Andean Crossing: from Bariloche to Puerto Varas via the lakes

The classic crossing between Argentina and Chile, with three voyages across mountain lakes and land sections through the Valdivian rainforest. He Andean Crossing one Bariloche with Puerto Varas in a single day, crossing Nahuel Huapi National Park and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park through the Pérez Rosales pass.

It's not a round trip: It's an international transfer that ends in Chile, so you don't return to Bariloche the same day. It departs with guide in Spanish and English, it's from low difficulty because the entire journey is by boat or vehicle, and requires documentation to cross the border. If you're looking to sail on Nahuel Huapi and return the same day, the option is Port Blest.

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Spaces for this experience are limited and fill up quickly during peak season. Reservations are coordinated directly with our operations team through our inquiry channel. We will confirm availability and coordinate all the details to ensure you have an organized and safe experience.

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• Itinerary

  Andean Crossing Itinerary

  The day begins early with pick-up at the meeting points in Bariloche and ends in the late afternoon in Puerto Varas, Chile. The route alternates three boat trips with four land segments and includes customs and immigration checks in both countries. The departure time is confirmed upon booking.

  Pick-up at the meeting point

  Hotels in the city center and on Bustillo Avenue

  Transfer to Puerto Pañuelo

  Km 25 of Bustillo Avenue

  Navigation on Lake Nahuel Huapi

  First voyage, through the Blest arm

  Port Blest

  Stop at the port and the historic hotel

  Bus to Puerto Alegre

  3 km land section

  Navigation on Lake Frías

  30 minutes of glacial green water

  Immigration procedures

  Leaving Argentina and entering Chile

  4x4 through the Valdivian rainforest

  Pérez Rosales crossing

  Peulla

  Midday stop in Chilean territory

  Navigation through All Saints

  Third voyage, with the Osorno volcano in the background

  Petrohué Falls

  Optional stop depending on the season

  Arrival in Puerto Varas

  End of the journey, in Chile

  Included in the tour

  Optional service not included

  First voyage: the Blest arm

  From Puerto Pañuelo, at kilometer 25 of Avenida Bustillo, the boat takes the Blest arm of Nahuel Huapi, the most enclosed and forested section of the lake. Rock walls plunge directly into the water, and the Valdivian rainforest reaches the shore. The journey ends at Puerto Blest, where there is a stop before continuing.

  Lake Frías and the border crossing

  A bus covers the three kilometers between Puerto Blest and Puerto Alegre, on Lake Frías. The second boat trip lasts about 30 minutes and crosses a lake with a very distinctive milky green hue, the result of glacial sediment flowing down from Mount Tronador. On the other side is Puerto Frías, where departure formalities from Argentina are completed.

  Valdivian rainforest and Peulla

  The Pérez Rosales Pass section is traversed in 4x4 vehicles along a mountain road through dense forest. On the Chilean side, entry into the country is completed, and you arrive at Peulla, a small village on the shores of Lake Todos los Santos, where you stop for lunch.

  All Saints' Day and arrival in Puerto Varas

  The third boat trip crosses the intense turquoise waters of Lake Todos los Santos, with the Osorno volcano dominating the horizon. In Petrohué, the vehicle is rejoined for the final overland leg to Puerto Varas, on the shores of Lake Llanquihue.

  The Andean Crossing is a round-trip international transfer: it ends in Puerto Varas and does not return to Bariloche on the same day. You need to arrange accommodation on the Chilean side, or book the return leg separately. All passenger information must be entered correctly when booking, as it is used for immigration control.

• Information to keep in mind

  The Andean Crossing costs from per person and can be booked directly with us, a local operator in Bariloche, without intermediaries or online agency commissions.

  Here's everything you need to know in detail:

  • Tour Details

    Duration

    Full day, one way

    The trip ends in Puerto Varas. It does not include the return to Bariloche on the same day.

    Difficulty level

    Low

    The entire route is by boat or vehicle. There are no demanding walking sections.

    Age

    Suitable for all ages

    Minors need the corresponding exit documentation from the country.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    It's a border crossing, so all passengers go through Argentine and Chilean Customs and Immigration controls. A valid passport, national ID, or Chilean tax ID (RUT) is sufficient, and the information must be entered correctly at the time of booking. If you are traveling with minors, you will need authorization to leave the country. Depending on your nationality, a visa or other documentation may be required: it's advisable to check with the relevant authorities before traveling. Chile has strict restrictions on the entry of fresh food, dairy products, and products of animal or plant origin.

  • Recommendations

    Keep your documents handy, as they will be checked several times throughout the day. Pack a small backpack with layers of clothing, a windproof and waterproof jacket, sunglasses, and sunscreen: the wind is strong on deck even in sunshine. It's advisable to bring cash in pesos for the boarding fee, which cannot be paid by card. Keep in mind that luggage is handled several times when changing boats and vehicles, so it's best to travel light and keep your valuables with you.

  • Includes
    • The three navigations: Nahuel Huapi, Lago Frías and Lago de Todos los Santos.
    • All land sections, including the 4x4 through the Valdivian rainforest.
    • Tourist guide in Spanish and English.
    • Pick-up from the designated meeting points: Hotel Sheraton, NH Edelweiss, Hotel Tres Reyes, and on Avenida Bustillo at km 1 (Hotel Patagonia), km 2.5 (Design Suites and Villa Huinid), km 4.8 (Hotel Águila Mora), km 6 (Hotel La Cascada), km 7 (Hotel Nido del Cóndor), km 7.5 (Hotel Charming) and km 11.5 (Hotel El Casco).
  • Does not include
    • Boarding fee, which is paid in cash at the port on the day of departure.
    • Food and drinks.
    • Accommodation in Puerto Varas and transfers within the city.
    • The return leg to Bariloche, which is booked separately.
    • Entrance to the Petrohué Falls, when the stop is made.
  • Climatic Conditions
    • The crossing proceeds normally regardless of weather conditions. Rain and wind are common in this area of Nahuel Huapi, which is one of the wettest in Patagonia.
    • In the event of strong winds on the lakes or closure of the pass due to snow, the departure may be rescheduled. As this is an international crossing with schedules coordinated between several operators, any changes will be communicated as far in advance as possible.
    • The stop at the Petrohué Falls depends on the season and the arrival time.
  • Cancellation policy

    Cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the service are free of charge and 100% of the amount paid will be refunded. Cancellations made within 48 hours of the start of the service will incur a penalty of 100% of the total amount, with no refund.