
Patagonia Biking
Straddling the border between two South American neighbors, Chile and Argentina, is the Lake District. In this shared natural treasure, 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. Evenings, catch your breath, savor acclaimed regional wines and wind down at lodgings wrapped in European ambience, Latin flair and genuine warmth and hospitality.
Days 1-2 Lake Llanquihue
Meet in Puerto Varas, on the shore of shimmering Lake Llanquihue
Pedal to Vicente Pérez Rosales, Chile’s oldest national park, at the foot of Osorno Volcano
Enjoy a spectacular Chilean wine pairing at dinner
Days 3-5 Nahuel Huapi National Park
From Chile to Argentina, delve deeper into the Andes on a trio of scenic boat crossings
Soak in the mountain vistas as you pedal a scenic loop on quiet roads
Descend to our hotel from Cerro Catedral 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 Arráyanes National Park
Kayak on tranquil Lago Espejo
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 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.
Lake & Volcano Vistas : Premiere Inns
Yan Kee Way Lodge (2 nights): With Osorno Volcano as its backdrop, this tranquil lodge boasts comfortable bungalows and chalets, inviting Jacuzzis and creative Patagonian cuisine expertly paired with first-class regional vintages.
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (3 nights): Overlooking Nahuel Huapi Lake, this member of Leading Hotels of the World is surrounded by woodlands, offers an 18-hole golf course and is equipped with a full spa and health club.
Hosteria las Balsas (2 nights): An elegant lakeside Relais & Châteaux member surrounded by snowcapped mountains and featuring a world-class spa and pool.
Hosteria la Cheminee (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 Andesn the remote Region of Seven Lakes.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 2 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 15, 28, 43 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4
2 Route Options Available
- 24, 44 miles
- 1000 - 2500 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 16, 33 miles
- 1000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 29, 42, 44 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- Mountain biking 13, 20, 21 miles
- 1500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 3 to 4
2 Route Options Available
- 17, 27 miles
- Rafting 2.5 hours
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Levels 3 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- 33, 62, 72 miles
- 2500 - 4000 feet elevation gain
Day 9
- Conclusion of Trip
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/15-23Price: $5098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1600 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/26-1/3Price: $5198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1780 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
On Days 6 and 7 we stay at Hosteria Naranjo en Flor, a charming mountain lodge nestled in a native coihue forest with stunning lake views, instead of Hostería las Balsas.
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/29-2/6Price: $5598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1610 for sgl. occ.)
- 2/12-20Price: $5598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1610 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/5-13Price: $5598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1610 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/17-25Price: $5398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1610 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/26-1/3Price: $5398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1610 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
Overall, this trip definitely ranks among my very favorite Backroads trips ever (of 6 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
This was my best trip yet. The scenery was stunning and the weather was terrific. The accommodations and meals were really awesome. I enjoyed all the long routes and the additional stuff like hiking, white water rafting, maté tasting. The leaders were terrific as well. They worked very well together. Our group was one of the most fun I have been apart of. It was just a lot of good times!!- Windsor, ON
The leaders presented the more challenging bike rides in a wonderful way (to the older folks like myself, as well as the younger folks.) All of us were treated equally. Once we decided to take on the challenge the support was spectular. One example is the "epic" 70 mile ride on the last day. It was one of the most memorable sporting experiences of my life for which I will always be grateful - without the encouragement I got and support along the way I might not have finished. For me this support was similar to the best of the well organized marathons I have run. Its difficult to explain how much the leaders made this a wonderful experience but they did. They did the same on other challenging rides I took.- Sausilito, CA
I have been on a number of Backroads trips and this one was really outstanding. The accommodations and food were excellent; the scenery was lovely and thrilling; and the Backroads leaders were great.—New York, NY
My expectations in all areas were exceeded on this trip. Everything was perfect – beautiful settings, awesome bike routes, incredible food and accommodations, fun and knowledgeable leaders and a great group of guests. Living near Lake Tahoe, I am spoiled by the easy access to some of the most beautiful and challenging mountain biking around, but the Lake District of Patagonia provides scenery and biking that tops Tahoe's. This trip “fed my soul.” I fell in love with this region and will definitely be going back.- Reno, NV
Best trip of my life! Enough said.- Reno, NV
We love Backroads and recommend it highly to all of our friends. Truly it has enhanced our understanding of cultures, our love of nature, and opened the world to us. We are grateful for every trip you have provided and hope to do more in the years ahead. Backroads remains our favorite - although we have taken 2 trips with other companies. I think you do a better job on helping the participants learn about the culture and your guides are incredible. We will not forget our trip to the Patagonia.- Excelsior, MN
Patagonia was the most exquisite area that I have ever seen. I was concerned about the group size, but the sharing among the group and leaders also made for a memorable trip.- Redwood City, CA
We love Backroads and recommend it highly to all of our friends. Truly it has enhanced our understanding of cultures, our love of nature, and opened the world to us. We are grateful for every trip you have provided and hope to do more in the years ahead. Backroads remains our favorite - although we have taken 2 trips with other companies. I think you do a better job on helping the participants learn about the culture and your guides are incredible. We will not forget our trip to Patagonia and the Lakes District.- Excelsior, MN
I have been on a number of Backroads trips and this one was really outstanding. The accommodations and food were excellent; the scenery was lovely and thrilling; and the Backroads leaders were great.- New York, NY