San Martin de los Andes along the Route of the 7 Lakes

The road is the real attraction. This full-day trip from Bariloche follows National Route 40 through Nahuel Huapi and Lanín national parks, linking mountain forests, clear lakes, viewpoints, and two appealing Patagonian towns. You spend about 10 hours and 30 minutes on the outing, with the best views arriving one bend at a time.

I especially like the chance to see Villa La Angostura and San Martín de los Andes in one day, since both towns have a different feel from Bariloche. I also like the simple route: go north, enjoy the seven lakes, reach Lake Lacar, then return along the same road. The main drawback is the long day. You will spend many hours in the vehicle, and lunch, drinks, and other personal costs are not included.

The trip is priced at $153 per person. That is not a bargain for a scenic transfer, but it can be fair value if you want a guide, round-trip transport, and an easy way to cover a large area without renting a car. Guide quality appears to matter greatly here. Gonçalo, Valentín, and Rodi each received especially warm praise for their care, explanations, driving, and friendly attitude.

Key points to know before you book

• About 10 hours and 30 minutes on Route 40: This is a full-day road trip, not a quick city excursion.
• Seven named lakes along the route: Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico provide the main visual drama.
• Villa La Angostura adds a town stop: You get more than roadside viewpoints, with time to see this attractive mountain village.
• San Martín de los Andes is the turning point: Enjoy time by Lake Lacar and explore the town center before returning.
• English, Spanish, and Portuguese guides are available: Choose the language option that suits you when booking.
• Hotel pickup has a limit: Central Bariloche hotels are served to Av. Bustillo Km 8. If your hotel is outside the pickup area, you will be directed to a nearby meeting hotel.

Why this Bariloche day trip works

Bariloche is surrounded by fine scenery, but it is easy to spend your whole stay circling the same nearby lakes. This outing gives you a clear sense of how the region changes as you travel north. The road passes from the Bariloche area toward Villa La Angostura and then into the famed seven-lake corridor.

I like this kind of trip when you want to see a lot without worrying about navigation, fuel, road conditions, or parking. A guide can point out names and regional details while you watch the scenery through the window. The trade-off is flexibility. You follow the group schedule, and you cannot simply stop every time a view catches your eye.

The tour uses round-trip transfers from Bariloche hotels in the central area to Av. Bustillo Km 8. That wording matters. Pickup is not necessarily from every hotel in the city. If your accommodation is not included, the operator will provide the closest hotel where you should wait in the lobby.

Wear comfortable clothes. The day involves sitting in transport, getting out at scenic places, and walking around San Martín de los Andes. No special equipment is listed, so the practical approach is to dress for a long day outdoors and bring anything you personally need for the weather.

Leaving Bariloche on National Route 40

The trip begins in Bariloche and follows National Route 40 north. This is one of Argentina’s best-known roads, and here it functions as more than a way to reach the next town. The road itself gives you a continuous sequence of forests, mountains, water, and changing viewpoints.

You will likely spend the early part of the day settling into the rhythm of the excursion. The scenery is attractive from the start, but the route becomes more memorable as you approach Puerto Manzano and Villa La Angostura. A guided vehicle also means you can focus on the view instead of studying a map.

The practical issue is time. A 630-minute excursion leaves room for stops and town time, but it also means the return journey is part of the experience. You should not book this on a day when you need to be back in Bariloche early for another activity.

Puerto Manzano and the approach to Villa La Angostura

Puerto Manzano is described as an early point of serenity on the route. It helps set the tone for the day: quiet water, mountain surroundings, and a slower pace than central Bariloche.

The next major stop is Villa La Angostura, a small mountain town with a cozy, storybook character. This is an important part of the excursion because you are not simply passing through empty countryside. You get a look at one of the region’s most appealing settlements before entering the seven-lake section.

I would treat Villa La Angostura as a scenic introduction rather than a full sightseeing visit. The available details do not promise a long independent exploration or a set of specific attractions. Your time may be shaped by the group schedule, so keep your expectations focused on the town’s setting and atmosphere.

This stop also breaks up the long drive. After several hours of road scenery, a town gives you a different view of northern Patagonia. It is a good place to notice the contrast between a small resort community and the larger city of Bariloche.

The seven lakes: Correntoso to Machónico

After Villa La Angostura, the famous Camino de los 7 Lagos begins in earnest. The route links seven named lakes:

• Correntoso
• Espejo
• Escondido
• Villarino
• Falkner
• Hermoso
• Machónico

The appeal is not just the number seven. Each lake is framed differently by mountains, woodland, open sky, and bends in the road. The water acts like a mirror, and the view can change quickly as the vehicle moves from one viewpoint to the next.

Correntoso and Espejo begin the sequence with the sort of polished, postcard scenery that makes this road famous. Escondido offers a quieter name and a more tucked-away feeling. Villarino and Falkner add more broad water views, while Hermoso and Machónico continue the pattern of lake, forest, and mountain.

The tour description also calls attention to viewpoints such as Isla Corazón and Pampa Linda. These are the kinds of stops that make a guided road trip useful. Instead of trying to identify every turn yourself, you can listen for the guide’s explanation and be ready when the vehicle pauses.

One caution: scenic roads do not always produce perfect viewing conditions. Clouds, wind, rain, or changing light can alter the colors of the water and mountains. The route remains worthwhile, but the famous postcard image is never guaranteed on a particular day.

