Lake District
Skedaddle's Argentine-Chilean Lake District itinerary is one for cyclists who want the Andean scale without an organised peloton. Group sizes stay small.
About this trip.
Volcanoes, lakes and araucaria forests
Lake Llanquihue is one of the largest natural lakes in South America, and from its eastern shore the snow-capped cone of Volcán Osorno is impossible to ignore. This thirteen-day cycling holiday strings together that view and a long list of others, weaving across the Andes between the Chilean and Argentinian sides of the Lake District. The landscape shifts from fjord-fringed temperate rainforest near Puerto Montt to the higher, drier country around Bariloche, then back into the araucaria (monkey-puzzle) forests of Conguillío. It is genuinely varied country, and the route is paced to let you take it in rather than just tick it off.
The route in practice
You start at Puerto Varas on Lake Llanquihue, about 20km from Puerto Montt, and cycle past Parque Nacional Alerce Andino and along the Estero Reloncaví before reaching the lake itself. A side trip to the rapids and waterfalls at Saltos de Petrohué follows, then a crossing into Argentina and on to Villa La Angostura. From there it is a run up to Bariloche — the town with the Swiss-style architecture and the chocolate shops — and onto the Ruta de los Siete Lagos to San Martín de los Andes. The road back into Chile passes more volcanoes and araucaria stands before reaching Pucón, in the shadow of Volcán Villarrica, where there is an optional hike to the summit. The final cycling days are through Conguillío National Park, which most riders end up calling the highlight. The trip closes with a night in Temuco and a domestic flight to Santiago for onward connections.
Most of the riding is on quiet gravel tracks and earth roads — not technical, but the kind of surface that takes you through villages rather than past them. The grade sits in the middle of the operator's 1–5 scale, so it suits riders who are reasonably fit and comfortable on unsealed surfaces.
Bookings and logistics
This is a guided trip with a tour leader, and accommodation is a mix of small hotels, lodges, cabañas and family-run hospedajes — South American guesthouses chosen for location and welcome rather than uniformity. Prices start from £4,215 per person, with international flights into Santiago and the internal connection to Puerto Montt forming the main bookends. Saddle Skedaddle donates to World Bicycle Relief for every booking, with the aim of funding a Buffalo Bicycle for each long-haul departure; you can add to that when you book.
It suits people who would rather spend their riding days on lake-shore back roads, sampling a Malbec or Carménère in the evening, than chasing big mileage on main roads.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
