Delve into this 6 Day Andes Lake Crossing Itinerary for a unique visit through northern Patagonia. While the itinerary below travels from Puerto Varas in Chile to Bariloche, Argentina – you can travel the reverse direction to fit with your other South America travels. The Lake District in Chile and the bordering region in Argentina have been a major tourism hot spot for locals for years. It features an array of natural volcanoes, glaciers, snow-capped mountains, rivers and wildlife. The stunning lakes and woodlands spread along the Andes where the range’s elevation protects a series of ecosystems through native woodlands to volcanic mountains.
This Andes Lake Crossing itinerary allows two days to explore picturesque Puerto Varas on your own before beginning the journey. Spend the next 2 days crossing many lakes via ferry and bus, including a night in the remote town of Peulla, before arriving to the town of San Carlos de Bariloche. Not only is Bariloche situated in the stunning Nahuel Huapi National Park, it offers some of the finest handmade chocolates in all of Argentina.
This Andes Lake Crossing tour is completely flexible – activities & dates will adapt to personal preferences. Build Your Quote to view your obligation free, customised trip.
Suggested Itinerary
Please keep in mind North South Journeys itineraries are all examples and completely customisable.
Andean Lake Crossing
Your transfer will be waiting with your name on a sign. They will have limited English but good enough to guide you to your transfer. They will ensure you receive your documentation for your trip.
Solace Hotel is located in a green area of Puerto Varas, 600m from the Llanquihue Lake shores. It provides rooms with panoramic views of the Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes or city views including the famous church of Puerto Varas.
Each spacious guest room at the Solace includes a seating area equipped with cable TV channels. There is a sofa, a work desk and a laptop safe.
A fusion of local and international dishes served at the restaurant of the hotel. Guests can also discover the many cafes in central Puerto Varas, a 10-minute walk away, serving traditional German pastries.
Other facilities of the Solace Hotel include a free internet hotspot and an airport shuttle service. Free private parking is also available on site.
Dubbed the ‘City of the Roses’, slow down and take a leisurely stroll around Puerto Varas to appreciate its traditional, unmistakably Germanic architecture and its pretty residential neighborhoods with their well-tended gardens.
If you’re a fan of adventure sports and enjoy close contact with nature, this is the place for you! Excellent kayaking and angling are just two of the many activities on offer. How about renting a bike in Puerto Varas and riding to the beautiful Petrohué waterfalls? Don’t miss the many lakeside beaches on the way.
Puerto Varas boasts exquisite restaurants, a stylish casino with a lively program of nightlife and a vibrant cultural scene. During the winter months, the locals celebrate the abundant seasonal rains with the traditional ‘Rain Festival’. Unmissable!
Please note, the timings listed below are general and may be updated or changed once starting your trip. Please refer to your local set of documentation or check with staff to confirm specific timings once you begin the journey.
DAY 1: PUERTO VARAS - PEULLA
Your morning starts as you leave behind your hotel in Puerto Varas and make your way to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. The road along the way is paved with spectacular views of the surrounding volcanoes and quaint houses.
Upon your arrival to this historic park you will pass the majestic Petrohué Falls and continue onto the beautiful Todos los Santos Lake. There you will board a catamaran to reach the town Peulla where you will have time to explore the surrounding areas. A walk to the Velo de la Novia cascade through the native Valdivian rainforest is highly recommended. You will then have the evening at leisure for a little rest and relaxation at your hotel.
Hotel Natura Patagonia features a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Peulla. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation provides karaoke and a 24-hour front desk.
At the hotel, rooms are equipped with a balcony. At Hotel Natura Patagonia each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a continental or a buffet breakfast. You can play billiards and table tennis at Hotel Natura Patagonia, and the area is popular for hiking
DAY 2: PEULLA - BARILOCHE
Today, after a delicious breakfast you will take a bus to reach Puerto Frías in Argentina, where you will board a second catamaran to navigate the turquoise waters of the lake and disembark in Puerto Alegre.
From Puerto Alegre you will board a bus one more time to get to Puerto Blest where you will start your last navigation across the wonderful Nahuel Huapi Lake to Puerto Pañuelo.
The final part of your trip will be from Puerto Pañuelo to Bariloche. This city is a fascinating destination in both winter and summer months thanks to its stunning surroundings, ski resorts, variety of stores, high-class restaurants and vibrant nightlife. Over the past few years, Bariloche has developed a name for itself as a city for top-class breweries.
The Edelweiss offers spacious and bright rooms facing the Nahuel Huapi Lake and snow-covered mountains. Located in Bariloche, the property features ski storage services.
Each room features an exclusive design. All of them are fitted with spacious bathrooms, comfortable beds, flat-screen cable TVs and other luxurious amenities.
Guests staying at NH Bariloche Edelweiss can enjoy a varied breakfast buffet. At lunch and dinner times, La Tavola Restaurant features Argentinean cuisine and wineries. A gym and indoor pool with great lake views are also available on site.
Spend time at leisure in this beautiful lakeside town called the home of Argentinean Chocolate. In addition to exploring the picturesque town, for those interested in a self drive adventure - the Circuito Chico, (small circuit) is a highly recommended day drive for visitors to see stunning views of the mountain ranges and lakes.
Inclusions
Included
- All ground transportation as detailed in the itinerary
- Accommodation in 3 to 4 star hotels (pricing based on a twin share room)
- Daily Breakfast and additional meals where indicated in the itinerary
- Tours with an English Speaking guide
- All Entry Fees for National Parks, Museums or Important Sites on Tours as indicated in descriptions
- Access to North South Journeys Emergency Assistance Line available 24 hours a day
Not Included
- Flights*
- Additional Meals or Drinks
- Personal Expenses
- Tips (not mandatory, but they are customary in Latin America)
*Note that we will quote flights for you when provided with your desired travel dates. Costs will vary depending on your travel dates.
