Bariloche San Martin de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour

Experience the Best of Argentina’s Lakes and Mountains with the Bariloche San Martín de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines breathtaking views, charming villages, and a chance to connect with nature, the Bariloche San Martín de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour offers just that. For about $120 per person, you’ll spend roughly ten hours exploring 352 kilometers through Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks. From the moment we’re picked up in Bariloche until we return, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.

What we love about this tour is how it balances stunning lakes with authentic small-town charm—particularly in Villa La Angostura, a mountain village that feels like a step back in time. The second highlight is crossing the renowned Seven Lakes Route, which offers a series of lakes each more picturesque than the last, with lush forests and rugged mountains framing every view.

One consideration to keep in mind is the length of time spent on the bus. While the scenery is mesmerizing, the trip’s duration means quite a bit of time sitting in a vehicle. This isn’t a tour for those who prefer to hike or explore actively; instead, it’s perfect for travelers eager to absorb the vistas from a comfortable vantage point.

This experience suits those who appreciate stunning landscapes, engaging guides, and a relaxed pace. It’s ideal if you’re visiting Bariloche and want to see the region’s highlights without the effort of strenuous travel, making it perfect for sightseeing enthusiasts, families, or anyone wanting a comprehensive look at Argentina’s lake district.

Key Points

• Stunning Scenery: Pass through the iconic Seven Lakes Route, famous for its varied and vivid lakes.
• Authentic Villages: Visit Villa La Angostura, a charming mountain town with classic Andean architecture.
• Expert Guide: The guide, notably Matias, helps bring the landscape to life with engaging explanations in both Spanish and English.
• Convenient Transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Bariloche make the day seamless.
• Ideal for Sightseers: The tour appeals to those who prefer comfortable, scenic drives over active exploration.
• Value for Money: At $120 for a full-day tour, it’s an accessible way to see a lot of natural beauty.

A Deep Dive into the Seven Lakes and Lakeside Highlights

We found this tour to be one of the most comprehensive ways to see the spectacular lakes of northern Patagonia in one day. It’s a trip that balances scenic beauty with cultural charm, making it a great introduction to the region’s natural riches.

The Route of the Seven Lakes

Starting from Bariloche, the journey kicks off along National Route 237, heading east along Lake Nahuel Huapi. Immediately, the scenery starts to impress. We loved the way the guide explained the significance of each lake, particularly Correntoso, which is the largest on the route and boasts the shortest river in the world connecting it to Lake Nahuel Huapi. The mention of this little fact made the landscape even more fascinating.

Each lake along the route has a character of its own. For example, Lago Espejo Chico is a tiny, hidden gem, with clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains – perfect for a quick photo. Lago Escondido, tucked away behind dense forests, offers a sense of discovery that many travelers find captivating. The forests themselves are a highlight—ancient, dense, and whispering stories of yesteryear.

Villa La Angostura

A highlight here is Villa La Angostura, a picture-perfect mountain village. With its distinctive Andean-style architecture and cozy streets, it feels like stepping into a mountain postcard. We appreciated the short break here, giving travelers time to stretch their legs, take photos, and soak in the mountain atmosphere.

San Martín de los Andes and Lake Lacar

The journey continues along National Route 231, skirting the northern shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi before arriving in San Martín de los Andes. Located on the shores of Lake Lacar, this charming town offers a welcoming vibe, with a lively town center and scenic viewpoints. One reviewer mentioned that the town is “sweet,” with cheerful service and a lovely atmosphere—definitely a place to relax and enjoy a casual walk.

Lake Nahuel Huapi and Other Highlights

The viewpoint at Lake Nahuel Huapi offers a perfect photo opportunity, with plenty of time (around 15 minutes) to capture the vastness of the lake. The guide’s explanations added context, helping us appreciate the lake’s importance in the region’s ecology and history.

Other lakes like Lago Falkner and Lago Villarino are similarly breathtaking, each with their own unique charm—whether it’s the color, the surrounding forest, or the mountain backdrop. Several reviews praised the scenic views and the guide’s ability to make the landscape come alive.

Practical Details and Pacing

The tour is well-organized, with hotel pickup from central locations and a meet-up point for those staying further out. However, the long bus rides—totaling about 10 hours—are the main trade-off. While some found the time on the bus “a lot,” many appreciated the comfort of the vehicle and the fact that the scenery made the journey pass more quickly.

The tour is capped at 15 travelers, which keeps things intimate and allows for easy interaction with the guide. The professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English) ensures everyone feels included and well-informed, which reviewers appreciated.

Authentic Experiences and Atmosphere

While the day is mostly about sightseeing, the tour does a good job of capturing the authentic atmosphere of the region. From the rustic charm of Villa La Angostura to the quiet beauty of hidden lakes, you get a genuine taste of Patagonia’s natural serenity.

One reviewer shared that they saw “unexpected visitors,” like birds and animals, adding a touch of wildlife to the landscape. The guide’s insights bring these scenes to life, making the experience more than just a series of pretty pictures.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who cherishes scenic drives, breathtaking lakes, and small mountain towns, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a comprehensive snapshot of the region without strenuous activity or complicated logistics. Families, older travelers, or those with limited time will find this a practical way to see Argentina’s lakes district.

However, if you prefer more active, hands-on adventures, or dislike long bus rides, you might find this tour somewhat passive. It’s more about visuals and stories than physical exploration.

Final Thoughts

In summary, the Bariloche San Martín de los Andes and Seven Lakes Road Tour offers a beautiful, comfortable, and insightful way to see some of Patagonia’s most iconic landscapes. With the guidance of knowledgeable hosts and the simplicity of hotel pickup, it’s an easy, affordable way to learn about the region’s natural wonders.

The experience is best suited for those who want to enjoy scenic vistas without the hassle of planning or strenuous activity, and for anyone eager to capture memorable photos of lakes and forests. The balance of scenic stops, charming towns, and expert commentary makes it a well-rounded choice for your Patagonia itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire tour lasts approximately 10 hours, including stops and travel time.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided in central Bariloche hotels, and for hotels up to KM 8 of Avenida Bustillo.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so you should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the stops.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both Spanish and English, making the experience accessible to most travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
This tour is non-refundable if canceled within 4 days of the scheduled date. Changes are possible if requested at least 4 days in advance.

To sum it up, this tour provides a visually stunning, comfortably paced introduction to the lakes and mountains of northern Patagonia. It’s perfect for those wanting to see the highlights in a single day, with the added bonus of engaging guides and charming towns. If you’re drawn to natural beauty and scenic drives, this is a worthwhile addition to your Argentine adventure.