Northern Patagonia Motorcycle Adventure

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Temuco → Transfer to Pucón

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Temuco Airport (ZCO), where you will be welcomed and transferred to the charming town of Pucón, the outdoor capital of Chile. Nestled at the foot of the active Villarrica Volcano and surrounded by lakes and forests, Pucón is the perfect place to start your journey.

After checking into your hotel, you’ll have time to relax, explore the town, and soak up the lively atmosphere. Stroll along the lakefront of Lago Villarrica, enjoy a traditional Chilean dinner, or simply rest and prepare for the motorcycle handover and briefing scheduled for the following morning.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic transfer from Temuco to Pucón (approx. 1.5 hrs)
• First views of the Villarrica Volcano
• Welcome dinner in Pucón (optional)

Day 2 – Pucón → Malalcahuello

Distance: 180–210 km (route dependent) · Ride time: 4–5 hrs
Road surface: Mostly paved; short, optional gravel spur to the viewpoint

Leave Pucón after breakfast and trace the scenic backroads toward the Andean foothills. The ride rolls past lakes, dairy farms, and araucaria (monkey-puzzle) forests, with volcanic cones popping in and out of view. Aim for Curacautín and then the small mountain village of Malalcahuello, gateway to Volcán Lonquimay and the Nalcas–Malalcahuello Reserve.

Stop of the day: Mirador de los Volcanes

A short detour near Corralco ski area leads to this panoramic viewpoint. On a clear day you’ll see a skyline of giants—Lonquimay, Tolhuaca, Llaima and beyond. Access involves a brief gravel/sandy spur (typically well graded) and a 10–15 minute walk from the parking area. Bring a wind layer; it’s often breezy up here.

Highlights

• Curvy mountain sections approaching Cuesta Las Raíces
• Black lava fields and araucaria forests around Lonquimay
• Cozy alpine vibe in Malalcahuello (great cafés and lodges)
• Optional evening soak at nearby hot springs (Termas de Malalcahuello/Manzanar)

Rider notes

• Fuel: Villarrica, Cunco/Curacautín, Malalcahuello
• Weather: Rapid changes; fog or drizzle possible on the pass
• Surface: Paved all day unless you add the viewpoint spur; expect loose volcanic gravel there
• Safety: Watch for livestock and roadworks; winds can be strong in exposed sections

Overnight in Malalcahuello.

Day 3 – Malalcahuello → Villa Pehuenia

Distance: ~260 km · Ride time: 6–7 hrs (plus excursion)
Road surface: Mostly paved, with stretches of gravel near the border and the volcano ascent

Depart Malalcahuello in the morning and ride through Lonquimay toward the Paso Pino Hachado, one of the most beautiful Andean border crossings. The road winds through high plateaus dotted with araucaria forests and volcanic landscapes, offering wide open vistas and crisp mountain air. Crossing into Argentina, the scenery shifts into Patagonian steppe before looping south toward the hidden gem of Villa Pehuenia, nestled on the shores of Lago Aluminé.

Excursion: Volcán Batea Mahuida (1,900 m)

Just outside Villa Pehuenia lies the extinct Batea Mahuida Volcano, managed by the Mapuche Puel community. You can ride partway up on a gravel track to the crater rim, where a short hike takes you to the summit. From the top, enjoy breathtaking views of the crater lake, Lago Aluminé, and a sweeping panorama of surrounding volcanoes like Lanín, Villarrica, and Llaima.

• Ride/Walk time: 1–2 hrs round trip
• Surface: Gravel road, manageable but can be loose; final approach by foot
• Reward: One of the best panoramic viewpoints in northern Patagonia

Highlights

• Scenic ride over Paso Pino Hachado (1,864 m)
• Transition from lush Chilean forests to Argentine steppe
• The peaceful lakeside setting of Villa Pehuenia
• The unique Mapuche cultural experience at Batea Mahuida

Rider notes

• Fuel: Lonquimay, Las Lajas, Villa Pehuenia
• Surface: Good asphalt on most of the route; gravel sections at border approaches and volcano excursion
• Border: Chile → Argentina; carry documents and plan for some waiting time
• Weather: Windier on the Argentine side; warm layers recommended for the volcano summit

Overnight in Villa Pehuenia, on the shore of Lago Aluminé.

