Cycling the Lake Districts of Chile & Argentina

The snow-clad volcanoes and emerald lakes of the Andes mountains. Gravel tracks, black lava fields and ancient forests of monkey puzzle trees.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Crossing the Andes by bike: not once but twice!
Tai and his younger brother Yal worked tirelessly to support the group. They gave a clear briefing on each day's itinerary and generated Stava maps to show the route. On the road they shepherded us through the traffic and managed to control both those keenest to reach our destination and those more content to just enjoy the scenery and walk the hills. They coped very well with the inevitable problems which occurred: our punctures; occasional falls; late transfers; variable accommodation; wet weather; etc, etc. They were always ready to chat with the group and explain about the local people, their history and culture .
The trip notes are not always updated and itineraries may well change. Our mountain bikes were very good but with limited space for carrying spare kit or a camera. Although the support vehicle was close at hand, you might consider a ruck-sac or handlebar bag useful. Research beforehand. More options are available for your free days than may be advertised. We really enjoyed excursions to Mount Tronador from Bariloche and later to Huerquehue National Park from Pucon. Take a good camera with a wide angle lens as the landscapes are stunning. And it also pays to get up early for the dawn light. Breakfasts are sometimes meagre but expect your waistline to expand: portions for lunch and dinner are huge! ATM's in Argentina restrict you to 4,000 ARS and cost a lot to use. Santander Rio have branches in all the towns we visited. If you have an account, it gives you a much better rate. Spend a few days in Buenos Aires if you have the chance. It's pretty safe and easy to get around. There's some lovely Art Nouveau architecture, a lively café-culture, craft markets at the weekend, fine Opera and bookshops, tango dinner dances and lots of urban art. We would recommend a 5-hour cycle trip: Hidden Graffiti And Urban Art Tour.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If the weather is fine, as it fortunately was for us, cycling in Argentina and Chile is a joy. Traffic is generally respectful and the distances covered are easily manageable in the time. Where the trip notes describe parts of the route as gravel, be prepared for some pretty rough going. In places it was safer to walk. But the best is saved for last: the Parque Nacional Conguillío - with black lava field and forests of monkey-puzzle trees under the brooding Llaima Volcano.

Once again [the tour operator] delivered. Our guides were fantastic, the bikes were well maintained, and the accommodation was for the most part great. The food was also better than some previous trips and only somewhat challenging for a gluten free/vegetarian. Power bars go a long way! Finally, the scenery was picturesque and breathtaking. Lots of lakes and Volanoes.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Day 4 of the tour. We completed a 20km cycle on some serious gravel and then my husband and I opted to walk the 7.5km climb over 700 metre ascent versus cycling it. We passed a few people who ended up frustratingly walking their bikes but getting to the top felt like quite an achievement especially with blisters on both feet.
What did you think of your group leader?
Tai was a very impressive young man who did a fantastic job. His brother Yal was a great support and eventually their dad, Marcello joined us making the group complete. Their obvious bond as a family just made our experience that much better.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
A gel saddle wouldn’t go amiss as the gravel was sometimes more like boulders.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
The trip notes need to be updated. For anyone interested in seeing southern Chile and western Argentina, I would highly recommend this tour.

A simply beautiful trip. We were lucky with incredible weather throughout, giving us deep blue skies reflected in the lakes. The cycling was superb, giving a good mix of roads and gravelly off-road tracks. Some mountain biking experience would be useful for these sections, particularly the long climb across the border into Argentina. The scenery was stunning - volcanoes, lakes, forests, and the food throughout was incredible. I’ve never eaten so much top quality steak in so few days. Despite the cycling, you might not expect to lose weight on this trip. Special thanks to our guides, Alex, Tai (hope I spelled that right) and Leah who regularly had her bike cannibalised when one of us broke down.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Too many to choose. The final days cycling through the lagoons and monkey puzzles. The incredible views on the seven lakes road, and the climb into Argentina with a beautiful lakeside hotel at the end of the day.
What did you think of your group leader?
Alex was brilliant. Endlessly cheerful and enthusiastic and attentive to all our needs. A real asset to [the tour operator].
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I loved the off road sections but I’m not sure that everyone did. Although most of the trip is on paved roads of good quality, to enjoy the cycling to the fullest extent, be prepared for some bumpy, gravelly and loose surfaces, especially when climbing.

