Patagonia Mountain Bike Adventure
A Patagonia Mountain Bike trip kicks off today in San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina, covering both Chile and Argentina over nine days. The adventure culminates with a climb of Cerro Otto, offering cyclists a cross-border outdoor experience through some of South America's most stunning terrain.
San Carlos de Bariloche is considered a mecca for mountain biking in Argentina, with a vast network of more than 162 trails covering over 295 miles. The city has hosted international competitions, such as the Open Shimano Descent Championship, and features dedicated bike parks like the one at Mount Catedral. The tour's final climb, Cerro Otto, is one of Argentina's most popular spots for enduro and downhill mountain biking due to its easy access from the city. Its slopes contain numerous classic circuits, including fast-flowing descents that start from a well-known point called "Curva Bariloche." Mountain biking is one of the fastest-growing sports in the Patagonian region, supported by a strong local community. Groups like MTBariloche are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining many of the area's singletrack trails for competitions and recreational use. Adventure tourism is a significant driver of the local economy across Patagonia, with the ecotourism sector growing roughly 5% annually. This has spurred the growth of specialized tour companies and infrastructure to support activities in the region's national parks and remote landscapes. The journey includes a cross-Andes route from Argentina into Chile via a bike and boat transfer at Lago Puelo. Trans-Andean crossings are a fabled part of the South American cycling experience, taking riders through the dramatic mountain landscapes that define the border. Beyond the final climb, the nine-day itinerary covers a wide range of Patagonian terrain. Participants will ride through the rolling hills of the Enchanted Valley and explore the Manso and Ventisquero River Valleys.