A multi-modal journey across the Andes between Puerto Varas (Chile) and Bariloche (Argentina), traveling by bus, boat, bus, boat, and bus through a chain of glacial lakes beneath smoking volcanoes.
106 mi / 170 km
2 days
October to April
Moderate
Walking pilgrimage
Iconic stops
Puerto Varas
A charming lakeside town with views of Volcan Osorno, the journey's starting point.
Lago Todos los Santos
A pristine emerald lake surrounded by temperate rainforest and volcanoes.
Peulla
A tiny settlement in the Andes where you transfer between boats, surrounded by waterfalls.
Puerto Blest
A deep-forest Argentine port on the western arm of Lago Nahuel Huapi.
Bariloche
The lakeside chocolate-and-ski town at the journey's end on the Argentine side.
Stops on the map
Each numbered marker matches the list above, linked in walking order from 1 to 5. Hover or tap a marker to see the stop name, scroll to zoom, and download the map as an image.
Prefer turn-by-turn navigation? Open the full route in Google Maps with all 5 stops loaded as waypoints in walking order. It opens in a new browser tab.
On the trail & safety
This is a structured tour crossing, not a drive-yourself route. Buses depart early; the journey takes a full day or can be split over two days. Passport and border formalities apply at the Chile/Argentina crossing. Book ahead in December to February.
Best maps & planning
Plan your walk and check the latest conditions with these trusted maps and official resources.
Walking tips
- Book the two-day option and overnight in Peulla. The single-day crossing is beautiful but rushed.
- Sit on the left side of the boat on Lago Todos los Santos for the best view of Volcan Osorno.
- Bring your passport, snacks and warm layers. The Andes crossing can be cold even in summer.
Distances, stages, and seasons are curated planning references and can change. Always confirm current stage details, border rules, and closures with the official sources linked above before you travel.