Navigation on the Brazo Tristeza from Bariloche

The most remote and least visited corner of Nahuel Huapi: a glacial fjord with vertical walls that can only be reached by sailing. He Sadness Arm It opens to the southwest of the lake, nestled between mountains that plunge steeply into the water, with hanging waterfalls and Valdivian rainforest closed to the shore.

Unlike other cruises, there are no towns or hotels here: it's a 5 hours of water, forest and silence, with a short walk of 1,300 meters all the way to the Frey Stream waterfall. If the day is clear, you can see the Mount Tronador with its hanging glaciers. The boat serves coffee, tea, and homemade puddings during the tour.

Reserve your spot!

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.

Reserve my place

• Itinerary

  Navigation itinerary along the Brazo Tristeza

  The excursion begins at Puerto Pañuelo, at kilometer 25 of Avenida Bustillo, across from the Llao Llao Hotel. Transfer to the port is optional and must be arranged separately. The trip, including sailing, disembarking, and the hike to the waterfall, takes approximately 5 hours. The departure time is confirmed upon booking.

  Transfer to Puerto Pañuelo

  Optional service, not included

  Departed from Puerto Pañuelo

  Km 25 of Bustillo Avenue

  Navigation on the Tristeza Arm

  Glacial fjord between rock walls

  Valdivian rainforest and bird watching

  Condors and acoustic birds from the deck

  View of Mount Tronador

  Only if the weather permits

  Frey Stream Waterfall

  Landing and 1,300-meter walk

  Return to Puerto Pañuelo

  Last navigation of the day

  Included in the tour

  Optional or subject to weather

  A glacial fjord within Nahuel Huapi

  Brazo Tristeza is the southwesternmost point of the lake, a narrow, deep inlet carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Its walls drop almost vertically into the water, and during the thaw, they are filled with cascading waterfalls. It is the least visited area of the national park: there are no roads, no public docks, and no buildings.

  Valdivian rainforest and birds

  As the boat moves forward, the vegetation thickens. The constant rain nourishes a dense forest of coihue, alerce, and colihue cane, with ferns and mosses covering every surface. From the deck, condors are often seen soaring above the walls, along with waterfowl and forest species.

  The Frey Stream waterfall

  At the end of the arm of the river, you disembark for a 1,300-meter hike through the jungle to the Arroyo Frey waterfall. It's an easy, short trail that you can walk at your own pace, crossing the rainforest to the waterfall.

  Mount Tronador in the background

  On a clear day, you can see Cerro Tronador, the highest peak in the area at over 3,400 meters, covered in permanent snow and hanging glaciers, from the boat. It's not always visible, though: the bay is one of the cloudiest areas in the park, and many excursions take place with the mountain shrouded in mist.

  The transfer between Bariloche and Puerto Pañuelo is not included: it must be arranged separately or you must make your own way there. The boarding fee, entrance to the National Park, and lunch are also not included. Views of Mount Tronador are weather dependent and not guaranteed.

• Information to keep in mind

  The Brazo Tristeza boat trip costs from [price missing] 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

    5 hours

    Counted from departure at Puerto Pañuelo. The schedule is confirmed upon booking.

    Difficulty level

    Low

    A single 1,300-meter walk along a forest trail, at your own pace.

    Age

    Suitable for all ages

    Minors must travel accompanied by a responsible adult.
  • Requirements and restrictions

    No prior experience or special physical condition is necessary. The trail to the waterfall is 1,300 meters through a humid forest, with tree roots and muddy sections, so closed-toe shoes with good soles are recommended. This is the most isolated area of the lake: there are no shops or services along the entire boat trip, and cell phone service is nonexistent. You must arrive at Puerto Pañuelo with the advance notice indicated by the operator and bring cash for the boarding fee and the entrance fee to the National Park.

  • Recommendations

    Waterproof jacket and layered clothing: the area around the lake is one of the rainiest and coldest, and the wind is strong on deck even in sunshine. Closed-toe shoes with good soles are essential for the trail. Bring your own food, as lunch is not included and there's nowhere to buy it. If you're interested in birds, binoculars are worthwhile: it's one of the best places in the park to see condors.

  • Includes
    • Round trip navigation on the Brazo Tristeza.
    • Bilingual tour guide throughout the tour.
    • Coffee, tea and homemade puddings served on board.
    • Disembarkation and guided walk to the Frey Stream waterfall.
  • Does not include
    • Transfer between Bariloche and Puerto Pañuelo, which is arranged separately.
    • Boarding fee, payable in cash at the port on the day of departure.
    • Entrance to Nahuel Huapi National Park, also payable in cash at the port.
    • Lunch. It's a good idea to bring your own food.
  • Climatic Conditions
    • Navigation proceeds normally under any weather conditions. Rain is common on the waterway, and the misty forest is part of what visitors come to see.
    • The view of Cerro Tronador depends on the weather and is not guaranteed. With overcast skies, which is frequent, it is not visible.
    • In case of strong winds on the lake, the departure may be rescheduled, and the trail may be closed by order of the National Park.
  • 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.