Exploring the Camino de los Siete Lagos: An In-Depth Review

If you’re heading to Bariloche and craving a day filled with stunning scenery, charming towns, and some of Argentina’s most iconic lakes, the Camino de los Siete Lagos tour might catch your eye. This bilingual experience (English and Spanish) is priced at around $130 per person, with a duration of about 8 hours. What makes this trip unique is the personalized attention you get from a small group — just up to 10 travelers — with a knowledgeable guide riding along in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan.

Two things that really stand out are the insightful commentary from your guide and the beautiful landscapes you’ll see along the way. The guide helps bring the scenery to life, explaining the history and geography of the route, which is essential when you’re on the move for most of the day. Plus, you’ll get free time in Villa La Angostura for shopping and coffee, and in San Martin de los Andes for lunch and a walk through its distinctive wooden architecture. The natural environment—mountains, lakes, and forests—makes this a day to remember.

On the flip side, a possible drawback is the long hours on the road. One review notes that the trip is mostly about driving, with limited time at each stop, which might feel a bit rushed if you’re hoping for more lake time. Also, since food isn’t included, you’ll want to budget for meals, especially in San Martin de los Andes, which is known for its inviting restaurants.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic drives with expert guidance, appreciate small group settings, and want to explore both natural beauty and local towns without the hassle of planning every detail. If your idea of a perfect day involves a leisurely journey with interesting commentary and manageable group size, this trip might be right up your alley.

Key Points

Personalized Guided Experience: Small group, bilingual guide providing detailed commentary.
Scenic Route: Passes through the most iconic lakes and towns of the region.
Flexible Free Time: Opportunities for shopping in Villa La Angostura and lunch in San Martin.
Long but Comfortable Day: About 8 hours, mainly on a well-equipped minivan.
Limited Lake Time: Some travelers find the drive too long with brief stops.
Cost-Effective: Good value considering the guided service, transport, and scenery.

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A Closer Look at the Camino de los Siete Lagos Tour

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour features an air-conditioned vehicle and a bilingual guide, which significantly enhances the experience. The price, at $130 per person, includes transportation but excludes lunch, so packing snacks or planning a meal in San Martin is wise.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in a minivan, the group is capped at 10 travelers, creating an intimate setting that allows the guide to give more personal attention. The vehicle’s comfort is a plus for such a long day, especially given the 8-hour duration. The pickup service adds convenience, meaning you don’t have to worry about finding the meeting point.

Itinerary Breakdown

Start at San Martin de los Andes: Known for its charming streets and wooden architecture, this town offers a lovely introduction to the region. You’ll have some time here for a quick walk or a coffee before heading back on Route 40.

Crossing the Limay River and Dina Huapi: The journey begins with scenic drives past the Rio Negro and through the northern sector of Nahuel Huapi National Park. Expect views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Patagonia.

Villa La Angostura: A highlight for many — this small town has a colorful shopping center and a peaceful vibe. Here, travelers can stretch their legs, browse local shops, or enjoy a coffee in a picturesque setting.

The Drive Along Route 40: The route takes you past lakes, forests, and mountains. The landscapes are stunning, although some travelers might wish for more stops to enjoy them at a slower pace.

Return through the Cardenal Samoré Pass: This crossing into Chile adds a dash of international flair, though most of the tour stays within Argentina.

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What Travelers Love

Many praise the knowledgeable guide, who makes the scenery come alive with stories and explanations. One reviewer highlighted, “Great guide, caring and knowledgeable,” which shows the value of having a local expert by your side.

The views of the lakes and mountains are consistently described as breathtaking. The drive itself is considered scenic, with the combination of forests, lakes, and mountain peaks making for a memorable backdrop.

What Travelers Are Less Fond Of

Some find the long hours on the road to be a downside, especially if they’re hoping for more lake time or a more relaxed pace. One reviewer said, “This was all about driving, beautiful scenery. Wish we could have more time at the lakes to enjoy.”

Another comment pointed out that the lakes seen are “some of the least impressive because they’re all in one road,” which suggests that if you’re after more iconic or varied scenery, you might want to consider other options.

The Value of the Experience

For $130, you’re paying for a guided tour that offers a convenient way to see the highlights of the Seven Lakes route without the hassle of organizing transport or navigation yourself. The inclusion of a knowledgeable guide adds educational value, and the small group size helps ensure a more personal, less rushed experience.

However, because the tour is primarily about the drive, it’s better suited for those who enjoy scenic road trips and are content with limited stops. If your priority is enjoying the natural beauty of the lakes, you might find the brief visits somewhat lacking. But if you want a guided overview of the region, with the chance to explore charming towns, this tour offers good value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Travelers who appreciate guided excursions and want to learn about the region from a local guide.
Those looking for a comfortable, small-group experience that makes the long drive manageable.
Visitors interested in seeing key towns like Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes.
Anyone who doesn’t mind a full day of travel and is prepared for limited lake time.
Folks who value insightful commentary and want the convenience of transportation included.

Who Might Want to Skip or Look Elsewhere?

Travelers seeking more time at each lake or more in-depth exploration.
People looking for extensive hiking or outdoor activities.
Those who prefer less time on the bus and more time enjoying the scenery at their own pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, giving you a full day of scenic driving, sightseeing, and town visits.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, the trip is conducted in an air-conditioned minivan, suitable for long hours on the road.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included, so plan ahead if you want a meal in San Martin de los Andes or bring snacks.

What’s the group size?
The maximum is 10 travelers, allowing for a more personalized experience and easier interaction with your guide.

What are the main stops?
Stops include San Martin de los Andes for sightseeing and shopping, Villa La Angostura for brief exploration and coffee, and a scenic drive along the lakes and mountains.

Is this tour bilingual?
Yes, the experience is bilingual, with guides speaking both English and Spanish.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

Is this suitable for children or seniors?
Most travelers can participate, but if you’re concerned about long hours or mobility, check with the provider.

Will I get enough time at each stop?
You’ll have some free time but note that much of the day is spent driving. If you want more in-depth exploration of lakes, consider shorter or specialized tours.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve 125 days in advance through Viator, with options for pickup and mobile tickets.

Final Thoughts

The Camino de los Siete Lagos tour offers a solid, guided way to experience some of Argentina’s most scenic lakes and charming towns. While it’s driven mainly by the desire to showcase the region’s natural beauty from the comfort of a vehicle, the presence of an engaging guide makes each stop more meaningful.

It’s particularly well-suited for those who value expert narration and want to avoid the hassle of navigating themselves. The small-group format ensures a more personal experience, though the long hours on the road mean it’s best for travelers comfortable with a full day’s journey. If you’re looking for a scenic overview with some free time in quaint towns, this tour hits the right notes—and the price is reasonable for the convenience and insights offered.

For travelers who prefer more lake time, outdoor activities, or a slower pace, you might want to explore other options. But for a guided, scenic introduction to the Seven Lakes Route, this tour provides good value and memorable views.