From Bariloche: San Martín de los Andes by The 7 Lakes Route

The best part of this day is the road itself. From Bariloche, you follow a string of Patagonian lakes whose surfaces reflect mountains, forests, rock walls, and open sky. Every bend changes the view, and the route gives you a fine first look at the wild country beyond town.

I like the range of scenery, from broad Nahuel Huapi to smaller lakes such as Escondido and Machónico. I also like having a guide and driver handle the long route, especially when the roads are snowy or the weather changes. The main drawback is simple: you spend most of the day sitting in a vehicle, and some departures use a small van with poor window views.

Key points to know before booking

• Seven named lakes: Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico appear along the route.
• A long road day: The advertised duration is about 10 hours and 30 minutes, with much of that time spent driving.
• San Martín stop: You have time for lunch and a look around this lakeside Patagonian town, though the usable free time can feel limited.
• Language matters: The tour may be offered in Spanish and Portuguese or in English. Confirm the language before departure.
• Park fees are extra: Nahuel Huapi National Park and Lanín National Park are each listed at ARS20,000 per person.
• Small-group size: The maximum is 30 people, but some departures use a minibus rather than a full-size coach.

Why the Seven Lakes Route is worth your day

The Camino de los 7 Lagos is one of the great scenic drives near Bariloche. It is not a single dramatic viewpoint followed by a quick return. Instead, it is a long sequence of water, forest, mountain slopes, and roadside stops.

The lakes have different moods. Nahuel Huapi feels broad and open, while Correntoso and Espejo offer closer views of still water and wooded shores. Escondido lives up to its name with a more tucked-away setting. Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico add more changes in color, scale, and surrounding rock.

I would not expect a hiking trip. The standard format is a drive with several short photo stops. That makes it easy for you to see a large area in one day, but it also means you may have only a few minutes at some viewpoints. If you want long walks, quiet time beside the water, or the freedom to stop whenever the view catches your eye, a rental car or private driver may suit you better.

The route is particularly appealing if you have only a few days in Bariloche. You get a wide sample of northern Patagonia without planning roads, fuel, parking, or winter conditions yourself. Guides have also added local context about the area, and past departures led by Rody and Valentin received especially warm praise for clear explanations and a helpful attitude. The guide on your departure may be different.

The morning pickup from Bariloche

The day begins at 8:00 a.m. Hotel transfers are included for hotels in Bariloche to Av. Bustillo Km 8. Pickup times can stretch as the vehicle collects people from several hotels, so do not expect the road trip to begin the instant the clock reaches eight.

This is an important practical point. Some departures have taken until about 9:00 a.m. to finish pickups. That makes an already long day feel longer, particularly if you are placed in the final pickup group.

The vehicle is a major part of the experience. Some people have found the van comfortable, while others have described a small, cramped minibus with limited window views. If you are seated in the last row, the scenery can be frustratingly hard to see. Ask about seating or vehicle size when you book, especially if the main reason you are paying for this trip is the view.

The maximum group size is 30. That is smaller than a large sightseeing coach, but it does not guarantee a roomy vehicle. Your comfort depends on the particular departure.

Three hours among the Seven Lakes

The first major section follows the Seven Lakes Route. The listed route portion lasts about three hours, though the full outing includes the drive from Bariloche, stops, time in San Martín de los Andes, and the return trip.

The road threads through forests and mountain country, with lakes appearing at different angles between bends. At the better viewpoints, you can step out, take photographs, and see how the water picks up the color of the sky and the surrounding slopes.

The official lake list is:

• Nahuel Huapi
• Correntoso
• Espejo
• Escondido
• Villarino
• Falkner
• Hermoso
• Machónico

The route is often called the Seven Lakes Route, but Nahuel Huapi is part of the wider scenery around Bariloche rather than one of the seven lakes in the central list. That is why you may hear eight names during the day.

The stops are not designed for extended sightseeing. In some cases, you may have only a few minutes for photographs. That works well when the weather is clear and you want to cover ground. It is less satisfying when you reach a superb section of road that cannot be explored because the schedule requires the group to move on.

Driving speeds can be low, particularly on winding sections or in snow. That is one reason the day runs long. You should bring patience, a charged phone or camera, and something to occupy you during the quieter stretches. The scenery is the main event, but it does not remain equally dramatic every minute.

Weather can change the rhythm of the day. One departure moved some stops to the afternoon because the morning was cloudy and rainy, then found better views later. The operator requires suitable weather and may offer another date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation.

Arriving at San Martín de los Andes

San Martín de los Andes sits beside Lake Lácar and provides the day’s main town stop. It is a useful change of pace after hours on the road. You can have lunch, walk around the center, and look at the shops and restaurants before returning to Bariloche.

The town is presented as a traditional Patagonian destination, but your time there may not feel as generous as the itinerary wording suggests. The schedule shows a six-hour stop, while several accounts describe roughly two hours in San Martín itself. Ask the operator how much free time you will have on your date, and ask where the vehicle will drop you.

