Route of the Seven Lakes

Spinning out of Santiago, riders head into Chile's agricultural heartland, past orchards and vineyards, before pedalling across rolling hills towards the Pacific Ocean. The route then hugs Chile's rugged western coast through small oceanfront villages known for local seafood, where oxen still pull carts of papayas and potatoes to market. A rest day follows in Concepcion, once the Spanish Empire's southernmost fortified outpost.

From there the route heads back inland to the spectacular Lake District, an area of glacial lakes, snow-capped volcanoes, rushing rivers, tranquil forests, hidden vineyards and quaint German-style inns. Riders enjoy a rest day in Pucon, on the shores of Lago Villarrica beneath its namesake volcano, before climbing through Parque Nacional Huerquehue and crossing into Argentina.

The route then follows the famous Route of the Seven Lakes, passing those seven scenic bodies of water before the section closes in the holiday town of Bariloche (though the page's own route summary lists the section endpoint as Puerto Varas, Chile — worth checking with TDA which is correct).

Highlights

• Cycling 5000 m Passes On The Leh - Manali HighwayChile's central vineyards and agricultural heartland
• Seafood villages along Chile's Pacific coastline
• Rest day in Concepcion, once the Spanish Empire's southernmost outpost
• Volcán Villarrica and the Lake District
• Crossing into Argentina via Parque Nacional Huerquehue
• The Route of the Seven Lakes into Bariloche

Surface and terrain:
5–10% unpaved roads; a mountain, touring or gravel bike is recommended, with one set of 35–40c tyres and one set of 45–50c tyres. Rolling coastal and Lake District terrain with an Andes crossing.

Suitable for:
Experienced cyclists comfortable with long daily distances (averaging around 108km on riding days) and hilly terrain. Expedition category, 3.5/5 difficulty score.