This was our fourth [tour operator] Cycling Trip over the last few years and my favourite so far. The landscapes that we cycled through were simply stunning with snow capped volcanos, lush green valleys, blue and emerald lakes, monkey puzzle woodland and black volcanic ash and lava. The cycling routes were occasionally challenging but never too long. The accommodation was generally good (with two exceptions) and we were expertly led by Tia, his brother Yell and Matteus. It helped that the weather was pretty much perfect throughout our trip with cool mornings making way for clear hot afternoons. We also benefitted from a great group of cyclists, most of whom were of a similar (oldish) age and fitness level!
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were many, but I particularly enjoyed the Punto Panoramico ride with views of the Argentinian Lake District and the hike up (and rapid descent) of Villarrica Volcano. We also had a very special send-off from our hosts with drinks at sundown overlooking the Llama Volcano .
What did you think of your group leader?
Tia was amazingly competent and patient as our group leader. The trip involves some incredibly tricky logistics with crossings from Chile into Argentina (and back again), numerous ferry rides, transfers by minibus, luggage checks at customs points and the constant shepherding of 16 cyclists. Despite these challenges the whole trip ran smoothly. His skills as a paramedic were also tested on a few occasions. Together with his brother and Matteus they formed a formidable team
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
1. About 25% of the cycling is off-road, mostly on gravel tracks with ruts and stoney sections. It can therefore be tricky at times. Some experience of biking off road is necessary (though there was the opportunity to opt out of these sections and travel in the support vehicle). 2. Even with the fine weather that we experienced the mornings were cool and the afternoons very hot so we needed extra layers and lashings of suncream. 3. There were several opportunities for swimming on the trip so have swimming gear close to hand. 4. The lunches provided on the trip were often two and three courses- with large quantities- and it was sometimes difficult to do them justice without struggling to cycle in the afternoons! 5. Although American dollars could be used in several locations you do need some Chilean and Argentinian pesos for small purchases. Credit Card machines were fairly widespread in shops and restaurants.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
There were a couple of glitches in the arrangements for the trip. The first hotel was changed at the last minute by the local host (and it proved to be disappointing) so hopefully the Hotel Patagonia in Puerto Varas will not be used again. There was also some confusion about which hotel had been booked on our last night; a full list of the accommodation in each of our destinations would be useful in advance.

This was our second [tour operator] trip as a family of four, all adults of course. The trip had a bumpy start as we were delayed and missed connections so ended joining the trip 24 hrs later, have to say [the tour operator] were incredibly helpful and easy to contact outside of hours. We loved the scenery, saw loads of condors and some truly amazing views. The weather was perfect and the transfers mostly short. We also enjoyed some spectacular scenic lake crossings.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling along roads with lush pastureland one side and snow capped volcanoes on the other, sitting on a volcanic ash beach in Pucon and swimming in the lake on Christmas day
What did you think of your group leader?
Taiel and his family were super guides, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful in every way
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
We are vegetarian which was okay mostly especially in the towns, lunch stops a bit more challenging especially for our daughter who is vegan, we got by as we took lots of snack foods too. Be prepared for some rocky roads, lots of gravel at times but well worth it, especially near the lava fields.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Lovely varied accommodation which on the whole was very comfortable. Would definitely recommend this trip to anyone wanting cycling adventure in awesome locations with breath taking views. Some of the climbs were challenging but so worth the effort!

Amazing scenery, excellent organisation and logistics. Superb guidance and information. A really interesting part of the world to visit and made me hungry for more.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Seeing a condor,traversing fjord like lakes with snow capped volcanoes as a back drop. Cycling into the lava fields of Conguillo National Park and walking in the monkey puzzle forest.
What did you think of your group leader?
Excellent. Very good knowledge of the area, geography, social history, fauna etc. Good sense of humour and very encouraging when cycling was more challenging.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
The rides are short but hilly and it is worth doing a bit of training!

