From Bariloche, Argentina To Puerto Varas, Chile: Full Day

We arrived 2 hours late. The boats were rammed so full there was barely enough room to move. The men’s toilet at the first stop was overflowing onto the floor. Passengers’ bags were meant to be delivered to hotels; because the trip was so late, bags were just emptied onto the dock in a passenger free for all. The positives: the journey was pretty; we arrived eventually.

A fantastic trip, although a long day. Great way to cross to Chile and thoroughly recommend on a nice day. The weather was bright sunshine and clear skies which made the day even better. Key things to note: We were told to meet at Mitre 150 at 8am but it was nearly an hour later before we left. Check in in advance - need 4300 pesos port tax paid at Puerto Panuelo - there were massive queues there to pay it. Also advised need 20,000 pesos National Park entry - this was incorrect as is not paid by Andes crossing passengers Lunch at Puerto blest Hotel - take a picnic, it was the worst meal we had in a month in Argentina! The boat was chocker to Puerto Blest with day trippers and only just got 2 seats together. Onwards boats/ bus more relaxed Views got better and better Bus stopped at Chile border and Cerro Tronador for photos The border posts out of Argentina and into Chile were easy as only Cruce Andino passengers so no long lines. Chile border was strict with no fruit etc and suitcase search The last boat on Lago Todos Los Santos had awesome views of the volcanoes The Chilean guides were way better than the Argentine one - she spoke for ages in Spanish and a short sentence in English whilst the Chilean ones Spanish/English was even amounts. We did it as one day - does not look like a lot to do in the stopover points a part from short hike. We were very glad we did this trip and pleased we ignored the negative views. It was an outstanding day and one of the highlights.

A long day. The 3 lakes are beautiful and the surrounding scenery was awesome. The bus to boat to bus to boat.. got a bit tiring in the end. Overall, a fun way to travel from Bariloche to Puerto Varas.

The first part of the lake cruise is by far the most beautiful. Although it's nice to say "I crossed the Andes by boat", I would actually recommend just doing the day trip and return to Bariloche and fly to Chile. Todos Santos lake is a bit dull and the weather was poor there (and is often I've heard). The bus part of the trip is boring.

Cruce Andino was responsible for the Puerto Montt to Bariloche Andes Lake Crossing. We received word that the road the bus uses to transport was damaged between Peulla and Puerto Alegre during the recent flooding and that they would not be able to operate the tour a week before we left on our trip. We were not offered many options, and already subject to the itinerary and paid in advance. The result was what was promised as a 7 hour bus trip on a private bus with other people in our same situation. The bus ride turned into over a 10 hour trip, AND when we got to Via de Angostura, we were all transferred to a run down city bus for the final hour and a half of the trip in Argentina. For the lake sightseeing portion, we were offered two additional days of cruising the Chile and Argentina waters (one day each side). Due to scheduling, we could not do the last day in Bariloche. No compensation was offered since we could not fit the NEW schedule into our existing plans. Additionally, on the Chile side of the cruise, we were the ONLY cancelled river crossing party that did not have a LUNCH included in the NEW Peulla plans the day before the planned river crossing (there was a couple hour stop planned with lunch before returning to Puerto Varas). Needless to say, not what we expected for the premium river crossing price that was paid. A private transport should have been arranged for a maximum of 6 - 10 people completed in approx 4 hours. There were at least 40 people in our situation that day.

Awesome. Put this on your bucket list. Incredible scenery that you cannot see any other way. Some bus travel on gravel roads is a bit uncomfortable, but it's worth it for the amazing views.

Traveling west, we used 4 buses and 3 boats to cross the Andes Mountain Range -- going from Bariloche, Argentina to Puerto Varas, Chile. You will travel through parts of Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi Argentina and Parque Nacional Vicente Perez Rosales Chile. We lucked out and the weather was perfect. Awesome scenery along the way -- blue green lakes, evergreen forests and white snow capped mountains. Saw the area's 3 most famous volcanos -- Tronador, Osorno and Puntiagudo. The views were breath-taking and reminded me of the Canadian Rockies or Swiss Alps. Stopped for a nice lunch at Hotel Natura in Peulla. Have to go through immigration/customs in both countries, which can be time consuming but went smoothly. The actual border is marked by a wooden arch. It was a long, but very enjoyable day.

I very much enjoyed the day doing this activity as it allowed for some much needed downtime after some gruelly hikes and other strenuous activities the days before. We had perfect weather so I was able to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views on all the boats. We did see long lines and chaos at the start in Bariloche and the customs houses, but we were with a National Geographic group which always allowed us the capability to board the boats first and be in front of the lines for the bus transfers and customs. If traveling alone, I could see where it would be easy to get lost in the crowds and frustrated. The last boat was delayed, which was a blessing as it allowed us plenty of time for lunch. You definitely have to practice patience and just enjoy the experience and not expect to get somewhere in a hurry. It is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn't be missed if you have the time and opportunity to do it. Although, I don't see any reason to need to do it twice if you have good weather the first time.

The trip was generally very pleasant - the boats were not overly crowded -an interesting way to cross from HOWEVER ticket clearly said hotel drop off - we were left lugging suitcases a considerable distance across town and up a steep hill - the guide was completely dis-interested when we pointed this out and basically said get on with it even when we showed him the ticket. Disgraceful!!!!!

Absolutely NOT worth the price-- you are constantly in ques-- constantly on off transport-- customs takes forever leaving you barely enough time for lunch -- the guides and all people associated are very kind and try hard ( the chileans and argentinians are just wonderful people) but this trip costs 3x what it should-- i lf i had to do it again i would take the very long bus ride over this trip