Four Itchy Feet

January 22, 2025. Tres Parques y Siete Lagos, Route 40, Argentina.

This morning we embarked on a legendary drive along Route 40, which runs north-south on the eastern side of Patagonia. Starting in Bariloche, we headed north on the scenic route known as “Tres Parques y Siete Lagos” (Three Parks and Seven Lakes). The 420-kilometer round trip was a feast for the eyes, with breathtaking mountains and expansive lakes gracing both sides of Route 40 throughout this stretch.

Towns encountered along the way included Alumine, San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Junín de los Andes, Villa Traful, and, of course, San Carlos de Bariloche. Our first stop was in La Angostura, a charming village bustling with tourists. We enjoyed a traditional “merienda” at Cucu Shulz before continuing our journey north.

Along the way, we detoured for a challenging three-mile hike to a magnificent waterfall, a story for another time. Our final destination was the picturesque town of San Martín de los Andes. This town undoubtedly rivals Bariloche as a must-see destination, and we plan to spend a few days here on our return. We highly recommend this drive to anyone visiting the region. It was an incredible opportunity to appreciate the area’s unique geology and witness the awe-inspiring sight of serene lakes nestled amidst soaring mountains.