Andean Crossing from Puerto Varas to Bariloche

Q: When should I buy the Nahuel Huapi National Park entrance fee?

You can buy the entrance fee to the park not later than the day before the excursion in https://ventaweb.apn.gob.ar/reserva/inicio, with debit or credit card, or with cash the same day of the tour.

Q: When should I buy the Vicente Pérez Rosales Park entrance fee?

The entrance fee for Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park must necessarily be bought not later than the day before the excursion, in https://www.pasesparques.cl/en. At the moment of the pickup, the guide will ask for the entrance fees to all passengers, including children and adults over the age of 60. If one of them does not have the tickets, he or she will not be able to make the tour and there will be no refund.

Q: What type of boat is used for the Andean Crossing?

The lake segments of this tour are done on catamarans. Capacity varies by lake: some legs use vessels for up to 250 passengers, while others use boats for around 110 passengers. These boats are stable and designed for smooth, comfortable lake cruising. Matching the boat size to each segment also makes boarding and disembarking faster and easier.

Q: What type of luggage can I bring on the Andean Lakes Crossing, and how is it transported?

For the Andean Lakes Crossing, you are allowed one piece of luggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs) at no extra cost, with a maximum linear dimension of 158 cm (62 inches). Additionally, you can bring a carry-on bag (handbag or purse). If you have extra luggage, you must pay an additional US$ 25 for each extra piece. Luggage is collected at the start of the journey and returned at the destination, so you must carry your travel documents with you in your carry-on.

Q: ¿Cuánto dura el Cruce Lagos Andinos?

This journey follows an international route connecting Puerto Varas, Chile, with Bariloche, Argentina, or vice versa, and takes approximately 12 hours to travel between the two countries.

Q: Can the Andean Lakes Crossing be done round trip in one day?

No, it is not possible due to the duration of the journey. You must plan to stay at least one night in the destination city. It is recommended to stay at least two nights to enjoy the activities the cities have to offer.

Q: Can I do the Andean Lakes Crossing with a private vehicle?

No, it is not possible to make the journey with a private car or motorcycle, as the staff and fleet are only equipped to transport passengers and bicycles.

Q: Are food or drinks available on board during the Andean Crossing tour?

Yes, during the boat segments of the Andean Crossing tour, there is a café on board offering food and drink options. You can pay with credit or debit card, or with local currency.

Q: Where is lunch served during the Andean Crossing tour?

On the Andean Crossing tour, the lunch location varies by season: during summer, lunch is served in Villa Peulla, while in winter, it takes place in Puerto Blest.

Q: How to book Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas?

You can book Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas online through Nomades.com, the largest tour booking platform in Chile. Just go to the activity page, choose the date, number of passengers, and pay online by credit card, bank transfer, or using a 10% deposit to pay the rest at destination.

Cross the Andes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche with 3 scenic lake cruises through Patagonian landscapes of volcanoes, forests, and waterfalls.

All year round Free cancellation Free rescheduling

Price per person

US$ 277.00

Duration

13 hours and a half

Schedules

8:10 am to 8:00 pm

Meeting point

Turistour Agency (Del Salvador 72, Puerto Varas)

Includes

Shared transportation
Navigation
Bilingual guide (Spanish and English)

Does not include

Pickup at your accommodation (urban area)
Meals (reference lunch in Peulla CLP$ 20.000 per person)
Entrance fee to the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park (CLP$ 3.700 for residents in Chile and CLP$ 7.800 for non-residents in Chile, between September 7 and April 13)
Entrance fee to Nahuel Huapi National Park (AR$ 15.000 for residents in Argentina and AR$ 35.000 for non-residents in Argentina, subject to change)

What to bring

Waterproof clothing
Comfortable shoes
Hat to protect against the sun
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Snack
Comfortable clothes to wear under the wetsuit
Comfortable clothing
Fleece clothing to stay warm (Polartec or similar)
Winter hat and gloves for the cold

Description

Enjoy a scenic journey between Chile and Argentina, crossing Patagonia by land and water. You’ll depart from Puerto Varas, driving along Lake Llanquihue with views of Osorno Volcano, then head to Lake Todos los Santos for your first cruise to Villa Peulla, a small mountain village surrounded by native forest.

Next, you’ll continue by vehicle to cross the border and reach Lake Frías, where you’ll board for a 25-minute cruise through striking Andean scenery. The route then continues to Puerto Blest, where you’ll start your third cruise across Lake Nahuel Huapi, with views of waterfalls, small islands, and the region’s iconic Patagonian vegetation.

The tour ends in Bariloche at Mitre 150. If you choose the round-trip option, you’ll return along the same route.

Important notes

Choose one meeting point and write it in the “Additional comments” box when booking:
- 07:30 AM: Del Salvador 72, Puerto Varas
- 09:00 AM: Puerto Petrohué
Accommodation in Bariloche is not included (we recommend booking in advance).
For the round-trip option, you must include your return date in “Additional comments.”
Lunch is not included. You can purchase it in Villa Peulla or Puerto Blest, depending on the season you take the tour (reference price: CLP$ 20.000 per person).
Petrohué Falls: between April and September this stop is not included due to limited daylight during the winter season.

Price

Residents in Chile or Argentina

One-way or round trip program

Prices per person in American dollars (USD):

Date	Adult	Child (age 2 to 11)	Infant* (age 0 to 1)
Until 03/31/2026	$253	$127	$0
04/01/2026 a 03/31/2028	$277	$139	$0

*Infant without a seat, on an adult's lap.

Non-residents in Chile or Argentina

One-way program

Prices per person in American dollars (USD):

Date	Adult	Child (age 2 to 11)	Infant* (age 0 to 1)
Until 03/31/2026	$325	$162	$0
04/01/2026 a 03/31/2028	$355	$178	$0

*Infant without a seat, on an adult's lap.

Round-trip program

Precios por persona en dólares estadounidenses (USD):

Date	Adult	Child (age 2 to 11)	Infant* (age 0 to 1)
Until 03/31/2026	$486	$243	$0
04/01/2026 a 03/31/2028	$533	$267	$0

*Infant without a seat, on an adult's lap.

Orange segments: Ground transportation | Blue segments: Navigation

Frequently asked questions

When should I buy the Nahuel Huapi National Park entrance fee?

When should I buy the Vicente Pérez Rosales Park entrance fee?

What type of boat is used for the Andean Crossing?

What type of luggage can I bring on the Andean Lakes Crossing, and how is it transported?

¿Cuánto dura el Cruce Lagos Andinos?

Can the Andean Lakes Crossing be done round trip in one day?

Can I do the Andean Lakes Crossing with a private vehicle?

Are food or drinks available on board during the Andean Crossing tour?

Where is lunch served during the Andean Crossing tour?

How to book Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas?

How far in advance should I book Andean Lakes Crossing from Puerto Varas?