San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos

San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos: An Insider’s Guide to Patagonia’s Most Photogenic Drive

If you’re dreaming of exploring the iconic Seven Lakes Route in Patagonia, this full-day tour from Bariloche offers a well-balanced mix of natural beauty, charming villages, and memorable vistas. For $69 per person, you get a 10-hour journey, guided by friendly and knowledgeable guides like José and Sandra, who keep the atmosphere lively and informative. What makes this trip special? We love the way it combines breathtaking scenery with the chance to stroll through Villa La Angostura, a village that oozes mountain charm. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and roundtrip transportation means we can relax and focus on soaking in the views.

Of course, the journey is a long one, so be prepared for a full day in the car — a possible drawback for those less tolerant of bus rides. Also, food isn’t included, so bring snacks or plan to buy lunch in San Martín. But if you’re after a relaxed, scenic drive with plenty of opportunities for photos and gentle exploration, this tour delivers. It’s ideal for travelers who want a taste of Patagonia’s lakes and mountains without strenuous hikes or complex logistics.

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Who is this tour best suited for?

If you’re looking for a comfortable day trip with stunning vistas and charming stops, this tour hits the spot. It’s perfect for photographers, nature lovers, or anyone who appreciates a leisurely pace and beautiful landscapes. Reviewers mention it’s great for relaxed sightseeing, with some noting it’s less suited for those seeking intense outdoor activity.

Key Points

• Stunning Lakes & Mountain Views: The route showcases some of Patagonia’s most beautiful lakes, including Espejo, Correntoso, and Lácar.
• Charming Village Stop: Villa La Angostura offers unique architecture and a relaxing walk.
• Accessible & Convenient: Hotel pickup, roundtrip transport, and guided commentary make it easy to enjoy the day.
• Long but Rewarding Day: Expect an approximate 10-hour adventure with plenty of scenic stops.
• Good for Relaxed Sightseeing: Ideal for those who prefer beautiful vistas over rigorous activities.
• Value for Money: At $69, it’s a fairly affordable way to experience Patagonia’s highlights.

A Deep Dive into the Seven Lakes Route Experience

Starting Point & Early Highlights

The tour kicks off early, around 8 AM, with pickup at your hotel in Bariloche. From there, you’ll head north through Dina Huapi, crossing the bridge over the Limay River and starting your journey along Route 40 — one of Argentina’s most famous scenic roads. The first stop is Villa La Angostura, a quaint town with mountain-style architecture where you can stretch your legs. This is a perfect spot to enjoy a quick walk, admire the colorful houses, and get some initial photos of the lakes and forested hills.

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The Scenic Drive & Lakes Spotting

As the bus rolls along the Road of the Seven Lakes, you’ll pass a series of spectacular lakes. Each stop offers a chance to admire the majestic beauty of nature. You’ll see Espejo Lake, famous for its mirror-like surface, and Correntoso Lake, one of the longest lakes in the area. The route continues past Villarino, Falkner, and Escondido Lake, each offering unique perspectives and photo opportunities.

The reality of the trip is that you’ll be making several short stops along the way — enough to appreciate the scenery without turning the day into an all-day hike. Reviewers like Javier mention that the professionalism and kindness of guides make the long hours more pleasant, and Jessica notes that if you want a relaxed day of picture-taking and scenery, this trip fits perfectly.

Final Stop & Free Time in San Martín

Arriving in San Martín de los Andes, you get some free time to explore the town and enjoy lunch with lake views. This is a highlight for many travelers, as the town’s charming streets and lakeside setting create a perfect photo backdrop. Whether you opt for a quick snack or a sit-down meal, you’ll find plenty of options before heading back.

Return Journey & Last Stops

On the way back, the tour retraces the same route, with a final stop at Villa La Angostura. Some travelers, like Anabel, admit the drive can be tiring, but the stunning vistas make it worthwhile. Expect to arrive back in Bariloche around 6:30 PM, tired but with many memories and photos.

