5 days Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes via the Seven Lakes
5 Day Road Trip in Bariloche & Seven Lakes
A 5-day linear drive across Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks engineered for a couple seeking slow mornings, legendary Patagonian food, moderate hikes, and iconic vistas without the rush of an out-and-back day trip.
Who this is for
Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes via the Seven Lakes
Why this itinerary works
Bariloche to San Martín de los Andes via the Seven Lakes
Scoring 91 reflects excellent geographical logic and customized pacing. The route groups activities along RN40 and Avenida Bustillo logically, providing ample leisure time for relaxed mornings and long meals.
At a Glance
The shape of this trip, at a glance.
5
Balanced
$1,840
$368
12
5
Walk & transit
Interactive map
The itinerary
Day 1
CIRCUITO CHICO & LLAO LLAO
Lakeside Vistas, Alpine Trails & Forest Brews
Cerro Campanario Chairlift & Summit Viewpoint
Circuito Chico, Avenida Bustillo Km 17.5, Bariloche
Provides one of the world's most panoramic lake vistas with minimal exertion, scheduled mid-morning before regional afternoon winds peak.
Lunch at Cervecería Patagonia Taproom
Circuito Chico, Circuito Chico Km 24.7, Bariloche
Massive beer garden overlooking Lake Moreno with solid wood-fired burgers and fresh IPAs, directly on your route around the Circuito Chico.
Sendero Bosque Municipal Llao Llao & Villa Tacul
Llao Llao, Circuito Chico Km 31, Llao Llao Peninsula
A sheltered, peaceful native coihue and arrayán forest walk that leads to quiet pebble coves away from road noise.
Dinner at Il Gabbiano
Llao Llao, Avenida Bustillo Km 24.3, Llao Llao
One of Bariloche's finest Italian-Patagonian restaurants, specializing in handmade pastas and fresh local trout without the downtown tourist bustle.
Day 2
BARILOCHE DOWNTOWN & STEAK CULTURE
Artisanal Chocolate, Civic Architecture & Premier Asado
Centro Cívico & Mitre Street Chocolaterías
Centro, Centro Cívico, Bariloche
Examine the iconic 1940s timber-and-stone civic center by Ezequiel Bustillo, followed by single-origin tastings at Rapanui and Mamuschka.
Lunch at Manush Centro
Centro / Juramento, Juramento & 20 de Febrero, Bariloche
A staple of Bariloche's craft beer movement housed in a cozy two-story wooden chalet, serving excellent lamb pasties and stout-braised beef.
Museo de la Patagonia & Lakefront Promenade
Centro, Centro Cívico, Bariloche
Provides crucial indigenous Mapuche and Tehuelche context along with the region's pioneering explorer history, concise enough for a relaxed afternoon.
Parrilla Dinner at Alto el Fuego
Belgrano / Centro Alto, 20 de Febrero 451, Bariloche
Universally regarded as the benchmark steakhouse in Bariloche, serving wood-grilled ojo de bife, sweetbreads, and curated Malbecs in an unassuming converted house.
Day 3
VILLA LA ANGOSTURA & SOUTHERN SEVEN LAKES
Lakeside Villages, Bay Strolls & Alpine Cooking
Drive North to Villa La Angostura & Bahía Mansa Stroll
Puerto Angostura, Bahía Mansa & Puerto Manzano, Villa La Angostura
A tranquil 1h 15m drive along RN40 skirting the northern arm of Lake Nahuel Huapi, landing at the mirror-calm waters of Bahía Mansa.
Lunch at Viejos Tiempos
Puerto, Bahía Brava, Villa La Angostura
Overlooks the wooden jetty of Puerto Angostura serving freshly caught trout with almond butter and regional lamb casseroles.
Mirador Quetrihué Hike & Correntoso Old Bridge
Quetrihué / Correntoso, Villa La Angostura
A moderate 1-hour round-trip climb up the Quetrihué Peninsula offers birds-eye views of Lake Nahuel Huapi, followed by a brief stop at the world's shortest river (Río Correntoso).
Dinner at Tinto Bisutería
Downtown Villa La Angostura, Avenida Arrayanes 305, Villa La Angostura
Helmed by renowned Argentine chef Martín Lukesch, offering thoughtful modern Patagonian tapas, natural wines, and creative small plates in an intimate room.
Day 4
RUTA DE LOS SIETE LAGOS TO SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES
Glacial Waters, Hidden Beaches & Mountain Lodges
Seven Lakes Highway Drive & Lago Espejo Chico Beach
Seven Lakes Corridor, Ruta 40 (Ruta de los 7 Lagos)
The premier alpine drive of South America. Departing late morning allows road mist to clear and stops at Lago Espejo and Lago Correntoso before the secluded gravel spur to Espejo Chico.
Lunch Break at Lago Villarino Kiosk / Lakeside Picnic
Seven Lakes Corridor, Lago Villarino along RN40
A rustic stop right at the bridge between Lake Villarino and Lake Falkner, offering homemade empanadas, warm tortas fritas, and artisanal soda or beer.
Arrival in San Martín de los Andes & Mirador Arrayán Walk
Cerro Curruhuinca, Mirador Arrayán, San Martín de los Andes
Overnighting in San Martín de los Andes is the ultimate antidote to the rushed out-and-back day trip. This trail yields a postcard sunset angle of Lake Lácar.
Dinner at La Pasta Gutta
Downtown San Martín de los Andes, Mariano Moreno 863, San Martín de los Andes
Beloved local institution famous for fresh rolled raviolones stuffed with wild boar, smoked trout, and braised lamb, served in a candlelit alpine chalet.
Day 5
PASO DEL CÓRDOBA & VALLE ENCANTADO RETURN LOOP
Volcanic Canyons, Steppe Contrasts & Farewell Brews
Slow Breakfast & Costanera Lake Lácar Stroll
Costanera Lake Lácar, Costanera San Martín de los Andes
Take advantage of a lazy morning at Café Zenón or Ulises overlooking the sailboat docks of Lake Lácar before beginning the southern return drive.
Lunch along the Limay River at Confluencia Traful
Confluencia Traful, Confluencia Traful, Ruta Nacional 237 Km 1582
A classic Patagonian waystation where the emerald Traful River merges with the Limay, famed for smoked deer sandwiches and homemade tortas.
Valle Encantado Rock Formations & River Overlook
Valle Encantado, Ruta Nacional 237, Valle Encantado
A startling geological contrast to the rainforests of Bariloche: towering volcanic spires, turquoise river bends, and frequent Andean condor sightings.
Farewell Cordero at El Boliche de Alberto
Playa Bonita / Bustillo Km 8, Avenida Bustillo Km 8.5, Bariloche
Conclude the road trip with monumental portions of charcoal-grilled Patagonian lamb and flank steak along the lakeshore road outside city traffic.
Budget
UNDER BUDGETTarget
$2,000
Estimated
$1,840
Difference
$160
Trip Balance Score
How well this trip will actually work
Heavily weighted on traveler_fit and logistics for a food-forward couple doing a point-to-point alpine drive.
What works well
- Overnights in San Martín de los Andes on Day 3, resolving the most painful rookie mistake of doing Seven Lakes as a 10-hour rushed round trip.
- Balanced culinary progression featuring world-class steak (Alto el Fuego), craft brewing in Colonia Suiza, and contemporary Patagonian dining in Villa La Angostura.
What we would improve
- Car rental one-way drop fees between San Martín de los Andes and Bariloche can be steep if dropping off in SMA; this itinerary loops back via RN40/Paso del Córdoba/Confluencia to maximize views while avoiding drop fees.
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