Self-Launched Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Fly into Puerto Montt (PMC) — the nearest airport — and take a shared taxi or local bus (~£3-5) the 20km into Puerto Varas. Check into your hostel and spend the afternoon exploring this charming German-influenced lakeside town with views of Osorno Volcano. Visit the lakefront promenade, stock up on snacks for tomorrow and rest your legs. Head out for a relaxed dinner at one of the local restaurants around the Plaza de Armas.

🚌Fly to Puerto Montt (PMC); local bus or shared taxi to Puerto Varas (~£4)

🛏Compass South Hostel or Casa Margouya (budget double/dorm ~£18-25pp)

• →Arrive at Puerto Montt airport and transfer by local bus or shared taxi to Puerto Varas (~£4)
• →Walk the lakefront promenade with views of Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes
• →Explore the town centre and stock up on supplies
• →Organise bike rental for the following days — try Andes Cycles or similar local outfitters (Giant Fathom/Rockhopper-style hardtails from ~£20-25/day or negotiate weekly rates)

Your first day in the saddle follows the shore of Lago Llanquihue — the third largest lake in South America — on a mostly flat, paved lakeside road (~34km / 21 miles). Enjoy sweeping views of volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo and Calbuco. Arrive at the picturesque German-settler village of Frutillar, worth a wander around the lakefront theatre (Teatro del Lago) and the charming wooden houses. Catch a local bus or collectivo back to Puerto Varas (~£2-3) rather than paying for a private transfer.

🚌Self-guided cycling (rented bike); local bus return from Frutillar (~£3)

🛏Compass South Hostel or Casa Margouya, Puerto Varas (~£18-25pp)

• →Cycle 34km along the Lago Llanquihue shoreline road to Frutillar
• →Visit Teatro del Lago and the lakefront in Frutillar
• →Return to Puerto Varas by local bus or collectivo (~£2-3)

A longer day (60km / 37 miles) heading east along Lago Llanquihue past Ensenada and then following the emerald Río Petrohué towards the Andes. The final 15km involves a climb. At Petrohué, board the scheduled public catamaran ferry across the stunning Lago Todos los Santos — book directly with Andina del Sud (androutes.com) in advance (~£30-40pp). Keep your eyes peeled for Andean condors above. Overnight at a guesthouse near Petrohué.

🚌Self-guided cycling; Andina del Sud catamaran ferry (~£35pp)

🛏Hotel Natura or Cabañas Petrohué (basic guesthouse ~£22-30pp)

• →Cycle 60km from Puerto Varas past Ensenada along Río Petrohué
• →Board the public Andina del Sud catamaran across Lago Todos los Santos (~£30-40pp, book direct)
• →Watch for Andean condors from the boat deck

The most challenging day of the trip. Cycle 31km (19 miles) entirely on unpaved mountain roads, with a sustained climb of ~700m over 7.5km to the Argentine border at Paso Pérez Rosales. Complete immigration formalities and descend to Puerto Frías. From there, a short public ferry crosses Lago Frías (~£10-15pp, pay on the day) before a final 3km ride to the remote Hotel Puerto Blest. Book the hotel in advance as it's the only accommodation in the area.

🚌Self-guided cycling on gravel roads; public Lago Frías ferry (~£12pp)

🛏Hotel Puerto Blest (only option in the area — book well in advance, ~£35-50pp half board)

• →Cycle 31km on gravel mountain roads to the Argentine border at Paso Pérez Rosales
• →Cross Argentine immigration formalities at Puerto Frías
• →Short public ferry across Lago Frías (~£10-15pp)
• →Arrive at the remote Puerto Blest — one of Patagonia's most isolated spots

Board the midday public catamaran across Lago Nahuel Huapi from Puerto Blest to Puerto Pañuelo — this is part of the famous Cruce de Lagos route, operated by Andina del Sud (~£20-30pp). From Puerto Pañuelo, cycle the scenic paved road via Punto Panorámico viewpoint toward Bariloche (~24km). For the final stretch, hop on local bus 10 or 20 along the lakeside road into downtown Bariloche. Check in and treat yourself to Bariloche's legendary craft chocolate.

