Seven lakes make the day feel like a film. This full-day outing strings together a classic hike, big lake views, and a couple of smart breaks in mountain towns.

I love the way the route is built around the Seven Lakes Route, with named lakes you can track as you go. I also like that the tour leans into Nahuel Huapi National Park nature and wildlife, not just pretty water.

One thing to plan for: meals are not included, and you are on a long day (about 10 hours) that ends around 6:30 PM, so come ready to walk.

Key Things You Will Notice on This Tour

• Seven Lakes Route focus with multiple named lake stops, so the day feels structured, not random
• Nahuel Huapi National Park nature talk, guided rather than just sightseeing from the bus
• Villa La Angostura on foot for architecture and an easy change of pace
• Route 40 connections early on, with a scenic drive through the Bariloche area
• San Martín de los Andes free time for your own pace, plus lunch options by the lakefront
• Roundtrip logistics handled with pickup, drop-off, and transport included

Route 40 to the Lakes, and Why the Timing Works

You start early, with pickup from your hotel in Bariloche around 8:00 AM, then head north. The drive takes you through small points like Dina Huapi and the bridge over the Limay River, before you connect with the legendary Route 40.

I like this setup because you are not spending the whole day trapped in transit. You get into the scenery rhythm fairly quickly, and that makes the later walking feel earned instead of rushed.

The tour runs about 10 hours total, and you roll back into Bariloche around 6:30 PM. That means it is a true day trip, not a half-measure.

The Quick Scenic Start: Dina Huapi and the Limay River Bridge

The beginning matters more than you think on a day like this. You pass Dina Huapi and cross the bridge over the Limay River, which gives you your first clear sense of Patagonia scale before the lakes steal the show.

It also helps you mentally shift from city pace to open-road pace. If you like scenery that grows as you move, you will appreciate the early momentum.

This part is also where the tour feels well organized. The schedule keeps you moving, and you are on the road before you can second-guess the plan.

Villa La Angostura Stops: Architecture Breaks on a Walking Day

There is a short stop in Villa La Angostura early on, before the main walking starts. This town is known for its mountain-style architecture and it is a good place to stretch, grab bearings, and walk on foot without committing to the long trek yet.

The tour also includes another stop in Villa La Angostura on the return, so you get a second chance to enjoy the town without it feeling like a rushed checkbox. That repeat stop is a nice trick for pacing. You see more, and you have time to slow down.

If you prefer day tours that mix walking with human-scale town breaks, this portion is a big plus.

The Seven Lakes Route Walk: Espejo to Lácar in One Long Thread

Now for the star of the day. After Villa La Angostura, you start walking a path surrounded by mountains and lakes, with stops along the way to experience it fully.

This is where you get the named highlights, in a sequence that helps you understand what you are looking at:

• Espejo Lake
• Correntoso Lake
• Villarino Lake
• Falkner
• Escondido Lake
• Machónico Lake
• Lácar Lake

I like this list because it gives the day structure. When you have names to connect to views, you remember the experience later, instead of just thinking, “Pretty water everywhere.”

Also, the tour is framed around Nahuel Huapi National Park. That means your guide is there to point out nature and wildlife, not just lead you along. Even if you are not a hardcore bird-and-botanics person, this guided angle keeps the walking from turning into a silent plod.

Practical note: since you are walking most of the day, you will enjoy it much more with comfortable footwear and layers you can adjust. The route runs through open-air areas where weather can change your mood fast.

Espejo, Correntoso, and Villarino: When the Lakes Start to Feel Different

The first lakes you hit set expectations. Espejo Lake gives you a classic mirror-like view vibe, then the sequence shifts to Correntoso Lake and Villarino Lake, where the character of the water and the surrounding slopes start to feel distinct rather than repetitive.

This is a common issue on lake routes: by the second or third stop, you can feel like you are repeating the same photo. The tour helps you avoid that by keeping the stops moving and named, so every pause has a purpose.

During these early sections, it is worth looking beyond the water. Notice how the mountains shape the sightlines. That is what makes each lake segment feel like its own moment.

