San Martin de los Andes by Seven Lakes Road from Bariloche

Experience the Scenic Beauty of Patagonia with the San Martín de los Andes by Seven Lakes Road Tour

This full-day trip from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes offers a chance to see some of Argentina’s most breathtaking lakes and mountains. For around $78 per person, and roughly 9 hours of travel, you’ll enjoy a comfortable coach ride along the famous Road of the Seven Lakes, passing by Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lácar Lake, and several other stunning bodies of water. The tour includes hotel pickup, a guided commentary, and stops in charming villages like Villa La Angostura and San Martín itself.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the opportunity to relax and take in the scenery without the stress of driving. The guides are often praised for their knowledgeable commentary—one reviewer called Natalio “very informative and helpful,” while others appreciated the visual stops that let them snap photos of the incredible landscapes. Plus, the free time in San Martín allows you to explore at your own pace — whether you want to browse local crafts, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or just soak in the mountain air.

One point to consider is that most travelers find this tour most rewarding in good weather, as the scenery truly shines under clear skies. Some reviews mention issues like bus comfort or language barriers, especially when choosing the English-speaking option, so it’s wise to set expectations accordingly. This tour is best suited for nature lovers, photographers, or anyone wanting a comprehensive, scenic taste of Argentine Patagonia without the hassle of self-driving.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery: The route offers panoramic views of lakes, mountains, and valleys that leave lasting impressions.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable commentary enhances understanding and appreciation of the landscape.
• Flexible exploration: Three hours of free time in San Martín gives you space to wander, shop, or dine.
• Comfortable transportation: Air-conditioned vehicles and hotel pickup simplify the day.
• Value for money: The trip offers a well-rounded experience for a reasonable price.
• Weather dependency: Clear weather maximizes scenery, so check the forecast.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Journey Begins: Scenic Drive from Bariloche

Starting early at 8:00 am, the tour kicks off with a pickup from your Bariloche hotel. The vehicle is air-conditioned and spacious enough to make the long drive comfortable — a critical factor since you’ll be on the road for about 9 hours.

The first part of the journey is predominantly along the southern shore of Nahuel Huapi Lake, a stretch renowned for its spectacular vistas. As the coach winds past Las Flores and Puerto Manzano, your guide shares insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and history. While some reviews praise the informative commentary, others mention that the language barrier can be an issue if you opt for the Spanish-only version or have difficulty understanding non-English guides.

Stop in Villa La Angostura

Mid-morning, the tour makes a short stop in Villa La Angostura—a picturesque mountain village with a distinct Swiss feel, thanks to its wooden architecture. Here, you can stretch your legs, breathe in the mountain air, and grab a snack or coffee. Reviewers highlight this as a charming and refreshing break—a chance to appreciate local crafts and take scenic photos.

The Road of the Seven Lakes

After Vill La Angostura, the journey continues along the famous Seven Lakes route. This stretch is what most travelers come for: lakes like Lago Espejo, Correntoso, and Villarino each offer unique views, from calm waters reflecting mountain peaks to more rugged, wild landscapes. Many reviews emphasize how breathtaking these stops are, with multiple photo opportunities.

One reviewer mentions, “The scenery was lovely, good stops,” which captures the general sentiment. You’ll pass lakes with distinctive features—some with dense forests lining their shores, others with open vistas that showcase the vastness of Patagonia.

Arrival in San Martín de los Andes

After about three hours of scenic driving, you’ll arrive at Lago Lácar, a tranquil spot on the edge of San Martín de los Andes. Here, you get free time to explore — roughly three hours — enough to wander the streets, browse artisanal shops, and enjoy the town’s Swiss-style architecture.

Many travelers enjoy this portion, with reviews praising the small shops and expedition gear rentals for mountain adventures. You can choose to purchase lunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants lining the streets — many offer local dishes and a chance to relax with a glass of wine, although this expense is not included in the tour price.

