Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE MOST SCENIC ROUTES IN PATAGONIA FOR CYCLING?
Patagonia is a dream destination for cyclists seeking both adventure and jaw-dropping scenery. Stretching across southern Chile and Argentina, this remote region offers glaciers, mountains, lakes, and vast open roads that test endurance while rewarding riders with unforgettable views. But Patagonia isn’t just about beauty—it’s about rugged conditions, unpredictable weather, and routes that demand preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the most scenic cycling routes in Patagonia, detailing the landscapes, challenges, and highlights of each. From the legendary Carretera Austral to the windswept plains near El Chaltén, you’ll discover why this region ranks among the world’s top cycling adventures and how to make the most of your journey.
Carretera Austral in Chile
The Carretera Austral is Patagonia’s crown jewel for cycling. Stretching more than 1,200 kilometers from Puerto Montt to Villa O’Higgins, this route weaves through dense forests, fjords, glaciers, and small villages. Its gravel sections and limited infrastructure make it challenging, but the rewards are unmatched for those willing to take it on.
Highlights of the route
Cyclists experience a constantly changing landscape: emerald lakes like Lago General Carrera, hanging glaciers in Queulat National Park, and the remote beauty of Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. The route passes through quaint towns such as Coyhaique, offering resupply opportunities and local hospitality that break up long stretches of wilderness.
Challenges to consider
Expect rough gravel, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather—rain, sun, and wind often arrive within the same day. Limited connectivity and sparse services require carrying essential supplies and planning resupply carefully. Ferries are part of the adventure, connecting remote sections across fjords.
Over 1,200 km of rugged cycling terrain
Scenic highlights: glaciers, fjords, lakes
Frequent gravel sections and ferry crossings
Best season: December to March
Key towns: Coyhaique, Cochrane, Villa O’Higgins
The Carretera Austral is more than a route—it’s an expedition, attracting cyclists from around the world who want a truly immersive Patagonia experience.
Routes around El Chaltén in Argentina
Known as Argentina’s trekking capital, El Chaltén also offers some of Patagonia’s most scenic cycling opportunities. Nestled at the base of Mount Fitz Roy, the region provides shorter but visually spectacular rides with breathtaking backdrops.
Scenic highlights
The ride from El Chaltén toward Lago del Desierto is a favorite, featuring dramatic views of Fitz Roy’s granite peaks. Gravel roads take cyclists through lenga forests, rivers, and alpine meadows. On clear days, the contrast of jagged mountains against pristine lakes is unforgettable.
Winds and terrain
The challenge in this region isn’t distance but conditions. Patagonia’s infamous winds can make even short rides demanding. Gravel roads require stable handling skills, and weather changes rapidly. However, distances are manageable, making this a great option for cyclists seeking day trips or shorter multi-day tours.
Routes range from 30 to 100 km
Iconic views of Mount Fitz Roy
Strong winds add difficulty
Roads are mostly gravel with limited services
Cycling in El Chaltén blends adventure with accessibility, allowing riders to explore Patagonia’s grandeur without committing to weeks on the road.
Torres del Paine and beyond
Torres del Paine National Park in Chile is world-famous for trekking, but it also provides cycling routes that rival any on the continent. Its granite towers, glaciers, and turquoise lakes make for a surreal backdrop to two-wheeled adventures.
Cycling inside Torres del Paine
The park offers gravel roads that connect campgrounds and viewpoints, allowing cyclists to ride among guanacos, condors, and even the occasional puma sighting. The circuit from Laguna Amarga entrance to Lago Grey is particularly stunning, showcasing glaciers and iconic mountain peaks along the way.
Beyond Torres del Paine: Argentine steppe
Cyclists looking for more solitude can venture east into the Argentine steppe. While less dramatic than the peaks, the wide-open plains provide a unique sense of scale, where the horizon stretches endlessly. The combination of vast skies and remote solitude offers a different but equally powerful cycling experience.
Gravel circuits inside Torres del Paine
Wildlife encounters: guanacos, condors, foxes
Iconic spots: Lago Grey, Laguna Amarga
Eastward routes into Argentina’s steppe
Practical considerations
Weather in this area is notoriously unpredictable, with strong winds a constant factor. Park entry fees and restrictions mean cyclists should plan routes in advance and carry adequate supplies. Still, the views and wildlife encounters make Torres del Paine one of Patagonia’s most unforgettable cycling destinations.
From iconic peaks to vast plains, Torres del Paine and surrounding regions prove that Patagonia offers a variety of cycling experiences, each with its own blend of beauty and challenge. For cyclists seeking adventure paired with unmatched scenery, few places on Earth can compare.
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