Andean Lake Crossing Tour

The Andean Lakes Crossing is the most scenic way to travel from Argentina to Chile. This spectacular crossing of the Andes takes you through lakes and mountain passes that can either be made from Bariloche ( Argentina ) to Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt ( Chile ) or from Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas to Bariloche. Operates all year round.

DAY 1 BARILOCHE: You will depart at 9.00 a.m. from your hotel to Port Pañuelo, where you will sail for 1 day across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Port Blest in time for lunch. A short bus ride to port Alegre follows, where a catamaran sails for the Argentine customs at Port Frías. From there a bus will meet you to cross the argentine border into Chile, and for 28 km. will take you through the Valdivian forest climbing to an altitude at the border of 796 m. (covered with snow in winter). Arriving al Peulla in the afternoon, you will accommodate in the hotel, and have time before dinner to visit the Bridal Veil Waterfalls.

DAY 2 PEULLA: After breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel by bus for a short ride to the Port at Peulla. A 2hs boat ride across Lake Todos Los Santos (All Saint Lakes) or Lake Esmerald (for is color), gives you a spectacular view of Osorno Volcano in front Puntiagudo (for its sharp peak) on the other side. Arriving in time for lunch, you will have time to visit the National Park’s Museum which offers interesting information on the formation of the volcanoes. Leaving Petrohué, you will arrive shortly at the Petrohué Falls, where you will have a short walk to see the famous cascades. From there, bordering one of the largest lakes in South America, Lake Llanquihué, you will arrive in Port Varas, the city of roses, and then continue on to Port Montt.

The Scenic Lake District, 650 miles south of Santiago, offers snow-covered volcanoes, blue-green lakes and lush alpine hills. For outdoor sports enthusiasts the region offers fishing, hiking, white-water rafting and kayaking. The town of Puerto Varas, located on the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue, was once an important lake port in the 19th century. The architecture of the town is uniquely European, and reflects its German
colonization. Puerto Varas is located 13 miles north of Puerto Montt. It is the gateway to the lake crossing into Argentina.