Argentina and Chile Lakes Crossing

Home » Chilean & Argentinean Lakes Explorer

from US$2530

This fascinating and original journey travels through the spectacular mountain scenery, temperate rainforest and pristine lakes of the Lakes District bordering Chile and Argentina. Starting in the Alpine playground of Pucon we then continue on to the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, an area of native forest devoted to wildlife conservation and tourism where you can enjoy many walks and adventure activities. Continue over pristine Pirihueico Lake to the picturesque town of San Martin de los Andes and finally onto Bariloche via the route of the 7 Lakes

Duration: 9 days

Overview
Itinerary
Dates
Accommodation
Inclusions

Itinerary Highlights
- Get away from the crowds and take the alternative, but arguably more spectacular lakes crossing between Chile and Argentina
- Enjoy the Huilo Huilo Reserve where you can walk, visit waterfalls or enjoy a canopy excursion
- Fantastic chances to spot native wildlife including deer, puma and a variety of bird life
- Pass by spectacular volcanoes and crystal clear lakes and rivers
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Temuco - Pucon
- Day 2: Pucon day at leisure
- Day 3: Pucon to Huilo Huilo reserve
- Day 4: Huilo Huilo day at leisure
- Day 5: Huilo Huilo to San Martin de Los Andes
- Day 6: San Martin de Los Andes day at leisure
- Day 7: San Martin de Los Andes to Bariloche via the scenic 'Route of the 7 lakes'
- Day 8: Bariloche Circuit tour
- Day 9: Bariloche departure
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Complete the loop and continue back from Bariloche all the way through to Puerto Varas over the famous Andean Lakes Crossing.
- Get off the beaten track and consider a self-drive through the mystical Carretera Austral in northern Patagonia.
- Add in an extra night to maximise your time at Huilo Huilo.
Day 1: Temuco - Pucon
On arrival in Temuco airport you will be transferred to the alpine village of Pucon situated on the shores of the mighty Lake Villarrica, with spectacular views of the imposing Villarrica Volcano. Evening at leisure.

Day 2: Pucon day at leisure

Day at leisure to explore Pucon, the adventure capital of Chile. We can offer a wide range of outdoor activities including climbing the volcano, rafting the Rio Trancura or relaxing in some of the nearby thermal resorts.

Breakfast included.

Day 3: Pucon to Huilo Huilo Reserve

Today your transfer will start its route from your hotel in the vibrant city of Pucón, renown for offering a wide range of adventure activities thanks to its perfect location and weather.

We will be able to see the beauty of its diverse surroundings. Then we will move on towards Villarrica following the out-skirts of the alluring lake of the same name. Afterwards, we will arrive at Lican Ray, stopping at the sector of Playa Grande to take some beautiful pictures. Our journey then continues to Calafquén. There, we will have time to relax and admire a unique and panoramic view. Our next highlight is the Panguipulli Lake and town. Finally, we will visit four lookout points before arriving to our hotel in Huilo Huilo.

Breakfast included.

Day 4: Huilo Huilo day at leisure

Today you will enjoy a day at leisure to explore the reserve. Huilo Huilo is a protected area spanning 100,000 hectares of native forest, and supporting a diversity of flora and fauna and you will have the opportunity to choose between various outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, fishing, canopy exploration, horse riding and mountain biking. In the evening you can take advantage of the spa facilities or relax in the bar whilst enjoying the impressive scenery of the reserve.

Breakfast included.

Day 5: Huilo Huilo to San Martin de Los Andes

Pick from the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve and drive to Puerto Fuy for 6 kilometers , a small ferry will take us on a ride along the Pirihueico Lake and we will cross the border into Argentina. Having docked, we will head to our accommodation in San Martín de Los Andes.

Breakfast included.

Day 6: San Martin de Los Andes day at leisure
Today is at your leisure to explore San Martin’s quaint little streets filled with plenty of great restaurants or perhaps take one of the many adventure activities available including biking, hiking, boating and even skiing in winter.

