Patagonia Biking
Pedal the Lake District Beneath Andean Peaks in Chile & Argentina
Straddling the border between Chile and Argentina, the Lake District is a shared natural treasure, where snow-frosted volcanoes seem close enough to touch, dazzling lakes reflect Andean peaks and national parks preserve rich forests. Amid this breathtaking tableau, embark on a two-wheeled journey with Backroads that takes you to spectacular vistas and past charming old-world villages and through the countryside, bursting with blooms after the long winter. Evenings, catch your breath, savor acclaimed regional wines and wind down at lodgings wrapped in European ambience, Latin flair and genuine warmth and hospitality.
Trip Planning Links
- Explore two fascinating and very different countries
- Pedal amid emerald lakes, jagged snow-covered Andes peaks and volcanoes in the Lake District
- Tango lessons and mate tasting
- The world-famous Llao Llao resort, an Argentine national treasure
- Sample superlative wines of Chile and Argentina
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Puerto Varas
Meet in Puerto Varas 
Warm up on a ride to the German town of Frutillar, set on the shores of shimmering Lake Llanquihue 
Pedal into Vicente Pérez Rosales, Chile's oldest national park, at the foot of Osorno Volcano.
Days 3-5 Nahuel Huapi National Park
Travel from Chile to Argentina by shuttle and boat, delving deeper into the Andes Soak in the mountain vistas as you pedal a scenic loop on quiet roads Descend to our hotel from Cerro Catedrál or hike to Lake Perito Moreno Learn the ocho and other tango steps during a lesson with local dancers.
Days 6-7 Villa la Angostura
Ferry to the Quetrihué Peninsula for a hike or a single-track mountain bike ride through Los Arrayanes National Park In Villa La Angostura, choose to bike, boat, fish or relax at our luxurious lakeside inn.
Days 8-9 San Martin de Los Andes
Head into the region of Seven Lakes, a setting for Che Guevara's The Motorcycle Diaries, to find some of Argentina's most spectacular scenery Sapphire lakes line an epic biking route following the border north through ancient stands of coihue trees Shuttle to San Carlos Bariloche.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Overall, this trip definitely ranks among my very favorite Backroads trips ever (of six so far). The leaders, the accommodations, the biking, the scenery, the weather - everything was fantastic! And the rafting on this trip was SO much fun. The local guides were great and made navigating the exhilarating rapids the most fun rafting experience I've ever had.- San Francisco, CA More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Patagonia Biking
Lake & Volcano Vistas: Premiere Inns*
Hotel Cumbres Patagonicas
Puerto Varas (2 nights) This lovely hotel impresses at every turn with views of Lago Llanquihue and the Osorno Volcano from each guest room, a full-service spa, top-floor swimming pool, and a restaurant and bar.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Nahuel Huapi National Park (3 nights) One of Argentina's finest properties, this Leading Hotels of the World member has a stunning setting in the foothills of the Andes and has hosted diplomats and world leaders.
Hosteria La Escondida
Villa la Angostura (2 nights) A Patagonian haven on the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi, surrounded by snowcapped mountains and featuring an elegant spa and pool.
Hosteria la Cheminee
San Martín de los Andes (1 night) Surrounded by gardens and perfectly located near the town's main plaza, this comfortable hostería provides access to an amazing ride along the spine of the Andes in the remote Region of Seven Lakes.
* Casual Inn
Patagonia Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Levels 1 1 Route Option Available
- 19 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 25, 50 miles
- 800 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Travel Day from Chile to Argentina
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 4.7, 7.1 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Biking 17, 33 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Biking 29, 38, 41 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Mountain biking 13, 20 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 8 miles
- 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 3 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 28 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Hiking 4 miles
- 500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 33, 64, 73 miles
- 2500 - 4000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Conclusion of Trip