The location of lunch matters. One departure gave people time near the bay but not enough time to walk the five blocks into the town center. If you want shops and streets more than a long meal, keep lunch short and make your priorities clear. You may find several restaurants rather than being limited to one place, but the guide’s suggested venue can shape how much time remains.

San Martín is best treated as a pleasant pause, not the chief reason to book the trip. The real attraction is the route there and back. If your ideal day includes a slow lunch, independent wandering, and browsing local shops, you may feel rushed. If you mainly want a scenic drive with a town stop, the arrangement is more suitable.

The return journey and the cost of a long day

The return leg completes a day of about 10 hours and 30 minutes. Some departures have finished closer to 10 hours, while the exact duration depends on pickup delays, weather, road conditions, and the time spent at stops.

This is where the tour divides people. I see the value in letting someone else drive a demanding route, particularly if you do not want to navigate unfamiliar roads. A good guide can also explain the lakes, local geography, and towns along the way. Guides such as Rody and Valentin have been singled out for warmth and detailed information, while other departures have received less consistent commentary.

At the same time, the trip can feel like one long bus ride with occasional photographs. You might spend nearly the entire day seated except for the viewpoints and time in San Martín. The best scenery is often visible from the road, not from a formal stop, and a crowded viewpoint can reduce the sense of solitude.

The price is listed at $60 per person, which is reasonable if you value hotel pickup, a driver, a bilingual guide, and the convenience of covering the entire route in one day. It is less convincing if your departure uses an uncomfortable minibus or provides little English commentary.

Add the listed park fees: ARS20,000 for Nahuel Huapi National Park and ARS20,000 for Lanín National Park per person. Food, drinks, and other unspecified services are not included. Since currency values change, check the current peso amount before you leave and carry enough for park charges and lunch.

Language can also affect the value. The experience is listed with Spanish and Portuguese or English guide options. Some departures operate in both Spanish and English, which can mean shorter explanations in English. There have also been cases in which an English booking was changed to Spanish shortly before departure. Confirm the language the day before, and keep any message about a change or price difference.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would choose this trip if you want to see the Seven Lakes Route without renting a car. It is a practical fit for:

• First-time visitors with limited time in Bariloche
• People who prefer a guide and arranged transport
• Families and couples who are comfortable with a full day on the road
• Anyone visiting during changeable weather or snowy conditions
• Photographers who value seeing many viewpoints in one outing

I would think twice if you dislike long drives or need frequent movement. The route offers scenery rather than hikes, and the short stops may not satisfy you if you want to sit beside a lake or walk into the forest.

Independent drivers have more control over timing, lunch, viewpoints, and the town center. The tradeoff is that you must handle the route yourself and give up the guide’s local explanation. A private vehicle costs more, but it can solve the main complaints about this tour: fixed stops, limited time, poor seating, and language balance.

Practical ways to improve your day

Reserve as far ahead as you can during busy periods. This experience averages about 38 days of advance booking, which suggests that leaving it until the last moment may not give you the best choice of date or language.

Ask these questions before departure:

• Is the guide speaking English, Spanish, or both?
• Will transport be a minibus or a larger coach?
• How much free time will I have in San Martín?
• Where will lunch take place?
• Can I be dropped in the town center rather than only near the waterfront?

Wear comfortable clothing and bring layers. The day moves between a warm vehicle, cool viewpoints, and possibly wet or snowy conditions. Pack water and snacks because food and drinks are not included, though you will have a chance to buy lunch in San Martín.

Keep expectations realistic. The tour is not a set of long visits to seven separate lakes. It is a scenic road journey with short stops, a town break, and a return drive. Once you understand that format, the experience makes more sense.

Should you book the Bariloche Seven Lakes tour?

Book it if your priority is seeing a broad sweep of Patagonian scenery in one organized day. The lakes are genuinely striking, the route is easy to combine with a Bariloche stay, and a strong guide can make the long drive more meaningful.

Skip it or choose a private alternative if you want comfort, quiet, long photo stops, or a guaranteed English-only experience. Before paying, confirm the guide language, vehicle type, park fees, and actual time in San Martín. Those four details will determine whether $60 feels like a fair price or too much for a day spent mostly on a cramped bus.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and weather cancellations may result in another date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long is the Seven Lakes Route tour from Bariloche?

The advertised duration is approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes. Some departures have taken closer to 10 hours, while pickup delays, weather, and road conditions can make the day longer.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m. Hotel pickups can take time, so your vehicle may not begin the main drive until later.

Is hotel pickup included?

Round-trip transfers are included for hotels in Bariloche to Av. Bustillo Km 8. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement for your hotel when booking.

Which lakes can I see?

The route includes Nahuel Huapi, Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico.

Is lunch included?

No. Food, drinks, and other unspecified services are not included. You have time to choose lunch in San Martín de los Andes.

Are national park fees included?

No. The listed fee is ARS20,000 per person for Nahuel Huapi National Park and ARS20,000 per person for Lanín National Park.

Is the tour available in English?

The experience is offered with Spanish and Portuguese or English guide options. Confirm the language before departure because some departures may use both Spanish and English, and language changes have occurred.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and poor-weather cancellations may result in a new date or a full refund.