This trip surpassed my previous [tour operator] bike trips by a country mile. The scenery was truly outstanding, the cycling manageable while challenging and it was organised and supported in the most exceptional way by the local team. I could not recommend it too highly.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
You never grew tired of the outstanding views of volcanoes, dotted amongst the most extraordinary lakes and dramatic scenery. Some of the off-road ascents were tough, especially with gravel interleaved with stones and in the heat, but the challenge was inspiring and the pace was comfortably pitched accommodate a diverse group. We did the trip in January 2018; the weather was exceptional (many days about 20-25 degrees, although it did get hot (over 35 degrees) on a few days. I don't believe a single person on our trip (15 of us in all) found it anything other than exceptional.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our day to day leaders had a maturity and confidence that worked wonderfully for our group. They were continually thinking about the support for the group, and when issues arose, as they inevitably do, they addressed them quickly and efficiently. The back-up team with van, coffee stops, hotel support etc was also first class.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Rest days can be that if you want but there are so many opportunities to try other activities. We tried kayaking one day and climbed an active volcano on the other. Both excellently delivered by local guides who provided all the kit, advice and support you need.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A few of our days included long stretches on tarmac road with a bit of traffic, more so than I expected, but this was not a big problem. The few transit legs in the van gave us the opportunity to experience the best parts of the route. And some of the hotels were truly outstanding, including Porto Blest and the eco-lodge north of Pucon.

If you enjoy your scenery,and a good variation in your cycling ( mix of road and off-road ) then this trip is for you. It is quite challenging in parts,but is well within the abilities of a reasonably fit and competent cyclist ( I am 67 years old but reasonably fit,and I managed without much difficulty,although generally at back end of a very fit group of good cyclists ! ). We were exceptionally fortunate with the weather-dry,sunny,warm-unusual in an area noted for rainfall.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Difficult to pick only one-but the first of anything generally sticks in your mind,so I will go for the first day in Puerto Varas where the views of Volcano Osorno and distant Tronador are quite stunning.
What did you think of your group leader?
Yal was a really nice and likeable guy,and seemed quite efficient. His communication skills though were somewhat lacking,and most of the briefings were delivered by his very able assistant German,also a very likeable and helpful guy.The disappointment though was that there no commentary or information provided on the history,culture,economy etc of the areas visited.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
I took insect repellant but didn't need it ( mosquitoes non-existent here at this time of year ( November ) so this would be worth checking before you leave. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather-fortunately for us it was sunshine all the way,but we were always prepared for the possibility of rain. The final day ( Friday ) was spent at the eco lodge in Conguillo National Park-if you are not on group flight bear in mind this is a long way from Temuco ( a taxi costs in the region US $ 110 ). Tap water is apparently safe to drink throughout the trip-I drank it with no ill effects as did many others in the group.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Our group size was 16,with a good international mix-everyone got on really well right from the start with plenty of humour throughout,so we were fortunate with that as well as the weather. It was a hugely enjoyable and memorable holiday,with scenery to take your breath away ( from snow-clad mountains and volcanoes to emerald reflecting lakes to majestic rivers ) . If you are thinking about it-I'd say go for it.

This was my first [tour operator] bicycle trip and if the other are as good as this one it will not be my last. The scenery was spectacular. Each day was a different and new experience. This trip has it all; some moderately challenging gravel, relaxing riding on tarmac winding between rugged peaks, boat trips across beautiful lakes, good company, great food and drinks, excellent well-maintained equipment, and helpful staff.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
There were so many inspirational moment on this trip is impossible to single out one specifically. Cycling over the pass through the Andes in the between Peulla and Puerto Frias was an achievement for me with my limited mountain biking experience. (I only fell off once!) Climbing the active Villarica volcano was a once in a life time experience, particularly as there was a small eruption while we looking into the crater.
What did you think of your group leader?
This trip covered a lot of territory through some fairly tough country. The logistic for this trip were complex involving the coordination of boat and bus transfer in two very separate countries. Yet the whole show ran like clockwork. I was impressed. This was a very professionally run trip.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
IF you do not enjoy a salmon or fillet steak then this trip may change your point of view. The Argentinian steak is sublime as is the Chilean salmon. I recommend Tony's Casa de Carne in Bariloche. I had the best steak I ever tasted in my life at Tony's steak house. (And I am an Australian!) Also, I recommend the frappe at the Chocolate Museum in Bariloche as well. I suspect my waste line would have expanded dramatically if I had stayed in Bariloche longer than a couple of days!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
You are exposed to the wild weather of the roaring forties from the Southern Ocean in this region of the world. Be prepared for one or two days of solid weather. (Wind and Rain).

As Belgians it was our first experience with [the tour operator] but it was an wonderfull experience. We absolutely loved the full trip, the magnificent nature every day again, the nice atmosphere within the group, the local guides who took good responsability. The combination of both countries, lakes, volcanoes, mountains, vieuws all over....the beauty just didn't stop! Very good bikes (as new!) with front suspension.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Every day was a new and beautiful suprise. The possibility of climbing an active volcano with some members of our group was unique, very special!
What did you think of your group leader?
Thank you to all the guides and organisation.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Just enjoy!!

