The ultimate mountain biking week in Patagonia! During this tour you will ride a mix of single track and backcountry secondary roads. You should plan on getting your bike dirty with stream crossings and trails that take you through temperate Andean forests, farmers fields, working estancias and the Patagonian steppe.
Our evenings at the lodge give you a chance to recover, rest and relax in the wood-fired hot tubs while enjoying a local micro-brew or a glass of Argentine Malbec.
Our mountain biking tour starts and ends in San Carlos de Bariloche. Most flights will have a connection in Buenos Aires.
You should be physically fit and have moderate to intermediate mountain bike riding skills to join this trip. For your own comfort and performance, it is recommended you travel with your own mountain bike but rentals are available.
Day 1: Pick up in San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC)
Your Patagonia adventure mountain biking tour begins in San Carlos de Bariloche, the gateway to Patagonia. We will pick you up at the Bariloche airport (BRC) or your hotel. Once settled into the hotel, your guides will help you build your bike or get fitted on your rental. This evening we will take our bikes for a spin along the iconic “circuito chico” which travels through the spectacular scenery of the Lake District of Bariloche. This short and easy ride is an opportunity to fine-tune our bikes and warm up our bodies after long days of travel and ultimately get you pumped for the week of riding to come. We will ride to a “cerveceria” (brewery) where we will have dinner and enjoy a cold brew while taking in the breathtaking views of Bariloche. Overnight Bariloche Hotel.
Distance: 12km
Riding time: 2 hours
Highest point: 877m
Elevation gain: 448m
Elevation lost: 400m
Day 2: Villa Llanquin and the Enchanted Valley
Today’s ride starts in the small village of Llanquin just 60km outside of Bariloche. Here in the “enchanted valley” we ride secondary roads through small settlements and working estancias (ranches) bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Limay River. This 30km ride consists of rolling hills with fast descents and sweeping views of the valley and its curious volcanic rock formations. The Limay river is the perfect place to cool down with a swim and enjoy our picnic lunch. Overnight in Bariloche with dinner at your choice of restaurant in town (BL).
Distance: 30km
Approx. riding time: 4 hours
Highest point: 1338m
Elevation gain: 317m
Elevation lost: 920m
Day 3: Ride Perito Moreno Mountain Trail and visit to El Bolsón Market
This morning we will leave Bariloche and drive south to El Bolsón where we will settle into our backcountry lodge accommodations for the next three nights. Once settled we take a shuttle to the trailhead for todays ride. Here we pedal for 20km on a secondary road through the rural area of “Mallin Ahogado” passing a mix of small farms and a unique forest of “ñire achaparrado” which is a kind of stunted tree native to Patagonia. Today we have the pleasure of sharing our lunch with a family of first generation homesteaders. After filling up on empanadas and mates, we continue our ride right back to the lodge.
After showers, we’ll head into the centre of El Bolsón to explore the town and the famous Artisanal Market. After we’ve had our fill of the 300+ stalls of handmade everything (from sculpted wooden cutting boards, jewelry, instruments, pottery, natural creams, oils, toys, beer, juices and more!) we’ll sit down for dinner at one of the many local restaurants. Beer lovers will have the chance to try one of the many microbrews that are prolific in El Bolsón! (BLD)
Distance: 28km
Approx. riding time: 3.5 hours
Highest point: 605m
Elevation gain: 445m
Elevation lost: 445m
Day 4: Cholila - Lakes and Outlaws
Today we’ll head even further south to the town of Cholila a sparsely populated region with two claims to fame. The first is the annual barbecue festival which includes horse races, artisan markets and serves up an average of 300 lambs and 10,000kg of meat over 3 days! The second is because it was once the home of the famous American outlaw Butch Cassidy.
This ride takes us past Butch’s old homestead and continues towards the town of Cholila along secondary roads that skirt the Alerces National Park and the Carrileufu river. After approximately 20km we reach Lake Cholila and continue our ride along its pristine shores passing through a mix of virgin forest and a forest that is still recovering from wildfire. After about 7km the trail starts to veer away from the lake and we begin to climb. This long uphill section opens up to beautiful views of the valley and the lake. From there we descend back down to the lake where we rest and wait for our local “lancha” (boat) to whisk us across the lake with our bikes and all, back to our waiting vehicle. This evening is a great night to relax at the lodge in the wood-fired hot-tubs and sauna! (BLD)
*Please note the boat ride is dependent on the lake conditions, otherwise we will return by vehicle.
Day 5: Cajon del Azul Bike or Hike
Today we can roll out straight from the door of the lodge and start our exploration of the Azul River Valley. This is a challenging day with long climbs and some loose gravel descents (hence the option to hike or bike). Our final destination is the “Refugio of the Cajon del Azul” a mountain hut found at the narrowest point of a granite canyon on the Azul River. This mountain hut offers up delicious homemade pizzas and salads picked daily from their mountain greenhouse served alongside cold mountain micro-brews. After lunch we’ll spend some time relaxing and cooling down with cliff-jumping and swimming in the crystal clear (and cold!) waters of the Azul River. Tonight’s well-earned dinner will be had at the lodge. (BLD)
Distance: 14km
Approx. riding time: 3 hours
Highest point: 684m
Elevation gain: 646m
Elevation lost: 642m
Day 6: National Park Ride and Whitewater Rafting
Today we say goodbye to El Bolsón as we head back north towards Nahuel Huapi National Park for one of our favourite singletrack mountain bike rides! For 20km we will ride flowing single track with stream crossings on suspension bridges over the Manso River. The ride ends at a rustic restaurant where we’ll enjoy a riverside lunch.
