2 Best Sights in The Lake District, Argentina

Traversing both land and lakes, this popular excursion allows you to see Chile and Argentina at their most pristine and can be done in either direction in one or two days. Travelers board a boat at Puerto Pañuelo, west of Bariloche, and cross to Puerto Blest, at the western extreme of Lago Nahuel Huapi. From there, a short bus ride takes you to Laguna Frías, a cold glacial lake that ices over in winter. After crossing to Puerto Frías on the opposite shore, you pass through Argentine customs, then board another bus that climbs through lush rainforest before descending to the lakeside stopover of Peulla. You'll clear Chilean customs just before reaching a lodge alongside Lago Todos los Santos, where you'll have time for lunch. You may then spend the night at the lodge (recommended) or head straight to Chile by catamaran from Peulla, enjoying volcano views along the way. (An overnight stay is mandatory in winter.) The boat trip ends at the port of Petrohué. From there, your final bus ride skirts Lago Llanquihue, stopping at the Petrohué waterfalls and arriving at last in the the town of Puerto Varas. Guides usually speak English, but to be on the safe side, do this trip with a tour group such as Cruce Andino.

Covering some 100 square km (40 square miles), this azure mirror is the largest of Parque Nacional Lanín's 24 lakes. It's also one of the prettiest, offering woods, beaches, and views of snowy Volcán Lanín from every part of the vicinity. Boat cruises of the lake and of neighboring Lago Epulafquen depart from Puerto Canoa on the northwestern shore, and there are abundant campgrounds all along the perimeter. Popular treks include those to El Saltillo waterfall in the north, and to El Escorial, a petrified river of black lava, to the southwest. The lake is a two-hour drive from San Martín de los Andes.