Seven lakes, one long day of views. This full-day trip strings together National Route 40 and the Camino de los 7 Lagos, plus big nature stops inside Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks. You start in Bariloche, drive north through picture-perfect water and forest scenes, then end in San Martín de los Andes on Lake Lácar.

I really like how the route keeps rewarding you. You get time in Villa La Angostura, then you hit the series of lakes like Correntoso, Espejo, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, and Machónico, where every bend seems to change the view. I also appreciate the guide-led focus, with real human energy. In past trips, guides like Gonçalo, Valentín, and Rodi have been called out for explaining the region in a friendly, attentive way.

One thing to plan for: this is a 630-minute day. Between driving and stops, you will be seated for a while, and lunch is not included, so bring a realistic food budget and wear comfortable clothes.

Key points at a glance

• National Route 40 gives you classic road trip scenery without needing to drive yourself
• Camino de los 7 Lagos hits seven named lakes, with views that shift at every turn
• Villa La Angostura is a scenic break that feels like a storybook mountain town
• Isla Corazón and Pampa Linda are the kind of viewpoints where you stop for photos and a breather
• Ventisquero Negro (Living Nature and Unique Glaciers) brings you face to face with glacier drama
• San Martín de los Andes on Lake Lácar gives you actual town time, not just a quick pass-through

Route 40 from Bariloche: Your day starts with a real pickup

This tour is set up like a classic long excursion: you start in Bariloche and return the same way. The important practical detail is where you meet. Pickup is included from central Bariloche hotels to Av. Bustillo Km 8. If your hotel is not included, the provider contacts you to tell you the closest meeting hotel. Then you wait in the lobby for your guide.

Why I think this matters: it keeps the day simple. Route 40 is stunning, but getting yourself into the right lane, timing your parking, and managing a full-day self-drive can turn into stress. Here, you can just show up, get on board, and let someone else handle the logistics.

The day is guided in Spanish, Portuguese, or English depending on your option. That is a big deal because this region has a lot of place names and natural features, and it is much more fun when someone can put them in context while you are actually looking at them.

Puerto Manzano and Villa La Angostura: the calm before the seven-lake spectacle

After departing Bariloche along National Route 40 to the north, the drive quickly turns into “okay, wow” scenery. One early stop is Puerto Manzano, described as serene. This kind of pause is valuable. You get a moment to stretch, look around, and shake off that first phase of travel before the route starts stacking up its best scenes.

Then you arrive at Villa La Angostura, a mountain village known for being picturesque and cozy. You are not only passing through it like a checkpoint. The plan includes time in the town area before you move on to the Camino de los 7 Lagos.

If you like travel days that feel varied, this stop helps. It breaks up the drive with a place you can walk around. And because Villa La Angostura sits in the same broader Patagonian rhythm as the rest of the trip, it still feels connected, not like an unrelated detour.

The Camino de los 7 Lagos: seven names, endless view changes

This is the heart of the day. The Camino de los 7 Lagos is where the water and the mountains do most of the talking. You do not just see one lake and call it done. You go through a sequence of seven, each with its own character.

Here are the lakes you will encounter along the way:

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

What makes this section special is the repetition with variation. The lakes reflect mountains and surrounding forests, and the views shift as the road bends. So you are not watching the exact same postcard over and over. Instead, you get a rhythm: stop, look, listen to what the guide points out, take photos, then move on to the next reflection.

A practical tip: bring a camera strap you can trust and plan for quick stops. You will likely want to switch between wide shots (lake and mountains together) and tighter shots that catch the way the water mirrors the sky and tree line.

Also, expect the day to feel scenic rather than rushed in this segment. The route is doing the work for you. You are essentially following a curated line of viewpoints where nature keeps doing its best effects.

Isla Corazón and Pampa Linda: viewpoints that reward being a bit patient

Two viewpoint stops you should be ready for are Isla Corazón and Pampa Linda. These names matter because they are not random “lookout points.” They are the kind of places where you pause to take in the scale of the region.

Why you will probably enjoy them: road trips can blur together when you are staring out the window the whole time. Viewpoints fix that. You get a cleaner moment to absorb a panorama, even if it is just for a few minutes. And in the Andes and Patagonia, those minutes are never wasted. The sky changes, the light shifts, and the details you missed from the road suddenly become obvious once you are standing still.

Bring comfortable layers. Even if the day feels bright, higher viewpoints can stay cooler than you expect.

Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks, Ventisquero Negro glacier moment

The drive runs through some of the region’s most protected areas. You will pass through Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks, where nature shows off its full range.

One standout experience in this category is Ventisquero Negro, highlighted as part of Living Nature and Unique Glaciers. This is the kind of stop that shifts your perspective. Instead of only thinking about lakes and forests, you get a glacier feature that feels powerful and a bit dramatic.

Even if you are not a “glacier person,” you will probably react to the sheer look of it. The value here is that it breaks the day into two different types of awe: the calm reflection of the lakes and the cool, massive presence of ice.

