Tours and Activities:
Lake Crossing in the Andes
Chile and Argentina share a border shaped by landscapes of year-round green forests, Andean lakes, and ancient mountain passes once used by settlers to trade goods. Today, this crossing has become an exceptionally pleasant experience.
From Frutillar, and after a short transfer to Puerto Varas, the Andean Lakes Crossing offers one of the most highly valued binational excursions among travelers. Combining land and lake segments by bus and catamaran, the journey links Chile and Argentina between Puerto Montt and San Carlos de Bariloche, through a succession of natural settings that invite both adventure and contemplation. In our case, we joined the excursion in the city of Puerto Varas, where the bus journey began, and the experience truly unfolded.
We left behind the German-influenced architecture of this summer resort town and headed toward Petrohué, within Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. To do so, we skirted Lake Llanquihue toward the Petrohué Waterfalls, our first stop to admire these volcanic formations with powerful cascades of rushing water. Several trails allow visitors to venture into the forest and, in some clearings, discover the silhouette of Osorno Volcano and the Andes mountain range.
Later, upon reaching the shores of Lake Todos los Santos, we walked barefoot along the fine sandy beach before boarding the first catamaran. Once on board, in a warm setting with large windows, we began to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. After just over an hour of navigation, we arrived in Peulla, a small settlement nestled in the heart of the park, surrounded by lush vegetation and offering outdoor activities that invite travelers to extend their stay. During lunch, stories emerged about the ancient Huilliche inhabitants and the presence of Jesuit missionaries who left their mark on the area. After a walk through the surroundings, we resumed the journey by bus toward the Chilean customs checkpoint.
Once border formalities were completed, we made another stop to admire Mount Tronador and its high-altitude glaciers, now in Argentine territory. Along the way, the Valdivian rainforest gradually gave way to the Patagonian Andean forest, and almost without noticing, we arrived at Puerto Frías, where the Argentine flag flies, and entry procedures into the country take place. There, a second catamaran awaited us to navigate the calm, green waters of Lake Frías toward Puerto Alegre. Mount Tronador continued to accompany the journey until we reached solid ground and boarded another bus bound for Puerto Blest.
The road wound alongside the Frías River beneath ancient coihue and alerce trees, and before long, Lake Nahuel Huapi appeared, along with a small yet charming lodge on its shores. Seated aboard yet another catamaran, we began the final leg toward Puerto Pañuelo, ever closer to the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, within Nahuel Huapi National Park. Puerto Pañuelo welcomed us with the last light of the afternoon, along with other excursions returning from Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest.
By bus, Bariloche’s Civic Center gradually came into view, and we left the natural landscapes behind to immerse ourselves in a city with a strong tourism vocation. We observed its Alpine-inspired architecture while imagining the regional culinary specialties and artisanal chocolates that awaited us just minutes ahead. The capital of the lakes of southern Argentina appeared vibrant and elegant as we followed the lakeshore avenue along Lake Nahuel Huapi.
The journey touches solitary and unique places, uniting two countries that share an almost pristine natural environment and are connected through the crystal-clear waters of their lakes. On the return, Frutillar awaits as the ideal place to resume the calm rhythm of travel, facing Lake Llanquihue and offering the tranquility that defines this southern city.
Contact
Cruce Andino
Cel: +56 934062885
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