14-day Patagonian mountain bike adventure in Argentina and Chile

Welcome evening including setting out the criteria for the trip.

We go round Nahuel Huapi Lake on paved road until arriving at the famous hotel Llao Llao near Puerto Pañuelo. Embark on a boat on Nahuel Huapi to the Victoria Island and then to the Bosque de Arrayanes. On that place we get on our bikes and pedal to Villa la Angostura on a 12-km trail, with a 150m elevation gain. This path has a short part which is a little bit more technical and in which it is possible to walk. Total: 42 km.

We start peddling to the area of the river and Lake Correntoso. We begin going along 7 Lagos Route until we find an unpaved road that will take us to Villa Traful. This road goes uphill to about 900m until we reach a Portezuelo and from there we are left with a 25km road, in which we will go up and downhill along the shoreline of Traful Lake. The whole day will be spent in the forest in the mountain. Total: 60km.

We start early on a curvy dirt road that will continuously alter between going up and downhill. It will go along the shoreline of Traful Lake. There we will take Paso del Córdoba.  There with an incredible view of the various colours of rock formations. Total: 72km.

We take the road along Meliquina Lake shoreline. The first half is under sunshine and then we move into the shadowy forest towards the paved road that will take us to San Martin de los Andes. Total: 54km.

Free day to do optional activities, which are not included on the trip. Horseback riding, trekking, mountain bike circuit around Chapelco Ski Center.

We pass through the little village of Junín de los Andes, then we turn west towards the mountain that gives its name to the national park, the Lanin Volcano (3,776m). The road will give us on every turn the best views of the volcano to which we will slowly be approaching. To end the day we go through a forest of araucarias that we will lead us to the base of the volcano where we set up our campsite. Total: 70km.

Only a few miles away we stop for inmigration and customs, then once on Chilenean ground, we begin a long descent through the woods. The landscape changes, it turns more humid and leafy, with incredible rivers and green meadows. Getting closer to Pucón we will discover a new cone, the Villarrica Volcano with its steaming crater. Total: 88km.

Day off to do optional activities, such as rafting, walking around the city, relax by the lake shore, visit hot springs, hiking the Villarrica Volcano and take a look at its steaming crater.

We begin going uphill entering Villarica National Park between Villarica and Quetrupillán volcanoes. We continue going uphill into the dense Andino-Patagónico forest. This is one of the most special parts of the trip, and even though it will be more demanding, the land, the volcanoes and araucaria forests become a great award. Once we finish the transvolcanic route, we will get to the town of Coñaripe. Total: 55km.

We journey towards the shores of Neltume Lake with great views. Our lunch will be by the shore of this lake from where we can see two new volcanoes, Mocho and Choshuenco. To end the day, we bike about 10km uphill till the town where we spend the night, Neltume. Total 36km.

Before leaving we can trek around to find better and closer views of the volcanoes, and also the beautiful waterfalls of the Fuy River. Then we continue on the shores of Pirihueico Lake where we take a boat transfer. The boat ride takes about 2 hours, with great views of the rainforest that covers all the surrounding mountains. Back on land we cross the border and we continue to Nonthue. We can visit two small lakes of the area and an amazing waterfall: Chachin. Total 45km.

We start the last day of our journey. The trail goes parallel to Lacar Lake on its north coast. Amazing views will be waiting for us, around noon we stop on Yuco Beach, the perfect place to recover our energies. In the afternoon we continue our way to San Martín de los Andes, we pass through Mapuche lands and we ride narrow forest trails to a new beach called La Islita. Then begins the last 10km of our journey to San Martín de los Andes! Total 42km.

After we enjoy breakfast we depart.