Argentina to Chile Lake Crossing

Fly into the Bariloche Airport (BRC), and be welcomed and transferred to the city by a local representative. Today’s journey begins with a guided 4-hour tour of Llao Llao and Campanario Hill, two of the most scenic vista points surrounding Bariloche. Start by winding around Lake Nahuel Huapi, entering the Llao Llao region. Visit the San Eduardo Chapel, which has an incredible view of the lake and then continue to Llao Llao Municipal Park. Here, visit the Tacúl Village and marvel at another scenic viewpoint overlooking Moreno Lake. Next, climb to the top of Campanario Hill (accessible year-round via a ski lift) and relax at the summit with a cup of hot cocoa, admiring the charming Argentine Lake District.

Return to Bariloche and check into the hotel.

Today, tour Mount Tronador, named because of the thunder-like sound of its falling seracs. Transfer from the hotel in Bariloche to the Huenuleo Prairie, while taking in views of Argentina's Lake District. Cross Manso River and enter the Nahuel Huapi National Park, a verdant reserve with breathtaking lakes and exotic flora and fauna. Stop at Ventisquero Negro (Black Glacier) and head to the base of the mount, which used to be a volcano. Take a light walk through the area, enjoy lunch surrounded by nature, and return to the hotel following the same route.

Get ready to cross the Andes, moving from Argentina to Chile. First, travel to the Pañuelo Pier and board a boat across Nahuel Huapi Lake. Arrive at Blest Port, and take a bus towards Alegre Port. Here, take a ferry ride to cross Lake Frias until getting to Frias Port.

Have lunch in Peulla, contemplating the soothing Frias Lake. Then, board a ferry to cross another of the lakes in Chile's Lake District: Todos Los Santos. Arrive in Petrohué, famous for its falls, and from there, transfer to Puerto Varas, a charming Patagonian city founded by German settlers that seems to have come out of a fairy tale.

Head north on the Pan-American highway and arrive in the town of Llanquihue, an important agro-industrial center. From this point, travel around the border of the lake through fields of regional produce and centers of salmon production until arriving at Frutillar. Enjoy a stroll by the promenade (ideal for photography) and later tour the Museum of the Colonization.

Next, continue northeast to arrive in Puerto Octay. During the trip, appreciate the beautiful architecture of its neo-gothic style church, while continuing east through the Maitén beach, passing by Puerto Fonck, La Picada and Blanco river. Begin to ascend the Osorno Volcano for a spectacular panoramic view of the Lake Region. Arrive at the Volcán Osorno Ski and Mountain Center. There will be time here to take photos and enjoy the extraordinary vistas (chair-lift fee is not included). In the evening return to the hotel.

Travel by road from Puerto Varas to Pucón, on a journey of five hours. During the way pass through the cities of Osorno and Villarica, and cross the coast of the lake of the same name until arriving in Pucón. In the afternoon have a tour of the city, visiting the traditional wooden flowers and handicrafts, then surround Villarica Lake with a shortstop on the dock. Later, continue traveling through the most important streets like Pedro de Valdivia and Miguel Ansorena to the Franciscan Monastery of the Clarisses of Pucón.

Return to the city to visit the commercial and culinary center through O’higgins and Fresia streets, full of nice restaurants and buildings made of native wood of the zone. Explore the main square with its green areas, wooden structures, and trees that add a unique touch to the environment. The tour continues to the Quelhue’s suspension bridge located above the famous Trancura River. Return to the hotel.

Leave the hotel and head towards the Geometric Hot Springs. Cross the traditional beach of Licanray and Coñaripe Town, located on the shores of Calafquén Lake. The Geometric Hot Springs are inside the wonderful and beautiful National Park Villarrica and they represent the option of a new and original thermal in Chile. The Hot Springs are located near Aihúe estuary and one of its main characteristics is a large number of hot springs, around 60, that are borne in Aihúe Gorge with a temperature of 80°C. This hot spring center has 16 thermal pools, separated one from the other and with temperatures from 35°C to 42°C and 4 pools with cold water. There will be time today to enjoy all of them.

Early morning transfer from Pucon to San Martin de Los Andes, crossing for the second time the border between Chile and Argentina through the international pass of Mamuil Malal. During this trip, we will cross the national parks of Villarica in Chile and the Lanin National Park in Argentina, where you will be able to observe in the distance the volcanoes that give their name to each one.

In the afternoon, tour the streets of San Martin de Los Andes, discover the history, architecture, culture, and tradition of this town located on the shores of Lacar Lake. Visit the Lanin National Park and walk by the lake until reaching Cabañas Paihuen Resort. Back in San Martin, climb up Cuesta Judge Quiroga, where Hotel Sol de Los Andes is located, and enjoy a panoramic view of the area.

Leave San Martin de Los Andes in the morning and take the 40th Route up to Junin de Los Andes. Upon arrival, visit the local craftsman workplaces, Mapuche shops, and a reformed Araucanian-style church. Then take the 61st route, bordering the Chimehuin River to the Huechulafquen Lake and to an impressive view of the Lanin Volcano. Around noon, arrive at a restaurant of the Mapuche community for lunch.

Later, continue until we get a view of the whole north margin of the Huechulafquen and Paimún lakes, with spectacular lookouts towards the mountain range, the Lanin volcano, and its eternal glaciers.

Start in San Martin de Los Andes and travel along the section of National Route 231 that joins the districts of San Martín de Los Andes, Villa La Angostura, and Bariloche. Look at the main tourist corridor in the area, famous worldwide for the matchless beauty of its landscapes, with panoramic natural vantage points, lakes, rivers and countless attractions opening up in front of those who are willing to discover the real seven lakes route.

Transfer to the airport and board a flight home or to the next destination.