Premiere Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.
Paraíso Casa de Montaña
San Martín de los Andes (2 nights)
* Casual Hotel
Boasting an ideal location just minutes from the city center in the Seven Lakes region, each room in this boutique hotel looks out on Lácar Lake and the Andes. (pool, spa)
Correntoso Lake & River Hotel
Villa La Angostura (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 Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa)
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort
Llao Llao (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. (pool, spa)
This Trip Is Rated Levels 1-3
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 (drag to see full )
| Daily Route Options |
| 1 |
Walking/Hiking |
4 |
600 |
|
|
7 |
1400 |
|
|
|
|
| 2 |
Biking |
9* |
700 |
12 |
1500 |
22 |
2100 |
|
|
|
|
| Biking |
|
|
13 |
1400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Walking/Hiking |
3* |
600 |
5 |
800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Kids |
Local Artisan Workshop in San Martin de los Andes |
| Kids |
Dinner in Town |
| 3 |
Walking/Hiking |
2 |
200 |
6 |
500 |
7 |
1800 |
|
|
|
|
| Walking/Hiking |
4 |
300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other |
Tango Dancing Performance & Class |
| 4 |
Walking/Hiking |
2 |
400 |
|
|
|
|
7 |
2200 |
|
|
| Walking/Hiking |
3 |
700 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Kayaking |
on Lago Espejo (2.5 Hours) |
| Kids |
Rock Climbing (2.5 Hours) |
| 5 |
Biking |
4 |
400 |
12 |
1000 |
18 |
2000 |
|
|
|
|
| Biking |
8 |
600 |
16 |
1800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Walking/Hiking |
2 |
300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other |
Private Boat Excursion on Lake Nahuel Huapi to Victoria Island (2.5 Hours) |
| 6 |
Biking |
9* |
1000 |
16* |
1500 |
27 |
2400 |
|
|
|
|
| Other |
Family: Empanada Making with Local Chef (1 Hour) |
| Other |
Afternoon Optional Activities at Llao Llao Hotel |
| 7 |
Walking/Hiking |
4 |
600 |
5 |
1000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Other |
Trip End in Llao Llao, Bariloche, or Bariloche airport |
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Note:
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 30% dirt and 70% paved).
The biking terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and unpaved roads with some stretches of rugged terrain and sandy sections, making the routes feel more challenging than the mileage may suggest. Liberal van support is incorporated into the itinerary and mileage is moderate to enable you to spend more time exploring on your own.
* Includes shuttle.
Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.
Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources (such as Map My Ride and Garmin devices) may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies. Readings from a Garmin or a smart phone are influenced by other factors such as air pressure.
Meals
All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 5 dinners
Available Bike Options
The key to a stellar day’s ride is a bike that’s perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Read on for your available bike options for this trip or view our full bike fleet in further detail.
Backroads Titanium Bikes (Included in your trip price)
Our custom-built titanium bikes are specially designed for you—and we offer different models for varied terrain so your bike is ideally suited to the region. Our custom-made bikes are included in your trip price.
Mountain Bike (Included)
For trips departing before 4/15/18, please see available bike options here.
Custom Kids Bikes (Included in your trip price)
Backroads is the only travel company to manufacture its own line of kid's bikes. While the wheels might be small, the performance is big—it's the perfect choice for kids. On all Backroads Family Trips, you'll find 20" and 24" bicycles for the younger set. They say good things come in small packages; when it comes to bikes for kids of all ages, Backroads is the expert.
Custom Kids Bikes (Included)
Also Included
- Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
- On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
- Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
- Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
- Park and other entry fees
- Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
- Select coach transfers
- Baggage transfers and porterage
Get the Straight Talk about This Trip
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Terrain, Traffic & Hiking Trail Support
The Lake District's beautiful yet rugged topography limits the number of available roads. Although we've carefully crafted this itinerary to feature a mix of the region's most scenic paved and dirt road-biking routes, at times we encounter small trafficked areas, as well as a few sections of dirt roads with loose rocks and sand. Of course, you're always welcome to jump in the shuttle to avoid the busier or rougher sections of the route.
