WorldReviewer
Not logged in. Login      Add an experience
Home » Travel guides » Activity » Going Places » Cycling » Bike Patagonia's Lake District
Average rating 5.0 / 5.0 (16 votes)
World wonder!

Add this experience to your wishlist Patagonia's Lake District by bike

See more Cycling. See best of San Carlos de Bariloche in Argentina.


More holidays » Featured Holiday
Chile and Argentina - Lake District Cycling    Chile and Argentina - Lake District Cycling

A superb cycling holiday through the Lake District of Chile and Argentina - a landscape of snow capped volcanoes, deep valleys, lakes and forests, set against the awesome backdrop of the Andes - this is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

14 days, from £1475 (Group tour). Saddle Skedaddle »  
 

If you have seen a dinosaur documentary recently this backdrop of huge, bright blue, brimming lakes rimmed in the foreground by monkey puzzle trees and behind that with snow capped mountains will be familiar to you. Cycling around the lakes you'll find the country isn't quite as flat as the towering backdrop makes it seem: it's a lot of small ups and downs, which may change soon with more and more asphalting taking place as the region becomes a bigger draw for tourists and the government puts more money into infrastructure (which could spoil it a bit so go now.).

You don't need to carry a lot of gear, there are plenty of lovely family owned B&B's in small six or seven building communities, some of which look surprisingly similar to pretty Swiss towns complete with chalet style brown and white striped panels and bright window boxes. People here are also similar to the Swiss in that they produce some excellent chocolate, Bariloche being the place to go to find it. San Martin is also very nice; the St. Moritz of the Andes. Roads and decreasing numbers of wilderness trails go from community to community so you're always heading towards a bed, but if you book in advance you can expect to receive an extra warm welcome and often someone will have whipped up a dish of the local delicacy to satiate hungry riders. You don't need to be a particularly experienced rider to get a lot out of a journey through Chile's Lake District but you do need to be fit and confident spending time on a bike. Ideally you'd have time to go through Chile into Argentina which takes about two weeks.

Cycle Patagonia's Lake District with Saddle Skedaddle

5 / 5 Review by expert member Andrew Straw's photo Andrew Straw

Have you been here? Why not add your own review.

Bike Patagonia's Lake District
 Photo by flickr user Matito

Saddle Skedaddle

Set up in 1995 by Andrew Straw and Paul Snedker, both seasoned travellers and experienced cyclists, Saddle... More »
Saddle Skedaddle logo
Chile - Patagonia and the Altiplano

Chile - Patagonia and the Altiplano

22 days from £2275

Biking adventure in Chile's most spectacular areas.

Chile and Argentina - Lake District Cycling

Chile and Argentina - Lake District Cycling

14 days (Group tour) from £1475

A superb cycling holiday through the Lake District of Chile and Argentina - a landscape of snow capped volcanoes, deep valleys, lakes and forests, set against the awesome backdrop of the Andes - this is an area of outstanding natural beauty.

G.A.P Adventures

North America-based travel company running a huge range of small group adventure tours to exotic parts of the world. More »
G.A.P Adventures logo
Patagonia Multi-Activity

Patagonia Multi-Activity Save 5%!

10 days (Group tour) from £1067

An adrenaline-filled tour for both the naturalist and adventure seeker. Mountain bike through ...

Patagonia Dreaming

Patagonia Dreaming Save 5%!

23 days (Group tour) from £1718

23 days to discover the unbelievable scenic beauty of rugged Patagonia, much of which still remains ...

Intrepid Travel

For travellers with a yearning to get off the beaten track, Intrepid opens up a whole new world. With a huge... More »
Intrepid Travel logo
Viva South America

Viva South America

67 days (Group tour) from £1485

Stroll between the Old Town and New Town in Quito, Walk through the lush rainforest of the Amazon ...

Spirit of the South - Eastbound

Spirit of the South - Eastbound

15 days (Group tour) from £1280

Sip wine in Santiago, Explore Chile's lakes in Puerto Varas, Experience the mountain landscapes ...

Latin Odyssey

Latin Odyssey specialises in personalised itineraries throughout South America, creating private tours based on... More »
Latin Odyssey logo
Vineyards, Waterfalls and Beaches

Vineyards, Waterfalls and Beaches

14 days (Tailor made trip) from £2594

This luxurious tour explores regions of Argentina and Brazil. Go horse riding or bike riding ...

Remote Beaches of Brazil

Remote Beaches of Brazil

13 days (Tailor made trip) from £2487

Explore the sleepy town of Parati and the surrounding forest and waterfalls. Relax on pristine shore and relish in this unrivalled escape.

World Journeys

World Journeys is a collection of really special cultural and adventure trips sourced from a selection of partners. More »
World Journeys logo
Hidden Patagonia

Hidden Patagonia

10 days (Group tour) from £2885

Discover Patagonia’s beautiful Lake District and explore the impressive Perito Moreno on this 10 day multiactivity holiday. Enquire for details.