Andes Lakes Crossing Trip Highlights
- Cross Andes Mountains by boat
- Explore national parks of Chile and Argentina
- Visit traditional Chiloé and cosmopolitan Bariloche
Andes Lakes Crossing
Perfect way to explore the Northern Patagonia of Chile & Argentina and link together the two countries during a longer trip.
From: $3,300 | 6 DAYS | CHILE
Itinerary Overview
Explore the cultures of Chile and Argentina and be amazed by dramatic landscapes while cruising across the Andes by boat and bus. This relaxed itinerary takes you from the traditional cultures of Chiloe Island to the fashionable shops of Bariloche, revealing the best of Southern Chile and Argentina.
DAY 1 • Puerto montt – puerto varas
Arrive to Puerto Montt and transfer to Puerto Varas on the shores of Lago Llanquihue. Explore quaint Frutillar in the afternoon, with visits to the colonial museum and a traditional teahouse.
DAY 2 • puerto varas – chiloe
After ferrying to the mystical island of Chiloe, visit the markets and main square of Ancud and stop in rural Caulin for an oyster tasting. Continuing to the Pacific Coast, board a traditional fishing boat and motor around a small group of islands home to penguins, sea lions, otters and many bird species.
DAY 3 • andes lakes crossing
Driving along the lake, enter Vicente Perez National Park and see volcanically-formed, emerald waterfalls as well as sweeping vistas to the Osorno Volcano. Continuing deeper into the park, take a motor yacht cruise to a beautiful lodge on the shores of Lago Todos los Santos.
*Choose from optional activities such as fly fishing and hiking.
DAY 4 • andes lakes crossing – bariloche
Continuing your cruise through the Andes, watch for wildlife as you appreciate the many cascades and verdant temperate rainforest bordering the turquoise lakes. Cross over the Andes and take another breathtaking boat ride arriving to Bariloche, Argentina for a relaxing evening.
DAY 5 • bariloche
Explore the many sights and natural wonders of Argentina’s Seven Lakes District. Wander Bariloche and visit streetside chocolate shops and cafes in the afternoon, appreciating the cultural differences on this side of the Andes.
DAY 6 • bariloche
Walk an extensive trail of boardwalks in an old-growth arrayan forest. Continue exploring the historic Quetrihue peninsula before returning to Bariloche where your trip ends.
Is It For Me?
This relaxed itinerary features a marvelous journey through the Andes Mountains via a chain of glacial lakes. The trip pairs Chile and Argentina, the Lakes District and the Patagonia, and natural and urban settings.
Knowmad has vast knowledge and operations in Chile; this is a private trip and we are happy to modify excursions, accommodations, and the flow of the itinerary to perfectly suit your travel style and interests.
Have questions? Talk to an expert: 612-315-2894
Important Info
Costs
Listed prices are approximations. All Knowmad trips are custom and exact pricing is provided in your trip proposal.
- From $3,300
TYPE Flexible Date Private Departures
LIGHT TRIP Activities include hiking, boating, wildlife viewing & cultural opportunities. *Optional fly fishing.
DEPARTuRES Available year round
LENGTH 6 days
BEGIN Puerto Montt, Chile END Bariloche, Argentina
Air Travel
INTERNATIONAl Airfare is not included in the land cost of our trips. You may arrange your international airfare independently, or we are happy to offer our feedback and assistance in helping you book it.
REGIONAL Regional airfare from Santiago to Puerto Montt averages $150, and from Bariloche to Buenos Aires averages $250.
What's Next?
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Signing up is easy. Call us at 612-315-2894 or email [email protected] and reserve your spot. Or simply download our registration form, fill it out, and send it back to us along with your trip deposit. Please refer to registration form for terms & conditions.
Weather & When to Go to Patagonia
The Southern Hemisphere the seasons and climate are reversed from those in the Northern Hemisphere. While the United States and Europe are experiencing winter, in Chile it is summer. Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Expect sunshine as well as some rainy, windy South Pacific weather. The average temperature in this region from October through April is about 55 °F. Please also note that some of the activities are weather dependent.
Please note that some of the activities are weather dependent. Patagonian weather is unpredictable. Expect sunshine as well as some rainy, windy South Atlantic weather.
Prior to your departure, you are provided a detailed pre-trip information packet including a recommended pack list, information about the regions you’ll be visiting, suggested readings, up-to-date health information including any recommended vaccinations and more.
Accommodations
Our trips feature comfortable accommodations that complement their surroundings. We seek out intimacy and character, but never sacrifice cleanliness and security. We also find the best value for quality. In general, our physically moderate to vigorous trips feature hotels classified as 3+ to 4 stars, while less physically demanding trips feature 4+ to 5 star hotels.
As South American travel specialists, we’re experts and have inspected hundreds of properties. Knowmad is happy to suggest upgrades and alternative hotels based on your preferences to ensure your trip is perfect for you. Photos below are from this itinerary’s preferred accommodations. For more specifics, call or write to request more info.
Extend Your Adventure
Wine Country
Bike from vineyard to vineyard on gentle country roads, tour the cellars, taste fine wines, eat gourmet cuisine and stay in charming boutique hotels. With premier wine growing valleys just an hour from Santiago, a few days in wine country is an ideal extension to your adventure and a good example of the diversity of landscapes and lifestyles within Chile.
Atacama Desert
Looking for unique? Earth’s closest thing to Mars, Atacama will not disappoint. Your trip to this surreal landscape offers countless cultural and adventure excursions to choose from during the day, while spending nights in a true oasis, the Tierra Atacama boutique hotel and spa. Return for a dip in the pool and enjoy a local cabernet with gourmet cuisine. Don’t forget to take advantage of the world’s best moonscape and stargazing.
Easter Island
A tropical paradise with history, culture and mystery at every beautiful turn, a visit to Easter Island – the world’s most isolated speck of land – will captivate any traveler. Meander through the picturesque countryside dotted with volcanoes, and learn about the mysterious Moai statues erected by the original Polynesian tribes who inhabited the island. Still today little is known about the statues or their creators. While circumnavigating the island on visits to the diverse Moai sites, you’ll have opportunities to relax on deserted, white-sand beaches, explore volcanic caves with petroglyphs and walk the rim of a seaside volcano.
Let The Journey Begin
Planning a trip to South America might seem a little overwhelming at first. Knowmad offers door-to-door trip planning: first, we listen, and then we help you navigate the seasonal differences and itinerary options, resulting in a holistic, seamless, and custom-crafted experience, all at a guaranteed best value.
The simplest way to get started is to give us a call at 612-315-2894or to fill out this short form so we can learn more about your travel preferences.
