Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

Exploring the Andean Lakes Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

This 11-hour journey offers travelers a chance to see some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Andes, traveling from Bariloche, Argentina, to Puerto Varas, Chile. For about $440 per person, you’ll enjoy a mix of land and water transport, crossing three impressive lakes, with stops at charming villages, waterfalls, and volcanoes. The experience is ideal for those eager to combine scenic cruising with cultural and natural exploration.

What we appreciate most about this tour is the stunning variety of landscapes—snow-capped peaks, glaciers, lush forests, and volcanic formations—plus the streamlined logistics that make crossing an international border less stressful. Another highlight is the professional guide and live commentary, which helps you understand the history, geology, and culture behind the views.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that the experience may be subject to weather conditions, and there’s the potential for delays or disorganization, as some reviews have pointed out. Also, since lunch and some attractions like the Petrohué Waterfalls are at your own expense, you’ll want to budget accordingly. This trip suits travelers who are comfortable with long, full days of sightseeing and who value the convenience of having transportation and border crossing arranged for them.

If you love scenic cruises, mountain vistas, and a glance into two countries’ natural beauty without the hassle of planning multiple transfers, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers eager to see iconic volcanoes, serene lakes, and alpine villages in one seamless day.

Key Points

• Stunning scenery from snow-capped peaks to lush forests and volcanic landscapes.
• All-inclusive transport simplifies border crossings and multiple lake cruises.
• Live commentary enriches understanding of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.
• Long day of travel — expect around 11 hours with many stops and scenery breaks.
• Flexible logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Potential weather impact on cruise and land segments.

A Deep Dive into the Route and Highlights

This tour begins early in the morning in downtown Bariloche, where a comfortable, climate-controlled bus picks you up. As you head toward Puerto Pañuelo, the drive itself offers a first taste of the scenic delights—think Swiss-style architecture, colorful gardens, and the shimmering shoreline of Nahuel Huapi Lake. It’s worth noting that we found this part of the trip quite charming, especially since the guide’s live narration adds context about the region’s history and geography.

The First Cruise: Nahuel Huapi Lake

Once at Puerto Pañuelo, you board a well-equipped catamaran—either Victoria Andina or Victoria del Lago—for a leisurely cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake. This hour-long boat ride is often highlighted as a highlight, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and distant snow-capped peaks. The guide’s commentary makes the scenery more meaningful, pointing out features such as the Nahuel Huapi National Park and its varied landscape.

Many travelers describe this part as “spectacular,” with some noting the vastness of the lake and the striking contrast between the green forests and the icy mountains. A common sentiment is that the views are both peaceful and awe-inspiring, making it a peaceful start to the day’s adventure.

Puerto Blest and the Frias River

Arriving at Puerto Blest, the group boards a bus for a short ride along the Frias River to Puerto Alegre. During this segment, you’ll get a taste of the lush vegetation that characterizes this part of the Andes, with some reviews mentioning the guide’s engaging narration about the region’s natural features.

From Puerto Alegre, a 20-minute cruise aboard the ‘City of Faith’ takes you across Frias Lake. The cruise offers picturesque views of Tronador Hill, a prominent volcanic formation, which many say is a “must-see” highlight. As one traveler mentioned, “Keep your camera ready for views of Tronador Hill during the cruise.” The boat ride provides a peaceful respite amid the full day of travel.

Crossing into Chile and Visiting Peulla

After the boat ride, the journey continues by bus across the Argentinian-Chilean border—a process that can sometimes introduce delays, so patience is key. Once in Chile, the landscape shifts from the green forests of Argentina to the Pérez Rosales National Park, dotted with glaciers and volcanic scenery.

Peulla becomes the next stop, where travelers usually take a break for lunch at their own expense. The town is quaint, with a few options for a quick meal or snacks, giving you a chance to stretch your legs before the next cruise.

Lago Todos Los Santos and Volcano Views

Post-lunch, the group boards another boat for a cruise across Todos Los Santos Lake. This stretch offers some of the best views of Osorno and Tronador Volcanoes, with panoramic vistas of snow-capped summits that are often described as “breathtaking.”

