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:
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 80 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
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
Sharing what I wish I knew before I arrived! I loved Bariloche. It was my first time in Argentina so I was a bit overwhelmed on arrival, but Bariloche is a very safe and easy place to start. Some of these tips might relate to Argentina more generally. **Transport from…
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?
Hi! I'm going to Bariloche next week and I'm looking for things to do such as trekking. I would like to do at least one that lasts the whole day. We have a car. Any suggestions?
Recommendations around Bariloche
We have a few days to spare and driving from Chico Chile to Bariloche. Are there any recommendations on activities to do or plaxes to visit on our way or around Bariloche OTHER THAN HIKES (nothing against hikes, just we have done so many of them and still have a huge…
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?
I've been staying in Buenos Aires (Palermo) for the last 4 weeks and have really loved it, it's my first time in Argentina and my first time in South America. My job is 100% remote so I'm working Monday-Friday from 10-6 or 7, I usually go for an 11 km run in the morning before I…
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit