Villa Traful and Sunken Forest from Bariloche: full day excursion
A full day on the southern section of the Seven Lakes Road to Villa Traful, a quiet village on the shores of one of the clearest lakes in the region. The route passes by the viewpoints of Mirror Lake and the Lake Correntoso before reaching the destination.
In Villa Traful, anyone who wants to can add the navigation to the Sunken Forest, A cypress forest that was submerged after a flood and is still visible from the surface. It is a optional activity, which is paid for separately and lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The day is about 10 hours and of low difficultyAlmost the entire route is by vehicle, with stops on foot at the viewpoints and free time in the town.
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Itinerary
Villa Traful Itinerary
The day begins early with pick-up from your accommodation in San Carlos de Bariloche and heads north on Route 40 towards Villa La Angostura, where there's a brief rest stop. From there, you take the southern section of the Seven Lakes Road to Villa Traful. The total trip takes about 10 hours, with the return journey via Routes 65 and 237. The exact time will be confirmed upon booking.
Pick-up at your accommodation
Early departure from Bariloche
Route 40 towards Villa La Angostura
Brief technical stop in the village
Miradores del Espejo and el Correntoso
Southern section of the Seven Lakes Trail
Villa Traful
Free time in the village and on the coast
Navigation to the Sunken Forest
Optional, payable separately
Return to Bariloche
Via routes 65 and 237
Included in the tourOptional activity not includedThe southern section of the Seven Lakes
The first section climbs towards Villa La Angostura and from there follows the southern part of the famous Seven Lakes Road. The viewpoints of... Mirror Lake, so still that it reflects the hills like a mirror, and of Lake Correntoso, It is connected to Nahuel Huapi by the Correntoso River, one of the shortest rivers in the world. These are brief stops, for looking around and taking photos.
Villa Traful
Villa Traful is a small, peaceful town on the shores of the lake of the same name, surrounded by forest and mountains. It has a distinct character compared to more touristy destinations: fewer people, a relaxed pace, and a lake with crystal-clear waters. There's plenty of free time to explore the town, stroll along the shore, or, weather permitting, relax on the beach with views of the lake and the mountains.
The Sunken Forest
The lake's most unique attraction is the Sunken Forest: a cypress forest submerged after a flood decades ago, which, thanks to Lake Traful's transparency, is still visible from the surface. It can be reached by a semi-rigid boat trip of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is an optional activity that must be booked and paid for separately and is not included in the tour price.
The boat trip to the Sunken Forest is optional and not included: it's paid separately in Villa Traful and is subject to lake conditions that day. Meals are also not included, so it's best to bring your own food or cash to eat in town. If you're interested in the boat trip, please let us know when you book so we can coordinate the timings.
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Information to keep in mind
The Villa Traful excursion costs from $80,000 ARS per person and can be booked directly with us, a local operator in Bariloche, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.
Here's everything you need to know in detail:
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Tour Details
Duration
10 hoursIt's a full-day excursion. The pick-up time is confirmed upon booking.Difficulty level
LowAlmost the entire route is by vehicle. Stops at viewpoints and in the town are on foot, at your own pace.Age
Suitable for all agesIt's a long drive. It's worth considering with very young children. -
Requirements and restrictions
No prior experience or special physical condition is necessary. However, keep in mind that it's a several-hour mountain road with winding roads, so anyone prone to motion sickness should bring medication. It's important to respect the meeting time indicated by the guide at each stop. If you'd like to take the boat trip to the Sunken Forest, please mention this when booking and bring cash, as payment is made in Villa Traful.
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Recommendations
Bring layers of clothing and a windbreaker: it's often windy at the viewpoints even on a beautiful day, and it gets chilly on the water if you choose to go boating. Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Bring a camera with a fully charged battery, because Espejo and Correntoso offer some of the best views in the area. Also pack water, snacks, and cash for lunch and the optional boat trip.
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Includes
- Transfer to and from your accommodation in Bariloche.
- Bilingual tour guide throughout the tour.
- Stops at the viewpoints of Lake Espejo and Lake Correntoso.
- Free time in Villa Traful.
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Does not include
- Navigation to the Sunken Forest, which is optional and paid for separately in Villa Traful.
- Food and drinks. It's advisable to bring your own food or cash.
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Climatic Conditions
- The land excursion proceeds normally regardless of weather conditions. Rain and wind are common in Patagonia and are part of the experience.
- The optional boat trip to the Sunken Forest depends on the lake conditions: in strong winds it may be suspended for safety reasons.
- In winter, if the Road Authority restricts any section of the Seven Lakes Road due to snow, the departure may be rescheduled.
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Cancellation policy
Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the service are free of charge and 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the service will incur a penalty of 100% of the total amount, with no refund.
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Route
Villa Traful
A relaxing day trip through the southern Seven Lakes region to Villa Traful, with the option of sailing over the Sunken Forest.
Book your place on the excursion to Villa Traful
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the boat trip to the Sunken Forest included?
No. It's an optional activity that you book and pay for separately, directly in Villa Traful. It lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes and is done in a semi-rigid boat. If you're interested, let us know when you book so we can coordinate the schedule, and please bring cash.
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What is the Sunken Forest?
It's a cypress forest that was submerged after a flood decades ago. Because Lake Traful has very clear water, the trunks are still visible from the surface. It's the lake's most unique attraction and can only be reached by boat.
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Is the transfer from Bariloche included?
Yes. The tour includes transportation to and from your accommodation in Bariloche, with a bilingual guide throughout the tour.
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How does it differ from the Circuito Grande?
He Large Circuit This tour creates a loop that passes through Villa Traful without lingering, along with the Enchanted Valley and other points of interest. This excursion, on the other hand, has Villa Traful as its destination: it arrives, offers free time, and includes a boat trip to the Sunken Forest. If you're interested in the town and the lake, this is the one for you.
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Is there anywhere to eat or do we need to bring our own food?
Villa Traful has some dining options, even though it's a small town. Meals aren't included, so you can either pay there with cash or bring your own food and enjoy the lakeside.
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Is the excursion cancelled due to rain?
The land portion of the trip proceeds without issue, even in the rain. However, the optional boat trip is weather dependent: strong winds on the lake may cause it to be canceled for safety reasons. In winter, if a section of the road is closed due to snow, the trip may be rescheduled.
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Similar tours that might interest you
Large Circuit
Full day trip to Villa Traful and Villa La Angostura, with transfer from Bariloche
Villa La Angostura and Cerro Bayo
Full day in the Garden of Patagonia, with a stop at Cerro Bayo
San Martín de los Andes and the Seven Lakes Route
Complete the Seven Lakes Route in one day, with transfer included
Which one to choose? The excursions to the north
Various routes through the lakes and villages area
| Villa Traful | Large Circuit | Villa La Angostura | San Martín and Siete Lagos | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏘 Destination | Villa Traful | Ring road through Villa Traful and La Angostura | Villa La Angostura | San Martín de los Andes |
| ⏱ Duration | 10 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 10 a.m. | 11 a.m. |
| 🚤 Water activity | Sunken Forest, optional | No | Optional lifting equipment | No |
| 📍 Rhythm | Relax, one destination | Several points during the day | A town with time | Long scenic drive |
| 💰 Price from | $80,000 ARS | $100,000 ARS | $110,000 ARS | $120,000 ARS |
Which one suits you best?
Want to compare with other options? Find all the excursions in Bariloche available on our homepage.
Villa Traful and Sunken Forest
$80.000 – $235.000Price range: $80.000 through $235.000
Full day trip south of the Seven Lakes to Villa Traful, with optional Sunken Forest tour
Special offer
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