South America’s Lake District bordering between Chile and Argentina is famous for its gorgeous scenery of seemingly bottomless mountain lakes, snow-covered volcanoes and verdant forests. On this classic journey you will start in beautiful Puerto Varas before crossing the Argentinean border into Bariloche via spectacular lakes and mountain passes.
*Can also be offered in the reverse direction
Explore two of South America’s premier adventure destinations: Bariloche in Argentina and Puerto Varas in Chile.
Cross the Andes by boat! Travel through the spectacular lake country of Chile and Argentina, enjoying the rich green hues of "Emerald Lake" and magnificent views of the Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes.
Itinerary in brief
Day 1: Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas arrival.
Day 2: Puerto Varas day at leisure
Day 3: Puerto Varas – Bariloche Lakes Crossing.
Day 4: Bariloche Circuit tour.
Day 5: Bariloche departure.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
Extend your time and enjoy the range of adventure activities and optional tours on offer.
Add a stopover in Peulla to break up your lakes crossing trip.
Take a spectacular trip down the ‘Ruta de los siete lagos’ between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes.
Day 1: Puerto Montt/Puerto Varas arrival
Upon arrival at Puerto Montt airport or port you will be met and transferred to your hotel located in charming Puerto Varas, located on the shores of Lago Llanquihue.
Day 2: Puerto Varas day at leisure
Today is at your leisure and we recommend taking a walk along the shore and admiring the spectacular views across the lake to the towering Osorno Volcano. We can also offer a range of optional day trips which include a tour to Chiloe Island or a variety of adventure tours including caving, rafting, hiking or mountain biking.
Breakfast included.
Day 3: Puerto Varas – Bariloche Lakes Crossing
Today you’ll travel across land and lakes by buses and boats, beginning with a bus to Petrohue Falls. From Petrohue Pier you’ll take a modern catamaran for the crossing of Todos los Santos Lake, with water of such a deep green hue that it is also known as “Emerald Lake.” During the crossing you will have stunning views of the Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador volcanoes. By late morning you will arrive at Peulla, with time for lunch and/or a short walk before boarding a bus to Puerto Frias. After checking with the Chilean custom offices, your journey will take you through a beautiful Andean rainforest up to an altitude of 2,900 feet. After a check-in with the Argentine police, you will navigate across Lake Frias to the village of Puerto Alegre. A short bus ride through an Andean larch forest takes you to Puerto Blest, where you will board another modern motor-catamaran to take you across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo.
Your day of travel ends around 9 p.m. with a short bus ride to your hotel in Bariloche.
Breakfast included.
Day 4: Bariloche Circuit tour
This morning 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.
From Bariloche, you’ll begin your half day afternoon 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.
Breakfast included.
Day 5: 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
Comfort
Superior
Deluxe
Puerto Varas
Casa Kalfu
Cabanas del Lago
Hotel Cumbres
Bariloche
Tres Reyes
Hotel Cacique Incayal
Llao Llao
What's included?
Accommodation with private facilities
Most entrance fees
Hotel taxes
Group tours with English speaking guides
Private transfers
Meals as specified
What's not included?
Airfares
Airport entrance/departure taxes
Gratuities
Travel insurance
Any items not mentioned as included
Entry to Petrohue falls is payable direct and costs around $5 per person
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.