Chile & Argentina Cycling Holidays: Patagonia, the Lake District and Chiloé Island 14 Days.
The Seven Lakes Route (Siete Lagos) & Andean Crossing Cruce Andino in spanish, and then, Chiloé island!
* Discover this unique group of lakes which belong to the same drainage basin that starts in the Lácar Lake and ends in Corral Bay. The area is surrounded by four volcanoes; Villarrica, Quetrupillán, Lanín and Mocho-Choshuenco.
* Hot Springs:
Due to geothermal activity there are several hot springs in the zone.
* Conguillío Park:
A true symbol of the Araucania region. The park features native species such as the millennial araucaria trees.
* Pucón:
Conveniently located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, this awe-inspiring setting, is quite easy to understand why is equally popular among foreign travelers and local visitors.
* San Martín de los Andes:
A city in northwest Patagonia, Argentina. It is known as the access route to the forested Lanín National Park, which is home to the Lanín volcano and a varied fauna that includes guanacos and pumas.
* Villa La Angostura:
A town on Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentine Patagonia, known for its Alpine-style wooden buildings.
* Bariloche:
With its Swiss Alpine-style architecture and its chocolate, which is sold in shops on Miter Street, the main avenue.
Then Cruce Andino: 3 beautiful lakes, connected by 4 land sections, from San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina to Puerto Varas in Chile.
Back to Chile:
* Ensenada:
Offers impressive views of the snow-covered and still active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes.
* Puerto Varas:
A beautiful city in the Lakes Region in southern Chile, with traditional German-style architecture that characterizes the city and reflects its colonial past.
* And finally Ancúd in Chiloé:
This is the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest side by side. The colony is found on three islets around around 27 kilometres southwest of the Gulf of Ancud.
This Chile/Argentina trip is a unique experience, a must for a bucket list!
Want to explore it?
Call us we will arrange all lodgings and dinners in Chile, we will pick you at Temuco´s Airport and bikes will be waiting for you at the lodge.
Arrival to Temuco Airport
Arrival from Temuco Airport
Private transport from airport to Lodge in Melipeuco 92 km
LODGING at lodge in Melipeuco at the foot of the majestic Llaima Volcano.
- Hot tub
- Dinner at lodge in Melipeuco
- Bikes will be waiting for you at the lodge.
Conguillio Park
Visit Parque Conguillio - entrance tickets not included
Transport not included, but the lodge offers a day tour.
- LODGING at lodge in Melipeuco
- Hot tub
- Dinner at the lodge in Melipeuco.
Melipeuco to Cunco 47 km
Melipeuco to Cunco 47 km
- LODGING at hotel in Cunco
- Dinner at hotel in Cunco
Cunco to Villarrica 60 km
- Departure Lodging in Cunco (Breakfast included at lodging).
- LODGING at hotel in Villarrica
- Dinner at hotel in Villarrica
**** YOU CAN BUY LUNCH IN ROUTE
Villarrica to Pucón 25 km HOT SPRINGS
- Departure Villarrica: (Breakfast included at lodging)
- At your arrival to Pucón and after check in at the hotel,go to Termas Huife (hot springs), RELAX, then cycle back to the hotel - 33 km.
- LODGING at hotel in Pucón
- Dinner delivered to hotel in Pucón
**** YOU CAN BUY LUNCH TERMAS HUIFE
Pucón to Licanray (van) then Licanray to Panguipulli 34 km
- Departure Pucón: (Breakfast included at lodging)
- LODGING at hotel in Panguipulli
- Dinner delivered to in Panguipulli
**** YOU CAN BUY LUNCH IN ROUTE
Panguipulli to Neltume 57 km
- Breakfast included at lodging in Panguipulli.
- LODGING at Lodge in Neltume
- Dinner at lodging
Neltume - Lago Pirihueico ferry - Then cycle to San Martín de los Andes 45 km
- Breakfast included at lodging in Neltume
FERRY/BOAT TICKET NOT INCLUDED around $1.500 CLP
- LODGING at hotel in San Martín de los Andes
- Dinner: you can go to many nearby restaurants in San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes to Lago Hermoso 38 km
- Departure San Martín de los Andes: (Breakfast included at lodging).