What’s Included & What to Consider

What’s Included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off – a significant convenience that saves time and effort in figuring out transportation.
• Roundtrip transportation – comfortable, guided bus travel along the scenic route.
• Tour guide (Spanish) – guides like José and Sandra are praised for their professionalism and knowledge, making the journey more enriching.

What’s Not

• Meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or have lunch in San Martín. Many reviewers mention the value of packing a picnic or snacks to enjoy during stops.
• Additional activities or entrance fees are not specified, so expect a focus on sightseeing rather than paid attractions.

The Experience from a Traveler’s Viewpoint

The consensus among reviews suggests this tour offers great value for a day of sightseeing. Javier emphasizes the professionalism of guides and the interesting commentary, which enhances the experience. Jessica loved how she could relax and take photos at her own pace, while Anabel found the long drive tiring but thought the views made it worthwhile.

The scenic beauty is the star here: the lakes are often described as “beautiful” or “majestic,” and the chance to see Lake Espejo’s mirror-like surface or Lácar Lake’s tranquil waters makes it a photographer’s paradise. The stops are short but well-timed, giving just enough time to enjoy each lake without feeling rushed.

However, some critics point out that not all stops are at the best viewpoints — for example, Escondido Lake’s view might not be as impressive as other lakes, and the bus does not linger at some spots with potentially better vistas. This suggests that if your priority is exactly the most scenic viewpoints, you might find this route somewhat limited.

Practical Tips for Travelers

Bring your camera and binoculars if you’re into birdwatching or wildlife spotting — the region is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking around Villa La Angostura, and prepare for a full day on the bus. Because the tour is guided in Spanish, brush up on basic phrases or consider a translation app if you want to understand more about the scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is best suited for travelers who prefer a relaxed, scenic drive rather than intense outdoor activities. It appeals to those wanting a different perspective of Patagonia with plenty of photo opportunities. If you’re a nature enthusiast who enjoys lakes, mountains, and charming villages, you’ll love the experience. It’s also a good choice for families or older travelers who prefer comfortable transportation over strenuous hikes.

Final thoughts

The 7 Lakes Route from San Martín de los Andes is a picture-perfect way to experience some of Patagonia’s most iconic lakes and mountain scenery. It offers excellent value for the price, with the added convenience of hotel pickup and an experienced guide. The stops in Villa La Angostura and San Martín are especially appreciated for their charm and local flavor. While it’s a long day, the stunning vistas and relaxed pace make it a memorable trip for many.

If you’re craving relaxed sightseeing with plenty of opportunities to snap photos and admire the natural beauty of Patagonia, this tour delivers. It’s less ideal if your goal is intense outdoor activity or off-the-beaten-path viewpoints, but for a comfortable, scenic introduction to the Lake District, it’s a solid choice.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 10 hours, starting around 8 AM and returning around 6:30 PM, making it a full but manageable day.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Bariloche are included for convenience.

What should I bring?
Bring snacks, a camera, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing. Since meals are not included, plan to eat in San Martín.

Are guides available in English?
The tour is primarily guided in Spanish, so some basic language skills might be helpful, or you can prepare with a translation app.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?
Yes, the relaxed pace and comfortable transportation make it suitable for families and older travelers, provided they’re okay with a long travel day.

Can I customize the stops or the itinerary?
The route follows a set itinerary with short stops at notable lakes and Villa La Angostura, but the schedule is fixed.

Is the scenery worth the price?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight the stunning lakes and mountain vistas as the main attractions, making it a good value for the scenic experience.

Will I have free time in San Martín de los Andes?
Yes, you’ll have time to explore the town and enjoy lunch with lakeside views before heading back.

What if I want to avoid long bus rides?
This tour involves a significant amount of time on the bus, so if you prefer shorter trips, consider other options with less extensive driving.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

This tour offers a beautiful, leisurely introduction to Patagonia’s lakes and mountains. It balances organized sightseeing with enough free time to enjoy the scenery, making it a great choice for many travelers.

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