Get off the typical tourist path by bumping up the adrenaline level and exploring lesser known trails by mountain bike! This 3 day Northern Patagonian cycling tour combines backcountry rides with comfortable lodging and the extra thrill of whitewater rafting. You should be physically fit and have moderate to intermediate mountain bike riding skills to join this trip.
Day 1: Pick up in San Carlos de Bariloche
Your Patagonia cycling tour begins in San Carlos de Bariloche, Patagonia! Your guide will pick you up at the airport (BRC) or Bariloche hotel where we begin the 120km drive south to our accommodations for the next three nights.
We take the journey south via the scenic “circuito chico” passing through the famous Lake District including Lago Nahuel Huapi and Lago Guillermo towered over by the Andes mountain range. After everyone is settled into the accommodations we will sit down to a great dinner and discuss the days ahead. (D)
Day 2: Ride The Patagonia Steppe
Our first taste of mountain biking in Argentina will be 30km of rolling hills through semi-arid terrain and beautiful valley views. This is a relatively challenging ride that takes us through Argentine estancias where our only spectators will be horses, cows and sheep!
We’ll have lunch on the trail and finish the ride with a short but demanding descent to where our van is waiting to take us back to our accommodations for the night. (BLD)
Day 3: Ride Perito Moreno and El Bolsón Market
After a 45 minute shuttle we’ll start our ride on a secondary gravel road that leads us to the base of the local ski hill. From here we will connect with a technical singletrack that takes us through the forest along rolling hills and ravine crossings.
After the ride we’ll take a couple hours to rest before heading into the town 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! (BL)
Day 4: National Park Ride and Whitewater Rafting
Today we say goodbye to El Bolsón as we head to Nahual Huapi National Park for a real adventurous mountain bike ride! This 20km ride takes us through stream crossings and across suspension bridges within the National Park. The ride ends at a campground 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 many delicious restaurants. (BL)
Day 5: Departure
A shuttle can be arranged for those who are flying out today. Otherwise you may choose to book additional nights to extend your stay and explore everything that Bariloche has to offer! (B)
