LivingInPatagonia.com

Views from the Water

Written by Shanie 

While my Grandma and Aunt were here we did the tourist trip by boat from Puerto Pañuelo to Parque Nacional de Arrayanes, Isla Victoria and back.  Since we see the boat going to the island from our house every day, we decided to make a day of it ourselves. It was a beautiful trip and worthy of at least one journey.  There are a few pointers that are important to know:

• There  are two companies that make the crossing, Cau Cau and Turisur.  Both basically leave around the same time, the morning voyage at 10:30ish and afternoon at 2pm.
• The Cau Cau has a VIP option that is extremely recommended if not on a super tight budget.  The boat ride is 88 pesos (US$29) for regular seating or 150 pesos (US$50) for the VIP.  The upper-tier tickets gives you the prime upper-deck seating, with access to clear viewing of the captain and the surroundings.  Small courses of meals are served through the trip as well, ie. empanadas, sandwiches, pastries, alfajores, coffee, tea, soda, wine, beer and water.  
• It is mandatory to go on a beautiful day.  We hit the chosen day perfectly and had absolutely no wind and warm temperatures.  If plans to set sail are spoiled by weather, I definitely recommend waiting out the storm.  It makes the trip well worth it.
• The Arrayanes park is incredible.  Try to get out of the dock area before the mass of crowds if you want a little peace and quite on the boardwalk. 
• Because the trip will hopefully be done on a stellar day, it is mandatory to bring a bathing suit.  Isla Victoria has a pebble beach that is a little warmer than other bays on the lake.
• Make sure you get your tickets in advance.  The boats, especially the VIP section, sell out.