Mirador Lago Machónico
A stunning viewpoint on the Ruta de los 7 Lagos, offering breathtaking vistas of a glacial lake in the heart of Patagonia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Mirador Lago Machónico
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning viewpoint on the Ruta de los 7 Lagos, offering breathtaking vistas of a glacial lake in the heart of Patagonia.
"One of the many lookouts along the famous Ruta de Los 7 Lagos (RN40)."
Drive It Yourself!
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
Look for the Small Sign
The entrance to the viewpoint can be subtle; drive slowly to spot it.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirador Lago Machónico Viewpoint
Ruta de los 7 Lagos (RN40)
A breathtaking vista of the glacial lake, surrounded by Patagonian landscapes. Perfect for photos and soaking in the scenery.
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Hidden Lakeside Beach
Near Mirador Lago Machónico
Discover a secret beach along the lake's shore, offering a unique perspective away from the main viewpoint.
The Seven Lakes Route
Ruta 40, Patagonia
Embark on an iconic road trip connecting San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, showcasing stunning glacial lakes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your 7 Lakes Drive
Navigating the Scenic Route
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Drive It Yourself!
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
Look for the Small Sign
The entrance to the viewpoint can be subtle; drive slowly to spot it.
Pack for All Weather
Patagonia's weather is unpredictable; layers are key!
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable, so have maps ready.
Tips
from all over the internet
Drive It Yourself!
Renting a car gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.
Look for the Small Sign
The entrance to the viewpoint can be subtle; drive slowly to spot it.
Pack for All Weather
Patagonia's weather is unpredictable; layers are key!
Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable, so have maps ready.
Don't Miss the Beach
A lesser-known access point offers a unique lakeside experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning natural beauty of Mirador Lago Machónico and the overall Ruta de los 7 Lagos experience, highlighting its picturesque views and the joy of self-driving. Some note it's one of many beautiful spots on the route, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the entire journey.
"Not the best vista point in the 7-lake route in RN40. Still there is a small spot to pull over and have a look and take a photo."
Trachemysta
"The seven lake tour is great if you do it on your own.
If you can drive you will enjoy it much more.
The area is beautiful!"
Federico Felman
"One of the many lookouts along the famous Ruta de Los 7 Lagos (RN40). This lake takes its name from a crab (pancora). Machónico = site of the pancora crab, in mapuche language."
Christian Almeida
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mirador Lago Machónico is located along the famous Ruta de los 7 Lagos (RN40) between San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura. The best way to access it is by car, allowing you to stop at various viewpoints.
There's a small sign indicating the turn-off, but it's easy to miss if you're not paying attention. Driving slowly and looking carefully is recommended.
Many travelers recommend driving the route yourself in a rental car for maximum flexibility to stop at viewpoints like Lago Machónico and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
While tour buses operate on the Ruta de los 7 Lagos, they often have fixed schedules. Independent travel by car is generally preferred for spontaneous stops.
Lago Machónico is approximately 30 kilometers from San Martín de los Andes along the Ruta 40.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Mirador Lago Machónico viewpoint and the surrounding natural areas along the Ruta de los 7 Lagos is generally free.
The viewpoint is an open natural area and is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
There is no general entrance fee for driving the Ruta de los 7 Lagos. Some national parks along the route might have separate entrance fees if you plan to hike or use specific facilities.
While the mirador offers a panoramic view, there's also a less-known access point to the lake's shore, often described as a hidden beach.
Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment and follow any posted guidelines. Always lock your car when leaving it unattended.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for capturing the lake's beauty, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Expect stunning landscape shots of the glacial lake, surrounding mountains, and Patagonian forests. The viewpoint offers panoramic vistas.
The main mirador is excellent, but exploring the hidden beach area can offer unique angles and perspectives of the lake.
A smartphone camera is usually sufficient to capture the beauty, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will allow for more control over settings and higher quality images.
Be mindful of other visitors and always ensure you are in a safe, designated area when taking photos, especially near the road.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the spectacular views from the mirador. You can also find a hidden beach for a different perspective and take photos.
A quick stop at the mirador might take 15-30 minutes, but if you explore the hidden beach or want to truly soak in the views, allow 1-2 hours.
Facilities are limited directly at the mirador. It's advisable to use restrooms and purchase any snacks or drinks before you start your drive on the Ruta de los 7 Lagos.
While the mirador itself is a viewpoint, the surrounding areas offer opportunities for short walks. The hidden beach access involves a short descent.
The name 'Machónico' comes from the Mapuche language and means 'place of the pancora crab.'
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing along binoculars for wildlife spotting and engaging kids in a 'spot the difference' game between the various lakes. The hidden beach access at Lago Machónico could also be a fun, albeit brief, exploration for younger children, provided they are supervised closely. Remember to prioritize safety, especially near the road and any water edges.
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Be sure to download offline maps, as cell service can be intermittent. Consider starting your drive early to avoid peak traffic and enjoy the best light for photography. The winding roads and ever-changing vistas make this a truly memorable driving experience in Patagonia.
📸 Photography Buffs
Don't overlook the hidden beach access for unique perspectives, and experiment with different angles to capture the lake's reflections and the textures of the Patagonian landscape. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself stopping frequently to capture the beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Ruta de los 7 Lagos
Travelers often describe the experience as unforgettable, with numerous viewpoints and short trails allowing for exploration. The route is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace, allowing ample time to stop, take photos, and simply absorb the natural splendor. While the route is accessible year-round, its appearance transforms dramatically with the seasons, from vibrant autumn colors to a serene, snow-covered winter wonderland.
Key lakes along the route include Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lago Espejo, Lago Correntoso, Lago Escondido, Lago Villarino, Lago Falkner, and Lago Machónico. Mirador Lago Machónico is just one of many spectacular stops, offering a prime vantage point to appreciate the lake's serene waters and the surrounding Patagonian wilderness.
Exploring Lago Machónico's Charm
The most accessible way to experience Lago Machónico is from its mirador, a designated viewpoint offering panoramic vistas. This spot is a popular stop for road-trippers, providing an excellent opportunity for photography and a moment of reflection amidst the grandeur of Patagonia. Many visitors find the views here to be among the most striking on the entire route.
+1Beyond the main viewpoint, a hidden gem awaits those who venture slightly further: a secluded beach along the lake's edge. This lesser-known access point, often found by following a small path past the main mirador, offers a more intimate connection with the lake and its surroundings. It's a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or simply to enjoy the peaceful ambiance away from the crowds.
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