San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos

The real prize here is the Seven Lakes Route, a long ribbon of mountain views, clear water, and forest between Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes. I like that you see all seven named lakes in one day, and I like the stop in Villa La Angostura, where the mountain-style buildings make a pleasant break from the bus.

The drawback is the length. This is a 10-hour outing with a return over much of the same road, so you trade independence for efficiency. The tour is in Spanish, and lunch is not included, so you should plan for a full day on the move.

Key points to know before you book

• Seven named lakes in one day: See Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Escondido, Machónico, and Lácar Lakes.
• Villa La Angostura adds variety: Walk through a small mountain town before and after the lake route.
• A full-day trip from Bariloche: Hotel pickup begins around 8 AM, with return expected at about 6:30 PM.
• Spanish guide included: Guides explain the region along the way, and Stella has received particular praise for her attentive explanations.
• Lunch is your responsibility: You get free time in San Martín de los Andes, but meals are not part of the $65 price.
• Best for scenery seekers: The day works well if you want to cover a broad area without arranging your own transport.

Why the Seven Lakes Route is worth a full day

The route links two of Argentina’s best-known resort towns through the Lake District. From Bariloche, you travel north through Dina Huapi, cross the bridge over the Limay River, and join legendary Route 40.

That opening section matters because the tour quickly shifts from city access to open views along Lake Nahuel Huapi. I like this kind of departure: you are not spending the morning on minor roads or waiting for a distant attraction to appear. The scenery starts building early.

The route is not just a drive from one town to another. The stops let you get out, walk, look around, and break up the journey. You should still expect plenty of time seated in the bus. This is a broad regional outing, not a short nature walk with a little driving attached.

The price is $65 per person. For that amount, you get hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation, and a live Spanish-speaking guide. I consider that good value if you want to reach San Martín de los Andes and the Seven Lakes without organizing a vehicle, checking roads, or handling the long return drive yourself.

The value is less clear if you only want a quick nature stop near Bariloche. In that case, a shorter local excursion may leave you with more time on foot. Here, the attraction is the amount of ground covered in a single day.

An 8 AM start through Dina Huapi and the Limay River

Pickup begins at your Bariloche hotel at 8 AM. If your address falls outside the usual route, the operator assigns a meeting point as close to your accommodation as possible. That detail is worth checking before booking, especially if you are staying outside the central pickup area.

The first major route markers are Dina Huapi and the bridge over the Limay River. From there, you connect with Route 40 and continue toward Lake Nahuel Huapi.

I would treat the morning as part of the experience, not merely a transfer. The road introduces the scale of the region and gives you a sense of how far Bariloche sits from San Martín de los Andes. Bring water and keep a little space in your day for stops that may take longer than expected.

The bus has been described as comfortable, which matters on a day this long. Still, comfort does not change the basic fact that you will spend several hours riding. If you get restless on long drives, this tour may test your patience.

Villa La Angostura brings a town into the day

Your first short stop is Villa La Angostura, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Its architecture uses a distinct mountain style, and the town is suited to a short walk on foot.

This is a smart first break. You get a change from the highway, a chance to stretch your legs, and a town setting before the route turns more fully toward lakes and forest. I like the contrast: Bariloche is your starting point, Villa La Angostura is a smaller mountain town, and San Martín de los Andes is your farthest destination.

Do not expect a long guided visit here. The stop is described as short, so use it for a walk, a look at the architecture, and a quick reset. If you prefer slow café stops or extended shopping, the schedule may feel tight.

Villa La Angostura also appears again near the end of the day, before the return to Bariloche. That gives you another chance to see the town, though the second stop is also part of a long return schedule rather than a full evening visit.

Walking beside the first lakes

After Villa La Angostura, the tour reaches the Seven Lakes Route. You stop along the way and walk on paths surrounded by mountains and lakes.

The word walking is important, but the available details do not give a route length, elevation gain, or difficulty rating. I would not book this expecting a demanding mountain trek. Think of the walking as a way to experience selected points along the road, with time to see the water and surrounding peaks at closer range.

The first named sight is Espejo Lake. Its name means mirror, and the stop gives the route an immediate sense of calm water and broad views. Correntoso Lake follows, adding another large body of water to the day and showing how quickly the scenery changes from one lake to the next.

At this point, you may notice the main strength of the excursion: variety without complicated planning. You do not need to arrange separate transport to each viewpoint or decide which lakes to skip. The guide keeps the route moving while giving you repeated chances to get out.

The tradeoff is fixed timing. You cannot linger at one favorite viewpoint for as long as you would with your own car. The experience favors coverage over complete freedom.

Villarino, Falkner, and Escondido Lakes

The middle section brings you to Villarino Lake, Falkner Lake, and Escondido Lake. Each stop forms part of the same continuous route, but the pleasure comes from seeing how the water, mountains, and forest shift from one location to the next.

