Mountain biking in the Argentine Lake District

Probably the best single track route in the Argentine Lake District is the Río Manso trail south from Bariloche along the Manso River valley. The 40km round trip starts at the Villega Bridge and tracks the river on both banks as you pedal through some of the loveliest scenery in the region, through forests and canyons and along the way, fording streams and stopping at the many beachy areas on the river banks and admiring the waterfalls that feed into the valley. The route is not steep, but requires a good level of general fitness for best enjoyment.

A paved route that’s perennially popular with even the most casual bike riders is Bariloche’s Circuito Chico. We can’t deny that it’s a little touristy, but the views on this 27km loop are stunning, as it follows the shore of Lake Nahuel Huapi and then climbs to the Cerro Capilla viewpoint. If you want to make a longer circuit, you can divert to the alpine village of Colonia Suiza or on the single track to Villa Tacul viewpoint. Those wanting to take it extra easy can simply stop off at one of the microbreweries along the route for a drink.

In theory, a keen cyclist could tackle the classic Route of the Seven Lakes between Villa la Angostura and San Martín in a single day, but it would be far more enjoyable to take in the sweeping lake and mountain scenery over several days, camping en route.

For those looking to get off-road, the Northern Lakes route takes a more circuitous and adventurous road between the two towns. Bikers quickly cut in from the Route of the Seven Lakes to follow the trails to picturesque Lake Traful. On the second day, the trail leds past the confluence of the Traful and Limay rivers and over the Cordoba Pass to Lake Filo Hua Hum. After camping here, it’s possible to get really deep into the wilderness on the mountain tracks on a day-long circuit to Lakes Nuevo and Falkner. On the final day you descend through forest to reach San Martín.