Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Overview

Ride through the beautiful Lake District of Chile and Argentina

Discover a beautiful and fertile land at the northern gateway to Patagonia – a magical escape of active volcanoes, turquoise rivers, gigantic lakes and ancient native forests. See Andean condors swoop from the cordillera foothills as we cycle on some of the most scenic routes in South America. We’ll also gain cultural insight into both Chile and Argentina, including the European influences and indigenous customs that have shaped the region. Offering a fantastic mix of paved roads and off-road gravel tracks, this two-country cycling route allows you to cross the Andes twice in spectacular fashion. Along with the challenging bike ascents and catamaran rides across Todos los Santos Lake, you’ll also enjoy staying at a charming ecolodge in Conguillo National Park.

Highlights

Cycle the most beautiful landscapes in the Lake District of Argentina and Chile
Cross the Andes twice, the highest mountain range in South America
Ride the scenic Seven Lakes Road past forests and lakes to San Martin
Immerse in nature with an eco-lodge stay in the heart of Conguillio National Park
Enjoy free time in the adventure hub of Bariloche to hike or go rafting

Key Information

Accommodation: 2 Premium nights (hotels), 6 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels)
Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Included

All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire

Not included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
E-bike hire (available for an additional cost)

Itinerary

Show All

Day 1: Adventure begins in Puerto Varas
Begin your adventure in Puerto Varas, a popular town on the shore of Lake Llanquihue with views towards Osorno Volcano. Puerto Varas has been nicknamed the City of Roses for its abundant and fragrant seasonal blooms. Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other, have a bike fitting and learn more about the adventures ahead. Your tour leader then ensures a big Chilean welcome over an optional group dinner. There’s no cycling today, so take time to rest your legs before our two-wheel adventure begins in earnest tomorrow. Want more time in Puerto Varas? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Cycle around the edge of Lago Llanquihue to Frutillar
Our Lake District cycling adventure starts in scenic fashion as we navigate around the shore of Lago Llanquihue (the third biggest lake in South America) and stretch our legs for the more challenging days ahead. From the lakeside road, we enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes and the Andean range that lie to the east. Volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, Tronador, Puyehue and Calbuco are all visible on a clear day. We’ll cycle to the lakeside village of Frutillar, a German-influenced settlement home to the modern Teatro del Lago theatre. The ride ends here; after lunch we’ll transfer back to Puerto Varas. Today's ride will be mostly paved: 18mi (29km) paved and 3.1mi (5km) unpaved. Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Cycle from Puerto Varas to Petrohue; boat ride on the emerald waters of Todos los Santos Lake
We follow the shoreline of Lago Llanquihue once more today but in an easterly direction past Ensenada, straight towards the imposing Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Our journey from here across the mountain range takes us into more remote and spectacular environments. We cycle onwards, following the banks of the emerald-coloured Rio Petrohue. Upon reaching reaching Lago Todos los Santos, we are greeted by a beautiful view and we'll swap our mode of transport and board a private catamaran ferry. Crossing the lake is a peaceful experience as we keep our eyes peeled for Andean condors overhead (journey time approximately 1hr 30min to two hours). Today’s ride will all be paved. It will consist of approximately 28mi (45km) on flat terrain and a climb for the last 9.3mi (15km). Accommodation: Hotel Natura (or similar)
Day 4: Begin the Andes crossing to Argentina; lake crossing and some tough cycling sections to arrive at Puerto Blest
After breakfast, we start cycling towards the Argentinian border, which involves riding 12.4mi (20km) with a steady incline before a challenging climb (approximately 2,297ft/700m over 4.7mi/7.5km) to reach the frontier. There is then a short descent into Puerto Frias. Depending on how the weather has been in the preceding days, the unpaved mountain roads can either be well compacted or sometimes loose and dusty. The final leg of today’s unforgettable journey across the Andes is a short ferry crossing on Lago Frias followed by a 1.9mi (3km) ride to your hotel in Puerto Blest. Today is the most challenging day with 19.3mi (31km) unpaved. The border crossing involves a long steep climb on gravel followed by a fast downhill. Accommodation: Hotel Puerto Blest (or similar)
Day 5: Ferry across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo; cycle to Bariloche
Puerto Blest is on the westernmost point of Lago Nahuel Huapi and from here we board a catamaran to Puerto Pañuelo. Instead of cycling directly towards Bariloche, we take a scenic route on a paved road that loops via Punto Panoramico, a viewpoint with panoramas of the Argentinian Lake District. As we approach Bariloche, we board the bus for a transfer (approximately 20 minutes), linking up with the lakeside main road. We aim to take the catamaran at midday, but if this is unavailable we will catch a later catamaran. In this instances we have time to walk to Los Cantaros Waterfall before heading back to the hotel for lunch. Today’s ride will be 9.3mi (15km) paved and 5.6mi (9km) unpaved. Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & SPA (or similar) Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 6: Free day; explore Bariloche and ascend the nearby viewpoint of Cerro Campanario
