The Cruce Andino (Andean Lakes Crossing) links Bariloche with Puerto Varas in Chile by a chain of boats and buses through two national parks: Nahuel Huapi in Argentina and Vicente Pérez Rosales in Chile. The route follows a crossing used since the early 20th century and is one of South America’s great scenic journeys.
In one long day you sail Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest, cross Lago Frías, clear border formalities at Puerto Frías, descend through rainforest to Peulla, then sail Lago Todos los Santos beneath Volcán Osorno to Petrohué before the road to Puerto Varas. You can book it in either direction.
Top things to do at Cruce Andino
Brazo Blest and Puerto Blest
The first leg follows the classic Puerto Blest excursion through the rainforest arm of the lake.
Lago Frías and the border
A short boat across glacial Lago Frías to the Argentine border post, then a mountain road over the pass into Chile.
Peulla
A tiny Chilean village in the forest where the crossing pauses for lunch — and where you can break the trip with an overnight.
Lago Todos los Santos
The emerald lake beneath Osorno, Puntiagudo and Tronador is the scenic climax; the Petrohué falls are close to the landing.
How to get to Cruce Andino
- Departures from Bariloche start with a hotel pickup and a bus to Puerto Pañuelo.
- The reverse direction starts in Puerto Varas (and some services from Puerto Montt).
- A valid passport (and any visa you need for Chile or Argentina) is required.
Insider tips
- Chile strictly controls food imports: do not carry fresh fruit, meat or dairy across.
- The crossing runs in all seasons but views are best from November to April.
- Luggage travels with you; keep a daypack with layers and snacks.
- Book well ahead in January and February.
Best tours & tickets for Cruce Andino
These experiences are the easiest way to see Cruce Andino and the landscapes around it:
Lake crossing Cruce Andino: San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Varas
The legendary lakes-and-buses crossing between Argentina and Chile. You sail Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest, cross to Lago Frías, clear border formalities, descend to Peulla and sail the emerald Lago Todos los Santos beneath Volcán Osorno before the final road leg to Puerto Varas. Bring your passport.
- Three lakes by boat: Nahuel Huapi, Frías, Todos los Santos
- Cross the Andes on the Pérez Rosales pass
- Arrive in Puerto Varas beneath Volcán Osorno
Lake crossing Cruce Andino: Puerto Varas to San Carlos de Bariloche
The same celebrated crossing in the other direction — the most beautiful way to arrive in Bariloche. You leave Puerto Varas in the morning and reach the Argentine side by boat across Lagos Frías and Nahuel Huapi, landing at Puerto Pañuelo in the evening.
- Lago Todos los Santos and Volcán Osorno
- Peulla and the Andean border crossing
- Arrive in Bariloche across Lake Nahuel Huapi
Boat trip Bariloche: Puerto Blest and Los Cántaros Waterfall
A full day deep in the wettest, greenest corner of the park. The boat runs west up the narrow Brazo Blest past Isla Centinela to the waterfall of Los Cántaros, where a wooden stairway climbs through rainforest to a hidden lake, then continues to Puerto Blest and the glacier-green waters of Lago Frías.
- Sail the fjord-like Brazo Blest arm of the lake
- Climb the stairway beside Los Cántaros waterfall
- Valdivian rainforest and emerald Lago Frías
