Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike With Optional Frias Lake

Exploring the stunning landscapes of Nahuel Huapi National Park, the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike offers travelers an unforgettable adventure. Embarking on a scenic boat ride across the lake, they’ll pass by Centinela Island before seeing the lush forests surrounding Puerto Blest. But the real gem awaits as they hike to the breathtaking Los Cantaros Waterfall, surrounded by unique flora and fauna. For those seeking further exploration, an optional extension to the serene Frias Lake promises an even more immersive experience. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural insight, this excursion is not to be missed.

Key Points

• Comprehensive full-day excursion from Bariloche to Nahuel Huapi Lake, featuring a scenic cruise, hike to Los Cantaros Waterfall, and optional Frias Lake extension.
• Highlights include admiring unique regional flora and fauna, visiting Centinela Island, and enjoying breathtaking natural vistas along the trail to the waterfall.
• Exploration of the charming town of Puerto Blest, with its traditional wooden architecture, local artisan shops, and serene natural surroundings.
• Mixed reviews on overall value, language barriers with primarily Spanish-speaking guides, and occasional logistical challenges reported by some travelers.
• Option to extend the experience with a boat ride across Frias Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, for a deeper immersion in Patagonia’s landscapes.

Overview of the Excursion

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike is a full-day excursion that whisks visitors from Bariloche, Argentina to the pristine waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake and the stunning Los Cantaros Waterfall.

With an overall rating of 4.0 from 27 reviews, this scenic adventure highlights the region’s unique flora and fauna, including Patagonian cypress and coihue trees.

Travelers embark on a sightseeing boat to Puerto Blest, passing Centinela Island where Dr. Francisco Moreno is laid to rest.

After the scenic cruise, guests hike to the picturesque Los Cantaros Waterfall, climbing steps to witness the falls.

Though the tour provides a local guide, some travelers have noted language barriers and logistical confusion.

Highlights of the Cruise

Pristine waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake beckon visitors on the Puerto Blest Cruise. The journey takes travelers past Centinela Island, where Dr. Francisco Moreno, the renowned explorer and scientist, is laid to rest.

Along the way, passengers can admire the unique flora and fauna of the region, including the majestic Patagonian cypress and coihue trees. The tranquil cruise offers a chance to disconnect from the outside world and take in the natural beauty of the area.

As the boat glides across the lake, passengers can soak in the stunning vistas and prepare for the next leg of the excursion – the hike to the captivating Los Cantaros Waterfall.

Exploring Puerto Blest

Upon disembarking the cruise, visitors find themselves in the charming town of Puerto Blest. This picturesque village, nestled in the heart of Nahuel Huapi National Park, offers a unique opportunity to experience Patagonian life.

Visitors can:

• Stroll through the quaint streets and admire the wooden architecture.
• Visit the local artisan shops, showcasing traditional handcrafted goods.
• Explore the surrounding forests, teeming with diverse flora and fauna.
• Hike to the nearby Los Cantaros Waterfall, a stunning natural wonder.
• Relax and take in the serene beauty of the surrounding lakes and mountains.

With its stunning scenery and authentic charm, Puerto Blest provides a truly immersive experience in the heart of the Patagonian wilderness.

Hiking to Los Cantaros Waterfall

Hiking to the captivating Los Cantaros Waterfall is the highlight of the Puerto Blest excursion. After the boat ride across Nahuel Huapi Lake, visitors embark on a scenic trail that leads them to the impressive cascades.

Climbing a series of steps, they’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the falls tumbling down the rocky cliffs. The hike provides an opportunity to take in the region’s unique flora and fauna, including the iconic Patagonian cypress and coihue trees.

Though the trail may be challenging for some, the stunning natural beauty makes the effort worthwhile. With a local guide to lead the way, travelers can fully appreciate the magnificence of Los Cantaros Waterfall.

Inclusions and Pricing

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike includes a local guide to accompany travelers throughout the excursion.

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off from select Bariloche locations. The boat navigation across Nahuel Huapi Lake is included, but the national park entrance fee (around $15 USD) and embarkment tax (around $4 USD) are not.

The total cost for this full-day adventure starts at $195.00 per person, and the tickets are non-refundable.

The tour includes:

• Local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Boat navigation on Nahuel Huapi Lake
• Visit to Los Cantaros Waterfall
• Exploration of unique Patagonian flora and fauna

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike is in San Carlos de Bariloche, located in the Province of Rio Negro, Patagonia.

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and there’s a maximum of 60 travelers per tour. Confirmation is received at booking, so be sure to have your printed voucher for park entry.

While the scenic beauty and waterfall hike receive positive remarks, some travelers have noted language barriers with guides, who may conduct tours primarily in Spanish.

Keep these details in mind when deciding if this excursion is the right fit for your Patagonian adventure.

Customer Feedback Highlights

Travelers’ mixed reviews on the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike’s value for money stand out.

While some noted significant price differences compared to local bookings, others felt the experience was worth the cost.

Complaints about language barriers with guides, who conducted tours primarily in Spanish, were also common.

However, there were many positive remarks on the scenic beauty of the area and the waterfall hike, despite some logistical confusion.

The customer feedback highlights a range of experiences:

• Mixed perspectives on value for money
• Issues with language barriers and guide communication
• Praise for the natural beauty and waterfall hike
• Logistical challenges for some travelers
• Varying degrees of satisfaction with the overall tour.

Optional Frias Lake Extension

For those seeking an even more immersive Patagonian experience, the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike offers an optional Frias Lake extension.

This additional activity takes adventurers on a boat ride across the serene Frias Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. Visitors can disembark and hike along the lake’s shore, spotting diverse wildlife like guanacos and woodpeckers.

The Frias Lake extension provides a chance to delve deeper into the region’s natural wonders, complementing the waterfall hike and lake cruise. While an added cost, this optional add-on allows travelers to maximize their exploration of Patagonia’s stunning landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Weather Conditions Like During the Tour?

The weather during the tour is generally mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). Hikers should be prepared for potential light rain or wind, as the Patagonian climate can be unpredictable.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Activities Beyond Puerto Blest?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include activities beyond Puerto Blest. Visitors can opt for an additional hike to Frias Lake, which offers stunning glacial views and a chance to witness the region’s unique flora and fauna.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Excursion?

Travelers are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand as policies may vary. Most tours provide limited refreshments during the trip.

What Should I Pack for the Hike to the Waterfall?

Visitors should pack sturdy hiking boots, water, snacks, and sun protection for the waterfall hike. Layered clothing is also recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable in the area.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have specific age or fitness requirements, but the hike to the waterfall may be challenging for some. It’s recommended to have a moderate level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience.

Recap

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike with Optional Frias Lake offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the stunning natural wonders of Nahuel Huapi National Park. From the serene boat ride to the awe-inspiring waterfall, this excursion promises a memorable experience filled with breathtaking scenery and cultural enrichment. The optional Frias Lake extension provides an additional layer of exploration, making this tour a true gem for nature enthusiasts.