14-Day Best Trip from Chile to Argentina with Lake Crossing

Chile, Argentina, lakes, waterfalls, tango, all in one trip. This 14-day itinerary packs in striking variety, from Santiago and Valparaíso to Patagonia, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls. I like the cross-border lake route and the fact that accommodation, breakfasts, transfers, and planned excursions are included.

I also like the useful free days in Puerto Varas, Bariloche, and Buenos Aires. They give you room to rest after long transfers or add your own activities. The main drawback is its format: you move between several local tours and transport services, rather than traveling with one fixed group for two weeks.

What makes this trip worth considering

• The Andes lake crossing links Chile and Argentina by bus and boat, with stops around Llanquihue, Frías, and Nahuel Huapi lakes.
• Santiago, Valparaíso, and Viña del Mar provide three very different Chilean views, from government buildings and old plazas to hillside neighborhoods and Pacific beaches.
• Bariloche combines alpine scenery with a relaxed free day, giving you time to enjoy the city or arrange an optional outing.
• Buenos Aires adds architecture, neighborhoods, and a traditional tango show, with La Boca, San Telmo, Recoleta, and Puerto Madero on the route.
• Iguazu Falls is covered from both Argentina and Brazil, including the Devil’s Throat walkway and Brazilian panoramic views.
• The $3,535 price covers 13 nights, breakfasts, dinner, transfers, and excursions, but not flights, national park fees, or personal expenses.

A fast-moving route across two countries

This is a sightseeing package for someone who wants to cover major highlights without building every connection alone. You begin in Santiago and finish at Iguazu Airport, with domestic flights connecting the far-flung parts of the route.

The trip covers a lot of ground. That is its strength, but also its daily challenge. You will have airport transfers, hotel changes, long road sections, border formalities, lake boats, and several guided outings. I would choose it for broad coverage, not for a slow stay in one region.

The group limit is 40 people, though the day tours may operate with different participants and local arrangements. That matters if you are hoping for a single social group. One important piece of feedback from the available experience is that the package can feel like a chain of separate tours with different people. Solo visitors who want an instant travel family should keep that in mind.

Days 1 and 2: Santiago beneath the Andes

Your arrival point is Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, with a transfer into Santiago. The capital sits at the foot of the Andes, about 100 kilometers from the Pacific coast, and the first full day gives you a useful introduction to its political center and older quarters.

The city tour begins around 8 a.m. and lasts about four hours. You will see the Civic District, La Moneda Palace, the Municipality of Santiago, the National Historical Museum, and Santiago’s Metropolitan Cathedral.

Plaza de Armas is one of the key stops. It is the city’s central historic square, framed by the cathedral and civic buildings. The Metropolitan Cathedral receives a short visit, while La Moneda gets about 30 minutes. You can learn about its architecture and presidential role, and there may be a chance to see the changing of the guard if timing permits.

The route then shifts from formal Santiago to more atmospheric neighborhoods. Lastarria brings cobbled streets, cafes, art shops, and cultural spaces. Nearby Cerro Santa Lucía offers gardens, paths, and a city viewpoint if the hill is open and the schedule allows.

Bellavista finishes the city’s neighborhood story with colorful murals, lively nightlife, and distinctive architecture. Since the tour is short, you will see the character of these districts rather than spend long hours in any one museum or market. I recommend using the free time later in the trip, if available, for the places that catch your interest.

Day 3: Valparaíso hills and Viña del Mar beaches

The next outing leaves Santiago around 8 a.m. for the Pacific coast. The drive passes through the Curacaví and Casablanca valleys, with about 120 kilometers between the capital and the ocean.

Valparaíso is the more memorable stop for many people. Its houses climb the hills above one of Chile’s important ports, and the tour includes Sotomayor Square, Victory Square, and the Paseo 21 de Mayo viewpoint.

You will spend about two hours in Cerro Alegre, walking through a colorful hillside district and using the traditional elevators. This is one of the better parts of the day because it lets you experience Valparaíso on foot rather than viewing it only through a coach window. Wear shoes that handle slopes and uneven streets.

The afternoon brings a change of mood in Viña del Mar, known as the Garden City. The Flower Clock is a popular photo stop, followed by the Municipal Casino, which dates from 1930 and has architectural importance in the city.

At Reñaca Beach, you have about two hours for a walk, lunch, or a little time by the Pacific. Quinta Vergara is the final stop on the return to Santiago, arriving around 6 p.m. The day is long, but it makes sense if you want both Valparaíso’s hills and Viña del Mar’s seaside atmosphere without arranging a second trip.