Day 4 – Villa Pehuenia → San Martín de los Andes

Distance: ~250 km · Ride time: 6 hrs
Road surface: Mostly paved, with occasional gravel stretches

Leaving the tranquil shores of Villa Pehuenia, the route follows the shorelines of Lago Aluminé and Lago Moquehue, two pristine alpine lakes framed by araucaria forests. The road then climbs gently through remote valleys before connecting with the legendary Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Route of the Seven Lakes), one of the most scenic rides in Patagonia.

This stretch is a dream for motorcyclists: winding asphalt roads, turquoise lakes, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks in the background. Each lake—such as Lago Lácar, Lago Machónico, and Lago Escondido—offers unique viewpoints and perfect photo stops. Wildlife sightings are common, from soaring condors to deer grazing in the forest clearings.

Arriving in San Martín de los Andes, a picturesque town nestled on the shores of Lago Lácar, you’ll find a lively alpine-style atmosphere, great restaurants, and cozy accommodations. It’s a perfect place to relax after a day of curvy mountain riding.

Highlights

• Morning ride along Lago Aluminé & Lago Moquehue
• Crossing into the Ruta de los Siete Lagos, one of Argentina’s most famous scenic drives
• Numerous lake viewpoints for photos and breaks
• Arrival in San Martín de los Andes, gateway to Lanín National Park

Rider notes

• Fuel: Villa Pehuenia, Junín de los Andes, San Martín de los Andes
• Road conditions: Good asphalt, some gravel detours possible near lake access points
• Weather: Variable; mornings can be cold, afternoons warm
• Food: Excellent trout dishes in San Martín de los Andes

Overnight in San Martín de los Andes, with views of Lago Lácar.

Day 5 – San Martín de los Andes → San Carlos de Bariloche

Distance: ~195 km · Ride time: 5–6 hrs
Road surface: Fully paved (Ruta 40)

From San Martín de los Andes, the ride continues on the legendary Ruta de los Siete Lagos—a stretch of the Ruta 40 renowned as one of the most beautiful roads in all of South America. Curvy asphalt roads lead past shimmering lakes, ancient forests, and rugged mountain backdrops.

You’ll pass by Lago Machónico, Lago Falkner, Lago Villarino, Lago Escondido, Lago Correntoso, Lago Espejo, and finally Lago Nahuel Huapi, each offering spectacular viewpoints. Many riders stop for short hikes or lakeside breaks to soak in the scenery. The road is a constant feast for the eyes, with turquoise waters reflecting snow-dusted Andean peaks.

After passing the charming village of Villa La Angostura, the route hugs the northern shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi before finally reaching San Carlos de Bariloche, a bustling alpine-style city famous for its Swiss-inspired architecture, chocolate shops, and stunning lakefront views.

Highlights

• Riding the Ruta de los Siete Lagos—a bucket-list route for motorcyclists
• Endless photo opportunities at pristine lakes and mountain viewpoints
• Coffee stop in Villa La Angostura
• Arrival in Bariloche, gateway to Nahuel Huapi National Park

Rider notes

• Fuel: San Martín de los Andes, Villa La Angostura, Bariloche
• Road conditions: Excellent paved road, light traffic in shoulder seasons
• Weather: Can change quickly—carry rain gear even on sunny days
• Food: Try Bariloche’s famous Patagonian lamb or artisanal chocolate

Overnight in San Carlos de Bariloche, overlooking Lago Nahuel Huapi.

Day 6 – San Carlos de Bariloche → Trevelin

Distance: 280–320 km (depending on route) · Ride time: 6–8 hrs
Road surface: Option of full asphalt (Ruta 40) or mixed gravel/asphalt (via Los Alerces NP)

Leaving Bariloche, you ride south along the famous Ruta 40, passing through lush valleys and along the shores of glacial rivers. Today offers two distinct route options, each with its own unique character:

Option 1: Ruta 40 Asphalt via El Bolsón & Esquel

This route follows the paved Ruta 40 south through the laid-back hippie town of El Bolsón, known for its artisan markets, breweries, and mountain views. Continuing past fertile valleys and rolling hills, the road leads to Esquel, a small city at the edge of the Andes. From here, it’s a short final stretch west to the Welsh-influenced town of Trevelin, famous for its tea houses and spring lupine fields.