🚌Andina del Sud catamaran (~£25pp); self-guided cycling; local bus (~£1)

🛏Hostel 1004 or El Gaucho Hostel, Bariloche (budget dorm/private ~£18-28pp)

• →Catamaran across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Pañuelo (Andina del Sud, ~£25pp)
• →Cycle the scenic paved road via Punto Panorámico viewpoint
• →Local bus into central Bariloche (~£1-2)
• →Explore Bariloche's craft chocolate shops and lakefront

A well-earned rest day in Argentina's adventure capital. Hike independently up Cerro Campanario (no chairlift needed — the trail takes about 45 minutes each way) for arguably the best free viewpoint in all of Patagonia. Alternatively, book a half-day white-water rafting trip on the Río Manso through a local operator like Extremo Sur or Aguas Blancas (~£35-50pp), or rent a kayak on Lago Nahuel Huapi. Browse the Mercado Artesanal for souvenirs and indulge in the local craft beer scene.

🚌On foot / local bus (~£1-2)

🛏Hostel 1004 or El Gaucho Hostel, Bariloche (~£18-28pp)

• →Hike Cerro Campanario trail (free, ~45 min each way) for panoramic Lake District views
• →Optional: white-water rafting on Río Manso with Extremo Sur (~£40pp, book direct or via GetYourGuide)
• →Optional: kayaking on Lago Nahuel Huapi (~£25pp half day)
• →Explore downtown Bariloche's chocolate shops, craft beer bars and Mercado Artesanal

Take an early local bus (~1.5 hrs) along Ruta 40 past Lago Nahuel Huapi to the start of the Seven Lakes Route — Camino de los Siete Lagos. Then cycle 63km of one of South America's most beautiful paved roads, passing Laguna Escondida, Villarino, Falkner, Hermoso, Machónico and Lácar. Arrive in the charming mountain village of San Martín de los Andes on the shores of Lago Lácar. Local bus from Bariloche to Villa La Angostura costs ~£5-8.

🚌Local bus to start point (~£6pp); self-guided cycling on paved road

🛏Hostería Monteverde or Hostel Puma, San Martín de los Andes (~£20-30pp)

• →Local bus from Bariloche to cycling start point on Ruta 40 (~£6pp)
• →Cycle 63km of the Seven Lakes Route (Camino de los Siete Lagos)
• →Stop at multiple lake viewpoints including Falkner, Hermoso and Machónico
• →Arrive in San Martín de los Andes — explore the lakefront and local craft market

Catch an early local bus (~1.5 hrs) to the starting point on the Pehuén Route. Cycle 54km through one of Neuquén's most distinctive landscapes — a mix of gravel and paved road through ancient pehuén (monkey puzzle / araucaria) forest. Stop for lunch at a local roadside spot or pack your own. Finish the ride by the shores of the Aluminé River and check in to your accommodation in the small town of Aluminé.

🚌Local bus to start point (~£6pp); self-guided cycling on mixed gravel/paved road

🛏Amérian Gran Aluminé Hotel or a local guesthouse/posada (~£20-28pp)

• →Local bus to Pehuén Route starting point (~£5-8pp)
• →Cycle 54km on La Ruta del Pehuén through ancient araucaria forest
• →Stop to photograph the iconic monkey puzzle trees
• →Arrive in Aluminé and stroll the Aluminé River waterfront

A scenic 64km day following the Aluminé River on mostly paved road with a 10km gravel section. The route winds through open Patagonian steppe and forest before arriving at the small lakeside village of Villa Pehuenia on the shores of Lago Aluminé. This is one of Patagonia's lesser-known gems — fewer tourists, spectacular scenery. Check in to your lakeside posada and enjoy the sunset over the water.

