Catamaran on the Andean Crossing tour, with Osorno Volcano and the mountains in the background
Passengers with their backs to the camera on deck, facing the Osorno volcano
All Saints Lake at Sunset
Passengers sitting with their backs to the front inside the catamaran *Victoria del Sur*
catamaran sailing through the ice on Lake Frías
group of passengers at the bow of the catamaran during the Andean crossing
Couple on the deck of a boat during a crossing of the Andes
Aerial view of the Gran Victoria catamaran at the Andean crossing
Andean Crossing Tour with a Boat Ride and the Osorno Volcano in the Background
catamaran sailing through the Andean Pass
Woman and child on deck at Puerto Blest
Aerial view of Villa Peulla
Views of the Osorno volcano from the ship's outdoor deck
Two buses stopped on the Bariloche–Puerto Pañuelo stretch
Seats inside the Gran Victoria catamaran
1 / 15

Andean Lakes Crossing Tour from Puerto Varas to Bariloche

Andean Lakes Crossing Tour: Travel from Chile to Argentina along Patagonia's most scenic route

(4 reviews)
Puerto Varas
1 day
Spanish, English, and Portuguese
Starts: From the meeting point in Puerto Varas starting at 7:30 a.m.
Ends: Meeting point in Bariloche at 8:00 p.m.
Free cancellation!

Briefing

On the Andean Lakes Crossing Tour from Puerto Varas to Bariloche, you'll cross the Andes Mountains in a single day along one of Patagonia's most scenic routes. Covering approximately 112 miles (180 km) over 12 hours, you'll sail across three stunning Andean lakes, travel through forests and mountain landscapes, and journey between Chile and Argentina in a unique and unforgettable way.

More than just a transfer, this is a true cross-border experience that combines breathtaking scenery, national parks, and two of Patagonia's most iconic destinations: Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, and Bariloche, nestled in the heart of Argentine Patagonia.

Why choose this tour?

  • Cross the Andes on a unique route that combines three lake crossings with four scenic overland journeys.
  • Travel from Puerto Varas to Bariloche in a single day, seamlessly combining boat cruises, road transfers, and an international border crossing.
  • Explore two national parks—Vicente Pérez Rosales in Chile and Nahuel Huapi in Argentina—while taking in volcanoes, lakes, forests, and mountain landscapes.
  • Experience the route in any season and enjoy ever-changing scenery throughout the year.

If you'd like to travel in the opposite direction, take a look at the Andean Lakes Crossing Tour from Bariloche to Puerto Varas.

Tour details

Included

  • Land and Maritime Transportation
  • Bilingual Guide / Audio Guide
  • 1 checked bag weighing up to 23 kg, 1 carry-on bag weighing up to 10 kg, and 1 personal item per person

Not included

  • Food and Beverages
  • Round-trip transportation from your accommodations
  • Accommodations
  • Optional or extra activities
  • National Park Admission
  • Port Fees

Important information

ACCESSIBILITY: This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Travelers with limited mobility are welcome to join but must be accompanied by another person.

SCHEDULE & ITINERARY: The itinerary and schedule are approximate and may change due to weather conditions, seasonal factors, passenger numbers, border crossing procedures, or operational requirements, including the lunch stop.

LUGGAGE: Each traveler may bring one checked bag (up to 23 kg / 50 lb), one carry-on bag (up to 10 kg / 22 lb), and one personal item. Additional luggage is subject to an extra fee per item.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Checked luggage will be delivered directly to your destination. We recommend keeping your travel documents and essential items in your carry-on bag.

PETROHUÉ FALLS: Visits to Petrohué Falls are available during the summer season only (September–April).

Cancellation policy

Free cancellations!

If you cancel at least 72 hours before the tour begins, you will be refunded 100% of the amount paid. After this time, or in case of a no-show, no refunds will be provided.

Tour itinerary

Andean Lakes Crossing Tour from Puerto Varas to Bariloche

Departure from Puerto Varas to Petrohué

You’ll start the tour in Puerto Varas, from where you’ll travel by bus to Petrohué along the shores of Lake Llanquihue. During this first leg of the journey, you’ll enjoy views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes before entering Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park.

Church in Puerto Varas with the Osorno Volcano in the background

Boat Trip on Lake Todos los Santos to Peulla

From Petrohué, you’ll board a boat to cruise Lake Todos los Santos, one of the most beautiful lakes in southern Chile. Weather permitting, during the cruise you’ll be able to see Mount Osorno, Mount Puntiagudo, and Mount Tronador. You’ll arrive in Peulla, a small village surrounded by forests and mountains.

Passengers on deck while sailing on Lake Todos los Santos

Crossing the Andes Mountains and the Border

You’ll continue the journey by bus to Puerto Frías. On this leg of the trip, you’ll cross the Andes Mountains and go through border formalities to enter Argentina from Chile.

Bus stopped in Puerto Frías

Boat Trip on Lake Frías and Arrival at Puerto Blest

Upon arriving at Puerto Frías, you’ll cruise across Lake Frías to Puerto Alegre. From there, you’ll take another bus to Puerto Blest, a natural enclave within Nahuel Huapi National Park, surrounded by Valdivian rainforest, lakes, and mountains.

boat at Puerto Frías on Lake Frías

Boat Trip on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pañuelo

From Puerto Blest, you’ll begin the day’s final boat ride across Lake Nahuel Huapi, one of the most spectacular landscapes in Argentine Patagonia. The trip will end in Puerto Pañuelo, very close to Bariloche.

A catamaran sails on Lake Nahuel Huapi

Arrival in Bariloche and end of the tour

In Puerto Pañuelo, you’ll take the last bus to San Carlos de Bariloche. You’ll arrive in the late afternoon or early evening in this Patagonian city, famous for its lakes, mountains, artisanal chocolate, and alpine atmosphere.

City of San Carlos de Bariloche

What to bring to Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche tour

The weather during the Andean Lakes Crossing can vary throughout the journey as you travel through lakes, mountains, and the border region between Chile and Argentina. We recommend bringing the following list of what to pack for the Andean Lakes Crossing:

  • Layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable walking shoes.
  • A valid passport or ID card (including for children).
  • Any travel documents or permits required for the border crossing.

We recommend bringing all necessary documentation, such as passports and any permits required for the border crossing.

Where does the tour Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche start

This tour departs from the meeting point in Puerto Varas at 7:30.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the Andean Crossing?

    Cruce Andino is the only route that traverses the Andes Mountains via three lakes, connected by four land sections; it links two national parks (Vicente Pérez Rosales and Nahuel Huapi) and connects Argentina with Chile, between Bariloche and Puerto Varas.

  • How long does the Andean Lakes Crossing Tour from Puerto Varas to Bariloche take?

    The Andean Crossing is an international route connecting Puerto Varas in Chile with Bariloche in Argentina, and it takes approximately 12 hours to travel from one country to the other.

  • Does this tour include a stay in the destination city?

    No, this tour does not include a stay or lodging in the destination cities.

  • What documents do I need to travel with children?

    Passengers traveling with children under 18 must present the following documentation at immigration:

    • Identification document.
    • Family Register or Birth Certificate (for all procedures; must include the names of both parents).
    • If the minor is traveling with a third party, they must have a notarized authorization from the parent who is not traveling with them, or from both parents.

  • Can I drive my vehicle across the Andes?

    It is not possible to make the crossing by car or motorcycle, as the fleet is only equipped to transport passengers and bicycles.

Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche tour reviews with Howlanders

Loading...

Other tours that might interest you

Other travelers also booked

from ‌
Trustpilot