Bariloche Day Cruise to Puerto Blest, Cántaros Waterfall & Frías Lake
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; includes one short forest hike of ~20–40 minutes with moderate footing.
Overview
Sail from the Llao Llao peninsula across Nahuel Huapi to a rainforest walk that ends at a 1,500-year-old larch and the misted roar of Cántaros Waterfall. The route finishes with the milky-green waters of Lake Frías and a quiet harbor at Puerto Blest.
Bariloche Day Cruise to Puerto Blest, Cántaros Waterfall & Frías Lake
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The boat slips from Puerto Pañuelo and the lake unfolds like a cold sheet of glass, mountains leaning in to peer at us. For the first hour the motor hums and the wind draws lines across Nahuel Huapi while Sentinel Island slides past — gulls flaring off its rocks as if protesting our wake. On the shore the Valdivian rainforest waits: ferns drip, coihue trunks stand dark and patient, and a path threads upward toward the voice of the Cántaros waterfall.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers and waterproofs
Weather on the lake shifts quickly; bring a breathable waterproof jacket and a warm mid-layer to stay comfortable during boat sections and forest walks.
Sturdy shoes for the forest trail
Trail to Lake Cántaros includes roots and wet rocks—light hiking shoes or trail runners with grip are recommended.
Bring cash for Blest restaurant
There are dining options at Puerto Blest and small vendors; some accept only local cash or card intermittently.
Protect gear from spray
Use a waterproof case or dry bag for cameras and phones; lake spray and waterfall mist can reach exposed bags on the shore path.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor (occasional sightings near high ridges)
- Magellanic woodpecker and lake ducks
History
The Nahuel Huapi basin has long been shared by Mapuche communities and later 19th-century explorers; the lakes and ports like Blest were vital links between mountain refuges and settlements.
Conservation
The area is part of Nahuel Huapi National Park, where visitors should respect marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and limit plastic waste to protect fragile aquatic and forest ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Carlos de Bariloche
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Blocks wind and rain during lake crossings and keeps you dry near the waterfall.
Trail shoes or grippy sneakers
Provide traction on wet, root-strewn forest paths.
Binoculars or telephoto lens
Helps spot waterfowl, distant Andean peaks and intimate forest details.
Reusable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated on the boat and during the short hike; fewer single-use plastics helps the environment.