🚌Self-guided cycling on paved and gravel roads

🛏Posada La Escondida or local cabañas by Lago Aluminé (~£22-32pp)

• →Cycle 64km along the Aluminé River to Villa Pehuenia (54km paved, 10km gravel)
• →Stop at river viewpoints along the route
• →Check in to lakeside posada and explore Villa Pehuenia village
• →Sunset walk along the Lago Aluminé shoreline

A leisure day in one of Patagonia's hidden gems. Rent a kayak from a local outfitter on Lago Aluminé (~£15-20pp for a half day) and paddle the crystal-clear glacial waters. Alternatively, hike up Batea Mahuida Volcano — a relatively gentle 2-3 hour hike to the crater lagoon with spectacular views over the araucaria-studded landscape (subject to local conditions and permits on the day, ~£5-10 entry). Your posada host can advise on the best options.

🚌On foot / kayak

🛏Posada La Escondida or local cabañas (~£22-32pp)

• →Kayaking on Lago Aluminé — rent locally (~£15-20pp half day)
• →Optional: hike up Batea Mahuida Volcano to the crater lagoon (~£5-10 entry, 2-3 hrs)
• →Relax at the lakeside, read, rest legs for the final push back into Chile
• →Chat to locals about the Mapuche culture and history of the region

Cycle 35km across the Icalma International Pass back into Chile (mostly paved with 8km gravel). Complete immigration formalities and enjoy lunch in Icalma Village. From Icalma, take a local shared taxi or arrange a pre-booked minibus transfer (~£15-20pp, ~45 mins) to the Mapuche town of Melipeuco. From Melipeuco, cycle 27km on paved road to the entrance of Conguillio National Park, then 6km on unpaved road to the remarkable La Baita ecolodge. Pay park entry (~£8-12pp). Note: the ecolodge is off-grid — no electricity or hot water at night.

🚌Self-guided cycling; shared taxi/minibus Icalma–Melipeuco (~£18pp)

🛏La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (book direct in advance — unique off-grid property, ~£30-45pp)

• →Cycle 35km across the Icalma International Pass into Chile
• →Complete Argentine and Chilean immigration formalities
• →Lunch in Icalma Village
• →Shared taxi/minibus transfer Icalma to Melipeuco (~£15-20pp)
• →Cycle to Conguillio National Park entrance and into the park (pay entry ~£10pp)
• →Arrive at La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge — an off-grid stay beneath Llaima Volcano

A short final day of cycling (14km) through the extraordinary lunar volcanic landscape of Conguillio, passing Laguna Arcoíris, Laguna Verde and Lago Conguillio itself. Visit the park's interpretation centre to learn about the region's volcanic geology (entry included with yesterday's park fee). Afterwards, enjoy a 2-hour guided forest walk among ancient monkey puzzle trees — many hundreds of years old. Then take a shared minibus or local bus transfer to Temuco (~2.5 hrs, ~£10-15pp). Celebrate your final night with a proper dinner.

🚌Self-guided cycling; shared bus/minibus Conguillio–Temuco (~£12pp)

🛏Best Western Ferrat Temuco or Hotel Don Eduardo, Temuco (~£25-35pp)

• →Final 14km cycle through Conguillio National Park past Laguna Arcoíris and Laguna Verde
• →Visit Conguillio interpretation centre (volcanic geology)
• →2-hour walk through native forest among ancient monkey puzzle (araucaria) trees
• →Shared bus or minibus transfer to Temuco (~£12pp, ~2.5 hrs)
• →Farewell dinner in Temuco — try local Mapuche-influenced cuisine

Enjoy a final breakfast in Temuco before heading home or onward. Temuco has its own airport (ZCO) with connections to Santiago (~£40-70 one way), from where you can connect to international flights. Alternatively, the intercity bus to Santiago takes ~8-9 hours (~£15-20) and is a comfortable overnight or daytime option. Return your bike rental if not already done.

🚌Local taxi to Temuco airport or bus terminal (~£5-10); flight or bus to Santiago

🛏N/A — departure day

• →Final breakfast in Temuco
• →Return any remaining rental equipment
• →Airport transfer or bus station to continue journey — fly to Santiago from Temuco ZCO (~£50) or take intercity bus (~£18)