Andean Lakes Crossing Tour from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

Bariloche - Puerto Pañuelo: Start of the Andean Crossing via Lake Nahuel Huapi

You’ll start the day in Bariloche, where you’ll board a bus to Puerto Pañuelo, traveling along the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi. During this first leg of the journey by land, you’ll enjoy the characteristic landscape of Argentine Patagonia, with views of the lake, Andean forests, and Alpine-style buildings that are part of the area’s identity.

Boat Trip on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest

Upon arriving at Puerto Pañuelo, you’ll board the catamaran to begin the first leg of the Andean Crossing. You’ll cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest, passing through one of the most iconic landscapes of Nahuel Huapi National Park.

During the journey, you’ll see mountains, forests, and vibrantly colored waters, and—weather permitting—local birds accompanying you along the way. This leg is one of the most iconic parts of the trip, as it marks the beginning of the lake route that connects Argentina and Chile across the Andes Mountains.

Puerto Blest - Puerto Alegre: Overland Route Along the Frías River

Once in Puerto Blest, you’ll continue by bus to Puerto Alegre. This overland stretch runs along the Frías River, an area of great natural beauty surrounded by vegetation, mountains, and mountain landscapes.

This route connects the boat trip across Lake Nahuel Huapi with the next leg of the journey: the crossing of Lake Frías, one of the most special spots on the Andean Crossing.

Boat Tour on Lake Frías and Border Crossing at Puerto Frías

From Puerto Alegre, you’ll board a boat again to cruise across Lake Frías, famous for the color of its waters and the views of Mount Tronador. This cruise is shorter, but it offers one of the most unique landscapes of the entire trip.

Upon arrival, you’ll reach Puerto Frías, where you’ll complete the necessary immigration formalities to cross the border between Argentina and Chile. From there, the journey will continue by road into Chilean territory.

Puerto Frías - Peulla: Crossing the Andes Mountains

After clearing border formalities, you’ll continue by bus to Peulla, now in Chile. This overland stretch crosses the Andes Mountains and will let you enjoy mountain scenery, forests, and roads surrounded by nature.

Peulla is a small town nestled in the heart of the mountains, located along the route connecting Nahuel Huapi and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Parks. It will be one of the most special stops on the Andean Crossing before continuing on to Lake Todos los Santos.

Peulla - Petrohué: Boat Tour on Lake Todos los Santos

From Peulla, you’ll board a boat to cruise Lake Todos los Santos, one of the most spectacular legs of the Andean Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas. Weather permitting, during the cruise you’ll enjoy views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes and Mount Tronador.

This stretch combines emerald-green waters, mountains, Andean vegetation, and volcanoes, offering one of the most iconic views of southern Chile.

Petrohué - Puerto Varas: Arrival at Lake Llanquihue

Upon arriving in Petrohué, you’ll take the last bus of the day to Puerto Varas. The final leg of the journey runs along the shores of Lake Llanquihue and offers panoramic views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.

You’ll arrive in Puerto Varas in the late afternoon or early evening, completing a journey of approximately 12 hours between Argentina and Chile. You will have crossed the Andes Mountains, combining three boat trips across Andean lakes and four overland segments on one of Patagonia’s most scenic routes.