Lago Frías
Discover Lago Frías, a breathtaking emerald glacial lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park, accessible by scenic boat and catamaran rides.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for emerald hues
Lago Frías
Best Time
Best light for emerald hues
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Lago Frías, a breathtaking emerald glacial lake in Nahuel Huapi National Park, accessible by scenic boat and catamaran rides.
"The emerald color of the lake is not seen anywhere else. It is really worth doing."
Book Excursions Ahead
Secure your boat and bus tickets in advance, especially for the combined Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro tours. :admission_tickets:
Waterproof Everything!
Bring warm jackets, waterproof pants, and comfortable shoes. It's often rainy and cold, even in summer. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emerald Lake Views
Lago Frías
Witness the breathtaking, unique emerald hue of this glacial lake. A truly unforgettable natural spectacle.
Catamaran Cruise
Lago Frías
Glide across the vibrant waters on a catamaran, offering stunning perspectives of the surrounding rainforest and mountains.
Frías Trail Hike
Near Lago Frías
Explore hidden viewpoints and immerse yourself in the Valdivian rainforest on this scenic hiking path.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Emerald Waters Await
Dress for the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
My practical tips for Bariloche
Book Excursions Ahead
Secure your boat and bus tickets in advance, especially for the combined Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro tours. :admission_tickets:
Waterproof Everything!
Bring warm jackets, waterproof pants, and comfortable shoes. It's often rainy and cold, even in summer. :athletic_shoe:
What should I do in Bariloche?
Recommendations around Bariloche
Combine with Puerto Blest
Many visitors combine Lago Frías with Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro waterfall for a full-day adventure. :world_map:
Capture the Emerald
The lake's unique color is best photographed on clear days. Golden hour can add a magical touch. :camerawithflash:
Bariloche for a Month?
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Excursions Ahead
Secure your boat and bus tickets in advance, especially for the combined Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro tours. :admission_tickets:
Waterproof Everything!
Bring warm jackets, waterproof pants, and comfortable shoes. It's often rainy and cold, even in summer. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Puerto Blest
Many visitors combine Lago Frías with Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro waterfall for a full-day adventure. :world_map:
Capture the Emerald
The lake's unique color is best photographed on clear days. Golden hour can add a magical touch. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Lago Frías for its incredibly unique and stunning emerald-green waters, a sight rarely found elsewhere. The journey to the lake via boat and catamaran is also highlighted as a scenic and enjoyable part of the experience. While the natural beauty is universally loved, some find the excursion pricing to be a bit high, and weather can sometimes impact the overall experience.
"Perfect trip."
Wind Filho
"Stunning lake! We walked 30 minutes from the Blest Hotel, arrived at the pier, and the view of the lake is incredible. If you pay for the excursion, they take you by bus to the pier and you sail across the lake. We didn't pay for the excursion, but we did get to see the lake. Don't hesitate, go see it."
Boina Muebles
"Lake Frías is a glacial lake located in Nahuel Huapi National Park in the province of Río Negro, Argentina, in the Bariloche department.
Clothing 🏂 I recommend being well equipped, especially during the winter ❄️ since it always rains and is cold 🥶. Bring warm jackets, comfortable shoes, and, if possible, waterproof pants.
🚤 To get there, you must take a boat to Puerto Alegre, then a bus to Puerto Blest, and then catamarans to Bariloche. The service must be booked in advance. The surroundings invite you to listen, observe, and be carried away by the landscape that nature offers. There are agencies that offer an included package.
Lake Frías is located 3 km from the hotel and is part of the Andean Crossing to Chile. We reached it by bus, along a gravel road in the heart of the Valdivian rainforest. Once in Puerto Alegre, take a modern catamaran that crosses the lake in about 15/20 minutes until you reach Puerto Frías."
Mayte Loaiza
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to book an excursion that includes a boat to Puerto Alegre, a bus to Puerto Blest, and then a catamaran across Lago Frías. Some agencies offer packages that combine this with Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro waterfall. Having a car allows flexibility to reach the initial piers.