Many travelers enjoy this segment for the chance to see the volcanoes up close from the water, with some noting that the sight of Puntiagudo Hill adds to the dramatic scenery. The guide’s commentary continues to provide context, making the views even richer.

Petrohue Waterfalls and Final Stretch

The last leg includes a visit to Petrohue Waterfalls, a short stop where you can admire the green cascades flowing over volcanic rock, with views of Llanquihue Lake and Osorno Volcano in the background. This stop is often praised for its photogenic scenery and the contrast of lush waterfalls against rugged volcanic scenery.

Finally, the journey ends in Puerto Varas, where most travelers arrive between 6:30 and 8 pm. A short transfer takes you to the city center or your hotel, wrapping up a day packed with stunning sights and experiences.

Authentic Experiences and Practical Considerations

While the scenery is undeniably stunning, some travelers have expressed concerns about logistical issues. One review states, “Although the road to Chile was amazing and the scenery was special and unique, we were very disappointed with this trip. The staff was irresponsible.” Such comments remind us that while the itinerary promises a seamless experience, the execution can vary depending on the day.

Another aspect to consider is the cost of lunch and optional attractions like the Petrohué Waterfalls, which are not included. Budgeting extra for meals and entrance fees might be necessary. The tour’s value depends on how much you value the convenience of an all-in-one day and the stunning scenery, versus the possibility of minor organizational hiccups.

The group size, with a maximum of 40 travelers, generally allows for a lively but manageable experience. The professional guide and live commentary are often praised for making the day more educational and engaging.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip is ideal for scenery lovers who want to see a variety of landscapes in one day without the hassle of planning multiple transfers. It suits those comfortable with long travel days and who appreciate guided commentary that brings the scenery to life. If you’re a photographer eager to capture volcanoes, lakes, and waterfalls, you’ll find plenty of opportunities here.

However, if you’re someone concerned about organization or punctuality, or if you prefer more personalized or flexible touring, you might find this experience somewhat disappointing. Also, travelers on a tight budget should consider the additional costs of meals and entrance fees.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

In the end, this tour offers a spectacular visual journey through some of the most iconic landscapes of the Andes. The combination of boat cruises, mountain vistas, and border crossings makes for a memorable adventure. The professional guides and all-inclusive transport are significant advantages, simplifying what could otherwise be a complex day.

But it’s important to manage expectations regarding organizational reliability and the long duration. For travelers eager for a comprehensive Look at the lakes and volcanoes connecting Argentina and Chile, this tour delivers a lot of bang for your buck.

Overall, it’s best suited for those who prioritize scenery and the convenience of guided border crossings over a perfectly smooth experience. As long as you’re okay with a full day on the move and potential weather uncertainties, this adventure will reward you with some truly remarkable views.

FAQ: Your Questions About the Andean Lakes Crossing

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 11 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

What is included in the price?
Transport by coach, all boat rides, hotel pickup and drop-off, and live commentary onboard.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and any additional food or drinks are at your own expense. The tour includes a 1-hour break in Peulla for lunch.

Do I need to bring my passport?
Yes, a valid passport is required for border crossing into Chile.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but you should consider the long day and the amount of time spent on boats and buses.

What is the scenery like?
Expect snow-capped volcanoes, glaciers, lush forests, and serene lakes across the border crossing.

Can I expect good weather?
Weather can impact the cruise and land segments; the tour is weather-dependent, and cancellations are possible in poor conditions.

How much walking is involved?
Most stops involve minimal walking, but be prepared for some short walks at waterfalls and viewpoints.

Is there free time during the tour?
There’s a short 1-hour break in Peulla for lunch and some free time at Petrohue Waterfalls, but the majority of the day is scheduled.

What should I bring?
Layers of clothing, rain gear, camera, and some cash for lunch and optional entrance fees.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Andean Lakes Crossing is the right adventure for your trip. Whether you’re captivated by mountain panoramas or eager to explore two countries in one day, it offers a memorable glimpse into the natural grandeur of the Southern Andes.