From Bariloche: Chico Circuit & Colonia Suiza Tour

The best part of this Bariloche outing is the road itself. You follow mountain roads beside blue lakes, thick forests, and high Patagonian ridges, with Villa La Angostura and several viewpoints adding good breaks along the way. I especially like the chance to see Correntoso, Espejo, Falkner, and Hermoso lakes in one day, and I like that hotel pickup, insurance, and a bilingual guide are included.

The main drawback is the schedule. Seven hours is not much time for Bariloche, Villa La Angostura, Colonia Suiza, the Seven Lakes route, and San Martín de los Andes. The published details also describe both the Seven Lakes route and a two-hour stop at Colonia Suiza, so confirm the exact route before booking. Food is not included, and one recent departure found Colonia Suiza’s food choices limited and its facilities basic.

Key points to know before booking

• The Seven Lakes route is the star: You pass Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico.
• Villa La Angostura adds character: Its Alpine-style wooden buildings give you a taste of a tidy mountain village, not just another roadside viewpoint.
• Colonia Suiza includes two hours of free time: You can look for local food and crafts, but do not expect a polished resort setting.
• The tour runs for seven hours: That makes it useful for a short visit, though the day may feel tightly packed.
• Pickup is limited: Central Bariloche hotels are covered, but hotels on Avenida Pioneros and private lodgings are not.
• The price is reasonable for a guided day: At $66, transport, guide service, hotel pickup, and insurance are included, while food and the Cerro Campanario ascent cost extra.

Why the Seven Lakes road is worth your day

The Road of the Seven Lakes is one of the strongest reasons to visit Argentina’s Lake District. The route links forested mountain country with a chain of lakes, each offering a slightly different view. You are not simply driving from one attraction to another. The changing water, trees, slopes, and open viewpoints are the main event.

The named lakes are Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico. You might not spend equal time at every lake. A day tour usually works through a series of stops and roadside views, so bring your camera, but also keep your expectations practical. This is a scenic road trip, not a hiking tour with long walks at each lake.

The roads hug the Patagonian mountainside, which gives the drive its appeal. It also means you should expect bends and changing weather. Warm layers and a windbreaker are sensible even when Bariloche starts out sunny. The weather can shift quickly in this region.

I like this route for first-time visitors because it gives you a broad look at the area without requiring you to arrange a rental car, study the roads, or manage the return drive. You can look out the window while a guide handles the route and points out the sights.

Starting in Bariloche: pickup and the first views

Pickup is available from centrally located hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche. The listed meeting point is Margarita Stuke Tourism at Rolando 287, and the return is also made to this location or your included central hotel arrangement.

There is an important limitation here. Pickup does not cover hotels on Avenida Pioneros, residential lodging, or other types of accommodation outside the route. If you are staying outside the pickup area, the operator provides the closest available meeting point. Check this before paying, since getting across Bariloche early in the morning may take extra planning.

The first listed sightseeing stops include Cerro Campanario, a viewpoint, and Puerto Pañuelo. Cerro Campanario is known for its broad views over the lakes and surrounding mountains. The stop is listed at about 40 minutes, but the ascent itself is not included in the $66 price. You would need to pay separately if you want to go up.

That distinction matters. If you are happy with a photo stop and views from the route, there is no issue. If the cable-car or ascent is one of your main reasons for booking, budget for it separately and ask how much free time is available.

The viewpoint stop lasts about 30 minutes. Puerto Pañuelo is also listed as a 30-minute sightseeing stop. These shorter pauses help break up the ride, but they are not long visits. Think of them as chances to stretch, take photos, and get your bearings rather than full excursions.

Villa La Angostura and its Alpine-style streets

Villa La Angostura is one of the more appealing stops because it feels different from a simple scenic pullout. The town is known for stylized Alpine-style wooden architecture, giving it a mountain-village character that fits the setting.

You can expect time to look around, take photos, and enjoy the contrast between the built environment and the surrounding forests and mountains. This stop adds a human touch to the day. The Seven Lakes route gives you nature, while Villa La Angostura gives you a place with shops, streets, and local character.

The available information does not promise a long guided walking tour here, so I would not book this excursion mainly for detailed town sightseeing. The real value is seeing the village as part of a larger day. If you want slow café time or a careful look at every street, an independent visit would give you more control.

Still, Villa La Angostura is a useful stop for anyone who wants more than a string of viewpoints. It gives the drive some rhythm and provides a chance to leave the vehicle for a while.

Colonia Suiza: two free hours and a rustic side of Bariloche

Colonia Suiza is described as a two-hour stop with plenty of food options, local snacks, and an arts and crafts market. That free time is useful because you can choose your own pace instead of being rushed from one photo point to the next.

I would treat Colonia Suiza as a casual village stop, not a refined dining destination. Food and drinks are not included, and one recent departure found the food offering poor and the facilities quite rustic. That does not make the stop worthless, but it does set the right expectations.

