San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos

The real prize here is the Seven Lakes Route, one of Argentina’s great road journeys. From Bariloche, you follow Route 40 past Nahuel Huapi, forested mountain roads, and seven very different lakes before reaching San Martín de los Andes. It is a long day, but the scenery keeps changing.

I like the easy hotel pickup and return, which saves you from arranging a rental car for a full-day outing. I also like the stop in Villa La Angostura, where a short walk adds a real town to a day that could otherwise feel like one long string of viewpoints.

The main drawback is time. Ten hours on a bus, with the return along much of the same route, leaves limited time for San Martín and the walking stops. The guide speaks Spanish, so this trip suits you best if you understand the language or are comfortable enjoying the views with less detailed explanation.

Key points to know before you go

• Seven lakes in one day: See Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Escondido, Machónico, and Lácar lakes along Route 40.
• Villa La Angostura stop: Walk through a mountain town known for its distinctive architecture and lakeside setting.
• Nahuel Huapi National Park: Travel through one of the region’s key protected natural areas, with chances to notice local nature and wildlife.
• San Martín free time: Reach the lakeside city for your own time and lunch before returning to Bariloche.
• Spanish guide and included transport: Pickup, roundtrip transportation, and guiding are covered, while meals are your responsibility.
• A full 10-hour outing: Plan for an 8 AM start from Bariloche and an approximate 6:30 PM return.

Why the Seven Lakes Route is worth a full day

The Seven Lakes Route is not a single attraction with one dramatic payoff. Its appeal comes from the steady rhythm of the drive: a bend in the road, a new lake, a stand of trees, a mountain ridge, then another change in color and shape. You get a broad look at the Lake District without needing to plan every turn yourself.

The trip begins in Bariloche at 8 AM. From there, the vehicle heads north through Dina Huapi and crosses the bridge over the Limay River. That bridge connects the outing with the famous Route 40, the long road that runs through much of Argentina.

The early start matters. A day route this long needs the full schedule, especially because the return is made along the same general path. You should think of this as a scenic road trip with walks and town time, not as a single strenuous hike.

Transportation is one of the strongest practical reasons to book. Hotel pickup is included for accommodations in Bariloche. If your address falls outside the vehicle’s route, you are assigned a meeting point as close to your accommodation as possible. That arrangement is less exact than door-to-door service for everyone, so confirm your pickup details before the morning of departure.

First views around Nahuel Huapi and Limay

The route soon reaches the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. This is a fitting introduction to the area, since the lake is one of the defining sights around Bariloche and part of the setting protected by Nahuel Huapi National Park.

The drive through the park is as important as the formal stops. You are passing through a region where water, forest, and mountains keep appearing together. The activity description includes wildlife and nature, but no specific animal sightings are promised. Bring your camera, but treat wildlife as a possibility rather than a scheduled part of the day.

The crossing near the Limay River also gives the journey a sense of movement. You leave the Bariloche area, pass Dina Huapi, and join the road north toward Villa La Angostura. This is a useful transition from city access roads to the quieter route that links the lakes.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the ride feels most comfortable and carry whatever you normally use. The route includes mountain roads and many hours in a vehicle, though the bus has been described as comfortable in guest feedback.

Walking through Villa La Angostura

Your first short stop is Villa La Angostura, on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi. The town is known for its mountain architecture, and the plan is to explore part of it on foot rather than simply photograph it from the bus.

That walking time gives the day some texture. You can look at the buildings, get your bearings, and enjoy a more human-scale view of the region. A town stop also helps break up the drive before the route reaches its chain of lakes.

Do not expect a long independent visit here. It is described as a short stop, and the full itinerary still has to reach San Martín de los Andes before turning back to Bariloche. Keep an eye on the meeting time and stay close enough to return to the vehicle without stress.

The tour makes another stop at Villa La Angostura later, on the way back. That second visit may be useful for one last walk or a final look at the town, but it also confirms the tradeoff of this outing: the route covers a great deal of ground, yet each individual stop is limited.

The seven lakes along Route 40

After Villa La Angostura, the journey reaches the section that gives the excursion its name. You see seven lakes: Espejo, Correntoso, Villarino, Falkner, Escondido, Machónico, and Lácar.

Each stop is part of the larger route experience. The value is not only in counting seven bodies of water, but in seeing how the lakes differ as the road moves north. Some stops may feel broad and open, while others are framed by trees or mountains. The supplied details do not give exact stop lengths, so expect a series of planned pauses rather than unlimited time at every lake.

The itinerary also includes walking along an incredible path surrounded by mountains and lakes. This is a useful distinction for anyone comparing a bus tour with a driving-only excursion. You are not expected to remain seated for ten hours. There are chances to stretch your legs and experience parts of the route at walking pace.

At the same time, the tour does not provide a stated hiking distance or difficulty rating. If you need a serious trek, ask the operator for current details before booking. The wording supports short walks and stops, not a full-day wilderness hike.

Here are the named lakes in the order given:

• Espejo Lake: One of the first lakes on the route, part of the northern journey from Villa La Angostura.
• Correntoso Lake: Another early stop in the chain, helping set the pace for the route.
• Villarino Lake: A scenic pause farther along Route 40.
• Falkner Lake: One of the named lake stops before the route continues north.
• Escondido Lake: Its name means hidden, and it is included among the route’s seven official stops.
• Machónico Lake: A later stop before reaching San Martín de los Andes.
• Lácar Lake: The final named lake on the route and the lake beside San Martín.

