Cascada de los Cántaros
Neuquén, Argentina
Perched on the western edge of Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche, Cascada de los Cántaros is a scenic waterfall on the outskirts of Puerto Blest. It's surrounded by Patagonia’s unique blend of scenery—turquoise water, ancient trees, and a sky that just seems bigger than elsewhere in the world—so it’s worth visiting during your outdoor adventures.
The basics
Most people visit Cascada de los Cántaros on a half-day sailing tour of Nahuel Huapi Lake from Bariloche—a great way to rest if you’re aching from completing the hikes Argentina’s Lake District is famous for. Sightseeing cruises typically sail past the Llao Llao Peninsula, where chunks of glacier ice float, to Puerto Blest, a secluded port surrounded by mountains, which is the gateway to the waterfall. From there, it’s a short hike through the forest to the falls.
Things to know before you go
- Wear shoes with a good grip, as the wooden boardwalks leading to the waterfall can be slippery, especially after rain or snow.
- The walkway has stairs, so is unfortunately inaccessible to travelers using wheelchairs and strollers.
- Puerto Blest has limited accommodation and restaurant options, though there are a couple of guesthouses if you’d like to stay overnight; it’s a good idea to book in advance rather than just turn up on the day.
How to get there
The only way to reach Puerto Blest and Cascada de los Cántaros is by boat. You can depart from Puerto Pañuelo in Villa Llao Llao, a 40-minute drive via the stunningly scenic Av. Exequiel Bustillo Road along the banks of Nahuel Huapi Lake. From there, it takes about 1 hour on the water to reach the port and the trail to Cascada de los Cántaros.
When to get there
While the waterfall is open 24 hours a day, boats typically only visit during the morning. Patagonia’s winters are cold and brutal, so it’s often difficult to access Cascada de los Cántaros from May through September, when ice and heavy snowfall can sometimes mean that parts of it freeze.
What to see on Circuito Chico (Small Circuit)
Part of Bariloche’s famous Circuito Chico (Small Circuit) overlaps with Villa Llao Llao, from which boats to Puerto Blest depart. Highlights in this divine natural region include the Aerosilla Cerro Campanario, a chairlift that offers sweeping views of the circuit, and Cerro Llao Llao, a hiking route that takes you to the top of a hill with vistas of Nahuel Huapi Lake.
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