Bariloche: Puerto Blest, Cantaros Waterfall and Frias Lake

Experience the Natural Beauty of Patagonia with the Puerto Blest, Cantaros Waterfall, and Frias Lake Tour

If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with the wild, breathtaking scenery of Patagonia, this full-day tour from Bariloche offers a memorable journey through some of its most captivating sights. Priced at $315 per person, it lasts about 8 hours, taking you on a boat cruise across Lago Nahuel Huapi and Cascada de los Cántaros, ending at the picturesque Puerto Blest and Lake Frías.

What we like most about this experience is how it combines spectacular views with a touch of tranquility — sailing past Sentinel Island, marveling at a 1,500-year-old larch tree, and strolling through the lush Valdivian jungle. The boat rides are a highlight, providing a different perspective on the landscape that’s both relaxing and awe-inspiring. Another perk is the visit to Lake Frías, whose striking green waters draw from glaciers on Cerro Tronador — a perfect capstone to a day immersed in nature.

That said, a few considerations might matter to you. The price does not include the boarding fee or lunch, so you’ll want to budget accordingly. Also, since the tour is about 8 hours long, it’s suitable for those who enjoy full days of outdoor activity and don’t mind a bit of a schedule.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate stunning scenery and want a well-rounded experience that combines boat rides, hiking, and the chance to see ancient trees and glacier-fed lakes. If you’re eager to explore Patagonia’s lakes and waterfalls with a knowledgeable guide, this trip offers a practical way to do so.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: Enjoy sailing past Sentinel Island, lush jungles, and ancient trees.
• Unique Stops: Visit Cascada de los Cántaros and Lake Frías with its unusual green waters.
• Guided Experience: Professional guides navigate the lakes in both English and Spanish.
• Authentic Nature: Walk through Valdivian jungle and see a 1,500-year-old larch tree.
• Flexible Tour: Options to navigate Lake Frías by boat for a memorable finish.
• Value for Price: Includes transportation, boat rides, and expert guiding, making it a comprehensive day out.

In-Depth Review: Exploring Patagonia’s Lakes and Waterfalls

The Beginning: Meeting in Bariloche and Starting the Day

Your adventure kicks off early at Avenida Miter 150 in Bariloche, a central, easy-to-find spot. From there, you’ll be transported to Puerto Pañuelo, the departure point for your boat cruise. The journey on the water immediately sets the tone — the sense of calm as you glide across Lago Nahuel Huapi is hard to beat. The boat itself is comfortable, and the crew is professional, making you feel well cared for as you start your exploration of Patagonia.

First Stop: Sentinel Island and Scenic Sailing

After about an hour of sailing, the boat passes Sentinel Island, offering a glimpse of the area’s rugged beauty. This part of the cruise is all about soaking in the vistas — towering mountains reflected in clear waters, the dense greenery surrounding the lakes, and a sense of untouched wilderness. The calm of the lake combined with the grandeur of the scenery makes for a truly scenic voyage.

Cascada de los Cántaros and the Valdivian Jungle

The highlight for many is reaching Cascada de los Cántaros. Here, you’ll disembark to walk through the lush Valdivian jungle, a unique ecosystem teeming with greenery and life. The walk from the boat to the waterfall is short but offers the chance to appreciate the dense plant life, which is quite different from the typical conifer forests many expect in Patagonia.

One reviewer, JOSEANTONIO_R, shared, “Camino por sendero de puerto blest a cascada de los cantaros y ver la cascada, gracias a la avería temporal del barco,” highlighting how even an unexpected delay can turn into a memorable experience, as the walk and the waterfall itself are worth the effort. The waterfall is impressive, and the walk offers a close-up view of the lush vegetation that thrives in this part of Argentina.

The Ancient Larch and Lake Cántaros

One of the most fascinating sights is the 1,500-year-old larch tree near the waterfall. Standing next to such an ancient living organism makes the scale of time tangible — it’s a real highlight for nature lovers. The walk to Lake Cántaros is a gentle ascent, and you’ll have time to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.

