The Andean Crossing from San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas is a captivating journey that takes travelers on an unforgettable exploration of the Andes. Spanning 12 hours, this immersive experience offers a seamless blend of scenic bus rides and sailing segments, allowing visitors to witness the breathtaking beauty of three picturesque lakes: Nahuel Huapi, Frias, and Todos los Santos. With exceptional guides providing valuable insights and a leisurely lunch break in Peulla, this adventure not only showcases the region’s rich natural landscape but also its cultural heritage, making it a truly remarkable experience. But what makes this crossing truly special is the unique opportunity to…

Key Points

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Key Points

  • The Andean Crossing is a 12-hour journey across the Andes, connecting Argentina and Chile, featuring panoramic views of nature and culture.
  • The tour includes pickup, transportation, sailings across three lakes, guides, lunch, and drop-off, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
  • The experience highlights include stunning Andes landscapes, culture, and sights like forests, waterfalls, and local wildlife.
  • The itinerary starts at 8:00 AM in Bariloche, includes sailing on Nahuel Huapi, Frias, and Todos los Santos lakes, and ends around 8:00 PM in Puerto Varas.
  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible and has limited support for reduced mobility, but offers a balanced experience of scenic beauty and logistical convenience.
You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview and Pricing

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Overview and Pricing

This Andean Crossing activity from San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas is priced from ¥30,772 per person.

Travelers can reserve their spot without upfront payment and enjoy a 12-hour journey across the Andes. The activity includes pickup from select addresses in Bariloche, all transportation and sailings, guides, lunch, and drop-off in Puerto Varas.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This scenic route connects Argentina and Chile, navigating across three lakes and offering panoramic views of forests, waterfalls, wildlife, and local culture along the way.

Experience Highlights

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Experience Highlights

The Andean Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas offers travelers a scenic route through the stunning landscapes of the Andes, connecting Argentina and Chile. The journey includes navigation across three pristine lakes – Nahuel Huapi, Frias, and Todos los Santos – offering panoramic views of forests, waterfalls, and local wildlife. Along the way, passengers will experience a series of overland bus rides connecting various scenic locations, allowing them to fully enjoy the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Lake Duration
Nahuel Huapi 1 hour
Frias 1 hour
Todos los Santos 2 hours

The entire experience is designed to provide travelers with a well-rounded and unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Andean region.

Itinerary

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Itinerary

The Andean Crossing journey begins with an 8:00 AM overland travel from San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, where travelers will then sail across the expansive Nahuel Huapi Lake for an hour, arriving at Puerto Blest.

After a short stop, the journey continues with a sailing across the serene Lake Frías, followed by an overland transfer to Peulla.

Travelers will enjoy free time in Peulla for lunch before embarking on a sailing across the stunning Lake Todos los Santos to Petrohué.

The final leg of the journey involves an overland transfer from Petrohué to the destination city of Puerto Varas, where the tour concludes at around 8:00 PM.

Inclusions and Important Information

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Inclusions and Important Information

According to the information provided, the Andean Crossing experience includes several key inclusions and important details for travelers.

Pickup from selected addresses in San Carlos de Bariloche, all overland transportation and sailings, guides, and drop-off in Puerto Varas are included.

Travelers must bring a passport or ID card, as it’s required for children. The tour isn’t accessible for wheelchairs, and assistance isn’t provided for reduced mobility.

Importantly, the itinerary may change during the winter season, from April to September.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced the Andean Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas have largely praised the quality of the tour.

The tour garners an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 13 reviews.

Key highlights from customer feedback include:

  1. Exceptional guide service, with a perfect 5-star rating.
  2. High-quality transportation, earning a 4.6-star rating.
  3. Reasonable value for money, scored at 3.9 stars.

While the value for money could be improved, reviewers emphasize the incredible scenery, seamless logistics, and knowledgeable guides that make the Andean Crossing a standout experience.

Duration and Cancellation

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Duration and Cancellation

This Andean Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas lasts 12 hours in total.

The journey begins with an overland travel from Bariloche to Pañuelo Port, followed by a series of boat rides and bus transfers across three scenic lakes – Nahuel Huapi, Frias, and Todos los Santos.

The itinerary includes free time in Peulla for lunch.

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility.

However, the tour isn’t accessible for wheelchair users, and assistance for those with reduced mobility isn’t provided.

The duration and cancellation policy offer a balanced experience for travelers seeking an Andean crossing adventure.

Scenic Route and Lakes

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Scenic Route and Lakes

The scenic Andean Crossing from Bariloche to Puerto Varas takes travelers on a captivating journey through three pristine lakes – Nahuel Huapi, Frias, and Todos los Santos.

Along the way, passengers will enjoy panoramic vistas of lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

The experience includes:

  1. Sailing across Nahuel Huapi Lake from Pañuelo Port to Blest.
  2. Navigating Lake Frias from Blest to Frias Port.
  3. Crossing the stunning Todos los Santos Lake from Peulla to Petrohué.

These tranquil lakes, surrounded by the majestic Andes, offer a truly immersive and picturesque adventure as travelers cross the border between Argentina and Chile.

Overland Transportation

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Overland Transportation

Along With the scenic lake crossings, the Andean Crossing includes several overland bus rides connecting the various locations.

Travelers embark on a bus journey from Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, followed by another from Puerto Blest to Puerto Alegre, and then from Puerto Frías to Peulla.

The final overland segment takes them from Petrohué to Puerto Varas.

These bus rides provide panoramic views of the surrounding forests, waterfalls, and local landscapes, offering a well-rounded experience of the diverse Andean region.

The transportation is efficiently coordinated to seamlessly transition between the lake crossings and overland journeys, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey for participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Andean Crossing: San Carlos De Bariloche to Puerto Varas - Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Official Language Spoken on the Tour?

The official languages spoken on this tour are Spanish and English. Both languages are commonly used by the guides and staff to ensure clear communication with all participants, regardless of their native language.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers are permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the Andean Crossing tour. However, lunch is provided as part of the tour package, so bringing additional snacks and beverages is optional.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. The itinerary is suitable for all ages, though the tour may not be accessible for those with reduced mobility. Participants must bring valid identification, such as a passport or ID card, including for children.

Do I Need a Visa to Participate in This Tour?

Travelers generally don’t need a visa to participate in this tour. However, they should check their specific nationality’s entry requirements for Chile and Argentina. It’s the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have the proper documentation.

Is There Any Additional Cost for Luggage Storage?

The information provided doesn’t mention any additional costs for luggage storage during the tour. It’s likely that luggage storage is included in the overall tour price, but it’s best to confirm this directly with the tour operator before booking.

The Sum Up

The Andean Crossing from San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas is a remarkable journey that immerses travelers in the stunning natural beauty of the Andes. Combining scenic bus rides and sailing segments, the adventure showcases three picturesque lakes and the rich cultural heritage of the region. With knowledgeable guides and a leisurely lunch break, this immersive experience offers an unforgettable way to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Patagonia.

You can check if your dates are available here: