Andean Crossing, mythical Bariloche-Puerto Varas Route!

The Andean Crossing is a must-see expedition for anyone visiting Bariloche. This city gives you the opportunity to take an international trip through a lake walk. We are talking about the route that connects Argentina with Chile through three wonderful Patagonian lakes that cross the imposing Cordillera de Los Andes.

It’s a mythical experience. Indeed, in addition to the incredible natural landscapes, it’s full of history. Why? It turns out that this navigation is done by ancestral routes: those same water roads that were used more than 400 years ago by the native Huiliches and Mapuches.

WHAT IS THE ROUTE TO THE ANDEAN CROSSING?

If you are in San Carlos de Bariloche, the adventure begins in Puerto Pañuelo from where we sail to Puerto Varas in Chile, which is the point of arrival. However, you can also visit so many other magical places on the way.

We start with an hour of navigation along the Blest arm. On this route, you pass right in front of Sentinel Island which is where the remains of the Perito Moreno rest and there is also the imposing White Waterfall. After visiting this magnificent place, the walk continues to Puerto Blest.

After a walk along Blest Bay and the Frias River, we go to the pier and descend from the boat to take a bus aboard which takes a tour of 3 km (approximately 15 minutes). Then, the Frias River is bordered through a wooded and winding path until Puerto Alegre is reached, just on the shores of Frias Lake.  

That’s where we board again. Now, navigation continues with a 25-minute tour that takes us to Puerto Frias. It is in this place where migration and custom procedures necessary to cross the border are carried out. In fact, it is right at this point of the tour where it is time to board the 4X4 vehicle, specially conditioned to tour the Cordillera. The goal is to reach the highest point of the entire Andean Crossing, and for this we must cross the international limit. This means that we will be touching Chilean soil. 

The view is sensational, but above all. It is unmatched. You can see the Valdivian jungle until you reach Peulla, an ecological villa that besides giving you dazzling landscapes of the Valdivian jungle (ancient forests, waterfalls, streams, lagoons and birds), it gives its visitors the possibility to stay overnight (depending on the ride you have hired).

In Peulla, we stop not only to delight in the natural environment but also for lunch. After the meal, we continue the expedition by sailing to All Saints Lake. The new destination is Petrohué, in order to take the land route that will led us to the city of Puerto Varas. The latter journey takes place on the edge of Lake Llanquihue.

HOW MANY DAYS IT TAKES TO MAKE THE CROSSING

The Andean Crossing tour offers you two modalities. There is the alternative of a full day and the two-day alternative for those who have more time or are more adventurous and want to spend the night in Peulla. In case you are in Chile, you can also make Andean Crossing; it is the same route but in the opposite direction.

It is important to note that this lake experience operates all year round, no matter when you visit Bariloche! Whatever date you decide to travel, the important thing to consider for this tour is your documentation. Without personal identification papers, you won’t be able to cross into Chile or vice versa.

Ready to live the best stages of the Andes Mountains with the perfect combination of Patagonia Argentina-Chile? Don’t miss the Andean Crossing, a lake activity full of the best natural landscapes and with historical essence of relevance to both countries.

Send a WhatsApp to our travel specialists for hires or any advice you need. Remember that, depending on the days you have available or the activities you want to do and your budget, we help you assemble your travel itinerary, including: transportation, accommodations, walks and food. Take advantage and get to know our list of the best excursions in Bariloche.