Volcanoes and Lakes of Patagonia

This is our Patagonia tour, in the lakes and volcanoes region between Argentina and Chile: 14 days with 11 days of riding, on a loop from Bariloche along the Seven Lakes Road, through Pucón and past the Villarrica volcano, as far as the Pacific at Valdivia. Our other Argentina tours start from Salta, in the high north-west: The Mythical Land of the Gauchos in 9 days, From Salta to Atacama and the Raid in Andean Land in 13 days. The Transcontinental links Arequipa and Ushuaia.

The tour is rated Sustained: it is for experienced riders, mainly because of the length of the stages. We cover about 1,400 miles (2,250 km) over 11 riding days, from 71 to 165 miles (115 to 265 km) a day. Roughly a third of the route is on fairly smooth dirt and gravel tracks, the rest on excellent mountain roads. Day 10 is a rest day in Futrono. Some stages are far from medical help: the support vehicle follows the group.

A Royal Enfield Himalayan 450, built for both road and track, serviced by our mechanic, who follows the group with the spare parts. If your height makes you hesitate, either way, talk to your travel advisor before booking.

Yes, if the rider is comfortable riding two-up on tracks: the stages are long, for the rider and the pillion alike. The tour costs £5,490 (€5,990) per rider and £3,990 (€4,475) per pillion. Talk to your travel advisor before booking.

An English-speaking motorcycle tour leader, a mechanic and the support vehicle, which carries your luggage, the spare parts and a supply of cool water to refill your bottle. The group is limited to 10 motorcycles (12 participants with pillions).

£5,490 (€5,990) per rider and £3,990 (€4,475) per pillion. The price includes the motorcycle, fuel, the team, accommodation, full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 14, the planned park entrance fees and transfers from Bariloche airport. You pay for your flights, lunch on the rest day, drinks, tips and a €600 deposit per motorcycle.

UK and EU passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days in Argentina or Chile; your passport must be valid for your whole stay. We require an International Driving Permit to cross the border: bring it with your national licence and send us a copy of its first page. Satellite phones are not allowed. For other nationalities, your travel advisor confirms the formalities. Details are in our list of documents for Argentina.

The tour starts and ends in Bariloche, and you book your own flights: from Europe, expect at least one stopover, usually via Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile or São Paulo, and a long day of travel. Our team meets you at the airport on day 1 and takes you back on day 14, according to your flight times. Argentinian airlines often limit checked luggage to 15 kg. To arrive earlier or stay on, ask your travel advisor about the options.

The season runs from December to February, during the southern summer; open dates are shown on this page, and other dates are possible on request through your travel advisor. Expect 15 to 35°C with little rain, but mornings and evenings are cool: bring summer riding gear, a few warm layers and rain gear.

In standard to comfort hotels, chalets and cabins, often on the shores of the lakes. The support vehicle carries your luggage: bring a soft bag rather than a hard suitcase.