Bariloche's surroundings offer the perfect setting for mountain biking, from the high Andean forests to the Patagonian Steppe. As we cross its lakes, mountains, and forests in mountain bike, you will get to know first-hand the region's most beautiful corners. We have designed this tour for all lovers of mountain biking, with daily options for different technical and fitness levels. Experience the same trails and tracks that we've been biking through with friends for years, those that make Bariloche such a unique destination.
The highlights (why choose this tour):
- Nightime mountain biking from Mount Otto! After riding the spectacular trails atop Cerro Otto, you'll be amazed by the sunset over the panoramic view of the region – the Andes Range, its lakes and forests under our feet, and the infinite Patagonian Steppe in the distance. The nightime descent to Bariloche is superb!
- Experience a special day of cross-country riding through the heart of Estancia la Esperanza, an active working ranch outside Bariloche, deep in remote mountains, and ending the day siping yerba mate and a feast of Patagonian country food, prepared by the ranch's gauchos, our hosts for the day.
- Live a day of adventure in the Manso River Valley – after wonderful mountain biking over smooth trails, crossing exuberant native forests, we´ll embark on a spectacular rafting trip, ending right on the border with Chile. Of course, we could not leave out an Argentine asado on a day such as this one!
- Cathedral Ski Resort could not be left out! This famous mountain offers great trails for a day of adrenaline, with magical views of the lakes of the Andes Range right under our noses.
- Feel the wonders of the Patagonian Steppe in a day of cross-country riding over spectacular trails, crossing the unique transition zone between the Andes and the Patagonian Pampas. We´ll celebrate our week together feasting on patagonian lamb roasted over over an open fire, while enjoying the magical views of the Enchanted Valley.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Night descent of Mount Otto - the perfect welcome. This afternoon we will receive the group with a welcome cocktail, followed by a detailed presentation of the tour, as well as a mini-clinic on mountain biking. We will fit the bikes and have a brief ride, making sure everything is in perfect order, after which we will hop on our van, driving to the top of Cerro Otto. The views from atop are truly magical, with the Andes Range on one side, the Patagonian Steppe on the other, and lakes and forests all around us. We’ll view the sunset over the Andes, while enjoying our welcome dinner at the famous Berghof mountain lodge - what a treat! The adventure continues when we get on our bikes again, for a nighttime descent all the way back to town. With the city’s lights off in the distance, and wrapped in the immense darkness, our lamps will guide us on our way down. Today’s activity: Approx. 15 km (9 miles) over dirt and gravel road or trails, with some light hills at the start, then all downhill, medium technical difficulty.
Day 2: The Ñirihuau Valley – great riding through ranches, rivers and canyons. After a morning ride in our van, we’ll arrive at the edge of the Patagonian Steppe. With impressive peaks and green forests in sight, we’ll begin this magical day, going through the Ñirihuau River Valley. We will near the Cerro Las Buitreras (Vulture Nest’s Mountain) - this amazing peak is famous as a preferred breeding area for the Andean Condor, and its eroded volcanic rock makes for a truly impressive sight. We finish our morning’s biking when we arrive at Estancia La Esperanza, where we’ll live a very special day. La Esperanza (Hope Ranch) is a working ranch, situated in the heart of the Ñirihuau Valley, set deep among mountains outside Bariloche.
We will enjoy a traditional asado (grilled meat) prepared over an open fire in the gaucho manner, while we enjoy Argentine yerba mate. After lunch and relaxing at the ranch’s main house, you will have the option for more biking. You can also opt to go horseback riding through the tight canyons of La Esperanza, under mountains and peaks eroded by the wind, creating an imposing and majestic landscape. This is also a special place for viewing the native fauna – it is common to see the Andean Condor flying high above, or red deer racing towards the forest. Today’s activity: 25 km (15 miles) over dirt back roads, some gravel, some light uphills, low technical difficulty.
Optional: For horse lovers, this is a unique opportunity - please ask us previously, so that we can organize your horseback riding outing after our morning ride (this activity is not included in the price of the tour).
Day 3: Mountain bike and rafting in the Manso River. The day begins with a morning drive, heading South in our comfortable van, traveling over the edge of the National Park – a fantastic ride, winding through various lakes and mountain ranges covered with thick native forests. After an hour and a half on van, we arrive at the Manso River Valley, inside the National Park. This will be a day of adventure – first we will jump on our bikes, initiating a wonderful ride over trails on the edge of the river. After this very fun stretch on the bikes, we will stop for a light lunch, taken outdoors, inside an exuberant forest with views of the river. The magnificent Manso carries crystal-clear snow melt waters, fed by the mountain chains of the region, and winds its way towards the nearby Pacific Ocean in Chile. This creates an awesome setting for a rafting journey. The river’s rapids are great for a safe and fun rafting experience. After this fantastic experience, we’ll have a barbecue lunch together, prepared by our friends at the Manso.
Today’s activity: 21 km (13 miles) over dirt trails, with some steep hills, medium technical difficulty; some streams have to be waded on foot. Rafting is class III + or below, depending on conditions. No previous experience is required.
Day 4: Single track below Cerro Cathedral. After a day of so much adrenaline, we’ll begin this day a little later, so that you can sleep in a bit, or enjoy the patio and views at the Santa Rita. Another fantastic mountain biking experience awaits us, this time over single track, with plenty of fun downhill trails. After a short drive to Villa Cathedral, the resort base for South America’s most developed ski area, we’ll use the lifts to access the magnificent views atop Cathedral upper ridge - these world-class sights are not to be missed. You can choose from restaurants on the mountain or at Villa Cathedral for your lunch.