The same applies to the mention of the Ventisquero Negro, or Black Glacier. It is presented among the region’s notable natural sights, but the detailed route description focuses on the seven lakes and the journey to San Martín de los Andes. I would confirm the exact stops included on your selected departure if seeing the glacier is a deciding factor. Do not assume every named highlight means a long visit.

San Martín de los Andes and Lake Lacar

San Martín de los Andes is the northern destination and the place where the road trip becomes a town visit. It sits on the shore of Lake Lacar, giving you a chance to trade roadside views for a walk through a pleasant Patagonian center.

You are expected to have time to explore the city center, eat lunch, and get a feel for the town. Food is not included, so plan to pay for your own meal and drinks. The tour does not specify a restaurant, menu, or fixed lunch stop, which gives the day some practical flexibility but means you should not expect a prepaid dining experience.

This is also the best point in the day to stretch your legs. Ten and a half hours is a long time to spend moving between viewpoints. A relaxed walk through the center and time near Lake Lacar can make the return journey feel less tiring.

I like the contrast between the destination and the road. San Martín de los Andes is not merely a final photo stop. It gives you a sense of a real town at the end of the route, with restaurants, a central area, and a lakeside setting. Still, your visit is limited by the return schedule. If you want a slow, detailed look at San Martín, stay overnight instead of choosing a same-day round trip.

The return journey along the same road

The return follows the same route back to Bariloche. That can sound repetitive, but the light may be different, and familiar views often look new from the opposite direction. It also gives you another chance to photograph a lake or viewpoint you could not capture earlier.

The return is where you need to be honest with yourself about stamina. If you enjoy scenic drives, the second pass can be relaxing. If you prefer active sightseeing, the long vehicle time may feel heavy by the evening.

A guide and driver can make this easier. The strongest feedback attached to this outing centers on personal service. Gonçalo was praised for being attentive and explaining the region, Valentín for both guiding and driving, and Rodi for his good humor and willingness to help. Those details matter on a long road day, where a patient guide can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a tiring one.

Transport was also described as excellent, which is important because the vehicle is your base for most of the excursion. The exact vehicle size and seating arrangement are not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular type of coach or a small private group.

What the $153 price really covers

At $153 per person, the value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange. The cost includes round-trip transfers from the designated Bariloche pickup area and a live guide in Spanish, Portuguese, or English, depending on your choice.

It does not include food, beverages, or services not specifically named. You should budget separately for lunch in San Martín de los Andes and any drinks or personal purchases during the day.

The price makes the most sense for you if:

• You do not want to drive a long scenic route yourself.
• You have only one day for the seven lakes.
• You value explanations in your chosen language.
• You are staying in Bariloche and want a structured day trip.
• You prefer a confirmed return rather than arranging transport between towns.

It is less attractive if you already have a rental car, want to stop wherever you please, or plan to spend several nights in San Martín de los Andes. A car gives you more control over timing, while an overnight stay gives the destination proper attention.

The ability to cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund adds useful flexibility. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your wider Patagonia schedule is still changing.

Who should choose this experience

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want a broad look at the northern Lake District from a Bariloche base. It is also a strong choice for people who do not feel comfortable driving unfamiliar mountain roads or organizing several stops on their own.

Nature lovers will appreciate the repeated lake views, while photographers will enjoy the changing angles along Route 40. The route is especially suitable if you want both scenery and a town visit rather than a day made only of viewpoints.

Families and older visitors may like the convenience of hotel transfers and a guide, though the long duration should be considered carefully. Anyone who dislikes long drives, needs lots of unscheduled walking time, or wants a strenuous outdoor activity may find the format less suitable.

Language choice is another practical strength. Spanish, Portuguese, and English are available. If your group is mixed, select the language option that lets everyone follow the explanations comfortably.

Small details that can improve the day

Bring comfortable clothing and keep your daily plan light. The excursion is long enough that adding another major activity afterward would be poor planning.

Have a meal budget ready, since food and drinks are not included. You may also want a phone or camera with available storage, because the seven lakes route offers repeated photo opportunities rather than one single famous viewpoint.

Pay close attention to the pickup instructions. If your hotel is not covered, you must go to the assigned nearby hotel and wait in the lobby. This is easy to manage, but missing the meeting point could spoil the start of the day.

Finally, listen to the guide’s timing instructions. The route has many tempting views, but the group must reach San Martín and return to Bariloche within the same day. The best experience comes from enjoying the stops without expecting complete independence.

Should you book the Route of the 7 Lakes tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized, full-day introduction to Route 40, Villa La Angostura, the seven lakes, and San Martín de los Andes without driving. The strongest reasons are the range of scenery, the included guide, the hotel transfer arrangement, and the consistently warm praise for guides such as Gonçalo, Valentín, and Rodi.

Think twice if you want a slow visit to San Martín, a private schedule, or a short outing. At $153, the tour earns its price through convenience and coverage, not through a relaxed pace. For a single free day in Bariloche, it is a practical way to see a remarkable stretch of Patagonia.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

The stated duration is 630 minutes, or about 10 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does pickup take place?

Round-trip transfers are provided from central Bariloche hotels to Av. Bustillo Km 8. If your hotel is not included, you will be told which nearby hotel to use and should wait in that hotel’s lobby.

Which languages are available?

The tour offers live guides in Spanish, Portuguese, and English. The language depends on the option selected when booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Food, beverages, and services not specifically listed are not included. You should plan to buy lunch in San Martín de los Andes.

Which lakes are included on the Route of the 7 Lakes?

The named lakes are Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reservation option also allows you to book now and pay later.