Days 4 and 5: Puerto Varas and a needed pause

After breakfast, you fly from Santiago to Puerto Montt. A driver meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel in Puerto Varas.

The rest of Day 4 is free, and Day 5 is also open for rest, shopping, or optional activities. These two days are useful because the next major section requires an early start and several changes between buses and boats.

Puerto Varas is your base before the Andean crossing. The schedule does not specify a particular guided city tour here, so you should treat this part as free time rather than expect a packed program. Check the timing of optional excursions before you arrive, especially since Day 6 is devoted to the crossing.

Day 6: The Great Andean Crossing by lake and road

This is the trip’s signature journey. The Andean Crossing follows a route used for more than 400 years, linking Chile and Argentina through a series of mountain roads and lake crossings.

The morning begins in Puerto Varas. You follow the shore of Llanquihue Lake toward Petrohué, where you may see the Petrohué River waterfalls if the season and conditions permit. The scenery changes as the route reaches the Andes, and the combination of road travel and boat rides gives the day a sense of movement that a standard flight cannot match.

A bus then carries you for about two hours through the mountains to Puerto Frías. From there, you cross Lake Frías by boat to Puerto Alegre, continue by bus to Puerto Blest, and later board another vessel on Nahuel Huapi Lake toward Puerto Pañuelo.

The final bus takes you into Bariloche. The crossing section can take much of the day, with one listed segment lasting about seven hours before the last navigation and transfer. Pack light for the day and keep essentials in a small bag. You will handle repeated transitions, and your main luggage arrangements should be confirmed before departure.

One practical warning comes from the tour’s stated exclusions: the transfer from the Cruce Andino office in Bariloche to your hotel is not included. You need to plan for that final connection rather than assume the package ends at your accommodation.

Days 7 and 8: Bariloche’s lake circuit

Bariloche is an Argentine resort city known for mountain and lake scenery. The Day 7 outing begins with pickup at your downtown hotel and heads to Playa Bonita, about eight kilometers from the city, where you can look toward Huemul Island.

The next major stop is Cerro Campanario, about 10 kilometers farther on. From the viewpoint, you can see Nahuel Huapi and Moreno lakes, El Trébol Lagoon, and the San Pedro and Llao Llao peninsulas. Admission to the cable car is not included, so budget for that separately if you want the ride and summit view.

The route continues past the Llao Llao Hotel and San Eduardo Chapel, two well-known pieces of local architecture. Puerto Pañuelo is also included in the circuit, and it is the departure point for boats to Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest, though those outings are not listed as part of this package.

You will also see golf courses, the Angostura Bridge, Bahía López, Moreno Lake, and the road around El Trébol Lagoon. The day is mainly about viewpoints and scenic roads. If you prefer hiking or a longer boat excursion, use the free Day 8 to arrange an optional tour.

Days 9 and 10: From Bariloche to Buenos Aires

On Day 9, you transfer to Bariloche Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. A reception and hotel transfer are arranged on arrival, which removes one common airport hassle in a large unfamiliar city.

Day 10 starts with a city tour from your hotel. Plaza de Mayo is the first major stop, with the Metropolitan Cathedral, Government House, and Cabildo nearby. This square is the political and historic center of Buenos Aires, so it gives you context for the city before the tour shifts into its neighborhoods.

You continue through San Telmo and past Lezama Park before reaching La Boca. At Caminito, you will see the colorful tourist center, a compact area known for painted buildings, street scenes, and tango associations. The visit is only about 30 minutes, so you should not expect a detailed exploration of all La Boca.

The route then crosses the city toward Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires’ modern port district. It continues through the upscale Recoleta area and ends near Avenida Córdoba and Florida Street. This gives you a useful first look at the city’s contrasts, although you may want to return on your free day for a slower walk.

That evening, a tango show at La Ventana runs from about 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and is listed as included. The venue occupies a restored historic conventillo, now arranged as a theater and restaurant. It is a polished evening rather than a casual neighborhood performance, but it gives you a classic Buenos Aires night without needing to arrange transport and tickets separately.

Day 11 is free for shopping, rest, or optional tours. I would save it for San Telmo, Recoleta, or a museum if the guided city tour leaves you wanting more time.

Days 12 to 14: The two-sided power of Iguazu Falls

Day 12 takes you from Buenos Aires to Iguazu by air. A hotel transfer is arranged from Aeroparque, followed by reception and hotel check-in at your destination.

Day 13 visits the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls. The excursion lasts about seven hours and includes the chance to see part of the system’s roughly 275 falls.

The Upper Circuit provides broad views from walkways above the falls. The Devil’s Throat section is the major feature. From Cataratas Station, a train ride of about 18 minutes takes you to Garganta Station, followed by a walk of roughly 1,200 meters over the islands to the viewing area.

