Bariloche to Puerto Varas: Cross 3 Lakes & 2 Countries

Three lakes, two countries, one day across the Andes

A one-way scenic crossing from Bariloche, Argentina to Puerto Varas, Chile that combines boat navigation across Nahuel Huapi, Frías and Todos los Santos lakes with overland bus routes through Patagonian forests and past waterfalls. The trip includes a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese, all transfers, and border crossing procedures at Peulla. Lunch is arranged separately. Passport details are required at booking, and the route takes a full day with stops at Puerto Pañuelo, Puerto Blest and Peulla.

Step-by-step itinerary

Scenic journey from Bariloche to Puerto Varas

• Start in Bariloche city
• Bus ride to Puerto Pañuelo port
• Boat navigation on Nahuel Huapi Lake
• Bus ride to Puerto Blest
• Boat navigation on Frias Lake
• Border crossing procedures at Lago Frias
• Bus ride to Peulla village
• Lunch break in Peulla
• Boat navigation on Todos los Santos Lake
• Bus ride to Puerto Varas city
• End in Puerto Varas, Chile

The experience

How do you cross from one country to another without flying? This route threads through the Andes by alternating between boat and bus, letting you see the landscape shift as you move. You start in Bariloche, a city nestled inside Nahuel Huapi National Park, and board a boat at Puerto Pañuelo, 25 kilometers away. The first crossing is Nahuel Huapi Lake itself, where the Valdivian Forest (one of the world's few cold-climate rainforests) rises from the water's edge. Condors, eagles and deer inhabit the area. Bring binoculars if you want to spot them.

The route alternates between water and land four times. After Nahuel Huapi comes a bus ride to Puerto Frías, where the green waters of the Frías River meet the blue of the lake. Then a second boat crossing on Frías Lake, the smallest of the three, where border procedures happen at Peulla: a small ecological village on the Chilean side. The landscape here is glacial: the lake's green-turquoise color comes from meltwater. Lunch is available in Peulla but costs extra (around US$25 per person). The final and longest crossing is Todos los Santos Lake, a two-hour sail through emerald waters surrounded by evergreen forests. From the catamaran deck you can see waterfalls and three snowy peaks: Mount Tronador and the volcanoes Osorno and Puntiagudo. A last bus ride takes you to Puerto Varas, your endpoint in Chile.

You travel with a live guide who speaks English, Spanish or Portuguese, and all transfers between the lakes and bus routes are included. Luggage allowance is one carry-on up to 10 kilograms and one suitcase up to 23 kilograms. The journey takes 12 hours total, so it is a full-day commitment. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Wear waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes, bring sunblock and sunglasses, and have your passport details ready at booking. The operator needs your name, number, expiry and country for all participants before the trip.

What’s included

• All land and lake transfers between Bariloche and Puerto Varas.
• a live guide in English, Spanish or Portuguese.
• pickup from your accommodation in Bariloche.
• border crossing procedures at Peulla.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 14

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and Portuguese

Audio guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 6 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 0.33

Good to know

Low physical effortInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cruce Andino

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to cross from Chile to Argentina through the lakes rather than by road alone. You'll navigate three lakes by boat between bus segments, all on coordinated departures with other travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What are the three lakes I cross on this route from Bariloche to Puerto Varas?

Nahuel Huapi Lake, Frías Lake and Todos los Santos Lake. Nahuel Huapi is the largest and your first crossing from Bariloche; Frías is the smallest and sits at the Chile-Argentina border where you clear customs at Peulla; Todos los Santos is the longest crossing, a two-hour sail through emerald water with views of Mount Tronador and two volcanoes.

Do I need a passport for this crossing, and where do I clear the border?

Yes, a valid passport is required for all participants, and you must provide the name, number, expiry and country at booking. Border procedures happen at Peulla, a small village on Frías Lake where you stop between the second and third lake crossings.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. A meal is available in Peulla during the stop, and costs around US$25 per person if you choose to eat there.

What wildlife and landscape will I see on the boat crossings?

The area is home to condors, eagles, deer and waterfalls. On Nahuel Huapi you see the Valdivian Forest, a rare cold rainforest that rises from the water. On Todos los Santos, the two-hour crossing passes under evergreen forests and three snowy peaks: Mount Tronador and the volcanoes Osorno and Puntiagudo.

How much luggage can I bring on this journey?

You can bring one carry-on bag up to 10 kilograms and one suitcase up to 23 kilograms. Infants travel on an adult's lap.

What should I wear and bring for this 12-hour crossing?

Wear waterproof clothing and comfortable shoes, as you will be on boats and buses for the full day. Bring sunblock and sunglasses to protect yourself on the water and during stops. Binoculars and a camera are useful for spotting wildlife and waterfalls.