Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike With Optional Frias Lake

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike with Optional Frias Lake offers a captivating adventure in the stunning landscapes of Patagonia. Travelers can expect a scenic cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake, leading them to the enchanting Puerto Blest. From there, a guided hike showcases the region’s lush flora and the magnificent Los Cantaros Waterfall. For those seeking an extended journey, the optional visit to Frias Lake promises an extra layer of natural beauty. With its diverse experiences and breathtaking scenery, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Patagonia’s wonders.

Good To Know

Full-day excursion from Bariloche to Puerto Blest, featuring a scenic cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake and a hike to the captivating Los Cantaros Waterfall.
Focus on exploring the diverse Patagonian flora, including the coihue and Patagonian cypress trees, along the hike.
Pricing starts at $195 per person, with hotel pickup/drop-off and boat navigation included, but national park fees are not.
Mixed reviews on value for money and guide communication, with some tours primarily in Spanish.
Opportunity to spot wildlife and appreciate the stunning reflections of the Patagonian landscape on the surface of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

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Overview of the Tour

This full-day excursion from Bariloche to Puerto Blest offers visitors a scenic experience that includes a cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake and a hike to the impressive Los Cantaros Waterfall.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the local flora, such as coihue and Patagonian cypress trees. The tour is ideal for families seeking a picturesque adventure.

With 27 reviews and an overall rating of 4.0, this excursion promises to deliver a memorable experience in the stunning natural landscape of the region.

Itinerary and Activities

The excursion begins with pickup from centrally located hotels in Bariloche, after which travelers board a coach to Puerto Pañuelo.

From there, they’ll cruise across the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake, passing by Centinela Island, the resting place of national parks founder Dr. Francisco Moreno.

The highlight of the day is a hike to the impressive Los Cantaros Waterfall, where visitors can enjoy the unique rainforest climate and ecosystems.

The tour includes:

Lake cruise on Nahuel Huapi
Hike to Los Cantaros Waterfall
Learning about local flora like coihue and Patagonian cypress
Scenic experience in a family-friendly setting

Pricing and Inclusions

The price for the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike starts from $195.00 per person. This includes a local guide, boat navigation, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

However, the national park entrance fee (around $15 USD) and embarkment tax (around $4 USD) aren’t included in the price. Confirmation is received at booking, but the tickets are non-refundable.

Travelers can opt to go directly to the meeting point instead of being picked up from their hotel. The tour has a maximum capacity of 60 people, so it’s best to book in advance to secure a spot.

Meeting Points and Logistics

Pickup for the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike is only available from selected centrally located hotels in Bariloche.

Alternatively, guests can opt to meet the group directly at the designated meeting point. The tour will end back at the original meeting location.

This tour has a maximum of 60 travelers:

Hotel pickup available from select Bariloche hotels.
Option to meet at the designated meeting point.
Tour ends back at the original meeting location.
Maximum of 60 travelers per tour.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Tourists provided mixed reviews regarding the value for money and communication from the tour guides. Some complained about language barriers, as certain tours were conducted primarily in Spanish.

However, many praised the stunning scenery and the enjoyable waterfall hike. Visitors suggested booking directly with the tour provider for potentially better pricing.

Travelers emphasized the importance of having printed vouchers for the national park entry, as this could streamline the check-in process.

Exploring Nahuel Huapi Lake

As visitors board the cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake, they’re treated to breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Patagonian landscape.

The lake, nestled in the heart of the Andes, offers a serene and picturesque journey. During the crossing, travelers can:

Admire the towering snow-capped peaks that rise majestically along the shoreline.
Spot wildlife like birds and otters floating on the pristine waters.
Learn about the lake’s history and its significance to the local indigenous communities.
Capture the stunning reflections of the mountains and forests on the lake’s mirror-like surface.

The cruise provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Nahuel Huapi region.

Discovering Los Cantaros Waterfall

After the serene cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake, visitors disembark at Puerto Blest and set out on a hike to the captivating Los Cantaros Waterfall.

The trail winds through a lush Patagonian rainforest, allowing guests to enjoy the region’s unique flora. Along the way, the guide points out the coihue and Patagonian cypress trees that thrive in this microclimate.

Reaching the waterfall, travelers are rewarded with a mesmerizing display as the cascading waters crash against the rocks.

The hike provides a perfect opportunity to appreciate the natural wonders of the area and gain a deeper understanding of the local ecosystem.

Patagonian Flora and Ecosystems

The Patagonian rainforest surrounding Puerto Blest harbors a diverse array of plant life, from the towering coihue trees to the resilient Patagonian cypress.

This unique ecosystem supports a variety of flora, including:

Coihue trees: Majestic, broad-leaved evergreens that can reach heights of 50 meters.
Patagonian cypress: Also known as the "ciprés de la cordillera," this hardy conifer thrives in the region’s cooler climate.
Notro bushes: Vibrant, red-flowered shrubs that add pops of color to the landscape.
Amancay lilies: Delicate, yellow wildflowers that bloom during the summer months.

Exploring the trails around Los Cantaros Waterfall offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in this lush, Patagonian environment and appreciate the diversity of the local flora.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

No, the overview doesn’t mention a private tour option. The tour is a full-day group excursion with hotel pickup and a maximum of 60 travelers. Booking directly may offer better pricing, but there’s no indication of a private tour being available.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour allows for self-catering, providing a more flexible and enjoyable experience. However, there may be limited food and beverage options available during the excursion.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

There’s no information provided about discounts for seniors or children. The tour pricing appears to be a standard per-person rate. Customers should inquire directly with the tour operator about any potential age-based discounts that may be available.

Can We Extend the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

Yes, the tour can be extended to visit additional sites, though this would incur an extra cost. Travelers should inquire with the tour operator about customizing the itinerary to include more activities or destinations beyond the standard tour.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

The Puerto Blest tour has a non-refundable policy. Travelers won’t receive a refund if they cancel, but they can reschedule the tour for another date, subject to availability and any price differences.

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The Sum Up

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike with Optional Frias Lake offers an unforgettable Patagonian adventure. From the scenic lake cruise to the captivating waterfall hike, this tour showcases the region’s breathtaking natural beauty. For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the optional visit to Frias Lake adds an extra layer of exploration and wonder to this remarkable excursion.