Park entry is not included, so you need to budget for it. Wear light clothing that dries quickly, and consider long sleeves for sun and mosquitoes. A raincoat can be useful, but the provided advice also points toward a swimsuit or quick-drying clothes because spray and wet conditions are possible.

Day 14 crosses into Brazil for the Brazilian side of Iguazu National Park. Panoramic buses carry you from the visitor center into the park, followed by walkways beside the river and Floriano Fall. You also get views toward the lower Iguazu River and Devil’s Throat Canyon.

The Brazilian park entrance and related fees are not included. The outing lasts about three hours, followed by a transfer to Iguazu Airport for your flight home. Because the final day combines a park visit and an international departure, confirm the flight timing before choosing an early departure.

What the $3,535 price really covers

At $3,535 per person, this is not a budget trip. Its value depends on how much work you want someone else to handle.

The price includes 13 nights of accommodation, 13 breakfasts, dinner, listed excursions, transfers, taxes, and the planned domestic transport arrangements. That is a substantial bundle across two countries, especially with airport pickups and the complex lake crossing included.

You still pay for national park entrances, national and international flights, personal expenses, optional tours, and the Bariloche transfer from the Cruce Andino office to your hotel. Those costs can add up quickly, particularly at Iguazu and Cerro Campanario.

I would compare the total cost against arranging hotels, airport transfers, the Santiago and Buenos Aires tours, the Andean crossing, and the Iguazu visits separately. The package makes most sense if you value convenience and want a fixed route. It makes less sense if you prefer choosing your own hotels, spending several nights in each place, or finding lower-cost transport on your own.

Important practical cautions before booking

The experience has a maximum group size of 40, and most people can participate. It is near public transportation, and pickup is offered at the stated hotels and airports.

You need a valid passport for the international border crossing. Check visa requirements for Chile based on your nationality before booking, and also confirm the entry requirements that apply to Argentina and Brazil.

The package is not valid during Carnival, Easter, long weekends, July winter holidays, congresses, or other special dates. Those restrictions can affect your planning, so check your intended travel period first.

The available rating is 3.5 from two reviews, which suggests a mixed but not dismissive picture. One detailed account described the overall tour as generally good but criticized the first day, luggage problems, and the fact that the journey used different local tours and people. The provider apologized for those early setbacks. I would treat that as a reason to confirm arrival procedures, luggage handling, hotel pickup points, and emergency contact details before departure.

Cancellation is flexible only if you act early. A full refund requires cancellation at least six full days before the start time. Cancellations two to six days ahead may receive 50 percent, while cancellations less than two days before departure are not refunded.

Who should book this 14-day route?

You should consider this trip if you want to see the headline sights of Chile and Argentina in one organized package. It suits a first visit, especially if you value airport transfers, included breakfasts, and a prearranged route through places that are far apart.

It is also a good match if the lake crossing is a major reason for your trip. That section is the most distinctive part of the schedule, and arranging it independently would require careful coordination between buses, boats, border procedures, and hotels.

I would hesitate if you dislike early starts, long transfer days, or changing vehicles several times. I would also hesitate if you are traveling alone and want one consistent group for the entire two weeks. The package functions more like a connected series of excursions than a single escorted tour.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins in Santiago, Chile, with the meeting point listed as Arturo Merino Benitez Airport.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately 14 days and includes 13 nights of accommodation.

Are flights included?

No. National and international flights are not included in the price.

Is the Andes lake crossing included?

Yes. The itinerary includes the Great Andean Crossing between Puerto Varas and Bariloche, using buses and boats through several lakes.

Are national park entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees for the national parks in Argentina and Brazil are not included.

Does the tour visit both sides of Iguazu Falls?

Yes. Day 13 visits the Argentine side, including the Devil’s Throat area, and Day 14 visits the Brazilian side.

Is the tango show included?

Yes. The La Ventana tango show in Buenos Aires is listed as included and takes place from about 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

What should I bring for Iguazu Falls?

Light clothing that dries quickly is recommended. A raincoat and long sleeves can also help with spray, sun, and mosquitoes.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a broad, carefully connected introduction to Chile and Argentina, and if seeing the Andes crossing, Bariloche, Buenos Aires, and both sides of Iguazu matters more than slow travel.

Skip it if you want a stable group, flexible hotel choices, or long stays in each city. Before paying, check flight times, visa rules, park fees, the Bariloche hotel transfer, and the handling of your luggage. With those details clear, the package offers a practical way to cover a huge route that would take real effort to arrange alone.