Andean Lakes Crossing

From Puerto Varas to Bariloche (or vice versa)

Argentina
Chile
Patagonia
Wildlife and Nature

Tour Description

The Lakes Crossing will take you from Puerto Varas, Chile to Bariloche, Argentina on a unique 4 day adventure.

During your four day trip witness the breathtaking scenery of Patagonia's Lakes District. From Puerto Varas, on the edge of Llanquihue Lake catch breathtaking views of Orsono Volcano. Explore the area learning about the early settlers of Fruitillar.

Embark on a lakes crossing adventure that will take you across to Bariloche by a series of buses and boats, at a leisurely pace over the course of one night. There are wonderful views of the mountains and lakes to be found in all directions as you travel through Vicente Peres Rosales National Park, Lake Todos Los Santos, Lake Frias, Cascada los Cantaros and Lake Nahuel Huapi.

This tour can also be done in reverse from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

Your tour ends in Bariloche, Argentina...be sure to add our Bariloche tour on enjoy more of the region including the local chocolates and craft beer.

Viva's Best Bits...

Journey from Chile to Argentina using a variety of buses and boats...witnessing beautiful forests, turquoise lakes and snow capped mountains along the way.

Enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes

Free time to explore Puerto Varas, a lakeside town in Chile, characterised by German-style architecture

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Day 1

Puerto Montt Puerto Varas

You will be transferred to Puerto Varas after landing in Puerto Montt. Known as ‘La Ciudad de las Rosas’ or ‘The City of Roses,’ Puerto Varas is located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue at the southern end of Chile’s Lakes District. Characterised by traditional German architecture, manicured gardens and the pristine lakeside scenery, Puerto Varas is a prime location for adventure sports. Visitors can enjoy kayaking, sailing, rafting, fishing and sailing as well as canyoning, rock climbing and mountain biking. Today is an arrival day, so you are free to explore at your leisure.
Overnight Puerto Varas

Day 2

Fruitillar tour

Further around Lake Llanquihue is the city of Frutillar, the location of today’s half day excursion. Enroute you will stop in the town of Llanquihue to visit a Memorial for German colonists. Fruitillar is known as the UNESCO city of music thanks to its year-round program of musical events. Founded in 1856 by German settlers, the city is undoubtedly one of Chile’s finest. You will enjoy time to discover its beautiful houses and gardens, shop for souvenirs and take in magnificent views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanos. There’s also the opportunity to visit the German Museum, which chronicles the life of the early settlers of Fruitillar.
Overnight in Puerto Varas

Day 3

Puerto Varas Puella

Today you will depart Puerto Varas, travelling first by road and then by boat to Peulla. After driving along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, you will stop enroute at Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. There you can get a closeup look of the Osorno Volcano and view the chute-type, turquoise waters of the Petrohue Waterfalls. Continuing by boat you will cruise Lake Todos Los Santos, one of Chile’s most beautiful lakes, to Peulla. Peulla is a nature lover’s paradise with a broad array of activities such as horse riding, canopying and four-by-four safaris. The rest of the day is free for you to explore.
Overnight in Peulla

Day 4

Peulla Bariloche

Leaving Peulla you will cross the Chilean border into Argentina whilst also crossing the Andes. On the other side you will reach Puerto Frias where you will board a cruise on Lake Frias to Puerto Alegre. You will be amazed by the scenery and the emerald colours of the lake thanks to the minerals from the surrounding glaciers.

Ends late in the day in Bariloche, we recommend adding on our Bariloche package

Accommodation

Accommodation in standard hotels
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Food

Breakfast daily, and other meals as outlined in the included sightseeing tours

Fees & Services

Sightseeing on a shared basis as outlined in the tour itinerary with English speaking guides
Lakes Crossing tour (shared services)
Arrival airport transfer
Flights, Visa and reciprocity fees (if applicable), tips, travel insurance

Take scenic bus and boat rides from Chile and crossing into Argentina on the "Lakes Crossing"
Visit the UNESCO City of Music, Frutillar, and discover its beautiful houses
Finish your tour in Bariloche, located on picturesque Lake Nahuel Huapi
Explore Puerto Varas, and witness Osorno Volcano and Petrohue Falls