Chile and Argentina Lakes Ride

Settle into Puerto Varas, a popular town on the shore of Lake Llanquihue with views towards Osorno Volcano, affectionately known as the City of Roses for its seasonal blooms.Around 6pm, we meet the tour leader and fellow travellers for introductions, a bike fitting and a detailed briefing, followed by a warm Chilean welcome over a group dinner.There is no cycling today – you can rest before our ride begins tomorrow. If you would like extra nights in Puerto Varas before the tour, your sales representative can arrange them.

We set off around Lake Llanquihue to begin our Lake District ride in scenic fashion, stretching our legs for the more challenging days ahead.From the lakeside road we enjoy sweeping views of the Andean range and, on clear days, the volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, Tronador, Puyehue and Calbuco. We pedal to the lakeside village of Frutillar, a German–influenced settlement with the modern Teatro del Lago, then after lunch we transfer back to Puerto Varas.Today’s ride is mostly paved – about 18mi (29km) paved and 3.1mi (5km) unpaved.

We follow the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue once more, this time east past Ensenada towards the imposing Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes, before venturing into more remote landscapes.We continue alongside the emerald–coloured Rio Petrohue to reach Lake Todos los Santos, where we board a private catamaran for a tranquil crossing while we watch for Andean condors overhead – the journey takes about 1hr 30min to two hours.Today’s cycling is fully paved – approximately 28mi (45km) on largely flat terrain, followed by a climb over the final 9.3mi (15km).

After breakfast, we ride towards the Argentinian border – 12.4mi (20km) of steady ascent before a demanding climb of about 2,297ft/700m over 4.7mi/7.5km to the frontier – then a short descent into Puerto Frias.Mountain roads here are unpaved and conditions vary with recent weather, ranging from well compacted to loose and dusty. We complete this memorable Andean crossing with a short ferry on Lake Frias and a final 1.9mi (3km) ride to our hotel in Puerto Blest.This is the most challenging day, with 19.3mi (31km) unpaved – a long, steep gravel climb to the border followed by a fast downhill.

From Puerto Blest on the western tip of Lake Nahuel Huapi, we board a catamaran to Puerto Pañuelo. Rather than ride straight to Bariloche, we follow a scenic paved loop via Punto Panoramico for sweeping views of the Argentinian Lake District, then approach Bariloche and take a short transfer of about 30 minutes to link with the main lakeside road.We aim for the midday catamaran; if it is unavailable, we will take a later one – in this instance we have time to walk to Los Cantaros Waterfall before returning to the hotel for lunch.Today’s ride includes 10mi (16km) paved and 5mi (8km) unpaved. You can upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for details.

Today is free for you to relax in Bariloche, a hub for ski and adventure sports with tempting chocolate shops.You may wish to trek independently up Mount Campanario for superb views, then enjoy an afternoon stroll through the centre. Alternatively, you can choose half–day or full–day activities such as kayaking, rafting or horse riding – please make reservations the day before.You can upgrade to a suite today – speak to your sales representative for details.

We leave Bariloche with a transfer of about 90 minutes along a busy stretch of the famous Patagonian Route 40 skirting Lake Nahuel Huapi to Villa La Angostura. Beyond the town we begin cycling the first section of the Seven Lakes Route – starting on paved road, then continuing on gravel along the shores of Lake Traful – and challenge ourselves over the Portezuelo Pass to reach the small village of Villa Traful.Today’s ride is 13mi (21km) paved and 14.9mi (24km) unpaved. You can upgrade to the forest house today – speak to your sales representative for details.

We start the day with a transfer of about 50 minutes to our starting point for the second day along the Seven Lakes Route. This scenic road winds north past lakes and forests, linking the alpine towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. Depending on the exact start point, we ride around 39.1mi (63km) through rewarding landscapes, with a lunch stop en route, arriving in San Martin de los Andes in the afternoon along the shore of Lake Lacar.Today is fully paved – about 39mi (63km) in total, with the last 10.6mi (17km) a fast downhill.

After breakfast, we transfer for approximately two hours to Rahue village. From here we ride beside the Alumine River on La Ruta del Pehuen, named for the local monkey puzzle forests, passing Mapuche houses and farms. After the ride we transfer to the small village of Villa Pehuenia, where we spend the next two nights at Posada La Escondida on the shores of Lake Alumine.Today’s ride is 19.3mi (31km) paved and 9.3mi (15km) on unpaved gravel.

Today is at leisure – you can choose organised activities or simply rest. Your tour leader will advise on the best local excursions.Options include a popular kayak outing on the crystalline waters of Lake Alumine, or a trip up Batea Mahuida Volcano with a short hike to the crater lagoon – this activity is subject to local permissions on the day.

After breakfast, we pedal farewell to Argentina and cross back into Chile via the Icalma International Pass. Once immigration formalities are complete, we stop for lunch in Icalma village, then transfer for about 45 minutes to the Mapuche town of Melipeuco for any last–minute provisions before riding a lovely paved stretch towards Conguillio National Park. From the park entrance we cycle a final 3.7mi (6km) on unpaved road to our charming accommodation.The scenery now shifts dramatically – clouds rise from surrounding valleys and drift over ancient lava flows, while Llaima Volcano (10,253ft/3,125m) dominates the skyline. We spend the night in a remote ecolodge where energy use is restricted, so electricity and hot water are not available overnight.Today’s ride is mostly paved – 16.8mi (27km) paved and 5mi (8km) on unpaved gravel.

It is our final day of cycling as we ride deeper into Conguillio National Park to see beautiful lagoons, including Laguna Arco Iris and Laguna Verde, plus Conguillio Lake. We also visit the interpretation centre to learn about the park’s formation – occasionally the centre is closed during our visit.In the afternoon we enjoy a two–hour walk through native forest to view ancient monkey puzzle trees, then gather for a final evening of food and drinks to celebrate the journey.Today’s route is a 16.8mi (27km) loop, all on unpaved gravel – mostly uphill on the way out and mostly downhill on the return.

Our adventure concludes today and it is time to begin the journey home – breakfast may be self–service if you depart early.If you wish to stay in Chile longer, your sales representative can arrange additional accommodation.