• Highlights: Smooth asphalt, easy riding, local culture in El Bolsón, Welsh heritage in Trevelin
• Distance: ~315 km

Option 2: Ruta 40 & Ruta 71 via Los Alerces National Park (Gravel & Asphalt)

For a more adventurous day, turn off Ruta 40 near Esquel and enter Los Alerces National Park via Ruta 71. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient Alerce trees (some over 2,500 years old), emerald lakes, and towering mountains. This route includes gravel sections, rewarding riders with remote scenery, pristine wilderness, and fewer crowds. You exit the park near Trevelin.

• Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path adventure, pristine lakes, ancient forests, wildlife spotting
• Distance: ~290 km

Rider notes

• Fuel stops: El Bolsón, Esquel (none inside Los Alerces NP—plan ahead!)
• Road conditions: Ruta 40 fully paved; Ruta 71 mixed gravel/asphalt, some washboard sections possible
• Weather: Rain possible in Los Alerces, especially in spring and autumn
• Food: Try traditional Welsh cakes or afternoon tea in Trevelin

Overnight in Trevelin, gateway to Futaleufú and Patagonia’s rafting capital.

Day 7 – Trevelin → Futaleufú

Distance: 45 km · Ride time: ~1 hr
Road surface: Asphalt + short gravel sections

Today is a short but spectacular border-crossing ride from Argentina into Chile. Leaving Trevelin, the road winds gently through fertile valleys with a backdrop of the Andean foothills. The atmosphere here shifts from open pampas to deep green forests as you approach the Argentine–Chilean border crossing at Paso Futaleufú.

Crossing formalities are straightforward but can take a bit of time (Argentina: Migraciones + Aduana, Chile: PDI + SAG with strict food controls). From the border, it’s a short ride into the lively riverside town of Futaleufú.

Futaleufú – Patagonia’s Rafting Capital

Futaleufú, or simply “Futa,” is world-famous for its turquoise river, considered one of the best white-water rafting destinations on the planet. Surrounded by jagged granite peaks and thick temperate rainforest, the town has an adventurous vibe, with outfitters offering day trips and multi-day rafting expeditions.

• Rafting options:
  • Half-day trip: Class III–IV rapids, suitable for adventurous beginners
  • Full-day expedition: Class IV–V rapids, adrenaline-packed, ideal for experienced rafters
  • Multi-day adventure: Camping along the riverbanks, combining rafting with hiking and canyon exploration

Even if you don’t raft, Futaleufú is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts: mountain biking, fly-fishing, hiking, and horseback riding are all possible.

Rider notes

• Border info: Trevelin → Paso Futaleufú → Futaleufú (expect 1–2 hrs at the border depending on traffic)
• Food tip: Try a hearty Chilean curanto or freshly baked empanadas in town
• Overnight: Futaleufú has cozy guesthouses, riverside lodges, and adventure camps

Overnight in Futaleufú, surrounded by mountains and rivers at the gateway to Chilean Patagonia.

Day 8 – Futaleufú → Lago Yelcho

Distance: ~95 km · Ride time: 2–3 hrs
Road surface: Mostly gravel (Ruta X-899 / X-231), winding mountain road

Leaving Futaleufú, you’ll ride deeper into Northern Patagonia’s wild landscapes. The road is mostly gravel, following narrow valleys with lush temperate rainforest, turquoise rivers, and dramatic peaks. It’s a slower ride, but one of the most beautiful in the region.

Highlights along the way

• Río Futaleufú: The road often runs parallel to this world-class white-water river, offering plenty of scenic viewpoints.
• Remote Patagonian villages: Tiny settlements dot the route, giving a glimpse of traditional rural life in Chile.
• Views of Lago Yelcho: As you approach your destination, the scenery opens up to the magnificent Lago Yelcho, with its deep blue waters framed by snowcapped mountains and glaciers.

Lago Yelcho

This pristine lake is a paradise for nature lovers. Known for its excellent fly-fishing, kayaking, and hiking trails, it’s also an ideal spot for a relaxed evening by the water. The nearby Yelcho Glacier, visible in the distance, adds a dramatic backdrop.

Rider notes

• Road conditions: Expect gravel, occasional potholes, and narrow bridges – ride carefully.
• Scenery factor: This is one of those rides where the slower pace is rewarded with spectacular views.
• Overnight: Lakeside lodges and fishing cabins offer stunning views of Lago Yelcho.

Overnight at Lago Yelcho – a tranquil stop surrounded by wild nature and crystal-clear waters.

