OneWay Journey : de Bariloche, Argentina a Puerto Varas, Chile

An amazing experience, we did the lake crossing. The panorama postcards on the trip are speechless. Feeling of greatness God for his wonders, which gives us the opportunity to see.

Crossing can be done in two directions: From Argentina to Chile or from Chile to Argentina. Upon arrival you decide how your trip continues or you can return, free of charge, if you are an Argentine or Chilean resident, when you choose. The crossing lasts approximately 12 hours so if you wish to return by this same means it must be done in at least two days, overnight in a hotel of the arrival head of the Crossing. However, we recommend, if time is available, to do so in more days. We traveling in the direction of Argentina - Chile stayed one day at the fantastic Hotel Narura in Peulla, Chile two, nights in Puerto Varas, Chile and back one day at the charming Hotel Puerto Blest in Puerto Blest, Argentina. Accommodation and meal costs are fully in line with what is offered at both hotels. The crossing is excellently coordinated by two tourism agencies: TURISUR, from Bariloche, Argentina and TURISTOUR from Puerto Varas Chile. It combines four land and three lake routes along Nahuel Huapi, Frias and De Todos Los Santos lakes, all different in colors and landscapes. The catamarans are all very good, the guides, extremely friendly, provide all the necessary information in Spanish and English so that no one is left in doubt. It is important to carry a good device to take quality images.

It was a wonderful trip. The weather was perfect and the views were spectacular. The guide however advised us to drink the FRESH water from the waterfall. As I emptied my water bottle and started to fill it up with fresh water under the waterfall I noticed that it was not as glacial cold as I expected. AI: "That particular waterfall (usually at Vicente Pérez Rosales Pass or near one of the lakes) is a very common source of traveler’s diarrhea and Giardia in that exact crossing. Even though it looks pristine, it can have livestock or wildlife contamination higher up the mountain. Most people who drink from that waterfall are totally fine, but a surprising number are not — it’s literally one of the top “how I got sick in Patagonia” stories guides we hear every summer."

Excellent excursion, recommended for those who tour Patagonia, its landscapes and natural beauty are admirable.

It is an excellent excursion, very well put together, the landscapes and the first navigation, the guides very willing and friendly.

The excursion is highly recommended, for the landscapes and I highlight the organization and service of the guides at all times.

Very good route, fantastic and very distracting. Contact with nature, change of landscape from time to time. Very pleasant...

We arrived 2 hours late. The boats were rammed so full there was barely enough room to move. The men’s toilet at the first stop was overflowing onto the floor. Passengers’ bags were meant to be delivered to hotels; because the trip was so late, bags were just emptied onto the dock in a passenger free for all. The positives: the journey was pretty; we arrived eventually.

A fantastic trip, although a long day. Great way to cross to Chile and thoroughly recommend on a nice day. The weather was bright sunshine and clear skies which made the day even better. Key things to note: We were told to meet at Mitre 150 at 8am but it was nearly an hour later before we left. Check in in advance - need 4300 pesos port tax paid at Puerto Panuelo - there were massive queues there to pay it. Also advised need 20,000 pesos National Park entry - this was incorrect as is not paid by Andes crossing passengers Lunch at Puerto blest Hotel - take a picnic, it was the worst meal we had in a month in Argentina! The boat was chocker to Puerto Blest with day trippers and only just got 2 seats together. Onwards boats/ bus more relaxed Views got better and better Bus stopped at Chile border and Cerro Tronador for photos The border posts out of Argentina and into Chile were easy as only Cruce Andino passengers so no long lines. Chile border was strict with no fruit etc and suitcase search The last boat on Lago Todos Los Santos had awesome views of the volcanoes The Chilean guides were way better than the Argentine one - she spoke for ages in Spanish and a short sentence in English whilst the Chilean ones Spanish/English was even amounts. We did it as one day - does not look like a lot to do in the stopover points a part from short hike. We were very glad we did this trip and pleased we ignored the negative views. It was an outstanding day and one of the highlights.

A long day. The 3 lakes are beautiful and the surrounding scenery was awesome. The bus to boat to bus to boat.. got a bit tiring in the end. Overall, a fun way to travel from Bariloche to Puerto Varas.