Things to do in Bariloche: Lake Cruise

Although cars, planes and buses are always arriving, you can escape not only by land, but by water too. One of the most interesting things to do in Bariloche is to take the scenic route into this sparkling wilderness of lakes, forests, mountain glaciers, waterfalls and meadows and pass from Argentina to Chile by Lake Cruise. As for things to do in Bariloche this should be on everyone’s list. 

The idea was born in 1913 when a team of tourists crossed the Andes Mountains along a route joining Peulla in the Chilean side with Bariloche in Argentina. An adventure was born that formed a link between these two countries which was to become an established Lake Cruise (or Cruce de Lagos). Nowadays the “Lake District Crossing” is one of South America’s most popular surface crossings via a series of motorboats through spectacular scenery – snow-capped mountian peaks, luscious forests and azul lakes.

The lake cruises entail either a day trip or a 2-day trip from Bariloche to Puerto Montt or Puerto Veras that takes you across the 3 Andean lakes of Nahuel Hapi, Frias and Todos los Santos with gorgeous views of Cerro Tronador and Chile’s Vicente Perez Rosales National Park. Tours run throughout the year except for December 25th and January 1st. This is a great option for travelers in Patagonia looking for that ‘scenic route’ while traveling. Just remember, if you plan to do this crossing, you will be required to show your passport and other travel documents before you cross the border into Chile. 

A hill that is known by the breathtaking views it offers from its peak may be accessed on foot or by chairlift. This is one of the “greatest views in the world,” according to several travel books. The Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, the El Trébol lagoon, the San Pedro peninsula, the Victoria island, the Otto, López, Goye, Bellavista, Catedral, Capilla, the Llao Llao hotel, and the woodlands of Colonia Suiza can all be seen from the Campanario hill.

This is a popular beach for both residents and visitors. During the summer months, it is packed with families and the adventurous who go into the frigid waters of the Nahuel Huapi.

Cerro Tronador, which rises more than 1000 meters above the surrounding mountains, is one of the most well-known mountains in the Bariloche region. This tourist destination is an extinct stratovolcano that offers good hiking, equestrian riding, and sightseeing options. Tronador is located within Nahuel Huapi National Park and may be reached by automobile, with a breathtaking view along the way. Tronador is a popular tourist destination in Bariloche for good reason, and you won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see it.

Victoria Island, formerly home to pre-colonial indigenous peoples, is now one of Bariloche’s most popular tourist destinations. Victoria Island is located in Nahuel Huapi Lake and may be reached by a cheap boat journey from the mainland. Upon arrival, you will visit the island’s natural park, “Los Arrayanes,” which is home to a variety of enormous tree species, and you will be free to explore the island’s accessible areas on your own. A visit to Victoria Island will present you with an interesting day full of nature, history, and sightseeing that will not disappoint.

Cerro Catedral is a mountain located 19 kilometers from downtown San Carlos de Bariloche. This peak is located in Argentina’s Nahuel Huapi National Park. It is South America’s most developed ski resort.

Cerro Catedral is a mountain recreation facility that runs throughout the year and seeks to improve its attractions beyond seasonality. The major activity is established during the winter season, with a large range of services and diverse offers for snow sports or mountain enjoyment.

Looking for a Patagonian adventure? Check out these tours.