Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike With Optional Frias Lake

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike is a must-do adventure for nature enthusiasts visiting Bariloche, Argentina. Travelers embark on a scenic boat cruise across the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake, leading them to the charming town of Puerto Blest. Here, they’ll enjoy free time to explore the area’s picturesque waterfalls and have the option to hike to the serene Lago Frías. With knowledgeable guides and breathtaking vistas, this excursion promises an unforgettable way to take in the region’s natural wonders. What awaits those who choose to discover Puerto Blest?

Key Points

• Full-day excursion from Bariloche, Argentina offering a scenic cruise across Nahuel Huapi Lake to Los Cantaros Waterfall and optional hike around Lago Frías.
• Guided tour with insights into local flora and regional history, suitable for families seeking scenic highlights like Centinela Island.
• Itinerary includes 3-hour boat navigation, free time at Puerto Blest for lunch and exploration, and 30-minute visit to Lago Frías.
• Pricing starts at $199.27 per person, with national park fee and embarkment tax paid separately, and some customers find the cost high compared to local providers.
• Mixed reviews highlight the scenic beauty, but also note language barriers and logistical considerations, such as the need for proper footwear.

Overview of the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike is a full-day excursion from Bariloche, Argentina that offers visitors the chance to cruise across the breathtaking Nahuel Huapi Lake and hike to the scenic Los Cantaros Waterfall.

Along the way, guides share insights into the local flora and regional history. This family-friendly activity provides stunning scenic highlights, including Centinela Island and Dr. Francisco Moreno’s gravesite.

Explorers can enjoy free time for lunch and hiking around Los Cantaros Lake before returning to Bariloche.

With its natural wonders and optional add-ons, this cruise and waterfall hike is a must for visitors to the Patagonian region.

Itinerary and Experience

Departing from the Turisur Office on Mitre 219 in Bariloche, visitors board a comfortable coach to Puerto Pañuelo, where they then embark on a boat navigation across the stunning Nahuel Huapi Lake.

The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, passing by Centinela Island, the gravesite of Dr. Francisco Moreno.

Upon arrival at Puerto Blest, travelers have free time to enjoy a lakeside lunch and explore the hiking trails around Los Cantaros Lake.

After the hike, the group departs Puerto Blest and returns to Bariloche, completing the full-day excursion.

Key Locations and Duration

The excursion begins with a 30-minute journey from San Carlos de Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo, where visitors embark on the boat navigation across Nahuel Huapi Lake.

The scenic cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, passing by Centinela Island, the gravesite of Dr. Francisco Moreno.

After arriving at Puerto Blest, guests have 3 hours to enjoy free time for lunch and explore the hiking trails around Los Cantaros Lake.

The tour also includes a 30-minute visit to Lago Frías.

The return trip to Bariloche completes the full-day excursion, with all locations offering free admission, except for the National park fee and embarkment tax.

Pricing and Inclusions

The price for the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike starts from $199.27 per person.

This includes a local guide, pickup and drop-off from the meeting point, boat navigation across Nahuel Huapi Lake, and an optional extension to Lago Frías.

However, visitors will need to pay the national park fee (around $15) and embarkment tax (around $4) separately on the day of travel.

While the tour offers scenic beauty and a chance to explore the local flora and history, some travelers have found the pricing high compared to booking directly with local providers.

Customer Feedback and Considerations

Travelers have left a mix of reviews for the Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike, with an average rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 29 reviews.

Some note the high pricing when booked through Viator compared to local purchase options. Others mention language barriers, with tours sometimes conducted primarily in Spanish despite requests for English-speaking guides.

Recommendations include wearing proper footwear for the hikes and being aware of logistical details like voucher requirements.

Exploring the Scenic Highlights

Although the cruise across the pristine Nahuel Huapi Lake is a highlight, the real scenic gems await visitors at Puerto Blest.

Disembarking at the lakeside village, travelers can enjoy the lush temperate rainforest. Guided hikes unveil the towering coihue and cypress trees, while the thundering Los Cantaros Waterfall captivates with its cascading beauty.

Disembarking at the lakeside village, travelers can enjoy the lush temperate rainforest. Guided hikes unveil the towering coihue and cypress trees, while the thundering Los Cantaros Waterfall captivates with its cascading beauty.

For the adventurous, an optional extension to Lago Frias offers sweeping vistas of the Frey mountain range.

With knowledgeable local guides, visitors gain insights into the region’s flora, fauna, and history, transforming the Puerto Blest experience into an unforgettable nature escape.

Planning Your Visit to Puerto Blest

Planning a visit to Puerto Blest requires some logistical considerations. The full-day excursion departs from Bariloche, with a coach ride to Puerto Pañuelo for boat navigation across Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Though the cruise itself is included, the national park fee and embarkment tax are not. Once at Puerto Blest, visitors have free time to explore the trails around Los Cantaros Lake and enjoy a lakeside lunch.

The return trip to Bariloche follows the hike. While the scenery is stunning, travelers should bring proper footwear and be aware of any language barriers with guides.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise. This allows them to enjoy a picnic lunch or snacks during the scenic lake crossing to Puerto Blest.

Is There an Opportunity to Swim in the Lake?

Yes, there’s an opportunity to swim in the lake during the excursion. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake at Puerto Blest before or after the hike to the waterfalls.

Is There a Guide Available to Explain the History in English?

Yes, the excursion includes an English-speaking guide who provides information about the local flora, regional history, and other highlights during the cruise and hike. Guides aim to offer an educational and engaging experience for all participants.

How Do I Avoid Crowds During Peak Tourist Season?

To avoid crowds during peak tourist season, travelers can consider visiting early in the morning or late afternoon. Booking directly with local providers may also provide more flexibility than large tour companies.

Is It Possible to Extend the Hike Beyond the Cantaros Waterfall?

Yes, the hike can be extended beyond the Cantaros Waterfall. The tour offers an optional visit to Lago Frias, which adds an extra 30 minutes to the excursion and allows visitors to explore more of the scenic surroundings.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Blest Cruise & Waterfalls Hike offers a fantastic day in Bariloche’s stunning natural landscapes. With a scenic boat cruise, hiking opportunities, and the option to visit Lago Frías, this family-friendly excursion provides an unforgettable way to explore the region’s natural beauty. Whether you’re a nature lover or seeking an adventure, this tour is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Patagonia’s breathtaking scenery.