While you can drive to certain points like Puerto Alegre, the full experience typically involves boat and catamaran travel. The road to Puerto Alegre is gravel and winds through the rainforest.
The catamaran ride across Lago Frías itself takes about 15-20 minutes. The entire excursion, including travel from Bariloche and stops, can take a full day.
You can reach the pier by walking about 30 minutes from Blest Hotel, or by driving to Puerto Alegre and taking the catamaran. However, booking an organized excursion is the most straightforward method for most visitors.
Yes, Lago Frías is a key part of the Andean Crossing route, marking the border with Chile.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary, but one review mentioned a cost of $660 (likely in local currency at the time of writing). It's best to check current prices with tour operators.
Yes, booking your boat and bus service in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons, to ensure availability.
Typically, tours include transportation from Bariloche to the piers, boat rides, and the catamaran across Lago Frías. Some packages also include visits to Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro waterfall.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided tips, as Lago Frías is within Nahuel Huapi National Park, there might be park entrance fees or they could be incorporated into tour prices. It's advisable to confirm this when booking.
Operating hours are tied to the tour schedules. Catamarans typically run throughout the day to accommodate excursion timings. Confirm specific departure times when booking.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main activities include enjoying the stunning emerald views, taking a catamaran ride across the lake, and hiking the Frías trail to discover hidden viewpoints.
While the description mentions swimming, the provided tips focus more on boat trips and hiking. Given it's a glacial lake, water temperatures are likely very cold.
Yes, the Frías trail is recommended for hiking, offering opportunities to find small, hidden viewpoints along the way.
At Puerto Frías, there's a replica of Che Guevara's motorcycle, referencing his journey and the Andean crossing he took.
The lake is nestled within the lush Valdivian rainforest, with views of Mount Tronador and its snow-capped peaks visible during the crossing.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The emerald color of the lake is most vibrant on clear days. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the colors and landscape.
The panoramic views from the catamaran, the shoreline near the piers, and the viewpoints along the Frías trail offer excellent photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive lake and surrounding mountain scenery. Consider a telephoto lens for distant peaks like Mount Tronador.
Shoot on a sunny day for the most intense color. Polarizing filters can help reduce glare and enhance the saturation of the water.
No specific restrictions were mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Frías trail is beautiful, consider its suitability for very young children based on their stamina. The main draw for families will be the stunning visual spectacle of the emerald lake and the unique journey to reach it. Ensure everyone is dressed warmly and in waterproof gear, as keeping kids comfortable is key to a happy outing.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
The surrounding area, being part of Nahuel Huapi National Park, is a haven for nature lovers. The combination of the unique lake color, the lush forest, and the distant views of Mount Tronador makes it a rewarding destination for anyone seeking natural beauty. Consider extending your stay in the region to explore other renowned trekking spots like Refugio Frey if you have more time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Emerald Waters
For those with a car, you can drive to points like Puerto Alegre, offering a bit more flexibility. However, the full experience of crossing the lake is best enjoyed via the catamaran. The entire excursion, including travel time, is often a full-day affair, making it a significant part of the Bariloche travel experience. Booking these services in advance is crucial, especially during peak seasons, to ensure you don't miss out on this natural wonder.
Pro Tip: Consider combining your Lago Frías visit with the nearby Puerto Blest and Los Cáantaro waterfall for a comprehensive day trip. This allows you to experience more of the region's natural beauty in one go.
Dressing for the Patagonian Climate
Comfortable, waterproof hiking shoes are a must, as trails can be muddy and slippery. Many reviewers emphasize the importance of waterproof pants to stay dry during unexpected downpours. Don't underestimate the need for warm accessories like gloves, a hat, and a scarf, even if the forecast seems mild. Being well-prepared for the elements will significantly enhance your enjoyment of the stunning scenery.
Key Takeaway: Think 'adventure-ready' when packing. Layers are your best friend, and waterproofing is non-negotiable for a comfortable experience at Lago Frías.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit