Mountain Biking in the Patagonian Lake District

There are plenty of ways to take to pedal through the Chilean Lake District, whether you just want to take a mountain bike out on a short trail or take the backroads cycling across the region.

From Puerto Varas, trails lead through Vicente Pérez National Park with epic views from lakes to lava field, or you might choose to take it easy cycling along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, quenching your thirst at one of the local microbreweries you pass along the way. Near Pucón, the white-knuckle descent of Villarrica Volcano is truly one for the thrill-seekers.

If you're after a longer experience, the Seven Lakes Route slowly winds its way between the two main towns, past picturesque towns, towering volcanoes, thick forest and emerald lakes: in this region no two days in the saddle are ever alike.

Basing yourself in Bariloche or San Martín de los Andes gives you plenty of opportunities to head out on a mountain bike to explore the Argentine Lake District.

Easy trails follow the Manso river as it winds its way through lush forest and steep canyons towards the Chilean border from Bariloche, or you can stay closer to home cycling between microbreweries, chocolaterias and scenic viewpoints along the lakefront. From San Martín the old logging roads around Lake Lacar and Laguna Rosales demand to be explored on two wheels.

For longer adventures, you might tackle the picturesque Route of the Seven Lakes or take the scenic backroads around Lake Traful and over the Cordoba Pass to Lake Filo Hua Hum.