We’ll hop on our bikes again, this time en route to Lake Gutierrez – its deep blue colors contrast with the dry mountains on the opposite edge, as well as with the immense native forest below our feet. Here you can choose from taking a smooth, easy dirt road, descending to the lake’s shore. Or you can get on a tight single track trail that crosses the forest, always on the side of Mount Cathedral, negotiating roots in some stretches, or controlling your speed as you descend fast over smooth single track. Once we arrive at the lake, we’ll stop at Hosteria El Retorno, where we can rest and have tea while soaking in the delightful scenery at Lake Gutierrez. If you haven’t had enough adventure, we can join Lake Gutierrez with the Virgen de las Nieves (Our Lady of the Snows), crossing little used trails through pretty forests in the outskirts of Bariloche.
Today’s activity: Approx 20 km (12 miles) of technical trails over the foothills of Cathedral, with sectors of roots and rocks, medium-technical difficulty, and some steep hills. The dirt trails to Virgen de las Nieves are mostly flat or rolling hills, with few steep uphills, low technical difficulty.
Day 5: The magical Patagonian Steppe. Today’s journey begins after a brief shuttle to the mouth of the Limay River. Fed by the snow melt waters of Lake Nahuel Huapi, the river is truly beautiful – its turquoise and emerald waters make their way under eroded rocks and jagged peaks, and poplar trees line its shores. We will pedal over a remote dirt road taking us through small farms and ranches – here we will have the opportunity to see and meet local farmers. At some stretches, we’ll get off the main road, going over off-road tracks that take us to impressive views of the distant Andes Range. With some luck, we will see local wildlife, like the guanaco (a type of llama), its elegant silhouette off in the distance; or even the choique, a type of rhea that is native to the region.
Upon arriving at Villa Llanquin, a small country town on the shores of the river, we are awaited by a true feast - a lamb will be prepared for us, roasted over an open fire, in the traditional Patagonian manner, by our friends at Llanquin. We’ll eat together in the outdoors, celebrating this week of adventure. We’ll have plenty of time to rest up by the river, take a soak in the water, or even do some more mountain biking in the afternoon. Tonight we’ll have our goodbye dinner at a local brewery. Today’s activity: 26 km (16 miles) on dirt and gravel roads and trails, with some steep hills. Optional: Additional 25 km over dirt trail, with some very steep hills.
Day 6: Adios in Bariloche. After breakfast, we will shuttle you to the Bariloche airport. For those remaining in the region, or continuing your trip within the Patagonia – and we highly recommend it – we will gladly help you with your travel plans within Bariloche or Argentina.
Set a few kilometers outside central Bariloche, on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, this family-run inn offers marvelous views from every room - the inmense blue lake, as well as the mountains and forests on the opposite shores, will not cease to amaze you. The Hosteria lies on a small cliff over a private beach, surrounded by native trees, creating a sense of peace and tranquility. There are plenty of dining options within a short distance, as well as rapid access to central Bariloche and to Villa Catedral, the region’s main ski resort (and the largest in South America). Finally, the warm, personal attention of Santa Rita’s owners makes this the perfect base for your week in Bariloche.
Mountain bikes
Our quality GT Avalanche 2.0 and Schwinn Mesa GSD , with front and rear disk brakes, front suspension, 24-speed Shimano Deore or Alivio groups. Available in size S, M, and L.
Optional rental - our Merida Matts TFS 700 / TFS 500, recently stocked and like-new, excellent mountain bikes, with Shimano Deore/XT 27-speed group, dual-control shifters, suspension control from the handlebar (remote lock-out). Available in size S, M, L and XL. The additional rental rate is US $130.
The bikes include a bike computer, and upon request, a rear rack with medium-sized top bag for carrying day’s essentials. Hand pump, spare tire tube, tire repair kit and tools. These bikes possess the ideal characteristics for this tour, assuring a comfortable and stress-free ride. We take great pride in the care we give our bicycles, and we will do our very best to maintain them in great condition every day of the tour!
Difficulty level of activities: This tour is designed for all experience levels, using mostly dirt or gravel backroads and trails, with very little or no vehicle traffic. The support of our van, and the possibility of traveling at your own pace, make this trip accessible to riders with little previous experience – you can skip the stretches that do not interest you. For advanced riders, more technical sections are available on many days. This tour can be both easygoing and challenging – you decide how you want to approach it.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- All accommodations
- Dirty Bikes Tour Leaders (bilingual English-Spanish)
- Mountain Bikes (see below)
- Large, comfortable support van equipped with VHF communication radio
- Entry fees for all parks
- Lift passes on Mount Cathedral
- Rafting trip on the Manso River, with professional rafting outfit
- All 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners
- Private transfer to Bariloche airport
- Daily trip information notes, with maps, routes and detail on the region
- Tips at all hotels and restaurants that are part of the tour
- Pre-trip information package with details on how to prepare, what to bring, and plenty of information for your travel to Patagonia
- 1 gift per person
- Mountain Bikes
Notes: Price based on double occupancy. Single supplement available for US $220.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Argentina
Bicycle Touring
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