Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina – 13 Days
Ride between volcanoes and glacial lakes on both sides of the Andes, with a support vehicle and boat crossings, in a group of up to 16.
Tour overview
This 13-day small-group cycling holiday crosses the Andes twice, riding through the lakes, volcanoes and forests of the Lake District of Chile and Argentina. Groups have between 4 and 16 cyclists aged 16 and over, with an experienced local cycling leader and a support vehicle carrying luggage and tired legs. Mountain bikes are provided and fitted for you, and scenic ferry crossings link several stages. You stay 12 nights in cyclist-friendly hotels and lodges, with breakfast daily, nine lunches and two dinners, plus group transfers from Puerto Montt airport and to Temuco airport. Rest days in Bariloche and Villa Pehuenia break up the cycling.
The ride begins in Puerto Varas, the town of roses on Lago Llanquihue, with a lakeside loop to the German-founded village of Frutillar. Next you cycle east beneath the snow-capped cones of Osorno and Calbuco to Petrohué and take a boat across the emerald waters of Todos los Santos lake. Frutillar is famous for its German cakes.
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The Andes crossing to Argentina follows, combining a steady climb on bikes with lake crossings to Puerto Blest and then a catamaran over Lago Nahuel Huapi to the alpine resort of Bariloche, where you have a free day to ride up to the Cerro Campanario viewpoint, often called one of the best views in the world. From Villa La Angostura you ride the famous Seven Lakes Route through forests and past glacial lakes, then follow the Aluminé River to Villa Pehuenia, set among forests of monkey-puzzle trees, with a second free day.
Crossing back into Chile via the Icalma pass, you finish with two days in Conguillío National Park, riding through a lunar landscape of lava fields beneath the Llaima volcano, past lagoons and ancient araucaria forests, before the group transfer to Temuco. Llaima is one of Chile's most active volcanoes.
The physical rating is medium, with daily rides on paved and gravel roads and some challenging climbs, especially on the Andes crossing. The support vehicle is always close by. This trip suits regular cyclists who want to see Patagonia's northern lakes at bike pace. Riders of different speeds are welcome, as the van follows the group.
Trip highlights
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Lago Llanquihue and Frutillar (Day 2)
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Todos los Santos lake beneath the Osorno volcano (Day 3)
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The Andes crossing by bike and boat to Bariloche (Days 4–5)
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The Seven Lakes Route (Days 7–8)
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Villa Pehuenia's monkey-puzzle forests (Days 9–10)
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Conguillío National Park's lava fields (Days 11–12)
Your route
12 stops from Puerto Varas to Temuco
- Puerto Varas Days 1–2
- Frutillar Day 2
- Petrohue (Hotel Natura) Day 3
- Puerto Frías Day 4
- Puerto Blest Day 4
- Bariloche Days 5–6
- Villa Traful (Alto Traful) Day 7
- Villa La Angostura Day 8
- Villa Pehuenia Days 9–10
- Icalma Day 11
- Conguillío National Park Days 11–12
- Temuco Day 13
Why choose this tour
Two countries and the Andes by bike, with a support vehicle and bikes provided. Some of South America's most beautiful lake and volcano scenery.
Best suited to
- Regular cyclists
- Active travellers who enjoy mountain scenery
- Solo travellers looking for a group
- Return visitors to Patagonia
Day-by-day itinerary
13 days from Puerto Varas, Chile to Temuco, Chile
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Day 1 · Puerto Varas Arrive in Puerto Varas
Meet your group on the shore of Lake Llanquihue, with views of the Osorno volcano.
- Hotel
- Casa Kalfu Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Dinner
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Day 2 · Lago Llanquihue, Frutillar Around Lago Llanquihue
Cycle the lake shore to the village of Frutillar.
- Hotel
- Casa Kalfu Hotel or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 3 · Ensenada, Petrohué, Todos los Santos To Petrohué
Ride beneath the Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes to Petrohué, with a boat trip on Todos los Santos lake.
