Into Chile

The Three Lakes Crossing to Chile

This popular route to Puerto Montt, with ferries across Lago Nahuel Huapi, Lago Frías and Lago Todos Los Santos, is outstandingly beautiful whatever the season, though the mountains are often obscured by rain and heavy cloud. It's a long and tiring journey, however, and is not recommended in really heavy rain. Book well ahead in high season (you can reserve online), and take your passport when booking with a tour operator. The journey can be done in one or two days: the one-day crossing (1 September to 30 April) arrives Puerto Varas at around 2000 and does not allow a return to Bariloche next day, and you miss the walk to see Cascada de los Cantaros. For the two-day crossing (operates all year round), there is an overnight stop in Peulla.

Tickets are sold by various operators, but all trips are run by Turismo Catedral, wwwlcrucedelagos.com/tickets. See also www.goargentina.net (there is a link on the right-hand side of the webpage), for a detailed description of the journey, prices and photos. Take your own lunch, but eat it before you reach Chile, as no fresh food can be taken over the border.
Puerto Montt

Puerto Montt is a popular centre for excursions to the Chilean Lake District, and departure point for boats to Puerto Chacabuco and Puerto Natales. El Tepual Airportis 13 km northwest of town, and the bus terminalis on the sea front at Portales y Lota. A paved road runs 55 km southwest to Pargua, where there is a ferry service to the island of Chiloé.