After several days of travelling, today is a free day allowing a chance to relax. You may wish to look around the centre of Bariloche, a hub for ski and adventure sports with numerous chocolate shops. There are plenty of adventurous activities available, such as guided stand-up rafting on Rio Limay or an independent trek up Mount Campanario to enjoy beautiful views from the summit. Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & SPA (or similar) Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 7: Villa Angostura, cycle the first part of the Seven Lakes Route and on to Villa Traful
Departing Bariloche, we transfer (approximately 90 minutes) along a busy portion of the famous Patagonian Highway 40 bordering Nahuel Haupi Lake up to Villa La Angostura; beyond the town we start cycling along the first part of the "Seven Lakes Route" (Camino de los Siete Lagos). From here we will first cycle paved road and then along gravel road along the shores of Traful lake, challenging ourselves to summit the Portezuelo Pass. Today our destination is the small village of Villa Traful. Today’s ride will be 13mi (21km) paved and 14.9mi (24km) unpaved. Accommodation: Hotel Alto Traful (or similar) Upgrade to the forest house today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 8: Short transfer to start point; cycle the second part of Seven Lakes Route to
We begin the day with a transfer (approximately 50 minutes) to our starting point for our second day cycling along the "Seven Lakes Route" (Camino de los Siete Lagos). This is a scenic route that winds northwards past lakes and forests, connecting the alpine towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. Depending upon the exact start point, today involves us riding around 39.1mi (63km) through spectacular and rewarding landscapes. We will break up the ride with a lunch stop and should therefore arrive in San Martin de los Andes in the afternoon. Entering the picturesque small town involves a wonderful approach along the shore of Lago Lacar. Today will be all paved and 39mi (63km) in total; the last 10.6mi (17km) is a fast downhill section. Accommodation: Hosteria Monte Verde / Le Village Hotel (or similar)
Day 9: Transfer to Rahue village; cycle along the Alumine River; transfer to Villa Pehuenia
After breakfast, we take a transfer (approximately two hours) to Rahue village. From here, we will start cycling alongside the Alumine River on what is known as La Ruta del Pehuen, named for the monkey puzzle forests in the area. We also pass many Mapuche houses and farms. After today’s ride we transfer to the small village of Villa Pehuenia. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Posada La Escondida, by the shores of Alumine Lake. Today’s ride will be 19.3mi (31km) paved and 9.3mi (15km) unpaved gravel. Accommodation: Posada La Escondida (or similar)
Day 10: Free day in Villa Pehuenia
Today is at leisure for you to choose from organised activities or a rest day. Your tour leader can advise which local excursions are best depending on what you would like to do. Options include a popular kayak excursion on the crystalline waters of Alumine Lake or head up Batea Mahuida Volcano and enjoy the mountain views on a short hike to the crater lagoon (this activity is subject to local permissions on the day). Accommodation: Posada La Escondida (or similar)
Day 11: Cycle to Icalma Village in Chile; short transfer to Melipeuco; cycle the lunar landscape of Conguillio National Park
After breakfast, we pedal goodbye to Argentina and cross back into Chile via the Icalma International Pass. Once we clear immigration, we stop for lunch in Icalma Village. After lunch we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the Mapuche town of Melipeuco for any last-minute provisions before cycling a lovely stretch of paved road towards Conguillio National Park. From the park entrance we cycle for 3.7mi (6km) on an unpaved road until we reach our charming accommodation. The scenes we encounter today are vastly different from the rest of the tour. Clouds rise from surrounding valleys and quickly change form while passing over the volcanic lava. Llaima Volcano (10,253ft/3,125m) dominates the skyline and we spend the night in a remote ecolodge. The property restricts energy use as part of its self-sufficiency, meaning electricity and hot water are not available during the night. Today’s ride will be mostly paved: 16.8mi (27km) paved and 5mi (8km) unpaved gravel. Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)
Day 12: Ride through Conguillio National Park
It is our last day of cycling today as we continue riding further within Conguillio National Park and see several beautiful lagoons (Laguna Arco Iris, Laguna Verde) and Conguillio Lake. We will also visit the interpretation centre to learn more about the formation of the park (occasionally the centre is closed during our visit) We enjoy a two hour walk through native forest to see ancient monkey puzzle trees this afternoon. Tonight will be the last evening together with group and staff; the perfect opportunity to look back over the fantastic journey while enjoying a meal and drinks. Today will be a loop ride of 16.8mi (27km), all on unpaved gravel. The way out will be mostly uphill and the return will be mostly downhill. Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)
Day 13: Adventure ends at Temuco Airport
Our adventure ends with a transfer from Conguillio National Park to Temuco airport. This transfer is timed to coincide with a chosen route to London, UK, via Santiago. Customers not taking this chosen route are welcome to join the transfer, although we recommend checking the timings with your sales representative before making your travel arrangements. If you want to stay in Chile for longer, speak to your sales representative who can reserve additional accommodation for you.

