Four Itchy Feet

January 28, 2025. Sendero Los Cántaros. Puerto Blest, Argentina.

The hike from Puerto Blest to Puerto Cántaros was one of our best hikes in Bariloche. It is called Sendero Los Cántaros. Getting there takes some effort since you must be part of the excursion offered by Turisur from Puerto Pañuelo to Puerto Blest.

The hike is approximately 3.4 miles of relatively flat and even terrain. The trail is lined with millennial trees that dwarfed us and amazed us with their size. The climate here is quite different from the dry and windy conditions typical of Patagonia—humidity is much higher, as evidenced by the lushness of the forest.

We stopped several times to admire small lakes and took moments to soak in the beauty of this trail. There were lots of birds and we captured a couple on pictures. As we approached Puerto Cántaros, we encountered a boardwalk and steps leading to the Cascadas Los Cántaros. The boardwalk is in perfect condition, and the 584 steps to the top, where the lake feeds the waterfall, are sturdy and well-maintained.

We climbed straight to the top and decided to stop at the miradores (viewpoints) of the waterfall on the way down—this kept our heart rate at a steady 150 beats per minute! On the descent, we took pictures of the stunning waterfall. Though it was running a bit drier this time of year, we could easily envision its power when, at winter’s end, the melting snow from above rushes down in full force.

Whether you hike from Puerto Blest or take the catamaran to Puerto Cántaros, the climb to the falls is accessible to everyone thanks to the excellent condition of the boardwalk. Hats off to Nahuel Huapi National Park for the outstanding construction and upkeep of the trail and boardwalk to Cántaros Falls.

Don’t miss it!