Puerto Blest: The Heart of the Tour

Reaching Puerto Blest, you find yourself in a place that seems to have been untouched for centuries. The setting is simply stunning — mountains soaring around a tranquil bay. The Blest Hostel offers a cozy atmosphere and features a gourmet restaurant, perfect for a relaxing coffee or snack after the boat rides.

Exploring Lake Frías

From Puerto Blest, you have the option to visit Lake Frías, characterized by its strange, vibrant green waters. This hue comes from glaciers on Cerro Tronador, adding a strikingly different color palette to your day. Many travelers find this lake the perfect way to tie together the experience, especially if they choose to navigate the lake by boat, adding another layer of adventure.

Authentic Patagonia Moments

One of our favorite aspects of this tour is how it melds adventure with serenity. You’ll walk through ancient forests, sail across pristine lakes, and witness glaciers that feed the lakes. The guides (who speak both English and Spanish) keep the experience engaging and informative, making it easy to learn about the landscape, flora, and fauna.

Practicalities and Considerations

The price point of $315 covers transportation, boat rides, and guiding, which makes it a pretty good deal considering the amount of scenery packed into the day. However, it does not include the boarding fee or lunch, so plan your budget accordingly. The start time at 8:30 am means an early wake-up, but you’re rewarded with a full, immersive day.

Since this tour is 8 hours long, it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with a full day outdoors. The group size is limited to 44, which helps keep the experience intimate enough to enjoy personal attention from guides.

What the Reviews Say

Most travelers are thrilled with the stunning scenery — JOSEANTONIO_R called their experience “Maravillosa,” emphasizing the walk to the waterfall as a highlight. The opportunity to see the old larch tree and enjoy the peaceful lakes resonates strongly with nature enthusiasts. The only potential downside is that the cancellation policy is strict; once booked, changes are limited, so be sure of your plans.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who cherish natural beauty and enjoy a mix of water-based and land-based activities. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate hiking, scenic boat rides, and want to see Patagonia’s lakes and waterfalls up close. If you’re looking for a relaxed but adventurous day with authentic scenery, this tour checks those boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. For around $315, you get a full day of stunning vistas, guidance from knowledgeable guides, and an authentic taste of Patagonia’s lakes and forests. The combination of boat rides and walks offers variety, keeping the experience engaging from start to finish.

While not budget travel, the value lies in the quality of scenery and the well-organized itinerary. It’s best suited for active travelers eager to see multiple highlights in one day without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

If you’re in Bariloche and want a comprehensive, scenic escape into Patagonia’s lakes, waterfalls, and lush jungles, this tour offers an excellent balance of comfort, adventure, and authentic beauty.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes a transfer to and from the meeting point at Avenida Miter 150, making logistics straightforward.

What’s not included?
You’ll need to budget separately for the boarding fee and lunch, as these are not covered in the price.

How long is the boat ride?
The initial boat cruise from Puerto Pañuelo lasts about an hour before reaching Cascada de los Cántaros, with additional boat options at Lake Frías.

Can I see the ancient larch tree?
Yes, the walk to the waterfall takes you past a more than 1,500-year-old larch — a memorable sight for nature lovers.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and possibly a light jacket for the boat rides. Don’t forget your camera!

Is this suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for those comfortable with outdoor walking and a full day of activity.

What’s the maximum group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 44 travelers, promoting a more personal experience.

What is the cancellation policy?
The experience is non-refundable, so be sure of your plans. Modifications are possible if requested at least 4 days in advance.

In summary, this tour offers a rich taste of Patagonia’s natural wonders, with stunning lakes and waterfalls, ancient trees, and lush forests. It strikes a good balance between adventure and relaxation, making it a highly worthwhile addition to your trip to Bariloche if you’re eager to see some of the most beautiful landscapes Argentina has to offer.