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

Included

2 Premium nights (hotels), 6 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, nine lunches and two dinners
Immersive itinerary with all transport and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available
Local bike hire of a fully serviced Giant Fathom 2, Talon and Specialised Rockhopper bikes

Not included

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations. If you want to upgrade to an e-bike, these are available for an additional cost.

Itinerary

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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 a 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.
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.
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).
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.
Day 5: Ferry across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pañuelo; 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 30 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 10mi (16km) paved and 5mi (8km) unpaved. 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 an independent trek up Mount Campanario to enjoy beautiful views from the summit followed by an afternoon stroll through downtown Bariloche. Alternatively, there are other half-day or full-day activities such as kayaking, rafting, and horseback riding (with prior reservation the day before). Upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for more details
Day 7: Cycle the Seven Lakes Route
Departing Bariloche, we transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) along a busy section of Argentina’s famous Ruta 40, bordering Nahuel Huapi Lake. We then begin cycling the first section of the Seven Lakes Route – Camino de los Siete Lagos – entering one of the most spectacular areas of the journey. Along this beautiful route, we pass several lakes, including Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, Machónico, and Lácar. After lunch, we arrive in San Martín de los Andes, a charming village on the shores of Lácar Lake. Today’s ride will be 39mi (63km) paved.
Day 8: Cycle the Pehuén Route
Begin with a transfer (approximately 1hr 30min) to our starting point. From there, we ride towards Aluminé along La Ruta del Pehuén (the Pehuén Route) a scenic road through one of Neuquén’s distinctive Patagonian landscapes, known for its ancient pehuén, or araucaria, trees. We have lunch en route before continuing to our accommodation by the shores of the Aluminé River. Today will be 37km (23mi) on gravel road and 17km (10.5mi) on paved road.
Day 9: Along the Aluminé River to Villa Pehuenia
After breakfast, we begin cycling beside the Aluminé River, following its scenic course through the Patagonian landscape. After today’s ride, we transfer to the small village of Villa Pehuenia. The next two nights are spent at the beautiful Posada La Escondida, set on the shores of Aluminé Lake. Today’s ride will be 54km (33.5mi) on paved road and 10km (6mi) on gravel road.
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).
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.
Day 12: Final ride in Conguillío National Park
Today is our final day of cycling, as we continue riding through Conguillío National Park, passing several beautiful lagoons, including Laguna Arcoíris and Laguna Verde, as well as Conguillío Lake. We also visit the interpretation centre to learn more about the formation of this remarkable volcanic landscape, although the centre is occasionally closed during our visit. This afternoon, we enjoy a two-hour walk through native forest to see ancient monkey puzzle trees. Afterwards, we transfer to Temuco. Tonight is our final evening together with the group and staff – the perfect opportunity to look back on a fantastic journey over a meal and drinks. Today will be a ride of 14km (8.5mi), all on unpaved gravel.
Day 13: Adventure ends
Our adventure ends and it’s time to start our return journeys home − depending on your flight schedule, you can enjoy a free morning sightseeing in the city or take a short transfer to Temuco airport for your flight back home. 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

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 take place between October and April 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).

In general, Chile is warmer and rainier than Argentina. But in Patagonia, you have to come prepared for anything - the weather in this part of the world is very changeable!

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: 26mi (42km)

Number of cycling days: Nine

Total distance covered: Approximately 235mi (379km)

Terrain: 29% gravel road (65mi/105km) and 71% paved road (161mi/259km)

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 condition/quality of the gravel road varies greatly depending on the conditions (ie weather, traffic volume etc) at any given time, and this can make the riding difficulty more or less demanding on each particular trip. 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.

Traffic: 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.

Itinerary: Changes in 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. If you're visiting at the end of November, we may need to modify Day 7/8 of the itinerary due to the Gran Fondo Siete Lagos cycling race, which follows the Seven Lakes Road. However, this is only necessary if the race date and route coincide with our itinerary, and we will notify you closer to the time if that happens.

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 / Fri, 23 Oct 2026	NOK 62 225 NOK 46 765	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 01 Nov 2026 / Fri, 13 Nov 2026	NOK 62 225	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 / Fri, 27 Nov 2026	NOK 62 225	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 20 Dec 2026 / Fri, 01 Jan 2027	NOK 64 510 NOK 54 830	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 07 Feb 2027 / Fri, 19 Feb 2027	NOK 63 835	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 / Fri, 12 Mar 2027	NOK 63 835	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Fri, 09 Apr 2027	NOK 63 835	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Fri, 22 Oct 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 31 Oct 2027 / Fri, 12 Nov 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Fri, 26 Nov 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 28 Nov 2027 / Fri, 10 Dec 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 19 Dec 2027 / Fri, 31 Dec 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 / Fri, 23 Oct 2026	NOK 62 225 NOK 46 765	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 01 Nov 2026 / Fri, 13 Nov 2026	NOK 62 225	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 15 Nov 2026 / Fri, 27 Nov 2026	NOK 62 225	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 20 Dec 2026 / Fri, 01 Jan 2027	NOK 64 510 NOK 54 830	On request	NOK 13 510	On request
Sun, 07 Feb 2027 / Fri, 19 Feb 2027	NOK 63 835	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 28 Feb 2027 / Fri, 12 Mar 2027	NOK 63 835	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 28 Mar 2027 / Fri, 09 Apr 2027	NOK 63 835	On request	NOK 14 315	On request
Sun, 10 Oct 2027 / Fri, 22 Oct 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 31 Oct 2027 / Fri, 12 Nov 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 14 Nov 2027 / Fri, 26 Nov 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 28 Nov 2027 / Fri, 10 Dec 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request
Sun, 19 Dec 2027 / Fri, 31 Dec 2027	NOK 67 195	On request	NOK 15 190	On request

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates

Cycling the Lake District of Chile &amp; Argentina

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina