Route from Bariloche / to Bariloche Duration 12 days /11 nights Distance approx. 470 km 292 mi. MTB Level 2 MTB Level 1 Easy mountain bike tours suitable for islandhoppers who can safely handle a mountain bike. Mostly asphalt roads and wide, natural paths (20-30km and 200-400 elevation meters per day, S0) MTB Level 1 - 2 Easy to moderate mountain bike tours for islandhoppers who are fit, technically able and can ride safely. Mainly natural paths and simple single trails (20-40km and 300-500 elevation meters per day, S0-S1). MTB Level 2 Moderate mountain bike tours suitable for islandhoppers who enjoy riding through varied terrain and are comfortable with climbs up to 500m (30-50km and 400-600 elevation meters per day, S0-S2). MTB Level 2 - 3 Moderate to demanding mountain bike tours suitable for islandhoppers with a very good level of fitness and riding technique. Mostly hiking tracks and single trails (30-60km and 400-750 elevation meters per day, S0-S2). MTB Level 3 Demanding mountain bike tours for islandhoppers with excellent riding technique and who enjoy and feel comfortable with technical trails. Mostly on hiking tracks and single trails (30-60km with 500-1,000 elevation meters per day, S0-S3). Share via ... E-Mail Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Copy Link
MTB tour through the land of volcanoes and lakes This extraordinary MTB tour takes you to the regions of Bariloche, San Martin de los Andes, Villa Pehuenia and Villa La Angostura in Argentinian Patagonia. Amidst the high mountains of the Andes, you will find a breath-taking, unique landscape of lakes and volcanoes. Your local guide will lead you on spectacular MTB tours that can’t be found in any travel guide and introduce you to the treasures of the Andes along the way. Your knowledgeable guide has plenty to tell of the local Andean people, making for a truly authentic encounter with Patagonia that is sure to stay with you for years to come. Our groups of 8-18 mountain bikers enjoy a truly unique experience, accompanied by excellent guides and a support vehicle (on 80% of the bike route), and stay in characteristic accommodation along the way. Book Now Highlights Nature: Lanin National Park with its beautiful lakes and impressive waterfalls Activity: Biking on excellent single trails at Cerro Chapelco Culture: An authentic perspective of life in a country making its debut in tourism Culinary: Grilled leg of lamb, Argentinian empanadas and dulce de leche for dessert Souvenir: Mate tea with the traditional mate straw and cup made of calabash. Rhodochrosite, a pink stone characteristic of Argentina
Itinerary Accommodation Rental Bikes Dates & Prices Journey Things to note Itinerary National Park VillarricaBiological Reserve Huilo HuiloNational Park LaninChapelcoCHILEARGENTINIANational Park Nahuel HuapiNational Park ArrayanesNatur Park VillarricaNational Park China MuertaArgentiniaChileBiketourTransferAirportBikeparkMoqueheNorquincoVilla PehueniaSan Carlos de BarilocheL. MeliquinaVilla La AngosturaJunin de los AndesTromen10203040 km 1st Day (Sun) San Carlos de Bariloche (Arrival) Individual journey to San Carlos de Bariloche/Bariloche Airport. A group transfer collects you from the airport and takes you to the hotel in Bariloche once the afternoon flight from Buenos Aires (LATAM Airlines) has landed. Once at the hotel, there is plenty of time for everyone to adjust their rental bikes, and the guide gives a briefing of the tour program. Dinner and overnight in Bariloche. (Catering: Dinner) 2nd Day (Mon) San Carlos de Bariloche – Circuito Chico – San Carlos de Bariloche (approx. 37 mi./60 km) West of Bariloche along the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi lies the most spectacular mountain and lake landscape in the region. In the morning, a short transfer brings us to the starting point of our ride. For today’s tour, we follow a quiet road with the melodious name ‘Circuito Chico’. We bike with Lake Moreno to our left and pass numerous impressive lookout points before arriving at the Patagonia Brewery and Colonia Suiza. Here we enjoy a well-deserved lunch at a turkey farm. Later, we make an easy descent back to the shore of the lake and to our hotel in Bariloche. In the evening, you are free to choose where you would like to have dinner. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 3rd Day (Tue) San Carlos de Bariloche – Confluencia – Lago Meliquina – San Martín de los Andes (approx. 28 mi./45 km) From Bariloche a 50-minute transfer takes us along the Rio Negro to Confliencia. Here we start our day’s tour which leads us along a gravel road towards Paso Cordoba (4,265 ft./1,300 m). The road through one of the most beautiful areas in Argentina becomes increasingly difficult as we pass open moorland, pine forests, and spectacular rock formations. On a steady climb of around 12 mi./20 km in length, we gain about 1,969 ft./600 m of elevation until we finally reach the viewpoint at the top of the pass. The next 7 mi./12 km are downhill but be careful not to go too fast along the stony ground! The following gentle ascent takes us to the idyllic Lake Melquina, where we enjoy a picnic lunch. Afterwards, we continue on to San Martin de los Andes. Situated on the shores of Lake Lacar amidst waterfalls, mountains, and enchanting forests, this beautiful city radiates peaceful tranquillity. A shared dinner rounds off a wonderful day. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 4th Day (Wed) San Martín de los Andes – Cerro Chapelco – San Martín de los Andes (approx. 23 mi./37 km) After breakfast, we get the opportunity to really test the bikes and the terrain on the slopes of Cerro Chapelco. This is the most popular skiing area in Patagonia which acts as a mountain bike park during the summer. Biking on the long single trails through the spectacular landscape guarantees an incredibly fun MTB experience. To ensure flexibility and to allow everyone to enjoy the park as long as possible, we will bring a packed lunch that can be enjoyed at any time. A 7 mi./14 km descent on a quiet road leads us through Mapuche territory, an indigenous people who live in this area, to finish the day's biking. Overnight stay in San Martín de los Andes. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 5th Day (Thu) San Martín de los Andes – Villa Pehuenia (approx. 34 mi./55 km) After a half-hour transfer along the famous Ruta 40, we begin the day's bike tour heading towards Lago Alumine. The Ruta 40 is the longest national route in Argentina (3,294 mi./5,301 km) and is the second most famous highway in South America after the Panamericana. We make our way through Mapuche territory along the Alumine River until we reach the village of the same name, which was founded in 1915. Here we stop for lunch in a small restaurant before taking a transfer towards Lago Alumine. We spend the night in Villa Pehuenia, just 6 mi./10 km from the Chilean border. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 6th Day(Fri) Villa Pehuenia – Batea Mahuida Volcano – Villa Pehuenia (approx. 24 mi./38 km) Today we climb the 5,577 ft./1,700 m high volcano Batea Mahuida by bike. We pass a number of smaller lakes on our way up to the crater. Finally, we get a view of the crater lake with its smooth surface that reflects the surrounding landscape. Be sure to take your time to enjoy this natural spectacle and the magnificent panorama that unfolds before us. On the way back, the guide shows us their favourite trails – not too technically demanding but still plenty of fun for everyone. A lovely dinner in Villa Pehuenia concludes another wonderful day. (Catering: Breakfast, Dinner) 7th Day (Sat) Villa Pehuenia – Moquehue (approx. 28 mi./45 km) After breakfast, we hop straight onto our bikes and head towards the authentic mountain village of Moquehue, hidden in the Patagonian forests, nestled between hills and lakes. Once we arrive, we check in to the hotel at around noon. We have enough time to rest before we head out again in the afternoon on a round trip through the surrounding forests and to Lago Moquehue. (Catering: Breakfast, Dinner) 8th Day (Sun) Moquehue – Junin de los Andes (approx. 40 mi./65 km) Today we bike along the Chilean border to where we will spend the night in Junín de los Andes. Along the way, we can enjoy panoramic views of Lago Alumine and Lago Moquehue time and again. The unique cypress, beech, and indigenous forests we pass are particularly impressive. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 9th Day (Mon) Lanin National Park (approx. 28 mi./45 km) Today's bike stage leads us through the magnificent scenery of the Lanin National Park and the area around Lake Huechulafquen. Along the way, we pass rivers of solidified lava and enjoy the magnificent views of deep blue lakes and mighty volcanoes. Overnight stay in San Martin de los Andes. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch) 10th Day (Tue) Laguna Rosales and Lolog Lake (approx. 24 mi./38 km) San Martin de los Andes is a popular base for outdoor activities and competitions in the region. There are numerous bike and hiking trails to discover, including a section of the Huella Andina, the newest long-distance hiking and MTB trail in Northern Patagonia. Today your guides also introduce the group to some of their favourite trails during the morning tour, which leads through dense forests to Laguna Rosales and Lolog Lake. After a stop at one of the famous beaches, we bike back to San Martin on a sweeping descent. Use the free afternoon to wander through the town with its wooden architecture reminiscent of Switzerland and don't forget to taste the famous ice cream and visit the chocolate shop. (Catering: Breakfast, Dinner) 11th Day (Wed) Villa La Angostura – Cerro Bayo Ski Resort – Villa La Angostura (approx. 33 mi./53 km) After a short transfer, we hop on our bikes in one of the most spectacular landscapes of Northern Patagonia and follow the internationally renowned Seven Lakes Route. Beautiful lakes, crystal clear rivers, pristine forests, and stunning views of the snow-covered Andes are a constant, beautiful companion on this bike tour. At Lago Correntoso, we settle down for a nutritious picnic and then cycle to today's destination, Villa la Angostura. A fantastic trip topped off with an unforgettable last tour is now behind us. We enjoy a farewell dinner all together at a lovely restaurant. (Catering: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 12th Day (Thu) Villa La Angostura – Bariloche Airport (Departure) After breakfast, you have some time to relax before taking a transfer (approx. 70 min) to Bariloche Airport. Should you wish to spend a few more days in the area, Bariloche is an ideal starting point for further adventures. (Catering: Breakfast) Accommodation Authentic Accommodation Throughout the trip, you will be accommodated in carefully selected, simple hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Their charm and spectacular location never fail to captivate their visitors and many boast magnificent views of the surrounding lakes and volcanic landscape.… Authentic Accommodation Throughout the trip, you will be accommodated in carefully selected, simple hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Their charm and spectacular location never fail to captivate their visitors and many boast magnificent views of the surrounding lakes and volcanic landscape.… Authentic Accommodation Throughout the trip, you will be accommodated in carefully selected, simple hotels, guesthouses, and lodges. Their charm and spectacular location never fail to captivate their visitors and many boast magnificent views of the surrounding lakes and volcanic landscape.… Outside View & Pool Breakfast with a View Relax in the Garden Rental Bikes Giant Talon 2 The Giant Talon 2 has a super light Alloy frame, as well as a front and rear fork/shock lockout allowing for a more optimized ride. ALUXX-Grade Alloy Frame Suspension: Sr Suntour 100 mm Shimano Deore Alivio 24 Speed Shimano Disc Brakes You can rent this bike for 20 USD per day (please make a reservation in advance)… E-Bikes Fantic XF2 Fanfic XF2 is the NEW bike for trail riding. With its 29″ front and 27’5” rear wheels and Hubs with Boost technology the perfect mix between athlete and motor comes alive and it is transferred to the ground. The Sram NX 11V (42 teeth) let’s you climb basically anywhere, the Rock Shock Recon RL 120mm fork, lets you attack the most technical downhills. You can rent this bike for 45 USD per day (please make a reservation in advance)… Giant Bike E-Bike Fantic Services, Dates & Prices The below calendar lists the basic cruise price per person. The final cruise price depends on cabin type, cabin occupancy and any additional optional services. The prices for additional optional services are listed below the travel calendar. The green checkmark indicates that the trip is secured. Included services 11 overnight stays (twin – shared room) incl. breakfast 7 x lunch/picnic and 6 x dinner (see itinerary) Transfers between Bariloche Airport and accommodation (arrival and departure day) Transfers during the tour (see itinerary) Experienced English-speaking guide and bike mechanic Luggage transfer Support vehicle with a multilingual driver Not included in the basic tour price Journey to/from San Carlos de Bariloche (Argentina) Individual airport transfers from airports other than Bariloche Meals and beverages not described in itinerary Entrance fees to national parks Tips for tour guide and driver Additional Optional Services Single room Prices on request Additional nights We would be happy to arrange additional nights on request Rental bike Mountain bikes and e-mountain bikes are available directly from our partner (to be paid on site); please contact us if you would like to rent a bike Discounts Returning Islandhopper's are rewarded: as of the third tour booked directly via Islandhopping you will receive our 5% SEA-you-Again discount for bookings placed before the 31.01. (The SEA-YOU-Again discount applies to all tours in our program which are booked directly via Islandhopping given that the previous bookings actually took place). As this tour is operated by a third party partner, not all regular Islandhopping discount offers apply. Arrival - How to get there Travel Preparations If possible, your flight to Bariloche Airport should land after 1 pm on the day of arrival. For those wishing to spend a holiday in Patagonia, a certain amount of preparation is required. In order to be able to complete all necessary formalities without time pressure, we advise booking your trip to Patagonia at least two months before departure. Arrival by Plane A flight is the easiest, cheapest, and best way to travel to Argentina. We ask you to please book flights to San Carlos de Bariloche Airport (BRC) that arrive after 1 pm. Please allow yourself a sufficient amount of time to organize your arrival/departure. You will most likely have to change planes with at least one stopover in Buenos Aires. The earlier a flight is booked the better the chances are of finding a reasonably priced ticket. Entry Requirements For entry to Argentina, a passport with a validity of at least 6 months after the end of your stay is usually required. The information that we provide is for UK and USA passport holders. We kindly ask people of other nationalities to check the relevant embassy or consulate. