Andean Lakes Crossing Journey From Bariloche to Puerto Varas

The Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Bariloche to Puerto Varas is a captivating scenic odyssey that whisks travelers through a tapestry of alpine landscapes. Traversing three picturesque lakes, this multi-modal adventure offers a unique opportunity to take in the region’s breathtaking natural wonders. While the journey promises unforgettable vistas and insightful commentary, it’s important for travelers to be mindful of mixed reviews regarding certain aspects of the experience. As the gateway to further exploration, this crossing sets the stage for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Patagonia.

About Your Stay

• Scenic day trip from Bariloche, Argentina, to Puerto Varas, Chile, featuring bus and catamaran transport across the border.
• Highlights include cruising across three alpine lakes with breathtaking glacier and volcano views.
• Live commentary provides insights into the natural and cultural history of the Andean landscape.
• Luggage allowance of two suitcases per person, up to 20kg each, with a maximum of 40 travelers.
• Mixed customer reviews highlight potential issues with staff responsiveness, luggage handling, and communication.

Overview of the Journey

The Andean Lakes Crossing Journey is a scenic day trip from Bariloche, Argentina, to Puerto Varas, Chile.

Travelers will journey by bus and catamaran, crossing the Argentinian border. The highlight is cruising across three alpine lakes, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, volcanic peaks, and alpine forests.

Live commentary provides insights into the region’s natural and cultural history. The journey begins at 8:00 am from Bariloche and ends at the Turistur Office in Puerto Varas, Chile.

Key stops include Nahuel Huapi Lake, Puerto Blest, Frias Lake, Todos Los Santos Lake, and the Petrohue Waterfalls, although admission to the latter isn’t included.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The journey begins with a scenic bus ride along the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, one of Argentina’s largest and most stunning alpine lakes.

Travelers then board a catamaran to cross the tranquil Frias Lake, with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and volcanic peaks.

The tour then continues to the breathtaking Todos Los Santos Lake, where the Petrohue Waterfalls can be admired (admission not included).

Throughout the journey, a live commentary provides insights into the region’s natural and cultural history, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for the Andean landscape.

• Cruise across three alpine lakes
• View glaciers, volcanic peaks, and alpine forests
• Hear live commentary on the region’s history

Transportation and Logistics

All bus and boat transport is included in the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey.

The trip starts with a shared air-conditioned coach from the Turisur Office in Bariloche, Argentina. Travelers are allowed a luggage allowance of 2 suitcases, each weighing up to 20kg.

The journey across the border to Puerto Varas, Chile has a maximum of 40 travelers per tour.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels in the starting and ending locations.

Passengers can expect a smooth and scenic transportation experience, with the tour operator handling all the logistics to ensure a seamless journey.

Pricing and Booking

Pricing for the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey starts from $455.00.

This full-day excursion from Bariloche, Argentina to Puerto Varas, Chile includes all transportation by bus and catamaran.

• Confirmation is received at booking unless within 3 days of travel.
• The tour has a non-refundable policy, with no cancellations accepted.
• A valid passport is required on the day of travel.

While the overall rating for this tour is mixed, travelers should be aware of potential issues with luggage handling and communication.

It’s important to review the details carefully before booking this scenic Andean adventure.

Customer Feedback

According to reviews, travelers have provided a mixed assessment of the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey, with a total rating of 3.0 based on 3 reviews. Some notable complaints include issues with staff irresponsibility, lack of guidance, luggage handling, and poor communication. The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the customer feedback:

Feedback Category	Positive	Negative	Neutral
Staff Responsiveness	–	✓	–
Tour Guidance	–	✓	–
Luggage Handling	–	✓	–
Communication	–	✓	–
Overall Experience	–	✓	–

Prospective travelers should consider these customer reviews when deciding whether to book the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey.

Pre-Departure Considerations

Prior to embarking on the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey, travelers should ensure they’ve a valid passport.

Other important pre-departure considerations include:

• Checking the tour operator’s luggage policy and packing accordingly. The maximum allowance is 2 suitcases of 20kg each.

• Confirming the pickup and drop-off arrangements, especially for those requiring hotel transfers.

• Reviewing the tour itinerary and highlights to set appropriate expectations, as the Petrohue Waterfalls admission isn’t included.

Travelers should also be aware of the mixed customer reviews, which highlight potential issues with staff responsiveness and luggage handling.

Diligent preparation can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable Andean lakes crossing experience.

Preparing for the Crossing

As travelers prepare to embark on the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey, they’ll want to ensure they’re equipped for the day-long adventure.

The journey involves both bus and catamaran travel, so having the proper luggage is essential. The tour allows for two suitcases per person, each weighing up to 20kg.

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is a must, as the journey takes travelers through varying landscapes and climates.

While the tour includes live commentary, having a basic understanding of the region’s geography and history can enhance the experience.

Finally, a valid passport is required, as the journey crosses the Argentinian-Chilean border.

With a bit of preparation, travelers can look forward to a seamless and unforgettable Andean Lakes Crossing.

Questions About Your Stay

Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Crossing?

Yes, travelers can purchase souvenirs during the crossing. The tour includes stops at various locations where local handicrafts and products may be available for purchase, though the specific shopping options may vary along the route.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available on the Boats?

There are restroom facilities available on the boats during the crossing. Travelers can use the restrooms as needed during the journey across the scenic alpine lakes.

How Much Time Is Allocated for the Petrohue Waterfalls Visit?

The itinerary doesn’t specify any set time for visiting the Petrohue Waterfalls. However, it notes that admission to the waterfalls is not included, so travelers can decide how much time to spend there based on their own interests and schedules.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Journey?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the journey. However, there may be limited space for storing large coolers or bags, so travelers are advised to pack light and manageable snacks and beverages.

Is There an Option to Extend the Trip and Explore More of the Region?

There’s no option to extend the Andean Lakes Crossing Journey itself, but travelers can consider adding extra time before or after the tour to explore the surrounding region on their own. They’d need to arrange this separately.

Final Verdict On This Stay

The Andean Lakes Crossing Journey from Bariloche to Puerto Varas offers a breathtaking scenic experience, but travelers should be mindful of mixed reviews regarding service and luggage handling. Those embarking on this journey can expect captivating natural vistas and insightful commentary, though they’ll need to prepare accordingly and manage their expectations based on past customer feedback.