Cruce Andino

The Cruce Andino runs from Puerto Varas to Bariloche in a single long day, alternating road and water: bus to Petrohue, boat across Lake Todos los Santos to Peulla, bus over the Perez Rosales pass and the border, boat across Lago Frias, bus to Puerto Blest, and a final boat down Lago Nahuel Huapi into Bariloche. The route predates the roads - it was used by Jesuit missionaries and by traders long before, because the lakes were easier than the forest. It can only be bought as a package, since the boats connect to nothing else, and it runs in both directions.

What you actually see

• Three lakes and four land legs - alternating boat and bus.
• A route older than the roads - used by missionaries and traders.
• The Perez Rosales pass - the border crossing in the middle.
• Bariloche at the far end - or Puerto Varas, going the other way.

When to go

December to March for the fullest service; it runs year round with an overnight in winter. One long day.

Honest expectations

It cannot be bought in parts and it is expensive for the distance covered. Rain and cloud hide the mountains often. Border formalities add time. In winter the crossing takes two days with a compulsory overnight at Peulla.

Nearby

Petrohue and Todos los Santos are the first legs; Bariloche is the far end.