Andean Lakes Crossing: Scenic Route from Bariloche to Puerto Varas
4.1
41 Ratings
San Carlos de Bariloche
Embark on the Andean Lakes Crossing, a scenic and adventurous route from Bariloche to Puerto Varas. Explore Patagonia's lakes and mountains, cross borders, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • SAN CARLOS DE BARILOCHE - Bariloche is the starting point of this adventure. The city is located within the Nahuel Huapi National Park. Its civic center holds traditional chocolate houses, hotels and restaurants. Bariloche has great attractions, both in winter and in summer.
What's Included
  • All land and lake transfers included
  • Experienced driver/guide at your service
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • The rate does not include port, migratory and/or National Parks fees.
  • Boarding taxes in Puerto Pañuelo, Nahuel Huapi National Park US$3,5.- | AR$500 payable only in cash

  • These values can be modified upon determination of each country’s authorities.
  • Everything not mentioned in this program.
  • Stay at Puerto Varas, Chile
Additional Information

This picturesque tourist route links the cities of Puerto Varas in Chile and San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina via the Andes, a mountain chain spreading across South America. The trip lets travelers witness the breathtaking lakes and peaks of Patagonia while transitioning between Chile and Argentina.

Key Features:
1- Boat journey: Passengers traverse 3 lakes; 2 in Argentina and 1 in Chile. These include Nahuel Huapi Lake, Frias Lake, and Todos los Santos Lake.
2- Bus travel: Each lake is linked by 4 on-land paths, all of which run through naturally attractive spots such as forests and waterfalls. The following areas are connected via bus: Bariloche-Puerto Pañuelo, Puerto Blest-Puerto Alegre, Puerto Frías-Peulla, and Petrohué-Puerto Varas.

In the course of the trip, travelers will be able to soak in panoramic views, rainforests and have opportunities to experience the local wildlife, cuisine, and culture on both border sides.

We invite you to embark on this adventurous journey, we eagerly await your arrival!