You might find regional food, simple meals, market stalls, and crafts. The exact choice can vary by day and by what is open. If you care strongly about lunch, bring a snack and some cash, then decide locally how much you want to buy.

The two hours may suit you if you like wandering without a strict plan. You can eat, browse, and take photos. If you prefer every minute to be spent on the Seven Lakes road, this stop may feel like time taken away from the main scenery.

The supplied schedule uses both Colonia Suiza and the Seven Lakes route as major elements, while the broader description also includes San Martín de los Andes. Because those are substantial destinations for a seven-hour day, I would confirm the exact departure plan with Margarita Stuke Turismo. This is the single most useful question to ask before booking.

San Martín de los Andes and Lake Lácar

The wider route description includes San Martín de los Andes, a town on the shore of Lake Lácar. Once there, you are meant to explore at your own pace before returning to Bariloche.

San Martín de los Andes gives the day a clear endpoint and a chance to see another Patagonian town beside a lake. It is a good fit if you want to compare the feel of this area with Bariloche and Villa La Angostura.

The practical issue is time. A round trip from Bariloche, plus the Seven Lakes stops, Villa La Angostura, Colonia Suiza, and San Martín de los Andes, makes for a very full day. The tour is listed as seven hours, so you should confirm whether the specific departure you select includes San Martín de los Andes, Colonia Suiza, or a variation of the route.

This is not a criticism of the scenery. It is a scheduling point. The more places included, the less time you may have at each one. If you want a relaxed visit to San Martín de los Andes, a dedicated excursion or overnight stay would be easier.

Guides, transport, and the pace of the day

The tour includes a Spanish or Portuguese-speaking guide. Recent departures had guides named Richard and Damian, and one departure specifically praised Richard for being accommodating. The driver was also described as professional. Guide assignments can change, so do not assume one particular person will lead your date.

A bilingual guide is useful on a route with several stops and changing plans. You can get help with meeting times, local food, viewpoints, and the order of the day. The guide also reduces the work involved in navigating unfamiliar mountain roads.

The route includes several short stops, two-hour free time at Colonia Suiza, and longer stretches in the vehicle. Wear comfortable shoes, but do not pack as if this were a serious hiking trip. The supplied information calls for comfortable footwear, warm clothing, and a windbreaker.

Insurance is included. Food, drinks, and the Cerro Campanario ascent are not. That makes the final cost a little higher than the advertised price if you plan to buy lunch and go up Cerro Campanario. Still, $66 is fair for a guided road trip if you value hotel pickup and do not want to rent a car.

Who will get the most from this excursion

I would recommend this tour to a first-time visitor who wants a broad introduction to the Bariloche area in one day. It also suits you if you enjoy scenic drives, short photo stops, village visits, and a guide who manages the practical details.

It works well for visitors with limited time. A seven-hour outing leaves room for another activity on a different day, though you should not expect a slow, leisurely tour.

Families and mixed-age groups may find the format easier than arranging several separate visits. You can choose how much walking to do, and the main sights are reached by vehicle.

I would hesitate to recommend it to you if your main goal is a quiet, unhurried experience at one lake. It may also disappoint you if you expect Colonia Suiza to offer polished facilities or a large range of food. The route is about variety and scenery, not a long stay in one place.

Practical value at $66

At $66 per person, the strongest value comes from the transport and route planning. You get central hotel pickup and drop-off, a bilingual guide, insurance, and access to a long scenic loop without handling the driving yourself.

The price does not cover food, drinks, or the Cerro Campanario ascent. Plan for those costs. The two-hour Colonia Suiza stop gives you a chance to choose your own meal, but I would carry a small backup snack in case the available choices do not suit you.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure gives you some flexibility, and you can reserve now while paying later. The operator requires the full name, DNI or passport details, and date of birth for every participant within 12 hours of booking so insurance can be issued. Have that information ready.

Should you book this Bariloche tour?

Book it if you want a convenient introduction to the Seven Lakes area, Villa La Angostura, and Bariloche’s nearby mountain villages without renting a car. The views are the main reward, and the combination of forest roads, lake stops, and village time gives you plenty to remember.

Before booking, confirm the exact route for your date. The supplied details combine Colonia Suiza, the Seven Lakes route, and San Martín de los Andes, while the seven-hour duration leaves little room for a slow schedule. If the operator confirms the stops you want, $66 is a sensible price for a full day of scenery and guided transport.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts seven hours.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is included from centrally located hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche. Pickup is not included at hotels on Avenida Pioneros, residential lodging, or other accommodation types outside the pickup route. You may receive a nearby meeting point instead.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. At Colonia Suiza, you have about two hours to explore and choose from local food options.

Is the Cerro Campanario ascent included?

No. The tour includes a stop at Cerro Campanario, but the ascent is not included in the price.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Spanish and Portuguese.

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, warm clothing, and a windbreaker. The weather can change quickly.