Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

• Accommodation: 2 Premium nights (hotels), 6 Superior nights (hotels), 4 Classic nights (hotels)
• Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
• 74 percent paved, 26 percent unpaved tracks
• Routes mainly follow quiet roads
• E-bikes available for an additional cost

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.

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

Vehicle support: 100 percent

Total distance covered: Approximately 242mi (389km)

Some cycling experience and good fitness levels are recommended

Please note: Between Peulla and Puerto Blest, there is a section of the ride where our vehicle cannot take the same route; 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.