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice. If you are travelling outside the EU you should have at least 2 blank pages in your passport for each country that you visit. VISA ARGENTINA UK passport holders do not require a visa for short stays. There is currently no fee for USA passport holders entering Argentina. However, there are different entry rules for official, diplomatic, and dual nationality passport holders. For further details please visit the US Department of State website. Recommended Vaccinations There are no compulsory vaccinations for Argentina. The tropical institutes recommend vaccinations against tetanus, and diphtheria (possibly hepatitis B, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, measles, yellow fever). If travelling from Argentina to a third country, the yellow fever vaccination may be required. As some vaccinations have to be given several times, you should plan as much time as possible before you travel. We recommend visiting your GP or a tropical medicine specialist at least two months before your trip for more detailed advice. Preparation by plane Entry Vaccinations Important information Entry Requirements For entry into and to stay in Argentina, you will generally require a passport with 6 months of validity after the end of your stay. No visa is required for a short-term stay in Argentina for the purposes of visiting or tourism. Tour Language This tour is led by an experienced English-speaking guide. Recommended Vaccinations There are no compulsory vaccinations for Argentina. The tropical institutes recommend vaccinations against tetanus, and diphtheria (possibly hepatitis B, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies, measles, yellow fever). If travelling from Argentina to a third country, the yellow fever vaccination may be required. As some vaccinations have to be given several times, you should plan as much time as possible before you travel. We recommend visiting your GP or a tropical medicine specialist at least two months before your trip for more detailed advice. Itinerary changes We reserve the right to make changes to the itinerary due to organizational necessities and accommodation availability. Requirements MTB level 2 This trip includes active daily tours with mountainous stages ranging from 22-43 mi./35-70 km and trails on the single trail scale up to S1. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy the trip. We recommend that you create a sensible weekly training program to gradually increase your stamina and off-road MTB skills. Please also take time to go out on longer rides in hilly terrain to ensure that you are physically fit enough to participate in this trip. Of course, biking is the best way to prepare for this trip but running, squash, and swimming are also good for developing aerobic fitness and endurance. Patagonia’s mountain bike terrain is varied and has a number of steep climbs and long descents that require a good level of fitness. The landscape is very diverse and offers a lot of biking variety: single trails and long descents, gravel roads and volcanic trails, lake scenery, and rainforest. The route we follow is at a relatively low altitude, so you should not need to worry about problems such as altitude sickness. Nevertheless, please do stay aware and listen to your body. Daytime temperatures during the summer season in the southern hemisphere typically average 18 - 20 C°. November to April is the dry season in northern Patagonia. However, in the Lake District rainfall can occur at any time of the year. On this tour, a support vehicle is available to transport the majority of the luggage. On request, the support vehicle can also accommodate group members who wish to take a break from biking. Single-Trail Classification To ensure that you are well prepared for your bike tour with Islandhopping and know what technical difficult level to expect, we have created a classification for all single trails that could be ridden on our tours. The difficulty levels included in our classification coincide with the Single Trail Scale which can be found here Blue (easy, S0 – S1): small obstacles such as small roots, small stones, some erosion, gradients of up to 40 %, loose surfaces, tight corners but no hairpins, obstacles can be rolled over. Skilful braking and weight shift required, riding while standing. Red (medium, S2): loose surfaces, larger stones and roots, steps and shallow stairs, gradients of up to 70 %, light hairpins. Constant readiness to brake, shift of centre weight to overcome obstacles, accurate braking, consistent body tension required. Black (heavy, S3 – S5): blocked single trails, many large boulders, and roots, smooth/slippery surfaces, loose scree slopes, large steps/drops, extremely steep gradients of over 70 %, tight hairpins. Expert level of bike control/handling required. Helmet Requirement Helmets are mandatory on our bike tours. We advise you to bring your own, well fitted, helmet with you as our rental helmet numbers are limited (reservation required). Furthermore, we recommend bikers carry arm and leg protectors during the bike tours. Catering The daily catered meals are listed in the tour itinerary above. Vegetarian meals can be accommodated for during the trip, albeit with a more limited choice. Other dietary requirements and intolerances cannot be accommodated for on this tour due to organisational reasons.