Day 9 – Lago Yelcho → Hornopirén

Distance: ~280 km · Ride time: 6–8 hrs (depending on ferry schedules)
Road surface: Mix of asphalt & gravel · Includes Carretera Austral ferries

Leaving the tranquility of Lago Yelcho, you continue north along the legendary Carretera Austral (Ruta 7). This stage is a true Patagonian adventure, with a mix of winding gravel roads, lush fjords, and scenic boat crossings.

Route & Experience

• Lago Yelcho → Chaitén (100 km): Ride along the Yelcho River valley before reaching Chaitén, a town famously destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 2008 and now slowly rebuilt.
• Chaitén → Caleta Gonzalo (60 km): Stunning coastal section along fjords and through the Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park, one of Patagonia’s richest ecosystems. Towering alerce trees and waterfalls line the road.
• Ferry #1 (Caleta Gonzalo → Fiordo Largo): Short ferry ride (30 min).
• Overland Fiordo Largo → Leptepu (10 km, gravel):
• Ferry #2 (Leptepu → Hornopirén, 3–4 hrs): A spectacular journey through fjords, surrounded by snowcapped peaks and untouched rainforest.

Highlights

• Pumalín National Park: Ancient Alerce trees, deep temperate rainforest, and crystal-clear rivers.
• Chaitén Volcano: Still active, its lava dome is visible near town – a reminder of Patagonia’s raw power.
• Fjord ferry ride: An unforgettable passage where mountains plunge directly into the sea.
• Wildlife spotting: Sea lions, dolphins, and even whales can sometimes be seen during the ferry crossing.

Rider Notes

• Timing is key: Ferry schedules are limited – reservations in advance are highly recommended.
• Road conditions: Sections between Chaitén and Caleta Gonzalo are narrow gravel roads; slow and careful riding is required.
• Overnight: Hornopirén, a small fishing town, is the northern gateway of the Carretera Austral.

Overnight in Hornopirén – with the sound of the Pacific fjords and the Andes as your backdrop.

Day 10 – Hornopirén → Puerto Varas

Distance: ~250 km · Ride time: 6–7 hrs
Road surface: Gravel + asphalt

From Hornopirén, your journey continues north along the Carretera Austral until it finally reconnects with central Chile. This stage is a mix of wild fjords, ferries, and paved roads leading back into civilization – a fitting finale to your Patagonian adventure.

Route & Experience

• Hornopirén → Caleta Puelche:
  A spectacular combination of road and sea: first, a short ride (10 km) from Hornopirén to the ferry, then a long scenic ferry journey (~4–5 hrs) across fjords dotted with islands and surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
• Caleta Puelche → Ensenada (~70 km): From the ferry landing, the road is fully paved. Ride along the Reloncaví Estuary, with sweeping views of the Andes dropping into the Pacific Ocean.
• Ensenada → Puerto Varas (~50 km): The ride follows the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue, one of Chile’s largest lakes. Along the way, you’ll be treated to majestic views of the Osorno Volcano, its perfect cone rising dramatically above the lake.

Highlights

• Reloncaví Fjord: The narrow entrance to the Andes’ fjord system, considered the starting point of Patagonia.
• Osorno Volcano: Iconic snowcapped volcano dominating the horizon near Puerto Varas.
• Lago Llanquihue: Chile’s second-largest lake, framed by Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
• Puerto Varas: Known as the “City of Roses,” this German-influenced lakeside town is the perfect place to end the trip, with great restaurants, craft beer, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Rider Notes

• Ferry logistics: This section also requires advance ferry booking, especially in peak season.
• Road conditions: Once you reach Caleta Puelche, the roads are fully paved – a smooth and relaxing final ride.
• Overnight: Stay in Puerto Varas, a vibrant lakeside town with a mix of Chilean and European charm.

Day 11 – Puerto Varas → Pucón

Distance: ~320 km · Ride time: 6–7 hrs
Road surface: Asphalt (Ruta 225, Ruta 5)

From the lakeside charm of Puerto Varas, your route heads east and north through Chile’s Lake District, a region famous for its lush forests, snow-capped volcanoes, and sparkling blue lakes. The final stage of your Northern Patagonia adventure blends smooth tarmac riding with stunning scenery – a well-deserved cool-down after the wild Carretera Austral.

Celebrate the completion of your Patagonian motorcycle adventure with a lakeside dinner, gazing at the Villarrica Volcano – the perfect ending to an unforgettable ride.