Falkner is one of the named highlights of the road, while Escondido Lake adds a quieter-sounding stop to the sequence. The tour description places emphasis on walking and taking breaks along the way, so you should have opportunities to step away from the bus rather than viewing every lake through a window.

A guide adds useful context here, especially because the route can become a blur of attractive views. The Spanish explanations help connect the places instead of leaving you with a list of names. One guide named Stella has been singled out for attentive explanations about the region. If she leads your departure, you can expect the sort of commentary that helps make the long road feel purposeful.

Because the tour is in Spanish, you should choose it with that in mind. The activity data does not promise English commentary or multilingual guiding. If Spanish is comfortable for you, the language should be a natural part of the experience. If it is not, the lakes and town visits remain accessible, but you may miss some of the regional explanation.

Machónico Lake and the arrival at San Martín

Machónico Lake comes later on the route, followed by Lácar Lake near San Martín de los Andes. These final lake stops build toward the destination rather than serving as separate excursions.

San Martín de los Andes gives you a proper town break after the long series of viewpoints. You have free time to explore and find lunch in front of the lake. Since meals are not included, budget for this stop and do not assume the tour price covers food.

I like the lunch arrangement because it gives you a measure of choice. You can decide how much time to spend walking around town and how much to use for a meal. The catch is that the tour sets the overall schedule, so you need to keep an eye on time.

San Martín is the endpoint, not an overnight stay. You will not have a full afternoon and evening here. The purpose is to see the town, enjoy the lakeside setting, eat, and then begin the return journey.

The return to Bariloche takes patience

After free time in San Martín de los Andes, you return along the same route. You make your last stop at Villa La Angostura before reaching Bariloche at approximately 6:30 PM.

This return is the main practical consideration. The morning views may feel fresh and exciting, while the same road later in the day can feel long. I would book this tour for the places along the route, not because I enjoy spending an entire day in a vehicle.

That said, repeating the road has one benefit: you may notice views you missed in the morning. The changing light can also make familiar lakes look different. Still, a 10-hour schedule leaves little room for delays, long meals, or spontaneous detours.

The reported 4.4 rating from 155 bookings suggests a generally solid experience, but not a flawless one. The praise centers on organization, scenic beauty, friendly guiding, and bus comfort. One rating described the day simply as well organized, while a lower score is a useful reminder that a long fixed-route outing will not suit everyone.

What the $65 price really covers

At $65, the strongest part of the deal is transport. You get picked up at your accommodation, driven from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes and back, and returned to your accommodation or nearby meeting point.

The guide is another useful inclusion. This is not just a shuttle service. A Spanish-speaking guide accompanies the outing and explains the region. For a route with seven lake names and several stops, that added context can make the day easier to follow.

The price does not include meals. You should set aside money for lunch in San Martín and any other food you want during the day. The information provided does not list extra entrance fees, equipment, or activities, so the core cost appears focused on transport and guiding.

I see the price as strong for visitors without a car, especially those staying in Bariloche for a limited time. A private rental would give you more control, but it would also place the long drive and route planning on you. This tour gives you a simple way to reach a distant town and return the same day.

Who should book this day trip

I would choose this excursion if you want to see the famous Seven Lakes Route but do not want to rent a car. It also suits anyone who values a guide’s regional explanation and prefers hotel pickup to arranging transport on separate legs.

It is a good match for:

• People staying in Bariloche who want to reach San Martín de los Andes
• Visitors who enjoy scenic drives mixed with short walks
• Spanish-speaking participants who want live commentary
• Those who want Villa La Angostura included in the same day
• Anyone comfortable with a long, structured outing

I would think twice if you want a slow day, a serious hike, or a flexible schedule. The tour provides walking, but it does not specify a long trail or strenuous trek. It also does not let you set your own departure, meal, or return time.

Wear practical walking shoes, bring water, and keep your lunch budget separate from the tour price. Since pickup starts early and the return is around 6:30 PM, plan nothing demanding for that evening.

Should you book the Seven Lakes day trip?

Book it if your priority is seeing a large section of Argentina’s Lake District in one efficient day. The combination of Villa La Angostura, seven named lakes, Nahuel Huapi National Park, and San Martín de los Andes gives you a lot of scenery for $65.

Skip it if you dislike long bus days or need English guiding. The route is beautiful, but its scale requires patience. For the right person, this is a practical and well-priced way to experience the region beyond Bariloche without taking on the driving yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Seven Lakes tour take?

The activity lasts about 10 hours. Pickup begins around 8 AM, and arrival back in Bariloche is expected at approximately 6:30 PM.

Where does the tour begin and end?

Pickup and drop-off are provided at accommodations in Bariloche. If your address is outside the pickup route, you receive a nearby meeting point.

Which lakes are included?

The route includes Espejo Lake, Correntoso Lake, Villarino Lake, Falkner Lake, Escondido Lake, Machónico Lake, and Lácar Lake.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. You have free time in San Martín de los Andes to explore and arrange lunch yourself.

What language is the tour in?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish. Stella is one guide associated with the experience.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.