After lunch the adventure continues as we trade our mountain bikes for whitewater rafts and begin the descent of the famous “Frontera” section of the Manso River. No experience is required to enjoy this spectacular paddle through class III-IV rapids in turquoise water. The raft trip ends at the Chilean border where our vehicle will meet us and transfer us back to Bariloche.
After settling into our accommodations in Bariloche we will meet up for our final dinner at one of Bariloche’s best “Parilla” (barbecue) restaurants. (BL)
Distance: 26km
Approx. riding time: 4 hours
Highest point: 556m
Elevation gain: 226m
Elevation lost: 69m
Day 7: Departure
For those who are flying out today, a shuttle can be arranged to the airport in the morning after breakfast. Otherwise you may choose to book additional nights to extend your stay and explore everything that Bariloche has to offer! (B)
Upcoming dates
Itinerary
Day 1: Scenic Bariloche Brewery Ride
Day 2: Ride The Enchanted Valley
Day 3: Ride Perito Moreno & Local Market
Day 4: Cholila Day 5: Bike (or hike) Cajon del Azul Day 6: National Park Single Track & Rafting Day 7: Departure
Accommodations
This trip includes 3 nights hotel in Bariloche and 3 nights backcountry lodge in El Bolsón. The price is based on double occupancy.
Pick up and drop off in Bariloche 5 days riding 1 Whitewater Rafting Trip
6 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
English speaking Guide(s)
All meals except 3 dinners in Bariloche
Not Included:
Flight to Argentina/Bariloche Bike Rental
Alcoholic Beverages
Meals as indicated
Sam, Utah USA
"What an amazing adventure and cultural experience. Julian and Katie did an incredible job planning our trip according to our wants and needs. We mountain biked, hiked, fly fished, and river rafted. Julian knows this part of the country inside and out. Because of his relationships with the locals I felt I received a "true" cultural experience."
Kevin, Jan.2019
"Everything you could want out of an adventure outfitter, you get. Professional. Safe. Personable. Knowledgable. They simply made the adventure."
Lee, Victoria Canada
"I recently returned from a trip of a lifetime to Patagonia. Julian does an amazing job of delivering the best possible experience. He is a great communicator and planner. The safety, equipment, planning, and overall experience was top shelf! I highly recommend Paddle Patagonia!"
Mike: Mastermind Adventures, Toronto Canada
"Katie spent hours on email and Skype with me to help me design and develop a memorable and magical itinerary. When the event arrived, Julian and his co-guide Mirko were incredible leaders: professional and hard working yet also incredibly fun. We spent the week hiking, biking, rafting and exploring Patagonia, and Paddle Patagonia made it magical in every sense of the word."
Jessica, Utah USA
"I have spent the last few days bragging to all my friends and family about what an amazing trip we had. Honestly, I have to say this has been my favorite vacation (and I have been to a lot of places). The company was great, the food was amazing, everyday was a different exciting adventure, and hanging with Juli was always a good time. Katie, thanks for taking the time to customize a trip that best fit our needs. I would not have changed a thing."
Nat, Toronto Canada
"If you ever thought of travelling to Patagonia, Paddle Patagonia is the right team to help you organize the trip. 10 out of 10 for me and I can't wait to go back. It was my first time visiting Argentina's most captivating region and I don't think my experience could have been any better, truly. Over our 7 day stay with a group of 15 friends (all different physical activity levels and preferences), we experienced everything this magical region has to offer, with zero stress."
Kate, Harrisburg USA
"Paddle Patagonia worked with us to develop a perfect itinerary for our Patagonia and South American adventure. My husband and I paddle whitewater at different skill levels. They put together a 6-day river adventure that was exciting for us both. For 6 days we paddled exciting rivers in Argentina and Chile, including the Manso and Futaleufu. Each night we enjoyed great local food and relaxed at lodges with friendly hosts and surrounded by the gorgeous snow-capped Andes mountains. Our trip was simultaneously relaxing and exhilarating."
Josh, Toronto Canada
"What an amazing experience I had in El Bolson. From white water rafting to mountain biking to breathtaking hikes, this had it all. Our group had an absolute blast and a big part of it was because of the fun and energy that all the Paddle Patagonia guides had. A special thanks to Julian and Mirko for being the absolute best."
Sheri, USA Jan.2024
Bike and Paddle Patagonia is by far the finest adventure travel company I have ever used. The owners, Julian and Katie Tisato, customized an EPIC three week expedition for our foursome. We traveled by truck from Bariloche south through Patagonia in both Argentina and Chile ending in El Calafate. Every day was an adventure with highlights that included six days of whitewater on the Futaleufu River, more whitewater on the Manso and Rio Azul Rivers, sea kayaking, extreme hiking, sightseeing, delicious meals, amazing lodging and, most importantly, loads of laughter. Adventure travel is rarely perfect, but this trip was sheer PERFECTION!!
Carolyn, Canada - Jan.2024
Our trip with Julian and Katie was nothing short of outstanding! A week of fun, laughter and adventure! Katie was so organized and helpful through her communication via WhatsApp before our trip and on the ground too! She checked in everyday and it felt like we were part of the B and P Patagonia family! Julian, our guide, was amazing - charming, energetic, professional and very knowledgeable! He expertly guided us on our bikes, taking us on routes we would never have found ourselves. His kayaking and paddling skills are renowned and we really enjoyed our rafting experience! The hike he chose for us afforded us spectacular views of the valley and mountains around El Bolson! Our stay at La Confluencia was magical and the drive to get there will remain as one of my highlights of the trip. Thank goodness for the Toyota Hilux and Julian's expert driving skills!
