How to Rent a Car in Chapelco and Explore the 7 Lakes Route
¿Recién aterrizás en el Aeropuerto de Chapelco y no sabés por dónde empezar tu viaje por la Patagonia? Alquilar un auto puede parecer complicado, pero en realidad es la clave para recorrer a tu ritmo una de las rutas más hermosas de Argentina: la Ruta de los 7 Lagos. Si te quedás leyendo, vas a descubrir por qué tener tu propio auto en esta zona es mucho más que una comodidad: es libertad pura.
¿Dónde alquilar un auto en el Aeropuerto de Chapelco?
Aviador Carlos Campos Airport, known as Chapelco Airport, is located just 22 km from San Martín de los Andes. As soon as you step off the plane, you can pick up your rental car right at the terminal from companies like Invernalia Rent a Car, which offer personalized service, cars in excellent condition, and easy online reservations.
You don't need to leave the airport or rely on shuttles or buses with fixed schedules. Just show your driver's license, ID card, or passport, and in a few minutes you'll be on your way along National Route 40.
Basic Requirements for Renting
- Valid driver's license (national or international)
- Be at least 21 years old
- Credit Card for the Guarantee
- Advance reservation (optional but recommended during peak season)
Why Rent a Car in Chapelco?
Chapelco is the gateway to one of the most popular tourist routes: The 7 Lakes Route. Tener un auto te permite parar donde quieras, cambiar tus planes sobre la marcha y disfrutar de rincones que los tours tradicionales no alcanzan.
Key Benefits
- Complete schedule flexibility
- Opportunity to visit remote or hard-to-reach places
- Ideal for families or groups who want to travel in comfort
First Few Kilometers: What to See Near the Airport
Before setting off on your adventure along Route 40, you can make a few recommended stops that are very close to the airport:
- PURO – Kitchen & Café: for a good cup of coffee or a light lunch.
- El Abasto Restaurant: Perfect for a more complete meal featuring regional dishes.
- The Abasto Barrels: to end the day with a glass of wine and live music.
- Lake Lacar Waterfront: A perfect place to stretch your legs by the lake.
- Lanín National Park Visitor Center: featuring exhibits and guided trails.
All of these places are located along the route to San Martín de los Andes, making your first leg of the journey part of the experience.
La Ruta de los 7 Lagos en auto: un sueño a tu alcance
Once you leave San Martín de los Andes heading south, the 7 Lakes Route, a 107-km stretch that connects this city with Villa La Angostura. By car, you can stop at each lake, take photos, go for a walk, or simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Major stops along the route
- Lake Lácar
- Lake Machónico
- Falkner Lake
- Lake Villarino
- Hidden Lake
- Correntoso Lake
- Lake Espejo
In addition to the lakes, you'll find overlooks, picnic areas, and self-guided trails. During the off-season, you can complete the route in 3 hours; during the high season, it's best to set aside a full day for it.
What is there to see between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura?
In addition to the lakes, there are many other natural and cultural attractions along the way:
- Espejo Lake Lookout: one of the most photogenic.
- Trail to Vullignanco Waterfall: A short walk, perfect for stretching your legs.
- Parador at Lake Falkner: Great for a picnic.
In Villa La Angostura, don't miss the historic district, the Arrayanes Forest, and the lakeside promenade along Lake Nahuel Huapi.
Tips for Driving in the Region
- Always obey the speed limits (generally 60–80 km/h in rural areas)
- Fill up in San Martín or Villa La Angostura: there are few gas stations along the route
- In winter, check to see if you need snow chains
- Keep your cell phone charged and have maps downloaded just in case there's no signal
What if I have questions or need help?
In the San Martín de los Andes Tourist Office They can provide you with maps, weather information, and road safety tips. You can also contact Invernalia Rent a Car, which offers personalized assistance and recommendations based on the route you plan to take.
Resumen: alquilar un auto en Chapelco es la mejor forma de conocer la región
From the moment you arrive at the airport until you return the car, having your own transportation allows you to make the most of your visit. The ruta de los 7 lagos en auto It's an unforgettable experience, full of scenery, surprises, and freedom.
Alquilar un auto en el Aeropuerto de Chapelco es sencillo, seguro y práctico. Si estás planeando tu viaje, ya sabés por dónde empezar.