Highlights
- Your first glimpse of the snowcapped Volcan Osorno
- Cycling the Seven Lakes Route from San Martin to Villa Angostura
- Quiet roads and the backdrop of the awesome Andes
- The immense monkey puzzle trees around Villa Pehuenia
- Riding through the 4,528m long Las Raices tunnel
- Tasty Argentinean Malbec and a juicy steak dinner
Thank you for organising this cycling holiday in such an out-of-the-way part of the world. It offers not just enjoyable cycling, beautiful and varied scenery, but a taste of interesting and unusual cultures. Ernesto, the tour leader, was not just excellent but outstanding. He takes great pride in his country!
Itinerary
Depart for Chile and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport Santiago (SCL) arriving the following day.

Following your overnight flight you will arrive in Santiago, Chile. You will need to clear customs and immigration before heading up to the domestic terminal (just upstairs) in order to catch your internal Chilean flight to Temuco Maquehue Airport (ZCO), where you are met by your Skedaddle guides for the trip. The hotel is just a 25 minute transfer away. Once settled into our hotel, we have a chance to build our bikes before enjoying a welcome dinner and a chat about the journey ahead.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,400 Metres Approx.
After a short transfer out of Temuco (50km approx.) we are soon on our bikes. Our journey takes us eastwards today with the Andes beckoning towards the small town of Curacautin on the Río Cautín.
Located in a beautiful valley near the volcanoes of Tolhuaca, Lonquimay and Llaima, this area is renowned for its natural beauty, encompassing the National Parks of Conguillío and Tolhuaca as well as the National Reserves of Malleco, Malalcahuello and Nalcas.
After Curacautin we head towards our home for the night, Lodge Suiza Andina,
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.
We continue to climb into the Andes and the scenery just keeps getting better and better. The high Andean forest covers the slopes with monkey puzzle trees which form a great contrast with the towering mountains and snowcapped volcanoes.
After enjoying our resting place for a little longer in the morning, we’ll cycle through the fantastic Túnel de las Raíces (Tunnel of the Roots). Built in 1929, the tunnel is located at an altitude of 1,010m and at 4,538m in length it is the second longest tunnel in South America. The tunnel is safe for cyclists, however anyone not wishing to ride it can hop aboard our vehicle. Soon after the tunnel, we arrive into the small town of Lonquimay where we stay for the night.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,675 Metres Approx.
The first 50 kms today are mostly flat, with some fantastic scenery. After we cross the border and go through Chilean border control, we start a big climb, with some steep sections. For 22kms we skirt the border, riding the boundary between the two countries.
Right on the border, we have lunch and then the last section on the bike is 6kms down hill to the Argentina border office. After the paperwork here, we jump on the bus for about 1 hour to get to Villa Pehuenia, a small but amazing village, where we stay for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,005 Metres Approx.
A short transfer to start the day today to get us back on the route. Back in the saddle we ride a fast section of road into Argentina. We often have the wind at our back, pushing us into the country east to Zapala.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.
Another 100km day today but the route is mostly flat with more awe inspiring scenery and striking views. Tonight we usually stay at the Estancia La Rinconada lodge. Set in typically amazing scenery the area is famed for fishing and birdwatching but works just as well as a place to relax and take in the views!
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 230 Metres Approx.
Leaving the peaceful surroundings we have a shorter day today to allow a little more time at our destination, the lovely San Martin de Los Andes. Nestled by Lago Lacar and surrounded by mountains, San Martin is a real South American treat; get ready to be seduced by its prettiness. There are lots of nice places to eat in San Martin and with this in mind, once suitably refreshed we set off to explore the town.

- Meals: Breakfast
San Martin de los Andes serves as an excellent rest day location. Not only extremely pretty and tranquil but it also has lots to offer. The options today are numerous. Simply resting and enjoying the restaurants, shops and cafés of the town with a little sightseeing thrown in, or horse riding, and for the more energetic you can explore the surroundings by bike. A favourite option is however a great walk through the densely wooded area close to Lago Lacar. Our ‘rest day’ is finished off with more exploration of San Martin and a good nights sleep.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,865 Metres Approx.
Heading out of San Martin we have a winding ascent of several kilometres which is rewarded with views over Lago Lacar and the surrounding mountains. After the climb we travel further along the ‘Road of the Seven Lakes’ and the smoother, flatter section allows us to soak up the views which make it one of the most popular routes for locals and tourists alike. Later we take a transfer over an unpaved section of the road before arriving into Villa Angostura, a quaint resort town standing in the shadows of Volcan Caulle.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 1,830 Metres Approx.
Today, after a morning transfer, we ascend the Andes one last time with a 17km climb as we make our way back to the Chilean side of the mountain range. Once over the border we have a fast downhill section towards our home for the night.
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 525 Metres Approx.
We start the day following the shores of Lago Llanquihue, one of the largest lakes in South America and will enjoy views over the volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco. Travelling along its shores, we ride on a special bike only lane before arriving into Las Cascadas. This afternoon we have the option to visit the Saltas de Petrohue waterfalls and can either go by bike for a little extra ride or hop in our support vehicle.

