Cruce Andino: Sailing among lakes and volcanos in the south of Chile

Discover beautiful landscapes from the south of Chile by doing the Cruce Andino (Andean Crossing), where you’ll cross the Andes Mountain Range and you’ll get to know magical places such as the Todos los Santos Lake, the Saltos del Petrohué and the ecological village of Peulla, until reaching Puerto Varas.

Whether with by tour operator or on your own, don’t miss the opportunity to go on this journey and take with you an everlasting memory. We will tell you about the amazing destinations that make up the Cruce Andino in Chile here.

Main photo: @gonzarcosb

Peulla will welcome you to Chile

From Bariloche, after a 68-kilometer trip you’ll get to the Vicente Pérez Rosales Border Crossing, where you cross into Chile, and you’ll find the village of Peulla. It’s an ecological town located in the middle of a virgin forest which has different ecotourism activities to bond with nature.

You’ll be able to get to know the Cascada de los Novios, kayak on the Río Negro, walk through the Bosque en Miniatura de las Pataguas or see the impressive Mirador Cerro Techado here.

Horse-riding, rafting, canopy and even tours in helicopter are some other experiences you can have in Peulla.

Todos los Santos Lake and Saltos del Petrohué

Photo: Sernatur Audiovisual Bank

Peulla is located on the west coast of the Todos los Santos Lake, which has turquoise color waters and stunning views of the  Osorno Volcano, the Puntiagudo Volcano and the Tronador Hill.

If you sail for an hour and 45 minutes east, you’ll reach the Saltos del Petrohué, another amazing place on the Cruce Andino, whose flow increases specially during winter.

You’ll find different accommodation services, parking facilities and activities like trekking, kayaking, climbing and rappel.

Puerto Varas: the final spot on the Cruce Andino

With a one-hour trip east on Ruta 225, you’ll reach Puerto Varas,  located next to Llanquihue Lake and the final stop on the Cruce Andino. In this beautiful city, the German cultural heritage can be appreciated through its impressive architecture and gardens.

What can I do in Puerto Varas?

Photo: Puerto Varas Town Hall

You must pay a visit to the Mirador Pedraplén, where you’ll find a gorgeous landscape of the area.  Other musts are the Sagrado Corazón de Jesús Church, the Antonio Felmer Museum and the Likanrayen Princess sculpture, whose exciting story will allow you to learn more about the Mapuche people.

You can also rent a bike and ride along the Llanquihue Lake bike path, 82 uninterrupted kilometers where you’ll go through the beautiful landscapes of Frutillar, Puerto Octay and Las Cascadas.

In terms of cuisine, you’ll find exquisite preparations that capture the German tradition and the comforting native cuisine.

Pieces of advice for your Cruce Andino trip

Everything is ready for your trip through the Cruce Andino in Chile!

• Keep in mind that it is a very rainy area, so you must take jackets, boots, capes and all the necessary elements to protect yourself, especially if you are looking for somewhere to camp.
• Keep in mind that stores close early and that many places only accept cash.
• Always carry snacks and water, and don’t forget to carry your documentation for corresponding procedures.
• You can get tickets for the national parks in Chile at PasesParques.cl.