Bariloche: 7 Lakes & San Martin de Los Andes Road Trip

The best part of this trip is the road itself. From Bariloche, you follow mountain roads past ancient forests and seven very different lakes: Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico. I especially like the steady run of roadside viewpoints and the stop in Villa La Angostura, a tidy mountain village with Alpine-style wooden buildings.

I also like the strong guiding. Isis, Freddy, Matias, Diego, and Deborah are among the guides praised for clear explanations in English and Spanish, with Portuguese also available. The tradeoff is simple: this is a long bus day, with about five hours of scheduled driving and roughly 400 kilometers on the road. Some departures take 11 hours or more, and the photo stops can be brief.

Key points at a glance

• Seven named lakes: See Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico from the route.
• Villa La Angostura: Stop in a polished mountain village known for its wood-and-Alpine architecture.
• San Martin de los Andes: Get free time by Lake Lacar for lunch, a walk, and some shopping.
• A guide makes the drive count: Guides such as Isis, Freddy, Matias, and Deborah explain Patagonia, plants, animals, and local places in several languages.
• Expect a full day on wheels: The advertised duration is 10 hours, but some departures run to 11 or 11.5 hours.
• Pack for practical travel: Bring comfortable shoes, water, and snacks. Large bags are not allowed, and the national park fee is extra.

Why the Seven Lakes Route is worth a full day

The Seven Lakes Route is one of those outings where the journey is the main attraction. You are not being taken to one monument and then returned to town. Instead, the road keeps changing as it passes from open Patagonian country into forest, along mountain slopes, and beside clear lakes framed by hills.

That makes the bus time easier to understand. You are seated for long stretches, but the view outside keeps doing the work. A good guide adds useful context, pointing out changes in the vegetation, explaining the area’s geography, and helping you recognize why each lake looks different.

I would not choose this trip if I wanted a hiking day. The stops are mainly for photographs and sightseeing, and one rating specifically noted that there is little chance to walk beyond the viewpoints. But if you have only one spare day in Bariloche and want a broad look at this part of Patagonia, the route gives you a lot of scenery in one outing.

Leaving Bariloche for Villa La Angostura

Pickup is offered at centrally located hotels in Bariloche and as far as kilometer 8. The listed meeting point is Margarita Stuke Turismo at Rolando 287, which is also the return point. If your accommodation is outside the included area, you may need to make your own way to the meeting point.

The first substantial drive takes about two and a half hours. That is a useful warning for anyone who dislikes long coach rides. There may be a bathroom and coffee opportunity around Villa La Angostura, but the exact order and timing can vary with the day’s schedule.

Villa La Angostura gives the outing an appealing change of pace. Its buildings use a stylized Alpine-wood design, making the town feel distinct from Bariloche. You may have time for a coffee or ice cream, and the village makes a pleasant first stop before the more scenic section begins.

Do not expect a long town visit here. The main purpose is to pause, stretch, use the facilities, and take in the setting. On some departures, Villa La Angostura also appears as a stop on the return journey.

The seven lakes, one viewpoint at a time

A few kilometers beyond Villa La Angostura, the famous Seven Lakes Route begins. The names are Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico. Each has its own shape and setting, though the lasting impression comes from the combination of water, forest, mountains, and winding road.

The route is part of National Route 40, a major road through Argentina. Here, the appeal is not speed. The coach moves at a pace that lets you watch the scenery and prepare for photographs. One detailed account described several viewpoint stops before San Martin, while others found the stops short, around five minutes at some locations.

That difference matters. You will get repeated chances to step off the bus, but you should be ready when the guide calls you back. This is sightseeing by sequence, not a relaxed lakeside picnic. Keep your camera and jacket close, and do not leave your water or phone buried in a large bag.

The guide is especially useful here. Names such as Isis, Freddy, Matias, Paz, Diego, and Deborah come up repeatedly in connection with clear, friendly explanations. The best guides handle the bilingual format by finishing one language before moving to the next, which makes it easier to follow than a constant mix of Spanish and English.

Topics can include Patagonia, the national parks, local villages, plants, and animals. Several guides are also praised for practical recommendations for the rest of your time in Bariloche. If you are the only English speaker in the group, tell the guide early. Isis and Deborah, in particular, are described as making a point of providing full explanations in English even when most of the group speaks Spanish.

Arriving at San Martin de los Andes

San Martin de los Andes is the destination at the end of the route. The town sits on the shore of Lake Lacar, and the stop gives you a chance to leave the coach behind for a while.

The schedule allows about three hours in San Martin, including guided time and free time, with around 45 minutes set aside for lunch and shopping in the basic itinerary. Actual departures described by passengers gave about two hours for lunch and a walk, so you should listen carefully to the guide’s return time.

I would use this stop for a simple plan: choose lunch quickly, walk near the center and lake, then leave a little time for shopping or a coffee. You have enough time to get a feel for the town, but not enough for an unhurried afternoon excursion.

The town is valuable because it breaks up the drive. After the viewpoints, you get a proper chance to stretch your legs and eat. It also gives you a second type of Patagonian setting: less remote than the lakes, more like a small resort town with shops and places to sit.

