South America’s Lake District bordering between Chile and Argentina is famous for its gorgeous scenery of seemingly bottomless mountain lakes, snow-covered volcanoes and verdant forests. On this classic journey you will start in beautiful Puerto Varas before crossing the Argentinean border into Bariloche via spectacular lakes and mountain passes. *Can also be offered in the reverse direction.
Details
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Explore two of South America’s premier adventure destinations: Bariloche in Argentina and Puerto Varas in Chile.
- Cross the Andes by boat! Travel through the spectacular lake country of Chile and Argentina, enjoying the rich green hues of "Emerald Lake" and magnificent views of the Osorno, Puntiagudo, and Tronador volcanoes.
Tailor-made suggestions for this itinerary
- Extend your time and enjoy the range of adventure activities and optional tours on offer.
- Add a stopover in Peulla to break up your lakes crossing trip.
- Take a spectacular trip down the ‘Ruta de los siete lagos’ between Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes.
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Puerto Montt: Arrival
Arrival
On arrival at the airport you will be met by our representative and transferred to Puerto Varas.
Day 2 - Puerto Varas: Day at Leisure
Day at Leisure
Today is at your leisure to enjoy and relax in Puerto Varas.
Breakfast included.
Day 3 - Puerto Varas: Lakes Crossing to Bariloche
Lakes Crossing to Bariloche
08.00 hrs. After departing from Puerto Varas you will follow on to Petrohue which borders Llanquihue Lake. Throughout the journey you will be able to enjoy imposing sights of Osorno and Calbuco Volcanoes. You will enter Vicente Perez National Park where you will visit the Petrohue Falls (tickets not included), impressive volcanic rock shapes in which the emerald green water covers.
10.30 hrs. Set sail to Peulla, navigating Todos los Santos Lake. If the weather permits, you will be able to keep on enjoying the scenery of Osorno and Puntiagudo Volcanoes and Tronador Hill.
12.15 hrs. Arrival to Peulla Ecological Village, paradise for nature lovers. Here you will have lunch (not included).
14.00 hrs. We will board a bus to Puerto Frias. You will have to go through customs as you exit Chile and enter Argentina. Continuing on and we will cross the Andes Mountains at 976m above sea level then start the trip downhill to Puerto Frias and navigate through the lake that receives the same name: Lago Frias. You journey on to Puerto Alegre where you will board a bus to Puerto Blest.
17.15 hrs. Depart from Puerto Blest, this will be our last navigation which will take you through Nahuel Huapi Lake with Puerto Pañuelo as the goal.
18.15 hrs. Arrival into Puerto Pañuelo, we will take a bus to do the last portion and destination to “The Argentinean city of Tourism”, San Carlos de Bariloche. Throughout the year this city fascinates tourists with its Ski centre, commerce, hotels, restaurants and night life.
20.45 hrs. Arrival into Bariloche.
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - Bariloche: Bariloche Circuit Tour with Chairlift
Bariloche Circuit Tour with Chairlift
You'll begin your half day morning adventure with a drive along the Nahuel Huapi lakeshore on the San Pedro Peninsula. At Playa Bonita, you'll enjoy views of Huemul Island before continuing your journey. You'll hop aboard a chair lift at Campanario Hill and ride to the top for impressive views of the region—Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, El Trébol lagoon, San Pedro, Victoria Island, Otto, López, Goye and the Catedral hills, and the town of San Carlos de Bariloche.
You'll resume your journey to Llao Llao Peninsula, with its hilltop hotel and San Eduardo Chapel—architectural jewels of the region. The lakeside Pañuelo Port is the starting point for many lake excursions. Cross the bridge over Angostura River, which joins Nahuel Huapi Lake with Moreno Lake, and enjoy views of López Bay at the base of López Hill. At Panoramic Point, take time to view Moreno Lake and Llao Llao Peninsula before crossing the bridge over Moreno Lake and beginning your return to Bariloche.
This afternoon will be at your leisure. Bariloche is a chocolate-lover's heaven, so we recommend heading to Calle Mitre where dozens of chocolate shops offer tasty little morsels of artisan chocolate.
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Bariloche: Depart
Depart
Our representative will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the airport.
Breakfast included.
Departs - Daily
| Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Oct 2024 - 30 Apr 2025 | NZD$1572pp | ||
| Comfort | NZD$1572pp | Contact us | |
| Superior | NZD$1708pp | Contact us | |
| Deluxe | NZD$2012pp | Contact us |
- Please note that rates can change due to seasonality. Our website price is a good guidance as a "from" price. Please contact us for specific dates.
Comfort
Puerto Varas, Chile - Casa Kalfu
Bariloche, Argentina - Huinid Pioneros
Superior
Puerto Varas, Chile - Cabana del Lago
Bariloche, Argentina - Cacique Inacayal
Deluxe
Puerto Varas, Chile - Hotel Cumbres Puerto Varas
Bariloche, Argentina - Hotel Llao Llao
Whats included?
- Accommodation with private facilities
- Most entrance fees
- Group tours with English speaking guides
- Private transfers
- Meals as specified
What’s not included?
- Airfares
- Airport entrance/departure taxes/hotel taxes
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any items not mentioned as included
- Entry to Petrohue falls is payable direct and costs around $5 per person
Notes
- Please note that rates can change due to seasonality. Our website price is a good guidance as a "from" price. Please contact us for specific dates.
- Hotel rates are based on double / twin share lead-in rooms. Other room types and hotels are available. Rates are subject to change and different rates may apply during holiday seasons and special events.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: South America
The vivid sights and sounds of South America offer something for everyone. Stretching from the Caribbean to Patagonia, the variety of cultures, climates and landscapes has to be experienced firsthand to be believed. The memories you take home will leave you wanting more – we’re sure you’ll want to return again and again, just like us!
Downloadable travel guide
Planning your next adventure has never been easier with our free downloadable travel guides. Get in-depth insights into local attractions, dining options, and hidden gems, all curated by our team of travel specialists with decades of experience.
