Adventure Cycling in Argentina's Lake District
Nestled into the foothills of the Andes Mountains on the shores of Lake Nahuel Huapi, Bariloche is the gateway to Patagonia's Lake District. Packed with hikers in the summer and skiers in winter, this region is South America's ultimate Switzerland, with its Alps-chalet style buildings, chocolate factories and shops, and log cabins serving fondue. Largely settled by immigrants from Switzerland, Germany and Austria, Bariloche reflects its alpine heritage in its architecture, landscapes and lifestyle.
Against a backdrop of glacial bodies of deepest blue waters, evergreen forests and the Andes Mountains to the west, the Lake District with Bariloche at its heart, is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Argentina. Trekking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and every other imaginable outdoor activity are on offer in the region.
Cycling enthusiasts can kick off their adventure by taking on the El Circuito Chico (the Short Circuit). Those with less stamina as well can enjoy a tour of the route by bus or car. This 65 km ride starts out in Bariloche, looping around Lake Nahuel Huapi, the largest of the region's 20 lakes, for unparalleled lake and mountain scenery and heart-pumping biking. Cycling out on a busy lakefront road from Bariloche, you quickly leave behind the urban sprawl while Cerro Lopez, a 6811 ft. high peak looms ahead. The road passes through expansive evergreen-forested scenery with never-ending views of the lake close by.
Spanning the narrow channel where Lake Nahuel Huapi meets Lake Moreno, cross the Angostara Bridge to a hidden cove and take in the splendid water scenery. The road heads into the hills, but before this heart-thumping climb, take a side trip onto the gravel path leading into Colonia Suiza (Swiss Colony), located next to a small outcrop and bay on Lago Moreno. Here, enjoy hot Swiss chocolate and alfajores, Argentina's favorite cookie, before retracing your steps.
Back on the Circuito Chico, bike uphill to Cerro Lopez, stopping to catch your breath and the jaw-dropping view at the highest point, Punto Panoramico. From this privileged vantage point, an incredible vista spreads out over Lake Moreno to the lovely Llao Llao Hotel, and beyond, the majestic Andes with views of the lakes stretching out in every direction. From here, the road trends down towards the narrow inlet and bay of Bahia Lopez, a favored swimming spot for locals.
Continuing on, you'll hit the Llao Llao Peninsula Reserve, a beautiful Valdivian forest well worth exploring. An easy stroll here takes you to Lake Escondido, a lovely hidden mountain lake. Getting on your bike, you'll face an easy descent through the park towards the Llao Llao Hotel and Porto Panuelo, the main port of embarkation for most boat tours on Lago Nahuel Huapi. Halfway down, a slight detour reveals the lakeside village of Villa Tacul, set on an inlet on the water.
Rising unmistakably a little further, the Hotel Llao Llao, notably one of Argentina's finest resorts, sits on a bluff above Lake Moreno. It is well worth taking a walk around the hotel's lovely grounds. A stop for lunch here at the casual Café Patagonia, whose panoramic windows offer stunning views with majestic scenery of mountains and lakes, is highly recommended.
After a visit here, all that remains is to wind your way back to Bariloche, before your next trip to Porto Panuela for a cruise on the lake.
Against a backdrop of glacial bodies of deepest blue waters, evergreen forests and the Andes Mountains to the west, the Lake District with Bariloche at its heart, is arguably one of the most beautiful parts of Argentina. Trekking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing and every other imaginable outdoor activity are on offer in the region.
Cycling enthusiasts can kick off their adventure by taking on the El Circuito Chico (the Short Circuit). Those with less stamina as well can enjoy a tour of the route by bus or car. This 65 km ride starts out in Bariloche, looping around Lake Nahuel Huapi, the largest of the region's 20 lakes, for unparalleled lake and mountain scenery and heart-pumping biking. Cycling out on a busy lakefront road from Bariloche, you quickly leave behind the urban sprawl while Cerro Lopez, a 6811 ft. high peak looms ahead. The road passes through expansive evergreen-forested scenery with never-ending views of the lake close by.
Spanning the narrow channel where Lake Nahuel Huapi meets Lake Moreno, cross the Angostara Bridge to a hidden cove and take in the splendid water scenery. The road heads into the hills, but before this heart-thumping climb, take a side trip onto the gravel path leading into Colonia Suiza (Swiss Colony), located next to a small outcrop and bay on Lago Moreno. Here, enjoy hot Swiss chocolate and alfajores, Argentina's favorite cookie, before retracing your steps.
Back on the Circuito Chico, bike uphill to Cerro Lopez, stopping to catch your breath and the jaw-dropping view at the highest point, Punto Panoramico. From this privileged vantage point, an incredible vista spreads out over Lake Moreno to the lovely Llao Llao Hotel, and beyond, the majestic Andes with views of the lakes stretching out in every direction. From here, the road trends down towards the narrow inlet and bay of Bahia Lopez, a favored swimming spot for locals.
Continuing on, you'll hit the Llao Llao Peninsula Reserve, a beautiful Valdivian forest well worth exploring. An easy stroll here takes you to Lake Escondido, a lovely hidden mountain lake. Getting on your bike, you'll face an easy descent through the park towards the Llao Llao Hotel and Porto Panuelo, the main port of embarkation for most boat tours on Lago Nahuel Huapi. Halfway down, a slight detour reveals the lakeside village of Villa Tacul, set on an inlet on the water.
Rising unmistakably a little further, the Hotel Llao Llao, notably one of Argentina's finest resorts, sits on a bluff above Lake Moreno. It is well worth taking a walk around the hotel's lovely grounds. A stop for lunch here at the casual Café Patagonia, whose panoramic windows offer stunning views with majestic scenery of mountains and lakes, is highly recommended.
After a visit here, all that remains is to wind your way back to Bariloche, before your next trip to Porto Panuela for a cruise on the lake.
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