Everyone who comes here feels like they're the first. It's an incredible feeling, as if you're on an expedition of one. Arrive on the shores of the Quetrihué Peninsula and stand among arrayán trees over 300 years old. Embark on an epic journey through the Seven Lakes region, and be blown away by the endless beauty of riding through three of Argentina's national parks. You'll find yourself describing every incredible view to the person next to you because they couldn't have seen what you did. No one could have. Patagonia is your discovery.
Days 1-2 The world-famous Llao Llao resort, a national treasure
where we sip yerba mate like the gauchos and savor gourmet cuisine 
Soak up mountain vistas as you pedal along quiet scenic roads with remarkable views of shimmering Lake Nahuel Huapi, the jagged spires of Cerro Catedral and the glaciers of Cerro Tronador Your feet may take you to Lake Perito Moreno - or to the spa!
Days 3-4 At a private home, feast on authentic Argentine <i>asado</i>
(barbecue) and enjoy homemade empanadas Ready for an exciting ride? A technical single-track trail on the Quetrihué Peninsula leads past cinnamon-colored arrayán trees and tiny pudú deer in Los Arrayanes National Park Bike, fish, kayak or just relax at our elegant lodge Taste acclaimed regional wines and move to the local rhythm as you learn the tango.
Day 5 Emerald lakes, snow-covered Andes peaks and the spellbinding Seven Lakes region
Two-wheel it along the Continental Divide through some of Argentina's most spectacular scenery; it's a ride you'll never forget!
Days 6-7 Bike through territory belonging to the indigenous Mapuche people
Scope out an artisans market in San Martín de los Andes for wood handicrafts, sauco jam and other delightful treasures Visit the gallery of a world-renowned artist Explore pristine Lanín National Park.
Trip Highlights
- Pedal amid emerald lakes and jagged snow-covered Andes peaks
- Discover tucked-away Mapuche lands just northwest of the lush Lakes District
- Tango lessons and yerba mate tasting
- The world-famous Llao Llao resort, an Argentine national treasure
- An epic mountain biking journey through three national parks
Premiere Inns
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (2 nights): One of Argentina's finest properties, this National Historic Landmark features a stunning setting in the foothills of the Andes and a history of hosting world leaders and diplomats. Condé Nast Traveler Gold List; Travel + Leisure World's Best. (pool, spa, golf)
Correntoso Lake & River Hotel (2 nights): This lodge is beautifully decorated with fine woodwork and elegant furniture, set against the lovely backdrop of Lake Nahuel Huapi. A Small Luxury of Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
La Cheminée Hotel & Spa (2 nights): This renovated historical residence is devoted to showcasing the work of local artists and is right at the doorstep of Lanín National Park and the Seven Lakes region. (pool, spa)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 12* | 800 | 17 | 1100 | 25 | 1400 | ||||
| 2 | 17* | 700 | 21* | 900 | 26 | 1200 | 41 | 2200 | ||
| Hiking (4.7 or 7.1 miles) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 12 | 1600 | ||||||||
| Hiking (8 miles) | ||||||||||
| 4 | 15 | 900 | 22 | 1400 | 29 | 2000 | ||||
| Optional kayaking (2.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 20* | 1000 | 31 | 1500 | 46* | 3300 | 65 | 4100 | ||
| 6 | 8* | 700 | 12 | 800 | ||||||
| 14 | 100 | |||||||||
| Hiking (5 miles) | ||||||||||
| 7 | 12 | 1200 | ||||||||
On this trip, we'll be using titanium mountain bikes that are just right for the non-technical dirt road riding as well as the paved riding. (approximately 50% dirt and 50% paved).
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 12/20-26 Price: $5098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1190 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/22-28 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1190 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/31-1/6 Price: $4698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1190 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2014 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 1/13-19 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 1/27-2/2 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 2/10-16 Price: $4898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 2/24-3/2 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/10-16 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 3/24-30 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/18-24 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/29-1/4 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
- 12/31-1/6 Price: $4798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $1340 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Best trip of my life! Enough said.- Reno, NV
This, our fifth Backroads trip, was the best ever! The scenery was spectacular, the accommodations lovely, and the leaders and guests delightful! The ultimate sign of a spectacular trip: getting teary-eyed in the van on the drive to the airport in Bariloche!- Atlanta, GA
What a beautiful part of the world this is. Rich in culture, nature, outdoor activities, great food and amazing people!- Woodside, CA
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! The local guides were great and made navigating the exhilarating rapids the most fun rafting experience I've ever had.- San Francisco, 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
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. 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
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 two 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
It was a wonderful trip. Lovely people, leaders, hotels, food and scenery. It was a very big adventure!- Sao Paulo, Brazil
One of the best vacations I have ever had. The trip was great and leaders/support team were superb (and then some). They added a great deal to the experience. I can't imagine better leaders. Everything was well coordinated and there was clearly a lot of concern in making sure that the vacation was as stress free and enjoyable as it could be.- San Diego, CA
I have been dreaming about this particular trip for over ten years, so my expectations were extremely high. It was wonderful. These trips are the best way to see and feel a place. Keep up the great work.- Durham, NC
Absolutely one of the best planned, best coordinated, and most enjoyable "organized" trips I've ever taken.- Atlanta, GA
This was my best trip yet. The scenery was stunning and the weather was terrific. The accommodations and meals were really awesome. 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
Another trip which exceeded my expectations. I can't believe how your company delivers the quality of leaders and superb itinerary with every single trip we take!- Minneapolis, MN