The tour’s guide adds context in Spanish. Stella is one guide specifically named in guest feedback, and her attentive explanation of the area was singled out. Since the operating guide can vary by date, you should not assume Stella will lead your departure. Still, her example shows why the guide matters: the views are easy to admire, but place names and regional details give the drive more meaning.

Arriving in San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes is the northern goal of the excursion. After the lake stops, you get free time to explore the city and have lunch in front of Lake Lácar.

This is a welcome change from the road. You can walk around at your own pace, find a meal, and spend time beside the lake without following a guide from one viewpoint to the next. Because meals are not included, budget separately for lunch. The tour description does not name a restaurant or set menu, so you choose how to use this part of the day.

The free time is also the main limitation. You are visiting San Martín as a day stop from Bariloche, not staying overnight. The schedule does not state how long you have in town, and the vehicle must begin the return journey later that day. If you want an unhurried look at San Martín, a separate overnight visit would give you more freedom.

Still, reaching the city gives the route a clear finish. Lácar Lake is not just another stop on the road. It is the setting for your lunch and free time, which makes the last lake feel connected to a real destination rather than a quick photo pause.

The return to Bariloche

After San Martín, you return along the same path. This means you may see familiar lakes and roads from a different direction, but it also makes the second half of the day feel long. The schedule includes another stop at Villa La Angostura before arriving in Bariloche at about 6:30 PM.

The return is best handled with realistic expectations. You have already had a full day of sights, walking, and road time. Use the later drive to rest, review your photographs, or simply watch the scenery pass. The tour is designed for convenience and coverage, not for a fast transfer.

A return to your accommodation is included, subject to the same route limits as morning pickup. If you were assigned a meeting point rather than hotel pickup, expect to finish there or at the location arranged by the operator.

What the $65 price really gives you

At $65 per person, this is a strong value if you want to see the Seven Lakes Route without renting a car. The price includes pickup, return transportation, and a Spanish-speaking guide. Those inclusions cover the main costs of making this a full-day road trip.

You still need to pay for meals, and the day is long enough that you should bring water and snacks if you like having food between stops. No meals are included, and no specific lunch arrangement is provided.

The value is less obvious if you already have a car and want complete control over timing. Driving yourself would let you linger at one lake, skip another, or spend longer in San Martín. The organized tour wins on simplicity: someone else handles the route, and you can focus on the scenery.

The tour has a 4.4 rating from 155 reviews, with praise for organization, the guide’s explanations, and bus comfort. That matches the practical shape of the excursion. It is not a luxury or private trip, but it offers a clear itinerary at a moderate price.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this outing if you are based in Bariloche and want a broad introduction to the northern Lake District in one day. It suits you especially well if you prefer not to drive mountain roads or arrange your own route through Nahuel Huapi National Park.

It is also a good fit for people who want variety. You get a national park setting, a river crossing, a distinctive town, lake stops, walking time, and a destination city. Few single-day outings offer that many different parts of the region.

You may want another option if you dislike long bus journeys, require extensive English guiding, or want long hikes at each stop. The live guide language is Spanish, and the itinerary does not promise a particular hiking distance. It is also not the best match if your main aim is to spend a relaxed full day in San Martín de los Andes.

For Spanish speakers, the guide can add useful regional context to the changing scenery. A guide such as Stella, when assigned, can make the drive more informative by explaining what you are seeing rather than leaving the lakes as anonymous photo stops.

Booking details that affect your decision

The departure starts at 8 AM, and the full duration is about 10 hours. Check the available date and starting time before paying, since schedules can vary.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Bariloche plans are still shifting. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Keep in mind that these policies do not remove the need to confirm your pickup point.

The provider is ZIGZAG Travel. Pickup is offered from Bariloche hotels, but accommodations outside the route receive a nearby meeting point. Meals are not included, and the guide service is in Spanish.

Should you book the Seven Lakes Route?

Book it if you want the easiest way to see the classic route from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes, especially at $65 with transportation and pickup included. The combination of seven lakes, Villa La Angostura, national park scenery, and free time beside Lake Lácar gives you a lot in one day.

Skip it if you want a slow, flexible road trip or a substantial hike. The return is long, the stops have set timing, and the guiding is Spanish only. For most visitors with limited time in the region, though, this is a practical and scenic way to cover a famous route without handling the driving yourself.

FAQ

Where does the Seven Lakes tour begin?

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel or accommodation in Bariloche at 8 AM.

What happens if my accommodation is outside the pickup route?

If your address is not within the pickup route, the operator assigns a meeting point as close to your accommodation as possible.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts about 10 hours. The planned return to Bariloche is approximately 6:30 PM.

Which lakes will I see?

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

Does the tour visit Villa La Angostura?

Yes. You stop in Villa La Angostura on the way north and again during the return journey. The first visit includes time to walk around the town.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals are not included. You have free time in San Martín de los Andes to explore and arrange your own lunch beside Lake Lácar.

Is transportation included?

Yes. Pickup, drop-off, and roundtrip transportation from Bariloche to the Seven Lakes Route are included.

What language does the guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks Spanish. Stella is one guide named in guest feedback, but guide assignments can vary.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.