Important Information

The trip destination

Accommodation: 2 Premium nights (hotels), 6 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels)
Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Food

Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style, and lunches will either be at convenient restaurant stops during our rides or packed lunches. There is a variety of good-quality food in the hotels and local restaurants for the evening meals not included in the price of the trip. Chile and Argentina traditionally have a lot of meat dishes in their cuisine; however, vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday. Please inform us before departure of any dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Weather

Departures are organised to take place between October and March to take advantage of the longer, warmer days of summer. During these months, temperatures in Santiago de Chile exceed 30C (86F), while in Puerto Montt and the Lake District region they are more likely to be around 20C (68F). The weather in this part of the world is very changeable and you should come prepared for some rain showers.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.

Average daily distance: 25mi (40km)

Number of cycling days: Nine

Total distance covered: Approximately 242mi (389km)

Some cycling experience and good fitness levels are recommended

Please note: On Day 4, there is a 15mi (24km) stretch between Peulla and Puerto Blest with no support vehicle, as it cannot access the national park; however, vehicle access is possible in an emergency.

Terrain and route

Approximately 72 percent paved, 28 percent unpaved roads

Some large elevation gains

Mixed cycling terrain

Variable weather conditions

Some remote locations

Most of the roads are in good condition, although there are occasional potholes and poorer conditions in some short sections. Come prepared to cycle on unpaved gravel/dirt roads.

The Andes crossing day from Chile to Argentina is the toughest cycling day on the tour as the unpaved road between the lakes involves a long climb up to the border crossing, which is potentially on rough terrain depending on recent weather.

The roads are generally free of heavy traffic until we reach towns, where we are more likely to encounter other vehicles. The traffic there will be worse during high seasons.

Note - Changes in local cycle route or distance may be necessary should our cycle team determine safety concerns due to increased commercial traffic and/or deteriorating road conditions pertaining to our originally advertised routes.

Prices / Dates

By accepting our offer in writing, you/you confirm that our terms and conditions have both been read and understood and that cancellation fees may apply if the trip is cancelled.

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BOOK THIS TRIP

sdsd AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 29 Mar 2026 / Fri, 10 Apr 2026	NOK 61 820 NOK 49 455	On request	NOK 12 770	Available
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 / Fri, 23 Oct 2026	NOK 64 510	On request	NOK 13 510	Available
Sun, 01 Nov 2026 / Fri, 13 Nov 2026	NOK 64 510 NOK 61 280	On request	NOK 13 510	Available
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 / Fri, 27 Nov 2026	NOK 64 510	On request	NOK 13 510	Available
Sun, 20 Dec 2026 / Fri, 01 Jan 2027	NOK 64 510	On request	NOK 13 510	Available
Sun, 03 Jan 2027 / Fri, 15 Jan 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	Available
Sun, 17 Jan 2027 / Fri, 29 Jan 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	Available
Sun, 07 Feb 2027 / Fri, 19 Feb 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	Available
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 / Fri, 12 Mar 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	Available
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Fri, 09 Apr 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	Available
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Fri, 22 Oct 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	Available
Sun, 31 Oct 2027 / Fri, 12 Nov 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	Available
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Fri, 26 Nov 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	Available
Sun, 28 Nov 2027 / Fri, 10 Dec 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	Available
Sun, 19 Dec 2027 / Fri, 31 Dec 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 29 Mar 2026 / Fri, 10 Apr 2026	NOK 61 820 NOK 49 455	On request	NOK 12 770	On request
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 / Fri, 23 Oct 2026	NOK 64 510	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 01 Nov 2026 / Fri, 13 Nov 2026	NOK 64 510 NOK 61 280	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 / Fri, 27 Nov 2026	NOK 64 510	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 20 Dec 2026 / Fri, 01 Jan 2027	NOK 64 510	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 03 Jan 2027 / Fri, 15 Jan 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 17 Jan 2027 / Fri, 29 Jan 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 07 Feb 2027 / Fri, 19 Feb 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 / Fri, 12 Mar 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Fri, 09 Apr 2027	NOK 65 180	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Fri, 22 Oct 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 31 Oct 2027 / Fri, 12 Nov 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Fri, 26 Nov 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 28 Nov 2027 / Fri, 10 Dec 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 19 Dec 2027 / Fri, 31 Dec 2027	NOK 68 540	On request	NOK 15 190	On request

We will get back to you with an offer on the requested trip / package within 48 hours. All offers are non-binding and are usually valid for 7 days. Please note that reserved services can be canceled within these 7 days and that price may change until a final order is received.

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Cycling the Lake District of Chile &amp; Argentina

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina