Bariloche and San Martin
Explore two of Argentina's history rich patagonian cities via the iconic Route 40
Route 40: This road spans the western end of Argentina reaching 5194 km in length. It follows the Andes making it an amazing road for chasing the mountains. The part that this journey will take you on is called “La ruta de los siete lagos” named after the seven lakes you will pass surrounded by an array of flowers and mountainsides. The route was constructed in 1935 and served as an access point throughou the country.
Boats in San Martin's Harbor
Waterfall on kayak journey
View from the top of the chairlift
Lunch with Family
Day 1 - or spend two days here: Adventuring though Bariloche
The Half day of history and cooking: a variety of great activities and experiences. You’ll get to make some traditional Argentine dishes while exploring the local nature and learning more about what gave the city it’s prominence.
Half-day Kayak: Explore the ginormous cliff sides of Lake Nahuel Huapi by Kayak and enjoy a lunch afterward. Super fun experience for getting outside and exploring as well as seeing some waterfalls and getting to go for a swim if you so choose.
Day 2: Bariloche → Villa La Angostura → San Martin de los Andes
Pack up the car and take the drive to San Martin De Los Andes along the iconic route 40, leave earlier in the day so that you have plenty of time to make this drive. You’ll get to pass by a multitude of lakes and stop in local villages as you make your way to your destination.
Stop at Lago Hermoso as you near San Martin de los Andes for some swimming. There is also a restaurant here incase you’d like something to eat. The lake is cold but definitely go for a swim while observing the scale of the mountains around you and the snow covered ones in the distance.
If you have extra time, there are tons of fun hikes in the area, and I’d recommend looking through All Trails.
Spend the evening exploring San Martin de los Andes, it has two main streets and tons of fun shops to explore. Make sure to check out a traditional leather shop as well!
Day 3: San Martin de los Andes → Bariloche
You can make your way to the water front this morning and explore around a little more.
If you leave earlier in the day, you’ll have time for a hike to a waterfall. You should head to a local grocery store to find various picnic items you’d like to take on the drive. From here, begin your journey to route 65 and stop at the start of Sendero Cascada Cataratas.
If you drive back to Bariloche later in the day if your looking to go straight back, you’ll take route 65 which will take you along a dirt road, not for the faint of heart.
Additional Information!
Food in Bariloche:
Chimi Deli Cocina Natural: Vegetarian Fare
Rapa Nui: Chocolate and Ice Cream Shop
Food on Road Trip:
Stop in Villa La Angostura and grab a treat at Cucủ schuls: Pastisserie
Food in San Martin de los Andes:
Fiora Cafe: Delish Breakfast
La Esquinita Rebelde: little bakery/espresso bar
Torino: Sushi Bar
Arrayan: Mountain Side Tea House, it serves really nice food and is an architectural and cultural heritage site named the Province of Neuquén. If you’d like to go, you should book in advance.
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Links
Kawen Adventures https://kawenadventure.com/
Barlioche Sqaure at Night
Kayaks on shore
Old Church in Bariloche
View from Arrayan at sunset
Chairlift Ride
My mom at Lago Hermoso
My sister in a field
Swimming in Nahuel Huapi Lake
Cliffs of Nahuel Huapi
Fjord reflection
Road Trip Map
Sendero Cascada Cataratas Trail