West of the Llao Llao peninsula, Lake Nahuel Huapi narrows into Brazo Blest, a long fjord-like arm walled in by steep forested mountains. At its end the climate changes: rainfall here is several times that of Bariloche, and the forest becomes Valdivian temperate rainforest thick with ferns, bamboo-like caña colihue and moss.
The day trip from Puerto Pañuelo stops at the waterfall of Los Cántaros, where a wooden stairway climbs past a series of cascades to a small lake and an ancient alerce tree, then continues to Puerto Blest and, by short bus and second boat, to the green glacial water of Lago Frías. See Puerto Blest tours.
Top things to do at Puerto Blest & Los Cántaros
Los Cántaros waterfall and lake
Around 700 steps climb beside the falls through dripping rainforest to Lago Cántaros. Take your time; the stairs are wet and steep in places.
Puerto Blest
A tiny settlement with a historic hotel and a restaurant at the end of the lake. Short trails lead to viewpoints and a waterfall at the river mouth.
Lago Frías
A short road transfer and a second boat bring you onto Lago Frías, milky green with glacial silt from Tronador. It is the first leg of the Cruce Andino to Chile.
Isla Centinela
The boat passes the small island where Francisco “Perito” Moreno, whose land donation founded the national park system, is buried.
How to get to Puerto Blest & Los Cántaros
- From Bariloche: tours pick up from hotels and drive to Puerto Pañuelo (about 25 km), where the boat leaves.
- You can also make your own way to Puerto Pañuelo on bus 20 and buy the boat trip only.
- A national park entry fee is charged on the boat excursions; bring cash or card as indicated by the operator.
Insider tips
- Pack a waterproof jacket even on a sunny day — it often rains at Puerto Blest when Bariloche is dry.
- Sit on the right side of the boat going out for the best views of the fjord walls.
- Food at Puerto Blest is expensive; a packed lunch is fine.
- If you are crossing to Chile anyway, the Cruce Andino covers this same route.
Best tours & tickets for Puerto Blest & Los Cántaros
These experiences are the easiest way to see Puerto Blest & Los Cántaros and the landscapes around it:
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
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