- LODGING at lodge in lago Hermoso
- Dinner: you can have dinner at the lodge in lago Hermoso, but they dont allow us to pay for it in advance.
Lago Hermoso to Villa La Angostura 70,6 km
- Departure Lago Hermoso:(Breakfast included at lodge).
- LODGING at hotel in Villa La Angostura
- Dinner: you can buy it at the hotel you will be staying in Villa La Angostura, we are not allowed to pay for it on advance.
**** YOU NEED TO BUY LUNCH IN ROUTE
Villa La Angostura to Bariloche 86 km TOUGH DAY
Departure Villa La Angostura (breakfast included at lodging)
* Start your journey early in the morning as this is a long day.
- LODGING at hotel in Bariloche
- Dinner : you can go to many near by restaurants in Bariloche
* Eat the best chocolate!
CRUCE ANDINO Andean Crossing - Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo 25 km, then Boats & Bus to Ensenada.
- Departure Bariloche (Breakfast included at lodging)
CRUCE ANDINO FROM ARGENTINA TO CHILE/BOAT TICKET NOT INCLUDED. Buy the ticket for Cruce Andino, it includes Boats and Buses.
- LODGING at hostel in Ensenada
- Dinner at lodging in hostel Ensenada
Ensenada to Saltos del Petrohué 10 km (each way), then back to Puerto Varas 50 km
- Departure Ensenada (Breakfast included at lodging)
First cycle to Saltos del Petrohué, this is a mandatory stop for those who visit Todos los Santos Lake or make the Andean Crossing. The waterfall is located on a base of lava that came from the Osorno volcano.
- LODGING - Puerto Varas (Breakfast included at lodging)
- Dinner at hotel in Puerto Varas
DROPOFF BIKES
Tour to visit the islets and penguin colonies of Puñihuil included.
NO CYCLING
Departure Puerto Varas (Breakfast included at lodging)
Private van from Puerto Varas to Ancud Chiloé - ferry is included.
Lunch at Pinguineras included, then back to Puerto Montt.
- LODGING at hotel in Puerto Montt
- Dinner at lodging in hotel in Puerto Montt
Back home
- Departure Puerto Montt (Breakfast included at lodging)
Transfer to Tepual Airport in Puerto Montt
Return Home
3.100.- USD Solo rider/single cyclist
2.860.- USD EACH | Minimum 2 people
2.650.-USD EACH | 3 – 4 people
self guided tour
included
LODGING 14 days: B&B, Cabin, Hostel – Twin or Double Bed Rooms, private bathroom.
Breakfast: 14 days included
Dinner: 10 days Included at B&B and hostel in Chile, not included in Argentina (we cannot pay them on advance, but you can either go to the restaurant at the same hotel you are staying, or go to local restaurants nearby).
Transfer in a Van from Puerto Varas to Ancud, ferry in Pargua included. Lunch and entrance to pinguineras included.
Airport transfers on the start and end day of the tour
Accommodation – The accommodation for this trip is in hotels most days, cabin one night and a unique mountain lodge two nights – Twin or Double Bed Rooms.
Meals – All breakfasts and dinners are included in Chile, if the lodging doesn’t have a restaurant, the meals will be delivered to the hotel or cabin by a local restaurant. Dinner is not included in Argentina because the logistic to pre-pay them is impossible, but you have many local restaurants to explore.
Most diets can be catered for, but it is always important to advise us in advance. Chile has a wide variety of foods, including salmon, abalone called “locos”, crab and sea urchins , beef, fresh fruit, vegetables and wine or craft breweries. Some of the traditional Chilean meals are the “empanadas” , a beef patty or pastel de choclo , a “pie” made with corn, egg and chicken or beef. In Argentina you will find plenty of asados, grilled barbecued meat.
Bike rental 12 days MTB MERIDA brand rim 29, plus full equipment (rear racks, Ortlieb panniers, handlebar bag, helmets, pump, spare tubes, locks, allen tools, front and rear lights, gel seat cover and reflective vests).
Extra luggage can be transferred to Puerto Varas if needed the day of arrival.
not included
– Support vehicle
– Snacks or mineral water during cycling days
– Transfers on boats or ferries to get from Chile to Argentina and then back from Argentina to Chile.
– Ticket for National Parks Nahuel Huapi and Conguillio.
– Local Guide- this is a Self Guided Trip
– Luggage Transfer between hotels, you will need to carry the indispensable inside the Ortlieb waterproof panniers – 20 litres each side and the handlebar bag 15 litres.
– International flights
– Alcoholic drinks, except for Chilean wine or beer that are included with most dinners
– Lunch every day- 4 Dinners while in Argentina
– Visa fees
– Travel insurance
– Guide
make your reservation
DAY 1
Arrival to Temuco Airport
Private transport from airport to Lodge in Melipeuco 92 km
All domestic flights are operated by three local airline companies: Latam, Sky Airlines and JetSmart.
DAY 2: Visit Parque Conguillio
https://conguilliochile.cl/
Conguillío Park, a true symbol of the Araucania region.The park features native species such as the millennial araucaria trees and other trees such as the nothofagus, set against the backdrop of the impressive Llaima volcano. Conguillío comes from “Ko-nqilliu” which in the Mapuche language means “pine nuts in the water” or “between pine nuts” based on the abundance of araucarias and the existence of lakes and lagoons that surround them. The BBC (called this National Park one of the last refuges in the world to preserve the landscape where dinosaurs lived. Part of the documentary “Walking with Dinosaurs” was filmed in this place, specifically the chapter focused on the Upper Cretaceous: “Death of a Dynasty.”
DAY 3: Melipeuco to Cunco
Discover the the Llaima volcano, one of the most active in South America. With its imposing peaks and spectacular views, this volcano offers trekking routes that challenge and reward all who dare to explore it. Climbing the volcano is an unforgettable experience, which will allow you to contemplate the greatness of nature in its purest state. Another must-see is the Sollipulli volcano, with its impressive ice-covered caldera, which covers an area of 12.5 square kilometers and contains a glacier of about 2 cubic kilometers. Along one of its slopes and up the Alpehue River, you can reach a geothermal field of impressive beauty
DAY 4: Cunco to Villarica
Villarrica is a city in southern Chile, at the foot of the Villarrica volcano. It is located on the shores of the extensive Lake Villarrica. The surrounding landscape is characterized by spectacular mountains and hot springs. To the southeast is the Villarrica National Park, covered in araucaria forests and with trails that crisscross it. The park is also home to the Geometric Hot Springs. The emerald-colored Lake Verde is located near the Huerquehue National Park.
DAY 5: Villarica to Pucón
Pucon is the adventure capital of Chile, and it is not possible to get bored here for a minute with such a large number of activities to choose from. Pucon is conveniently located in the heart of Chile’s Lake District, and because of the awe-inspiring setting, it is quite easy to understand why the town is equally popular among foreign travelers and local visitors as well. Many backpackers arrive in Pucon to try one of many adrenaline or sports activities, and they do not leave disappointed.
Transport to Termas Huife – Hot Springs.
Located in the middle of an impressive native forest, you can rest and disconnect immersed in the exquisite hot springs of Huife, all while in the background you hear the song of the chucao and the murmur of the Liucura River.
DAY 6: Pucón to Panguipulli
** Please note that day 6 will require shuttle from Pucón to Villarrica, provided by us, this shuttle is essential as we aim to save your energy for the best part of the ride that day. There are more than 83 km from one point to the other, this means a drive is necessary to keep your energy and reach these destination.
Panguipulli is a commune in the Los Ríos region, which in Mapudungun means “spirit of pumas”, characterized by its native nature, 7 lakes, thermal centers and clear Mapuche identity.
Much is said about the 7 lakes circuit in southern Argentina, what few know is that Chile also has its own and that it enchants with its beautiful viewpoints, lush nature and friendly people along the way. This route is formed by lakes Panguipulli, Calafquen, Maihue, Neltume, Ranco, Riñihue and Pullinque.