Our hikes through Patagonia's captivating terrain follow rocky and sometimes uneven paths, many of which are remote and do not intersect with roads. Vehicles will get us to and from the trailheads, but the nature of these trails is such that we won't see our vehicles along the route. Ample trail support in the form of water, snacks, and encouragement is provided by your Backroads leaders and local guides.Leaders & Local Guides
Trips with a small number of guests may be supported by one Backroads Trip Leader and team of knowledgeable local guides. Rest assured that there will always be at least two people hiking on the trail with you.
Why Travel with Backroads in Argentina
So What Do You Want to Do First?
Argentina may be the most kid-friendly destination in South America, and this unique family trip more than proves it. In addition to biking, hiking and kayaking, we’ve got all kinds of kid-oriented activities, from riding horses with gauchos to rock climbing in the Andes, to participating in an art workshop with a famed artist – all supported by the best local guides and our own Backroads Trip Leaders, including your dedicated Kid Coordinator.
Get the Most Out of Each Day
Coordinating multiple activities throughout a single day can be tricky, but with Backroads you'll never know it. When you explore Argentina with us, you switch activities seamlessly without missing a beat. We invented the multi-adventure concept, and we're constantly adding new dimensions and fine-tuning the experience to make it even more enjoyable.
The Best Leaders in Argentina
Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in Argentina, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.
A Variety of Routes Each Day
In Argentina you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.
A Great Trip for Teens
This Family Adventure, with its blend of challenging activities and cool places to explore, is ready to erase the doubtful looks of the toughest travel critics around: teenagers. We're not saying there won't be a single eye-rolling response (or the odd WhatsApp exchange with the gang back home), but this trip has plenty to keep teens in the moment and part of the family.
Like You, We're Family Experts
At Backroads we've honed our expertise in active family travel over many years and a lot of trips. We host at least 20 times more family guests than any other active company, so we're constantly gaining new insights that make our trips even better. Detailed planning, behind-the scenes logistics, unrivaled support from three Trip Leaders—all backed by a team that proudly creates the kind of experiences we'd want to share with our own families.
Time Together, Time Apart
Backroads is the leader in designing trips that ensure everyone, young and young-at-heart alike, has an amazing time. Your Backroads Family Adventure balances family activities with diversions designed exclusively for the kids—giving the adults a welcome break from making decisions, other than choosing whether to explore a few more miles or just enjoy each other's company. A family vacation where everyone gets to relax, recharge and have fun – what a concept!
We Stand Behind Our Trips
Most companies' trips in Argentina are run by local operators. At Backroads we manage our own trips; we would never subcontract your precious vacation to a third party. So as you enjoy the support of your seasoned Trip Leaders, along with our expert local guides and drivers, you have the confidence of knowing we're with you every step of the way.
Plenty of Kids on Your Trip
It may be hard to imagine being on a family trip with no other families on it—but it happens regularly with some companies. On a Backroads Family Adventure there are typically several families on each departure, creating more opportunities for your kids to make new friends as they try fun things together – which is a big part of the experience.
Everyone at Their Own Pace
We design and support our Argentina trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.
Custom-Designed Bikes for Kids
Only Backroads provides bikes specifically designed for younger riders. Find out more information on all of our kids' bikes and optional accessories. And check out Tom Hale's blog post about biking with your kids.
The Right Local Pairings
Our Trip Leaders combine deep local expertise with a firm grasp of North American expectations around quality of service. By the same token, we pair experienced Backroads leaders with local guides who know how to cater to your needs while cracking open the culture or natural history in ways that are meaningful, memorable and often magical.
Our Cultural Roots Run Deep
Thanks to our extensive connections in Argentina, Backroads takes you off the beaten track and deep into the region's culture in ways that traditional travel can never hope to do. We know the people and their customs, the legacy of art and architecture, the complex history and politics – and if we're not sure, our amazing local experts can fill in the blanks.
We Invented the Multi-Adventure Trip
After more than 30 years of creating Backroads Multi-Adventures, our trip designers know how to blend the perfect balance of biking and hiking with other activities to showcase the best of a region. And then they arrange the seamless transitions that would be so hard to orchestrate on your own—adding dimensions to your trip that are exciting, inspiring and just plain fun.