A great tour around the lakes of Chile and Argentina. The itinerary over the Andes and over the lakes via boats is fantastic. Great food and scenery.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The day cycling over the Andes. It was a tough climb but very rewarding!!! Cycling in Conguillio National Park was also fantastic and a contrasting landscape to all other days - stunning!
What did you think of your group leader?
The leader and his assistants were a great team, and worked well together.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Pack clothing for cool and wet weather. The first week was cold and wet, and I wish I had packed more clothes suitable for cooler weather both on and off the bike (think of what you're wear when cycling in November in London). The second week was warm and sunny, so save your shorts and t-shirts for that week. Make full use of the local launderettes in Bariloche and Pucon...costs only a few pounds for a bag of dirty clothes washed and dried in under 24 hours. Also, a number of people on the group flights missed their connecting flights and had their baggage go missing which was understandably very stressful. The main cause was due to short connections between flights (e.g. 2 hours in Madrid). Ensure you have lots of time for flight connections; we booked our own flights and allowed 3.5 hours in Madrid which worked ok. Packing some cycling gear in your hand luggage is also a good idea as the cycle clothing options are limited in Puerto Varas and surrounding areas.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Enjoy the steaks and Malbec!

The trip was very well organised, the bikes were all brand new and the guides, Taiel and Jeronimo, always did their utmost to ensure that the holiday ran smoothly. The scenery was spectacular with some very impressive views of snow capped volcanos and lakes. We had a bit of rain at the beginning of the holiday but from day 3 onwards the weather was great. The gravelly tracks provided me with an interesting challenge from time to time and there was plenty of opportunity to enjoy the scenery along long stretches of Tarmac. A fantastic and memorable holiday.
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
I particularly enjoyed the Asado (Argentinian barbecue) at San Martin, prepared by Jeronimo the Asador. It gave us a excellent opportunity to mix with the other travellers and guides over some lovely food and wine.
What did you think of your group leader?
The group leaders, Taiel and Jeronimo, both did their utmost to ensure that the holiday ran smoothly and that we all had a really good and memorable experience. They always listened carefully to any comments and/or recommendations and responded to them to ensure maximum satisfaction.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
It is worth learning a few words of Spanish as, unlike in Europe, relatively few of the locals speak English. That said, usually Taiel of Jeronimo were close at hand and able to assist.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A minor improvement to the schedule would be not to spend a complete day in The working city of Temuco. We could possibly have had a extra day in Pucon with the wide variety of activities on offer there or perhaps we could have spent the night at Melipeuco before driving to the airport at Temuco the following afternoon in plenty of time for the flight to Santiago.

Having personally completed over 8 [tour operator] trips, this one to the Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina rates as one of the best - a fabulous route through stunning scenery of snow capped mountains, volcanoes with lava fields and vast lakes. Highly recommended
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling over the Andes mountain pass between Chile and Argentina, with the later visit to the Conguillio National Park and the Eco-lodge
What did you think of your group leader?
They were all great - thank you to the local team Marcello, Taiel & Jero
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Most days had good weather, but you should also pack proper rain proof gear, as the weather can be erratic
Is there anything else you would like to add?
All cycle days of this itinerary can be fully enjoyed by everybody who has a basic level of biking skill and a reasonable average level of fitness - If you like cycling holidays, great adventure and visiting fascinating places, you must do this well organised trip

A fantastic cycling trip to the Lake District of Chile and Argentina. An expertly organised adventure, with fantastic bike rides and breathtaking scenery. A 'must do' trip - between my wife and I, we have done over 12 [tour operator] cycling holidays and this one rates as the best. A well thought out route, professionally managed and a never to be forgotten experience. A special thanks go to the local operator of BikeWay and Marcello, with guides Taiel and Jero, who all made this tip so memorable
What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Cycling over the Andes, with the views of the snow capped volcanoes and lakes
What did you think of your group leader?
Knowable and professional, who always went beyond what was expected or required
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Be prepared for the sometimes sudden changeable weather - check on the weather conditions for the time of your trip and insure you take all the clothing options with you, to enjoy every day of the cycling
Is there anything else you would like to add?
A highly recommended trip - a definite add to the 'bucket list' of a must do cycling holiday