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San Martín de Los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Bariloche, Lago Puelo, Esquel, El Chaltén and El Calafate are some places not to be missed. What to do, when to go and what to see at each destination.
Embarking on a road trip through the Argentinean Patagonia, following the path of the emblematic National Route 40, implies immersing oneself in one of the most privileged natural sceneries of the planet: immense blue lakes, imposing glaciers, volcanoes and mountains with peaks snow-capped and extensive forests stained with yellow, orange and red depending on the season.
Route 40 stretches for what seems an infinite distance in Argentina. The Patagonian section crosses four provinces and spans about 2,700 kilometres, where geography and visual sights change dramatically.
In Rio Negro and Neuquén, the Seven-Lakes Road gives us film postcards. In Chubut, petrified forests surprise us. In Santa Cruz, the landscape changes and becomes more isolated, even if sometimes desolate. As if one were in uncharted territory. In the end, the experience of trekking on the glacier leaves one completely in love.
For those who are encouraged to make the complete journey from San Martín de los Andes to El Calafate, passing through Esquel and Lago Puelo, a journey through the landmarks of the legendary Route 40 is a trip of a lifetime.
#1 stop: San Martín de los Andes
This small mountain town on the edge of Lake Lácar combines relaxation and a wealth of tourist circuits in a natural environment of millenary forests, spas and glacial lakes.
Here, there are activities for all tastes. You can choose horseback riding and hiking in the Lanín National Park or relaxation at the Termas Lahuen Co (miraculous waters in the Mapuche language).
San Martín de Los Andes is one of the most important tourist spots in Neuquén and the gateway to the Seven Lakes Road, one of the most beautiful sections of Route 40.
The road begins at Lake Lácar and continues along the Machónico, Falkner, Villarino, Escondido, Correntoso, and the mirror, and the immense Nahuel Huapi in Villa La Angostura. It is a sealed, 112-kilometre road circuit that crosses a dazzling natural landscape.
#2 stop: Villa La Angostura
The natural environment could not be better: a lush forest of ñires, lengas and coihues around lakes of crystalline waters. This is the charming Villa la Angostura.
This small mountain village is the gateway to Arrayanes National Park, the only forest of this species in the world, and the perfect place to explore the trails of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
If it is hot, the extensive bay of Lake Correntoso is the ideal place to spend the day in pure relaxation. Surrounded by mountains and volcanic sand, it is the place chosen by tourists and locals to take a dip because its temperatures are warmer than those of Nahuel Huapi.
At lunchtime, the emblematic Correntoso Lake & River Hotel, founded in 1917, is the perfect spot to rest, taste a typical dish and get one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the villa.
#3 stop: San Carlos de Bariloche
Bariloche doesn’t need any introductions to the well-travelled. It is one of the most traditional and emblematic destinations in Patagonia. However, most people know it to be covered in snow. What they don’t know is an incredible landscape beneath the snow.
In spring/summer, Bariloche is transformed. When the snow is gone, beaches and water sports become the protagonists.
Nahuel Huapi National Park offers great camping and many walks. In addition to the classic catamaran rides on the lake, you can practice sport fishing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and kayaking.
Those looking for an activity for the whole family can choose rafting in the tranquil Limay River or the Manso River. Another plan is to visit the revolving confectionery of Cerro Otto or get to know the other side of Cerro Catedral.
At night, there are more proposals. Bariloche has an important brewing circuit with more than 20 artisanal breweries. These breweries offer tastings of their beers, chopped smoked meats, cheeses and sauerkraut, classic Bariloche dishes, and typical dishes of the region.
#4 Stop: Lago Puelo
Very close to El Bolsón and 120 kilometres from Bariloche, this small town is called “Refuge of Nature” by its inhabitants. It houses the Lago Puelo National Park, where one of the most crowded walks is the “Forest of Shadows”.
This forest is exceptionally humid and has many myrtle trees, ferns, and vines along the way. Although there is sun, it is always dark, so it has a feeling of constant suspense. It is a short path and very easy for young children.
In addition, if you are looking for an experience closer to nature, there is a recreational area with two camps on the lake’s shore. The park also has an area called “La Playita,” with pleasant temperatures due to the lake’s shallow depth.
Another option from Lago Puelo is to visit the small town of Epuyén, only 40 kilometres away, where the
#5 Stop: Esquel
Esquel definitely deserves a stop on this road trip. Located at the foot of the Andean foothills, this city is surrounded by the Andean forest and the Patagonian steppe.
With a majestic landscape that treasures ancient forests, Los Alerces National Park is one of its great attractions. Another is “La Trochita”, officially known as the Old Patagonian Express, the famous narrow-gauge train that revives the mythical Patagonia.
But if you have to choose an unforgettable experience, ride in the Valle Chico area and the Cerro Nahuel Pan. The geography of Esquel, with its imposing hills and valleys, is the perfect setting for a guided horseback excursion.
Several farms offer horseback riding, which starts with a traditional breakfast and then crowns the day with a lamb on the spit.
#6 Stop: El Chaltén
A tiny and young town, El Chaltén was founded in 1985. Its streets are full of life and shelter many tourists from all over the world who come to discover its most precious treasures.
From El Chaltén, a town named “the National capital of trekking”, you can walk the most spectacular trails in Patagonia. Most are self-guided and take place within the National Park Los Glaciares, but others, for the more experienced, require several days and camping along the way.
The path to Laguna de Los Tres is the most recommended. All the way up to the foot of Cerro Chaltén (or Fitz Roy) is an adventure: you must cross forests and lakes and climb mountains. The last stretch is quite demanding because it is done in ascent, but not impossible. In total, they walk about 20 kilometres, and although the return is costly, each one of them is a beauty to behold.
Another safety pin is the path that leads to Cerro Torre, considered one of the most beautiful and difficult mountains to climb in the world. This trek starts with a slight slope, but after the first stretch, the road becomes much more bearable.
At dusk, the activity continues at a very relaxed and calm pace. The lights of artisan breweries and groups of backpackers come together to enjoy the happy hours. In the evening, the restaurants invite you to recharge the next day with typical dishes such as Patagonian lamb, Creole roast and Andean rabbit.
#7 stop: El Calafate
On the shores of the great Lago Argentino, El Calafate was born in 1927 as a gateway to the great Patagonian glaciers. Only 80 kilometres from the village is the National Park Los Glaciares entrance, home of Mount Fitz Roy, Lake Viedma and the imposing Perito Moreno, declared World Heritage by UNESCO.
Inside the park, there is a circuit of three wooden walkways to see all the faces of the glacier and witness, from the front row, the detachments of small and large blocks of ice.
For those looking for a different experience to see the Perito Moreno Glacier from the inside, there are two excursions. A mini trek lasts about an hour and a half on the ice, and another called Big Ice lasts three and a half hours.
Both start with a 20-minute sailing along the rich lake and continue with a short hike through the Magellanic Forest to the foot of the glacier. Then comes the time to put on the crampons and embark on the exciting adventure on the ice.
The experience is expensive but unforgettable. There you can see cracks, small gaps and incredible shades of blue that collect the ice depending on how the light impacts. A real marvel.
If you have time to return another day, in the park, you can also take a boat on the Lago Argentino to see the beauty of the glaciers Upsala and Spegazzini.
Source: La Cronista ( translated )
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