If food is important to you, bring a snack for the bus rather than relying only on lunch. Food and drinks are not included, and the drive back begins after the San Martin stop. A few people found two hours a little tight, especially if they wanted both a meal and a walk.

The return journey to Bariloche

The return drive takes about two and a half hours in the stated plan, following the same general route back to Bariloche. That means the views remain attractive, but the experience is less varied than the outward journey.

On the way out, the guide has fresh information to share as the route unfolds. On the way back, you may already know the lakes and viewpoints, so some of the time feels like a quiet ride. Bring headphones, a book, or downloaded entertainment if you want something besides the view.

There is no working toilet on the bus according to one detailed account, and internet service may be absent for much of the trip. Seat chargers were also not available on that departure. Restroom stops are built into the day, but I would still use every opportunity and avoid assuming the next stop is close.

The coach is generally described as comfortable, with air conditioning noted positively during a hot day. Still, comfort does not change the basic fact that you will spend much of the day seated. The tour may suit you less if you have limited tolerance for bus travel or need frequent, flexible breaks.

Is $100 a fair price?

At $100 per person, the value depends on what you want from the day. You are paying for hotel pickup and return within the included Bariloche area, a guide, transport, and insurance. The national park entrance fee, meals, drinks, and personal purchases are extra.

The price makes sense if you want a ready-made day trip with commentary and do not want to arrange a rental car or public transport. You also avoid the work of planning the viewpoints, timing the return, and finding the route yourself.

The value is less convincing if you have already taken the regular bus between San Martin de los Andes and Bariloche. One person noted that the public bus follows the same route, so doing both journeys close together can feel repetitive. Another price-conscious account said local agencies in Bariloche sometimes offer lower walk-in rates, around 45 to 60 euros when paying cash, though prices and availability can change.

This tour also includes little active time beyond getting off for photographs and exploring San Martin. You are not paying for hikes, boat rides, meals, or special admissions. You are paying for the route, the vehicle, and the guide’s interpretation.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend it to you if you want to see the Seven Lakes Route in one day, especially if you are staying in Bariloche and do not plan to rent a car. It is also a good fit for people who enjoy scenic drives and want explanations about the region rather than simply looking out of a window.

Nature lovers should get the most from it. The lakes, forests, mountain roads, and changing scenery are the real reward. Photographers will appreciate the repeated stops, though you need to work quickly at the shorter viewpoints.

The trip also suits English-speaking visitors. The guiding is conducted in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, and several guides have been praised for clear English. The quality of the day depends partly on the person leading it, but the strongest names in the supplied feedback include Isis, Freddy, Matias, Diego, Paz, and Deborah.

I would hesitate if you want long walks, a quiet small-group outing, or plenty of time in San Martin. A large coach is possible, with one account describing more than 40 people. You should also think twice if a 10-hour day already sounds tiring, since some departures last 11 to 11.5 hours.

Practical advice before you go

Wear comfortable shoes, even though the stops are not hiking excursions. You will still be getting on and off the coach throughout the day.

Carry water and snacks in a small day bag. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and the tour does not provide food or drinks. A light layer is sensible for changing conditions, but the supplied information does not promise a specific weather pattern.

Keep your phone charged before departure. You may have limited or no internet along much of the route, and at least one coach had no seat chargers. Download maps or entertainment if you need them, and keep your camera ready for short stops.

The national park entrance fee is not included and must be paid in cash in local currency. Set that money aside before pickup so you are not searching for an exchange point at the last moment.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve without paying immediately under the reserve-now, pay-later option. Check the pickup point carefully in advance, especially if you are meeting at Rolando 287 rather than being collected at your hotel.

Should you book the Seven Lakes road trip?

Book it if your priority is scenery, a structured route, and a guide who can explain what you are seeing in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The Seven Lakes Route is a strong day out from Bariloche, and the combination of viewpoints, Villa La Angostura, and San Martin gives you a useful first look at the region.

Skip it if you have already covered the route by regular bus or if you want more time walking than riding. The scenery is excellent, but the day is built around a coach, brief photo stops, and a limited break in San Martin.

For most first-time visitors with one free day, I think the trip is worth considering. Just book it with the right expectation: this is a scenic road trip, not an active tour. Pack snacks, plan for a late return, and let the lakes earn their place on your camera roll.

FAQ

How long does the Seven Lakes tour last?

The advertised duration is 10 hours, but some departures have taken about 11 to 11.5 hours. The scheduled driving time is about 2.5 hours each way.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included from centrally located hotels in San Carlos de Bariloche and up to kilometer 8. The listed meeting point is Margarita Stuke Turismo at Rolando 287.

Which languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

Which lakes are included on the route?

The route passes Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machonico lakes.

How much free time do you get in San Martin de los Andes?

The itinerary allows about three hours for the visit, with time for a guided visit, walking, lunch, shopping, and independent exploration. Actual timing can be about two hours for lunch and exploring.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you should bring snacks and budget for lunch in San Martin de los Andes.

Is the national park entrance fee included?

No. The entrance fee is paid separately in cash and in local currency.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed. Bring only a small day bag with essentials such as water, snacks, and a camera.