- Meals: Breakfast, lunch
- Ascent: 535 Metres Approx.
This morning we head back to Lago Llanquihue and rejoin the bike lane around the lake shore which brings us into our last stop in Puerto Varas. With a shorter distance today we have time to reflect on our journey before our final night together.
Puerto Varas (known as ‘La Ciudad de las Rosas’ or ‘The City of Roses‘) is a city well known for its German traditions, food and its beautiful natural setting. The town is worth exploring and we get to sample the range of cuisine on offer, from German pastries (especially the kuchen (cake), cookies, chocolates and craft marmalades alongside the quality meats of the south of Chile (veal, lamb, venison, pork, etc). A fitting send off to a great holiday.
- Meals: Breakfast
After a last breakfast together we make the short transfer to Puerto Montt airport and say our goodbyes before boarding your flights home.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
We will be cycling on both side of the Andes mountain range, at all times in the Chile and Argentina Lake District, passing fjords, rivers, waterfalls, volcanoes, mountain ranges and of course lakes. That means constant highlights! There aren’t any major elevation changes, and the roads are mainly secondary roads with a generally good surface and soft traffic on most of the days. We‘re going to face some steep but short climbs with fast descents and the road surfaces can be of a lesser quality in places. Great cycling with amazing scenery every day.

Road Cycling Grade
45-60 miles / 70-95 kms per day
For riders with experience, good fitness & a decent level of skill
Some features that may be experienced more frequently in a higher grade tour
Most days include a couple of significant climbs
Some long days & some steep to very steep sections
Not for beginners
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
You’re definitely not a novice rider, you’re fit, you ride regularly at weekends, sometimes staying on the bike for much of the day, you love your bike! You also enjoy a challenge and if you haven’t already done so you’re keen to attempt a semi-serious to serious mountain pass or two. You’re as comfortable with the prospect of descending from the top of a col as you are with the idea of climbing it and you’re confident that you have the skills to do so safely. You’re not necessarily a “racer” but you can crank up the pace a little when it’s necessary and you don’t mind forgoing a coffee stop if the schedule demands it occasionally. You probably own and use clipless pedals. You have good control of your bike and can take a drink from a water bottle without having to unclip and put your feet on the ground. Whilst you find a full day in the saddle fulfilling you’re not obsessed and as much as you are looking forward to the riding on your holiday, you’re also looking forward to a little local culture and cuisine. Grade 3 would be a good option for you.
Very well planned and organised, especially on the ground with local staff. All the days were outstandingly good! As a relative newcomer to the game, I felt the routes were well chosen – in that both novices and more experienced riders obviously got a lot from them.
Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book your trip with a deposit of $375 per person until 60 days before departure.
Whats Included 
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides
D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid
E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers
F) Entrance fees to National Parks or sites which are an integral part of the itinerary
F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Temuco airport (ZCO)
G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Puerto Montt airport (PMC)
H) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included 
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Cost of visas (if applicable)
J) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
Meet the guides: Ernesto, Chile
Meet our Chilean head honcho, who ensures you all enjoy the best possible cycling across the pond.
Road cycling in Latin America
Our road cycling expert David Hall tells us more about his experiences in the region.
Reviews
Julia, United States (USA)Exceeded all my expectations!Back office help was good and the trip service was excellent. I really enjoyed the variety of accommodations. From the salubrious and magnificent to the rustic and charming. Alvaro created wonderful lunches with fresh foods, cheeses, salads, meats: all my favourite things. Favourite days were from San Martin to Villa Angostura and Villa Angostura to Lake Puyehue because of the hills, lakes, terrain, and rivers. In terms of distance and elevation, these were the two most challenging rides, but I think they were everyone’s favourites. Ernesto is an excellent tour leader. He can talk about Chile and Argentina from a number of different viewpoints: politically, culturally, environmentally, and socially. He kept the group together when needed through towns, and let us ride at our own pace at other times. Ernesto also has a great sense of humour. Best tour leader ever. These guides were so hard working. They did the ride, then repaired bikes, packed bags, made lunches, and always put their guests first. Seriously, hard-working and cheerful and knowledgeable guides. Diego is a lively, reliable, and cheerful guide. He was always there with an encouraging word or with a cheerful anecdote.
Jenny, NSW, AustraliaEvery day was different & interesting, spectacular scenery!10/10 for Tour Leader Ernesto and his team – kind, considerate, well organised, a great sense of humour & committed to providing an outstanding holiday. We couldn’t have any better guides. This was my second Skedaddle trip & I have already booked a self-guided trip in the UK.
John, South AfricaThe service could not have been better...Thank you for organising this cycling holiday in such an out-of-the-way part of the world. It was a privilege to be a part of the inaugural Chilean lake district tour. It offers not just enjoyable cycling, beautiful and varied scenery, but a taste of interesting and unusual cultures.
Ernesto, the tour leader, was not just excellent but outstanding. He takes great pride in his country, has an excellent knowledge of the region, and was always patient, cheerful, friendly, helpful and informative. The best tour leader I have ever had the pleasure of riding with. A great guiding team.
Ness, LondonYou couldn't keep me away!! I will be travelling with Skedaddle again.Ernesto and the team were great; I think having a British guide was a helpful addition to the team. However, everyone was fantastic – very approachable, very responsive, fantastic team. I had a good chance to talk to all the cycling guides in particular, in my position at the back of the pack!!
Andrew, ShrewsburyAmazing holiday with truly professional guides...Incredible scenery! Breakfasts, Lunches and evening meals were just great. My favourite day was riding through the road tunnel.
Jeff, BuckinghamshireOverall very good value for money...Very well planned and organised, especially on the ground with local staff. All the days were outstandingly good! As a relative newcomer to the game, I felt the routes were well chosen – in that both novices and more experienced riders obviously got a lot from them. Local staff were excellent in adapting their plans for unexpected eventualities and where possible, to our preferences and abilities.