Breakfast included.

Day 7: San Martin de Los Andes to Bariloche via the scenic 'Routes of the 7 lakes'
Today you will head to San Martin heading south through the amazing landscapes on the scenic ‘Route of the 7 lakes’. Your final destination is Bariloche, capital city of the Argentinean Lake District where the evening is at your leisure. Breakfast included.

Day 8: Bariloche Circuit tour
From Bariloche, you’ll begin your half day adventure with a drive along the Nahuel Huapi lakeshore on the San Pedro Peninsula. At Playa Bonita, you’ll enjoy views of Huemul Island before continuing your journey. You’ll hop aboard a chair lift at Campanario Hill and ride to the top for impressive views of the region—Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, El Trébol lagoon, San Pedro, Victoria Island, Otto, López, Goye and the Catedral hills, and the town of San Carlos de Bariloche.

You’ll resume your journey to Llao Llao Peninsula, with its hilltop hotel and San Eduardo Chapel—architectural jewels of the region. The lakeside Pañuelo Port is the starting point for many lake excursions. Cross the bridge over Angostura River, which joins Nahuel Huapi Lake with Moreno Lake, and enjoy views of López Bay at the base of López Hill. At Panoramic Point, take time to view Moreno Lake and Llao Llao Peninsula before crossing the bridge over Moreno Lake and beginning your return to Bariloche.

This afternoon will be at your leisure. Bariloche is a chocolate-lover’s heaven, so we recommend heading to Calle Mitre where dozens of chocolate shops offer tasty little morsels of artisan chocolate.

Breakfast included.

Day 9: Bariloche departure
Day at leisure before we transfer you to the airport for your outgoing flight. If you have the time, we recommend you take a tour to the Cathedral Hill (not included). The Cathedral Hill takes its name from the similarity of its towers to a gothic cathedral. In winter (July and August in southern hemisphere) it is a famous ski resort.

Breakfast included.
Departs - Daily
Suggested Hotels

City

Accommodation

Pucon
Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique

Huilo Huilo
Hotel Reino Fungi

San Martin de Los Andes

Hosteria Monte Verde

Bariloche

Hotel Cacique Inacayal

About the Hotels

Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique

Styled with natural fabrics and featuring elegant architectural design and spa facilities, Aldea Naukana offers rooms with garden or Volcano views in Pucón. Climbing, skiing and trekking trips can be booked.

Rooms at Aldea Naukana Posada Boutique are equipped with heating and safety deposit boxes. All of them feature cosy décor and private bathrooms with showers.

Hotel Reino Fungi

Reino Fungi Lodge maintains the same ethnic surrealist architectural style as Nothofagus Hotel & Spa and Montaña Mágica Lodge, taking the form of a 3-story giant mushroom, hence the Mushroom Kingdom Lodge name. Built of tubular steel with double-T beams and diagonals, there are rooms on each floor, connected to a convention hall by ramps.

It is directly connected to the Lawenko Spa and perfect for relaxation or as a base for river and forest walking activities in the summer, and winter ski or snowshoe trekking.

Hosteria Monte Verde

Monte Verde is an ideal place to stay in San Martin, located minutes from Lake Lacar and the town centre. The hotel offers large double and triple rooms, as well as apartments for up to four people.

Hotel Cacique Inacayal

Located on the shore of the beautiful Nahuel Huapi Lake in San Carlos de Bariloche, this 4-star hotel boasts chic decor, excellent spa facilities and an inviting restaurant. Elegant rooms equipped with designer furniture, complimentary Wi-Fi access, a modern bathroom and a private spa bath all contribute to making your stay a comfortable one. Downtown San Carlos de Bariloche and the civic centre are just 3-blocks away making this one of the most centrally located hotels in Bariloche.
What's included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Hotel taxes
- Entrance fees
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Private transfers
- Meals as specified
What's not included?
- International and internal airfares
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
Hotel rates are based on double / twin share lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.