Between Bariloche and Puerto Varas, the Andean Crossing transforms a connection between two cities into a scenic journey. Boat crossings and road sections unfold among glacial lakes, Andean-Patagonian forests and mountains, as the landscape gradually changes from Argentina to Chile.
The route links three lakes—Nahuel Huapi, Frías and Todos los Santos—alternating boat crossings with overland sections to connect both sides of the Andes.
More than simply providing a connection between two destinations, the Andean Crossing turns the journey itself into part of the travel experience.
THREE LAKES, TWO COUNTRIES, ONE JOURNEY
From Bariloche, the journey begins with a crossing of Lake Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest. It then continues by road to Puerto Alegre, where another boat journey crosses the waters of Lake Frías.
The route towards Chile then continues to Peulla and Lake Todos los Santos before proceeding to Puerto Varas.
In the opposite direction, the journey follows the same overall sequence.
The succession of lakes, small ports, forests and mountain roads reveals how the landscape changes on either side of the Andes. As the route approaches Chile, the humid forest becomes more prominent, while volcanoes and expansive lakes accompany the arrival into the Los Lagos Region.
It is also a route with a long history. For centuries, different passes in this part of the Andes were used to connect communities on both sides of the mountain range. That historic role as a corridor remains today, transformed into an organised travel experience combining boats, buses and assistance throughout the journey.
TWO WAYS TO INCORPORATE IT INTO AN ITINERARY DIRECT CROSSING | 1 DAY
The direct crossing is the most commonly used option, connecting Bariloche and Puerto Varas—or vice versa—in approximately 12 hours.
It is particularly well suited to combined Argentina–Chile programs, as it avoids the need to return to an airport to connect the two destinations and allows the transfer itself to become a scenic travel day.
The journey includes the scheduled overland and lake sections, with assistance and either bilingual guiding or an audio-guide system, depending on the service selected.
This option works especially well when the itinerary needs to maintain continuity while allowing a full day to cross the Andes.
“The Andean Crossing combines lake navigation, mountain landscapes and an international border crossing in a single journey that adds value to any itinerary between Argentina and Chile.”
AN OVERNIGHT STAY ALONG THE WAY | 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
The journey can also be divided into 2 days / 1 night, with an intermediate stay in Puerto Blest, on the Argentine side, or Peulla, on the Chilean side. This changes the nature of the experience considerably.
Instead of concentrating the entire crossing into a single day, the itinerary introduces a pause within the landscape, allowing more time to observe, walk and rest before continuing into the neighbouring country.
PUERTO BLEST, ARGENTINA
Puerto Blest is set within the Andean-Patagonian forest, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi and close to Lake Frías.
Its appeal lies precisely in its sense of seclusion, lush vegetation and immersion in a landscape far removed from the urban pace of Bariloche.
Staying overnight here makes rest part of the crossing itself and offers the opportunity to experience the area once the movement of daytime visitors has subsided.
PEULLA, CHILE
Peulla lies on the Chilean side of the Andes, beside Lake Todos los Santos and surrounded by lush vegetation and mountains.
The landscape already reflects the transition into southern Chile, with greater humidity, dense forests and a geography shaped by lakes and volcanoes.
An overnight stay in Peulla allows travellers to continue towards Puerto Varas the following day at a more relaxed pace, turning the crossing of the Andes into a two-day experience.
Blest offers the pause on the Argentine side; Peulla, on the Chilean side. In both cases, the value lies in transforming a scenic connection into a short stay in the heart of the Andes.
The Andean Crossing brings together navigation, mountains and an international border crossing in a journey that adds depth and value to any itinerary combining Argentina and Chile.
Incorporate the Andean Crossing into Your Argentina–Chile Programs
Petru DMC designs and operates combined itineraries between Argentina and Chile, integrating the Andean Crossing according to each traveller’s available time, interests and preferred pace, with coordinated transfers, lake crossings, accommodation and onward connections to ensure a comfortable and seamless journey.
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