San Martin de los Andes Boat Tour & Waterfalls Day Trip

Summary

Lakes & Forests Cruise from San Martin Pier

Board a boat from San Martin de los Andes to cruise glacial lakes, walk to Chachin waterfall through lush forest, and pause at remote island chapels—all with a local bilingual guide. Includes your boarding ticket and plenty of time to wander or grab lunch along the way for an easygoing day you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

We were already shuffling our feet on the wooden pier in San Martin de los Andes when the boat horn echoed over Lago Lácar—kind of sharp in the chilly morning air. There was this smell, like wet pine needles and cold stone, and honestly, I was just hoping my coffee would kick in before we set off. Our guide, Martín, handed out tickets and cracked a joke about “Patagonian time” running slower than city clocks. The water looked almost glassy, with little ripples catching bits of sunlight.

The boat ride itself felt longer than I expected—nearly 28 kilometers—but it never dragged. We stopped at Quila Quina first; some folks wandered off to the beach while others (me included) went straight for empanadas at a tiny lakeside café. The wind picked up as we crossed into Lake Nonthue, and you could see the mountains crowding closer, all tangled with green Valdivian forest. At Chachín Port, Martín led us up a damp path through thick trees—he pointed out these weirdly bright orange fungi growing on fallen logs—and then suddenly there it was: Chachín waterfall roaring down a cliff, mist everywhere. My jacket got soaked but I didn’t care.

After that, we drifted toward Hua Hum Port near the Chilean border—Martín said it’s only 640 meters above sea level here, which is pretty low for the Andes. The river mouth was so clear you could see pebbles on the bottom. On the way back we stopped at Santa Teresita Island; there’s this tiny white chapel tucked between rocks and coihue trees. Someone rang its bell (not me!) and a couple of ducks flapped away from shore. By late afternoon we were back at the pier, sunburned noses and all. I still think about that cold spray from the falls and how quiet everything felt out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat Trip on Lakes and Waterfalls

• Meet at pier 15 minutes before departure
• Boat ride with stops in Lanín National Park
• Visit Quila Quina beaches and lunch
• Stop at Chachín Port and waterfall visit
• Visit Hua Hum Port near Chile border
• Stop at Santa Teresita Island and chapel
• Return to starting pier

Top questions

How long does the San Martin de los Andes boat tour take?

The full trip usually lasts around 6–7 hours including stops for walking and lunch.

Is lunch included on this lake & waterfalls day trip?

No, lunch isn’t included but you’ll have free time at Quila Quina where you can buy food or bring your own picnic.

Are guides available in English on this tour?

Yes, a bilingual guide leads the group and provides information in both Spanish and English throughout the day.

What should I bring for the boat trip to Chachin waterfall?

Bring comfortable shoes for walking to the waterfall, a jacket (it can get windy), sunscreen, water, and some cash for snacks or souvenirs.

What’s included

Your experience covers boarding tickets for all lake crossings plus guidance from a friendly local who shares stories in both English and Spanish; you’ll also have time to explore beaches or forest trails at each stop before returning to San Martin de los Andes in the afternoon.