Falkner, Escondido, Machónico, and Lácar: The Part That Makes the Effort Worth It

As you progress, Falkner, Escondido, Machónico, and finally Lácar Lake are the payoff sequence. By this point, you have already been walking long enough that the views stop feeling like scenery and start feeling like reward.

This is also where the guided nature talk usually matters most. The highlight calls out wildlife and nature in Nahuel Huapi National Park, and by mid-to-late walk your attention is sharper, so those explanations land better.

If you are taking a quick glance and moving on, you will miss the point. Try to slow down for a few minutes at each named stop, even if you do not stay long.

San Martín de los Andes: Free Time, Lunch by the Lake, and Your Pace

At the end of the main route walk, you arrive in San Martín de los Andes and you get free time to explore. You also have time for lunch in front of the lake.

Meals are not included, so you will want to plan to pay for food yourself. The benefit of the setup is you can choose what fits you: a sit-down meal, a lighter lunch, or something quick while you enjoy the lakefront.

Free time is also your chance to adjust. Maybe you want a longer pause, maybe you want to move more. The tour gives you that control, instead of a fixed lunch plan.

Returning the Same Path: The Trade-Off You Should Know

You head back along the same path after lunch and the San Martín time. That is the trade-off of this route: the hike is “one thread” both ways, so you are retracing steps rather than doing a loop.

The good news is that you see the lakes twice. The light can shift, and your perspective changes when you are heading back, already tired, but more focused.

The downside is simple: it extends your time on foot. If you are hoping for a walking tour with lots of bus segments and minimal exertion, this one may feel like a full commitment.

Price and Value: Why It Costs What It Costs

The price is listed at $65 per person, with a 10-hour day. What you are buying is more than a viewpoint. You are getting roundtrip transport between Bariloche and the Seven Lakes area, pickup and drop-off, and a tour guide.

That matters because the route is spread out: you are not just hopping between two close stops. Transport and coordination are part of the value, especially when the pickup is handled from hotels in Bariloche (or a nearby meeting point if you are outside the route).

Meals are not included, so factor that into your budget. Still, for a guided, long scenic day with both walking time and lake-town stops, the overall value tends to make sense.

What the Best Feedback Tends to Emphasize

The most repeated strengths from the experience are simple and useful. People praise how well organized the day feels, and how smoothly the group is run from pickup to return.

Another major plus is the guide. A named example that comes up is Stella, who is described as attentive and good at explaining the region. That kind of guidance pays off on a hike like this, because it turns your stops into understanding, not just photos.

Comfort also shows up in the feedback, including a mention of a comfortable bus. For a 10-hour outing, that kind of practical comfort is not a small detail.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Skip It)

Book it if you want a full day that mixes walking with real named scenery. You’ll like the structure of the Seven Lakes Route, the town pauses in Villa La Angostura, and the free time in San Martín de los Andes.

Skip it if you want a lighter experience with minimal walking. The tour’s heart is a long path through mountains and lakes, and the return follows the same plan.

It is a solid choice for couples, solo travelers, and families old enough to handle a day trek, as long as everyone is comfortable with long hours and meal planning since food is not included.

Should You Book San Martín de los Andes por 7 Lagos?

If you like day trips where the walking has a payoff, this is an easy yes. The combination of Seven Lakes Route names, the Nahuel Huapi National Park nature focus, and well-handled logistics from Bariloche creates good value for a single-price day.

If you are unsure, base your decision on one question: are you ready for about 10 hours with a walking-heavy core? If your answer is yes, you will probably come home with more than just photos, you will come home with a route you can actually remember.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts from your hotel in Bariloche at 8:00 AM.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 10 hours.

Is pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup is included from hotels in Bariloche. If your address is not within the route, you will get a meeting point as close to your accommodation as possible. Drop-off is also included.

Is there a live tour guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes, there is a live tour guide who speaks Spanish.

Which lakes are included on the Route of the Seven Lakes?

You stop at Espejo Lake, Correntoso Lake, Villarino Lake, Falkner, Escondido Lake, Machónico Lake, and Lácar Lake.

Do I get lunch included?

Meals are not included, but you will have time for lunch in San Martín de los Andes in front of the lake.

What is the return time to Bariloche?

You arrive back in Bariloche at approximately 6:30 PM.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

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