The Return Trip: Spectacular Scenery from Paso Córdoba

In the afternoon, the coach departs San Martín for the return journey, passing through the Paso Córdoba at 3,940 feet (1,200 meters). The route offers spectacular views of the Valle Encantado, the Anfiteatro (a natural rock formation), and the confluence of the Limay and Traful rivers.

This part of the drive is often described as stunning and dramatic, providing a fitting end to a day filled with natural beauty. The journey back generally takes about 4 hours, with light commentary from the guide.

Returning to Bariloche

You’ll arrive back in Bariloche in the early evening, with the comfort of your hotel drop-off. Most reviews agree that the return trip is relaxing, with many passengers feeling satisfied with the full, scenic day.

Authentic Experience: What Travelers Love and What to Watch Out For

Based on reviews, the guides are often highlighted as a major plus. Several mention that guides like Natalio are very informative and helpful, especially when they speak fluent English. Conversely, some travelers who paid extra for the English-language option express disappointment, noting that the tour was predominantly in Spanish or that guides didn’t interact much in English.

The scenery consistently receives high praise — the lakes and mountains are breathtaking, and the stops are well-chosen for photo opportunities. Many reviewers mention that even with overcast or snowy weather, the views remained impressive.

A few drawbacks include the bus comfort (some mention limited window views on certain seats, or that the bus was too cold or dusty), and the length of the day—which can reach 12 hours, potentially tiring for some travelers.

In terms of value, many find the trip worth the price, especially given the included hotel pickup, guided commentary, and the chance to see multiple lakes and towns without the hassle of self-driving.

Practical Tips for a Great Experience

• Bring layers: Weather can change quickly in the mountains — pack a waterproof jacket and warm clothes.
• Camera ready: The scenery is photo-worthy, so have your camera or phone charged and ready.
• Snacks and lunch: While stops are available for snacks, bringing your own lunch or snacks ensures you’re prepared.
• Language considerations: If you’re not fluent in Spanish and want guides in English, double-check your booking, as some reviews indicate this isn’t always guaranteed.
• Dress appropriately: If visiting in winter or snowy months, waterproof shoes and warm clothing are advisable.
• Expect a full day: Prepare for a long day, but know that most find the experience well worth it.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for those who love scenic drives and lakes, particularly lovers of nature photography or mountain scenery. It’s great for travelers who prefer to relax and enjoy the views without worrying about driving. The free time in San Martín is perfect for those wanting a taste of local culture and cuisine, though it’s best for those who don’t mind longer days and variable weather.

If you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic day with knowledgeable guides—whether in English or Spanish—and you don’t mind a full itinerary, this tour offers a solid value.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from your hotel in Bariloche is included, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, including travel, stops, exploration, and return.

What lakes will I see?
You will see Nahuel Huapi Lake, Lácar Lake, and others like Espejo, Correntoso, and Villarino.

Can I explore San Martín de los Andes on my own?
Yes, you get about three hours of free time to wander, shop, or eat at your leisure.

Is the guide’s commentary in English?
It depends. Many reviews praise guides like Natalio for their English fluency, but some travelers who paid extra found the tour primarily in Spanish.

What should I bring?
Layers of clothing, a camera, snacks, and some cash for lunch or souvenirs are recommended.

Is this trip suitable in winter?
Yes, but be prepared for cold or snowy weather. Waterproof shoes and warm clothing are essential.

Are the lakes accessible for photos?
Absolutely. Many stops are chosen specifically for their photo-worthy views.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most agree it’s the scenic drive through the lakes and mountains, with stunning vistas that are hard to beat.

Can I expect good value for the price?
Most travelers say yes, especially considering the included transportation, guide, and the opportunity to see multiple lakes and charming towns in one day.

To sum it up, this tour from Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes via the Seven Lakes offers a highly visual experience that showcases some of Argentina’s most beautiful scenery. It’s a good pick for those who enjoy a relaxed pace, expert guiding, and the chance to explore small mountain towns. While there are minor comfort and language considerations, the overall value and the sheer beauty of the landscape make it a tour worth considering for your Patagonia adventure.