- Hotel
- Hotel Natura or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 4 · Puerto Blest Andes crossing
Begin the crossing into Argentina, with lake crossings and some tough climbs.
- Hotel
- Hotel Puerto Blest or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 5 · Lago Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche To Bariloche
Take a catamaran across Lago Nahuel Huapi and cycle to Bariloche.
- Hotel
- Alma del Lago Suites & Spa or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 6 · Bariloche, Cerro Campanario Free day in Bariloche
A free day to relax or climb to the Cerro Campanario viewpoint.
- Hotel
- Alma del Lago Suites & Spa or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 7 · Villa La Angostura, Villa Traful Seven Lakes Route
Cycle the first part of the Seven Lakes Route to Villa Traful.
- Hotel
- Hotel Alto Traful or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 8 · San Martín de los Andes Seven Lakes Route
Ride the second part of the Seven Lakes Route past forests and glacial lakes.
- Hotel
- Hostería Monte Verde or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 9 · Rahue, Villa Pehuenia Aluminé River
Cycle along the Aluminé River and transfer to Villa Pehuenia.
- Hotel
- Posada La Escondida or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 10 · Villa Pehuenia Free day
A rest day or optional local excursions among the monkey-puzzle forests.
- Hotel
- Posada La Escondida or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast
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Day 11 · Icalma, Melipeuco, Conguillío National Park Back to Chile
Cross the Icalma pass into Chile and ride into Conguillío's lunar landscape.
- Hotel
- La Baita Conguillío Ecolodge or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
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Day 12 · Conguillío National Park, Llaima volcano Conguillío National Park
A final day of cycling past lagoons and araucaria forests, with a farewell dinner.
- Hotel
- La Baita Conguillío Ecolodge or similar
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 13 · Temuco Trip ends
A group transfer to Temuco airport.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Where you stay
- Puerto Varas (2 nights) Casa Kalfu Hotel or similar
- Petrohué (1 night) Hotel Natura or similar
- Puerto Blest (1 night) Hotel Puerto Blest or similar
- Bariloche (2 nights) Alma del Lago Suites & Spa or similar
- Villa Traful (1 night) Hotel Alto Traful or similar
- San Martín de los Andes (1 night) Hostería Monte Verde or similar
- Villa Pehuenia (2 nights) Posada La Escondida or similar
- Conguillío (2 nights) La Baita Conguillío Ecolodge or similar
Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.
What's included
Included
- Accommodation 12 nights in cyclist-friendly hotels and lodges
- Meals 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches and 2 dinners
- Mountain bike hire, with bike fitting
- Support vehicle and road transfers
- Lake ferry crossings, including Todos los Santos and Nahuel Huapi
- Group transfers from Puerto Montt airport and to Temuco airport
- Local cycling leader throughout
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Meals not listed
- Optional activities on free days
- Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
This trip might not be for you if…
Honest disclaimer — please read
- You have not cycled regularly — some climbs are challenging
- You want Torres del Paine — this trip is in the northern Lake District
- You want luxury — hotels are comfortable and cyclist-friendly
- You want international flights included — they are not
Good to know
In pictures
Departures & prices
From £4,629 per person, twin share, tour only. 13 upcoming departures.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book this tour?
Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.
What financial protection do I get?
Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.
How fit do I need to be?
You should cycle regularly. Rides are on paved and gravel roads with some challenging climbs, but the support vehicle is always nearby.
Are bikes provided?
Yes, good-quality mountain bikes are included and fitted for you. You can bring your own saddle or pedals.
Who carries my luggage?
The support vehicle carries your bags between hotels.
When does the trip run?
In the southern spring and summer, from about November to March.
Do I need visas?
UK visitors do not need visas for Chile or Argentina for tourist stays. Check the latest FCDO advice.
How many people travel together?
Between 4 and 16 cyclists aged 16 and over, with a local cycling leader.
Can you tailor the trip?
Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.
What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.
Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.
If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.
Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary