Blest Port & Cantaros Waterfalls Day Tour from Bariloche | Lake Frías & Valdivian Forest
Difficulty
easy
Duration
8 hours (full day)
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—requires short, easy walks and boat boarding; able-bodied mobility recommended for stairs and uneven ground.
Overview
A full-day boat tour from Bariloche that threads Nahuel Huapi’s arms to Puerto Blest, the Cántaros waterfalls and the glacial green of Lake Frías. Expect short walks through Valdivian forest, an ancient Fitzroya and dramatic glacier-fed watercolors.
Blest Port & Cantaros Waterfalls Day Tour from Bariloche | Lake Frías & Valdivian Forest
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You step off the launch into a cool, wind-scoured bowl of lake and mountain. The boat hums away from Puerto Pañuelo and the first thing that hits you is how the water takes over — flat as glass, then chiselled into ripples by the prow as the Andes frames the horizon. The guide points out Centinela islet: a small, dark knoll holding the remains of Perito Francisco Pascasio Moreno, the man credited with the creation of Argentina’s national parks. Even in profile the island feels like a marker between history and the wild.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Bring a waterproof layer
Weather on the lakes changes fast—pack a breathable rain jacket and a warm midlayer for wind off the water.
Motion-sickness prep
If you’re prone to seasickness take medication or acupressure bands before boarding; the crossings can be choppy in wind.
Footwear for mud and stairs
Shoes with good grip and ankle support will help on short, sometimes slippery shore paths and stairs at landings.
Respect park rules
Stay on designated trails, don’t remove wood or plants, and pack out any trash to protect the fragile Valdivian forest.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean condor (soaring above ridgelines)
- South American foxes and black-necked swans
History
Centinela islet holds the remains of Perito Francisco Moreno, a pivotal figure in Argentina’s national parks movement; the area’s protection dates back to early conservation efforts in the 20th century.
Conservation
The Valdivian forest around Nahuel Huapi is fragile—stick to paths, avoid disturbing shoreline vegetation and carry out all waste to limit impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Carlos de Bariloche
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof breathable jacket
Protects against sudden rain, wind and spray during crossings.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on muddy trails and steps at landings.
Binoculars
Helps spot condors, waterfowl and shoreline wildlife from the boat.
Water bottle and sun protection
Hydration and sunscreen are essential when the sun reflects off the lake.
summer specific