  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Recommended to bring sunblock, sunglasses
  • Recommended to wear comfortable shoes and waterproof clothing
Location
Mitre 150
Mitre
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.1
(41 Ratings)
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Formershrink
Jan 29, 2023
Awesome, once in a lifetime - Awesome. Put this on your bucket list. Incredible scenery that you cannot see any other way. Some bus travel on gravel roads is a bit uncomfortable, but it's worth it for the amazing views.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Wesley
Apr 13, 2020
Full Day Adventure Traveling on 4 Buses and 3 Boats - Traveling west, we used 4 buses and 3 boats to cross the Andes Mountain Range -- going from Bariloche, Argentina to Puerto Varas, Chile. You will travel through parts of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi Argentina and Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales Chile. We lucked out and the weather was perfect. Awesome scenery along the way -- blue green lakes, evergreen forests and white snow capped mountains. Saw the area's 3 most famous volcanos -- Tronador, Osorno and Puntiagudo. The views were breath-taking and reminded me of the Canadian Rockies or Swiss Alps. Stopped for a nice lunch at Hotel Natura in Peulla. Have to go through immigration/customs in both countries, which can be time consuming but went smoothly. The actual border is marked by a wooden arch. It was a long, but very enjoyable day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mmlosey1119
Apr 8, 2020
Beautiful and relaxing with a tour group/good guide - I very much enjoyed the day doing this activity as it allowed for some much needed downtime after some gruelly hikes and other strenuous activities the days before. We had perfect weather so I was able to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views on all the boats. We did see long lines and chaos at the start in Bariloche and the customs houses, but we were with a National Geographic group which always allowed us the capability to board the boats first and be in front of the lines for the bus transfers and customs. If traveling alone, I could see where it would be easy to get lost in the crowds and frustrated. The last boat was delayed, which was a blessing as it allowed us plenty of time for lunch. You definitely have to practice patience and just enjoy the experience and not expect to get somewhere in a hurry. It is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be missed if you have the time and opportunity to do it. Although, I don't see any reason to need to do it twice if you have good weather the first time.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Frequenttraveler1955
Feb 18, 2020
Beautiful Lake and Andes Border Crossing - We truly enjoyed traveling from the Argentine to the Chilean Lake Districts with Cruce Andino! After reading a couple of the reviews, we were wondering about the trip, but other than a slightly late start for the first bus which made up the lost time, we did not experience any difficulties. The trip was beautiful with a leisurely pace. Our luggage was completely taken care of for us. The ferries were full but pleasant, and there was an onboard guide at all times to answer questions and explain the scenery and surroundings. The views were breathtaking - a series of glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains and volcanoes.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lajolla1907
Jan 21, 2020
Awesome with good weather - We recently took this tour. The weather was perfect and so were the views of lakes and snow covered volcanoes.. We also had a guide on the Chilean side, Christian Ruiz who was fantastic, and professional. yes the trip is somewhat long , but we are both seniors, took this 30 years ago with bad weather and this trip was truly worth it. The organization was very good except departure from Bariloche downtown which was a bit chaotic but not terrible.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tom_b
Mar 24, 2024
Do the day trip from Bariloche. The lake there is spectacular! - The first part of the lake cruise is by far the most beautiful. Although it's nice to say "I crossed the Andes by boat", I would actually recommend just doing the day trip and return to Bariloche and fly to Chile. Todos Santos lake is a bit dull and the weather was poor there (and is often I've heard). The bus part of the trip is boring.
Review provided by Viator
Darren_d
Mar 9, 2020
Don’t believe all it says in ticket... - The trip was generally very pleasant - the boats were not overly crowded -an interesting way to cross from HOWEVER ticket clearly said hotel drop off - we were left lugging suitcases a considerable distance across town and up a steep hill - the guide was completely dis-interested when we pointed this out and basically said get on with it even when we showed him the ticket. Disgraceful!!!!!
Review provided by Viator
809heatherl
Nov 20, 2023
Paid for Premium River Crossing received Alternative 10 hour bus ride. No compensation offered. - Cruce Andino was responsible for the Puerto Montt to Bariloche Andes Lake Crossing. We received word that the road the bus uses to transport was damaged between Peulla and Puerto Alegre during the recent flooding and that they would not be able to operate the tour a week before we left on our trip. We were not offered many options, and already subject to the itinerary and paid in advance. The result was what was promised as a 7 hour bus trip on a private bus with other people in our same situation. The bus ride turned into over a 10 hour trip, AND when we got to Via de Angostura, we were all transferred to a run down city bus for the final hour and a half of the trip in Argentina. For the lake sightseeing portion, we were offered two additional days of cruising the Chile and Argentina waters (one day each side). Due to scheduling, we could not do the last day in Bariloche. No compensation was offered since we could not fit the NEW schedule into our existing plans. Additionally, on the Chile side of the cruise, we were the ONLY cancelled river crossing party that did not have a LUNCH included in the NEW Peulla plans the day before the planned river crossing (there was a couple hour stop planned with lunch before returning to Puerto Varas). Needless to say, not what we expected for the premium river crossing price that was paid. A private transport should have been arranged for a maximum of 6 - 10 people completed in approx 4 hours. There were at least 40 people in our situation that day.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberlyd1932
Feb 24, 2020
Not worth the price at all - Absolutely NOT worth the price-- you are constantly in ques-- constantly on off transport-- customs takes forever leaving you barely enough time for lunch -- the guides and all people associated are very kind and try hard ( the chileans and argentinians are just wonderful people) but this trip costs 3x what it should-- i lf i had to do it again i would take the very long bus ride over this trip
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Elvissax
Nov 29, 2021
No customer service, no refund! - We were supposed to go on a lake crossing tour this month but cancelled our trip due to covid concerns and traveling with young children back in August. We tried countless times to reach this company regarding a refund and we NEVER heard back. We are deeply disappointed. We would have booked with them again when we reschedule our trip, but there is zero customer service with this company. They still owe us over $700 back!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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