TRAVEL IDEAS LAKE CROSSING TO BARILOCHE (return by bus)

Detailed itinerary

(return to Puerto Varas by bus)

Day 1
Lake Crossing to Bariloche
In the morning we set out driving along the southern shore of the Lago Llanquihue and enjoy breathtaking views of the volcanoes Osorno and Calbuco. Our first real stop however will be at the Saltos de Petrohue. This series of rapids and waterfalls were formed a long time ago by the cooling lava from the Volcano towering behind them. They form an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock shaped by thousands of years of thundering water flow.
Upon arriving at the landing at Petrohue we shall board the catamaran and prepare for our crossing of Lago Todos los Santos. Lago Todos los Santos (All Saints Lake) is surrounded by high mountains whose lower slopes are thickly forested. As we pull away from the landing and the source of the river Petrohue, the view is quickly stolen away by the tremendous size and proximity of snow-capped Volcano Osorno behind us.
The rest of the morning will pass on the water. To the south high above the forested shore you will see the peculiar shape of Volcano Puntiagudo and a series of waterfalls. We shall arrive in Peulla at the eastern end of the lake, about lunchtime. This is the heart of the National Park Vicente Pérez Rosales. Here we shall enjoy a lovely hike to the Cascada de la Novia or, the Bride’s Waterfall, a hike amidst native growth "Valdivian Rainforest". Many of the native trees and plants are explained on the interesting nature trail.
In the afternoon the trip continues by motor coach over the Pérez Rosales Pass and into Argentina. On the Argentine side we meet a ferry which takes us across Lago Frias and afterwards a bus to shuttle us to the final boat ride across Lago Nahuel Huapi. All over there are terrific views of the unspoiled Andean landscape – truly it is a special gift that there has never been a public road on this lonesome route, and even today the people experience travelling as the first settlers did more than 100 years ago.
Arriving in Puerto Panuelo we shall transfer to your selected hotel in Bariloche.

Note: From April to October the lake crossing can only be done by including an overnight stay in Peulla.

Day 2 B
Bariloche
Day to be spent at your leisure with time to explore Bariloche and its surroundings.

Day 3 B
Bariloche - Puerto Varas (by bus)
Transfer to International Bus Terminal in Bariloche and then drive back by public motor coach on the beautiful Puyehue Pass through the Andes back to Chile and Puerto Varas. The first section of the route takes you along the shore of the immense Lake Nahuel Huapi. After crossing the Andes through the Puyehue Pass you continue past Lago Puyehue with views of the snow-capped volcanoes Antillanca, Puyehue and Calbuco. In the late afternoon we arrive in Puerto Varas.

Note: You can start the lake crossing in Bariloche also. Please see program C-BRC-02.

B = Breakfast
BL = Box-lunch or picnic
L = Lunch
D = Dinner

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