Patagonia Traveler
Cruce Andino ferry boat navigates turquoise waters with dramatic forested mountains and rocky peaks in Patagonia.
Passengers board the Ventus Australis boat from a zodiac in a snow-capped Patagonian fjord during the Cruce Andino crossing.
Family viewing a massive blue glacier across turquoise waters in the Cruce Andino region near Puerto Varas, Patagonia.
Glacier-fed turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks and verdant forests along the Cruce Andino route near Puerto Varas.
Tourist photographing snow-capped volcano and forested island from ferry boat on Lake Todos los Santos during Cruce Andino crossing near Puerto Varas.

Andean lake Crossing in 1 day from Puerto Varas

Summary
Puerto Varas
All Year round
1 days
Easy

This excursion is a legendary full-day journey connecting Chile and Argentina through the Andes Mountains, seamlessly combining overland travel and scenic cruises across glacial lakes.

  • Morning: From Puerto Varas to Peulla (Chile) We depart at 08:30 AM from Puerto Varas, driving along the shores of Lake Llanquihue with stunning views of the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes. We will enter the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park to visit the Petrohué Waterfalls, impressive volcanic rock formations carved by emerald-green waters. Around 10:30 AM, we will board a catamaran to cruise across Lake Todos los Santos toward Peulla. Weather permitting, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Osorno and Puntiagudo volcanoes, and Mount Tronador. At 12:15 PM, we arrive in Peulla, an eco-village paradise for nature lovers, where you will have free time for lunch (not included).

  • Afternoon: Crossing the Andes and Arrival in Bariloche (Argentina) At 02:00 PM, we will board a bus to Puerto Frías, stopping at Chilean Customs for exit immigration procedures. We will cross the Andes mountain range at an altitude of 976 meters (3,200 feet) before descending to Puerto Frías, where we will cruise across the lake to Puerto Alegre. After a short bus transfer, we will reach Puerto Blest. At 07:00 PM, we embark on the final cruise of the day across Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pañuelo. From there, a final bus ride will take us to San Carlos de Bariloche, the capital of Patagonian tourism, famous for its scenery, chocolates, and vibrant nightlife.

  • 09:00 PM: Arrival in Bariloche and end of services.

  • Note: All schedules are approximate and subject to change based on weather conditions and passenger volume.