Seven Lakes Route, explore charming mountain towns, cross the Andes into Chile, and navigate the northern section of the Carretera Austral — one of the world's great driving adventures.
This itinerary works perfectly as a standalone adventure for those with a week to explore, or as the first segment of the epic 21-Day Patagonia Grand Tour. A 4WD or SUV is recommended, especially for the gravel sections of the Carretera Austral. The route includes one international border crossing, so ensure your rental vehicle has the proper cross-border permits arranged in advance.
Best Season
December to March offers the best weather for this route, with January and February being ideal. The Carretera Austral can be affected by rain year-round, but summer provides the driest conditions and longest daylight hours.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival in Bariloche – Gateway to the Lake District
Your epic Patagonian adventure begins in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, often called the 'Switzerland of South America'. Pick up your pre-arranged 4WD/SUV at the airport. Spend your first day exploring the picturesque city, famous for its chocolate, craft breweries, and stunning alpine scenery. Take a scenic drive along the Circuito Chico, a classic route offering panoramic views of Nahuel Huapi Lake and surrounding mountains, including Cerro Campanario with its unforgettable 360-degree vistas.
The Seven Lakes Route to San Martín de los Andes
Today you'll drive north from Bariloche on the iconic Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route), connecting Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes. This scenic stretch of Ruta 40 winds through dense forests, past pristine lakes with incredible shades of blue and green, and offers numerous viewpoints. Stop at Lago Espejo, Lago Correntoso, and Lago Lácar for photos and short walks. The journey is as beautiful as the destination, providing a taste of Argentina's stunning Lake District.
Exploring San Martín de los Andes & Border Preparation
Spend the day enjoying the charming mountain town of San Martín de los Andes. You can relax by Lago Lácar, hike to viewpoints like Mirador Arrayán, or explore the town's artisan shops and cafes. This is also a crucial day for final preparations for your border crossing into Chile. Double-check all vehicle documents, insurance, and cross-border permits. Fuel up your tank, as fuel stations can be sparse on the Chilean side of the border.
Across the Andes to the Carretera Austral – Futaleufú
Today marks your first international border crossing as you head west towards the legendary Carretera Austral. Drive south from San Martín de los Andes on Ruta 40, then take Ruta 258 towards Futaleufú (Chile) via the Futaleufú Pass. The roads can be gravel on the Chilean side, highlighting the need for your 4WD/SUV. Futaleufú is a world-renowned white-water rafting destination, set amidst stunning mountain scenery. Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the rugged beauty of the Carretera Austral.
Through the Patagonian Rainforest to Chaitén
Continue your journey south on the Carretera Austral (Ruta 7). This section offers a dramatic change in landscape, moving from the dry steppe to lush Valdivian rainforest. The road is predominantly gravel and winding, offering spectacular views of fjords, rivers, and dense forests. Your destination is Chaitén, a small town that was largely destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 2008 and is slowly rebuilding. It serves as a gateway to Pumalín Park and offers incredible natural beauty.
Journey South to Coyhaique – Heart of the Carretera Austral
Today is a longer driving day further south on the Carretera Austral to Coyhaique, the largest city in Chilean Patagonia. The route continues to offer breathtaking scenery, passing through areas like La Junta and Puyuhuapi, with its hanging glacier. Expect more gravel sections, but also some paved stretches as you approach larger towns. Coyhaique is a good place to resupply, refuel, and enjoy some comfort after several days on challenging roads. Take time to explore the city's central plaza and artisan market.
Coyhaique Exploration and Local Wonders
Take a well-deserved break from intense driving to explore Coyhaique and its beautiful surroundings. You can visit the Reserva Nacional Coyhaique for a hike, offering great views of the city and valley, or consider a scenic drive along the Simpson River. Alternatively, delve deeper into the local culture by visiting the Plaza de Armas, sampling local cuisine, or learning about Patagonian gaucho traditions. This day provides an opportunity to recharge before the next leg of your journey.
Trip Highlights
- ★Driving the iconic Seven Lakes Route through Argentina's Lake District
- ★Exploring charming mountain towns of Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes
- ★Crossing the Andes into Chile through dramatic mountain passes
- ★Navigating the challenging northern Carretera Austral through lush rainforests
- ★Discovering Futaleufú, a world-class adventure sports destination
- ★Visiting Pumalín Park and the rebuilt town of Chaitén
- ★Experiencing the remote frontier culture of Coyhaique
Packing List
- Robust waterproof and windproof jacket and pants
- Layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece, down jacket)
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable insulated water bottle
- Offline maps downloaded (e.g., Maps.me, Google Maps)
- Portable power bank for electronics
- Comprehensive first-aid kit
- International Driving Permit and original driver's license
- Pre-arranged cross-border vehicle permits for Argentina and Chile
- Cash in USD, CLP, and ARS for remote areas and border fees
Rent a Car in Patagonia
Browse Car RentalsBudget Estimate (2 People)
| Accommodation | $600 - $1,200 USD (for 2 people, 7 nights) |
| Food | $500 - $700 USD (for 2 people) |
| Transport | $1,000 - $1,700 USD (4WD/SUV rental, cross-border permits, fuel) |
| Activities | $200 - $400 USD (park entries, optional tours) |
| Total | $2,300 - $4,000 USD (estimated total for 2 people) |
Budget assumes mid-range accommodation and a mix of self-catering and restaurant meals. The 4WD/SUV rental with cross-border permits is the most significant cost. Fuel prices vary between Argentina and Chile.
Before You Go
- !Valid driver's license and International Driving Permit
- !Pre-arranged cross-border vehicle permits for Argentina and Chile
- !4WD/SUV rental with comprehensive insurance covering international travel
- !Experience driving on gravel roads and remote terrain
- !Comprehensive travel insurance
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a 4WD for the Carretera Austral?
A 4WD or SUV is strongly recommended for the northern Carretera Austral. Many sections are gravel with potholes, and conditions can deteriorate after rain. A vehicle with good ground clearance will provide better comfort and safety on these remote roads.
How long does the Argentina-Chile border crossing take?
Border crossings typically take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and time of day. Weekends and holidays can be busier. Have all vehicle documents, rental permits, passports, and insurance ready to expedite the process.
Is there cell phone coverage on the Carretera Austral?
Cell coverage is extremely limited on most of the Carretera Austral. Download offline maps before departing and inform someone of your itinerary. Some towns like Coyhaique have decent coverage, but expect long stretches without signal.
How are the fuel stations on this route?
Fuel stations are regular in the Argentine Lake District but become scarce on the Carretera Austral. Always fill up whenever you see a station, especially before long stretches between towns. Coyhaique is a reliable refueling point.
Can this itinerary be done as part of a longer trip?
Absolutely! This 7-day itinerary is designed to work as a standalone adventure or as the first segment of the 21-Day Patagonia Grand Tour. From Coyhaique, you can continue south on the Carretera Austral or cross back into Argentina to join Ruta 40.
What is the best time of year for this route?
January and February offer the best weather with the longest daylight hours and driest conditions. December and March are also viable but may bring more rain, especially on the Carretera Austral. The route is not recommended in winter due to snow and road closures.
What should I know about driving the Seven Lakes Route?
The Seven Lakes Route (Ruta 40/234) between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes is mostly paved and well-maintained. It is approximately 190 km and takes 3-4 hours without stops, but plan for a full day to enjoy the numerous viewpoints and short walks along the way.