If you tend to rush through sights, slow down on this one. Look, then look again. Glacier scenery holds detail, and your photos will improve the second time you notice what is happening in the edges and textures.

San Martín de los Andes on Lake Lácar: town time you can actually use

After the long scenic drive, you finally reach San Martín de los Andes on the shores of peaceful Lake Lácar. This is not a drive-by destination in this tour. You get time to explore the city center.

You also get lunch time, with lunch in one of the town’s picturesque restaurants. Since food is not included, this is where you decide how you want to spend your time and budget. If you like trying one local meal without committing to a fancy splurge, this is a good moment to do it.

One more reason I like ending on Lake Lácar: it is a calmer finish compared to the nonstop camera stops earlier. You can wander, slow your pace, and soak in the Patagonian town vibe while your legs recover from the long day.

The return drive: why seeing it twice helps

The tour returns along the same route. At first, that can sound like repetition. In practice, it usually works in your favor.

You get a second chance to notice details you missed the first time. Maybe the first pass was all about getting the big photos. On the way back, you might appreciate the small changes in reflections, tree cover, and light. Also, it is less tiring than trying to self-navigate, because the route is already planned.

If you are the type who likes to keep a short travel journal, this return segment is a good time. You can remember each named lake and tie it to a moment. That is how one day turns into a set of clear memories instead of a blur.

Price and value: what $153 actually buys you

The price is $153 per person for a 630-minute day. On paper, that might sound like a “road trip tax.” But when you look at what is included, it starts to make sense.

What you get included:

• Round-trip transfers between central Bariloche hotels and Av. Bustillo Km 8
• A tourist guide, available in Spanish, Portuguese, or English depending on your option

What you do not get included:

• Food, beverages, and other unspecified services

So you are paying for the guided, long-distance structure, not for meals. For many visitors, that is exactly the value equation. Driving yourself for a full day through Route 40 and the Camino de los 7 Lagos would take effort, planning, and coordination. Here, your biggest friction point is removed.

I also think the guide is part of the value even if you do not speak perfect Spanish. In the reviews, guides like Gonçalo, Valentín, and Rodi have been praised for being attentive and for explaining the region. That kind of guidance helps you understand what you are seeing when the views get intense.

If you are on a tight schedule and want the “big hits” without renting a car, this is a strong option.

Who should book, and who might prefer something else

This tour is a great fit if:

• You want to see the Route 40 and Camino de los 7 Lagos highlights in one full day
• You like guided stops and named features, like Isla Corazón, Pampa Linda, and Ventisquero Negro
• You want town time in San Martín de los Andes, not just nature viewing
• You prefer not to manage driving and parking on your own

You might want to choose another approach if:

• You dislike long seated travel days, because 630 minutes is a full commitment
• You are strict about meals being included, since food is not part of the package

Simple rule: if your idea of a good day is scenic driving with planned viewpoint breaks, you will likely enjoy this.

Practical packing notes for a day this long

This is not a hiking-only excursion, but it is still a full-day outdoors experience. Wear comfortable clothes and plan for changing conditions from low elevation town areas to higher viewpoints.

Also, think about snacks. Lunch is part of the day, but you are choosing and paying for it. Having a small snack strategy can help you avoid hunger turning your attention away from the views.

Finally, charge your phone and camera before you depart Bariloche. Long drives can eat battery fast, especially if you keep checking maps or using camera apps for reflections.

Should you book this tour?

I would book it if you want a guided, efficient way to experience the Route 40 magic and the named lakes of the Camino de los 7 Lagos, with a glacier stop like Ventisquero Negro added for variety. The best part is how the day is paced across different types of scenery: serene lakes, viewpoint breaks, and a glacier moment, then a calmer finish at Lake Lácar.

Skip it only if you know you want a shorter day or you prefer to control your own driving schedule. If that is you, renting a car might feel more satisfying.

If you can handle a long day and you are okay paying for meals separately, this tour looks like strong value for the amount of iconic Patagonian scenery you get.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The duration is 630 minutes, so plan for a full day.

What is the starting point and pickup arrangement in Bariloche?

Pickup is included from central hotels in Bariloche to Av. Bustillo Km 8. If your hotel is not included, the provider contacts you with the closest meeting hotel.

What languages are available for the guide?

The tour guide is available in Spanish and Portuguese, or English, depending on the option you choose.

Which places and viewpoints does the tour include?

You will travel along the Route of the 7 Lakes, including viewpoints such as Isla Corazón and Pampa Linda, and you will also have a stop to contemplate Ventisquero Negro. You also visit Villa La Angostura and arrive in San Martín de los Andes on Lake Lácar.

Is food or drinks included?

No. Food, beverages, and other services not specified are not included.

Will I have time to explore San Martín de los Andes?

Yes. Once you arrive in San Martín de los Andes, you will have time to explore the city center, and you can enjoy lunch in the town.

Does the tour include round-trip transfers?

Yes. Transfers are included from and to hotels in Bariloche to Av. Bustillo Km 8.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable clothes.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can I book and pay later?

Yes. There is a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book your spot and pay nothing today.