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, all the way to the Pacific at Valdivia. Our other Argentina tours start from Salta, in the high northwest: The Highlights of North-West Argentina in 9 days, From Salta to Atacama and the Andean Land Raid 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 over 11 riding days, from 71 to 165 miles a day. Roughly a third of the route is on fairly smooth dirt and gravel roads, 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 pavement and dirt, 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 dirt roads: the stages are long, for the rider and the passenger alike. The tour costs $6,990 per rider and $5,190 per passenger. 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 passengers).

$6,990 per rider and $5,190 per passenger. The price includes the motorcycle, gas, the team, lodging, all meals 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 $708 deposit per motorcycle.

US citizens 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 US driver’s license 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 the US, flights usually connect via Buenos Aires or Santiago de Chile. 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 33 lb (15 kg). To arrive earlier or stay longer, 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 59 to 95°F 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 duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase.