Lake District Crossing: Chile to Argentina

The spectacular Lake District of Chile and Argentina ranks as one of the top attractions in South America. It is a lovely region of blue lakes, rivers, waterfalls, dense green forests, and snow-covered volcanoes. Overnight in the small Chilean town of Puerto Varas, located 13 miles north of Puerto Montt, on the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue. The architecture of the town is uniquely European, and reflects its German colonization. Then spend a full day crossing Todos Los Santos, Frias, and Nahuel Huapi lakes by land and water. Finally, arrive in the picturesque mountain town of Bariloche, in the heart of the Lake District. If you have time, allow extra days to explore both Bariloche and Puerto Varas.

Day 2:

After breakfast, depart from Puerto Varas by motorchoach. Head towards Petrohué, following the shore of beautiful Llanquihue Lake. Enjoy impressive views of the Orsorno and Calbuco Colcanoes and visit the magnificent Petrohué falls in Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Set sail to Peulla, sailing on Todos los Santos Lake. You'll have lunch (not included) upon arrival to Peulla, an ecological Village and a paradise for nature lovers.

After lunch, board a bus towards Puerto Frias. After performing the departures formalities at the Chilean Customs Office, you will cross the Andes Mountain range at 3,202 ft above sea level. Descend by a winding road to Puerto Frias, and then begin the navigation of Frias lake, toward Puerto Alegre. In Porto Alegre take a bus to Puerto Blest.

Depart from Puerto Blest, and begin the last navigation on Nahuel Huapi Lake, heading toward Puerto Panuelo. Arrive to Puerto Panuelo and take the bus for the final part of your trip to the "Capital of the Argentine tourism", Bariloche; a city that fascinates in both winter and summer with its ski resorts, shopping, hotels, restaurants and nightlife.

(Breakfast, Puerto Varas; Accommodation, Bariloche)