Panguipulli has the most extensive thermal range in Chile, which is why you cannot miss enjoying one of its many thermal centers.
Of the 17 thermal centers, this one and Termas Geometricas are a must to visit.
Now is time to cross the border from Chile to Argentina.
DAY 8: Lago Pirihueico ferry – San Martín de los Andes
San Martín de los Andes is a city in northwest Patagonia, Argentina. It is known as the access route to the forested Lanín National Park, which is home to the Lanín volcano and a varied fauna that includes guanacos and pumas. The city is located on the shores of Lake Lácar, one of the park’s many glacial lakes, and has a pier and a sandy beach. The First Settlers Museum displays exhibits from indigenous tribes and European colonizers.
DAY 9: San Martín de los Andes to Lago Hermoso
Lake Hermoso is located in the Lácar department of the province of Neuquén, Argentina. Lake Hermoso has a lush beauty; Its crystal clear waters remain completely calm during the night and morning. Its coasts are surrounded by native forests.
Day 10: Lago Hermoso to Villa La Angostura
Villa La Angostura is a town on Lake Nahuel Huapi in Argentine Patagonia. It is known for its Alpine-style wooden buildings.
The surrounding Nahuel Huapi National Park has Andean mountains, lakes and forests. Nearby is the Los Arrayanes National Park, which has been home to this species of tree for centuries. The ski slopes of Cerro Bayo are located just outside the city. The Siete Lagos road winds north towards the city of San Martín de los Andes.
Day 11: Villa La Angostura to Bariloche
San Carlos de Bariloche (commonly called Bariloche) is a city in the Patagonia region of Argentina. It borders Nahuel Huapi, a large glacial lake surrounded by Andes mountains. Bariloche is known for its Swiss Alpine-style architecture and its chocolate, which is sold in shops on Miter Street, the main avenue. It is also a popular base for hiking and skiing in the nearby mountains, and for exploring the surrounding Lake District.
Back to Chile
Day 12: Bariloche to Puerto Pañuelo – boats & cycling to Petrohue – Ensenada
Andean Crossing- Cruce Andino
This 3 beautiful lakes, connected by 4 land sections, from San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina to Puerto Varas in Chile. This trip is made every day of the year, revealing a beauty that crosses the most colorful sector of Patagonia, requiring 12 hours to get from one country to another.
It connects Bariloche in Argentina with Puerto Varas in Chile, sailing 3 incredible lakes through the Andes Mountains.Villa Peulla is a small lake port along the east coast of Lake Todos los Santos, very close to the border with Argentina. It is one of the most remote destinations in Chilean Patagonia. It is surrounded by rivers, waterfalls and volcanoes, in the heart of the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. They offer restaurant services, walks, activities and tours.
Ensenada is a unique natural setting on the shores of Lake Llanquihue, with views of three majestic volcanos: the Osorno, Calbuco and Puntiagudo volcanoes.
Among these volcanoes is the impressive Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, which protects the body of Lake Todos los Santos, giving rise to the Petrohué River.
Day 13: Ensenada to Puerto Varas
Puerto Varas is a city in the Lakes Region in southern Chile. It is located on the southwest shore of the extensive Llanquihue Lake, which offers impressive views of the snow-covered and still active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Traditional German-style architecture characterizes the city and reflects its colonial past.
DAYS 14: Ancud – Penguins in Puñihuil
This is one of the most beautiful routes in Chiloé, you will reach a huge beach with islets in the background that provide a unique view.
If you need cash, there is an eco-hostel 1 km far from the beach with a minimarket and nearby bank, it´s advisable to have cash. You need to do the tour to visit the islets and penguin colonies of Puñihuil, that´s about 40 min on a small boat that allows you to see the penguins and appreciate the beautiful islets. This is the only place in the world where Humboldt and Magellanic penguins nest side by side. The colony is found on three islets around around 27 kilometres southwest of the Gulf of Ancud.