Northern Patagonia
Northern Patagonia is one of three "sections" on the Bicycle Patagonia Tour, covering Argentina's Río Negro and Chubut provinces and Chile's Los Lagos region. The area is known for its massive volcanos, jagged mountains and an extensive network of lakes and rivers.
Northern Patagonia's lakes and rivers are typically deep-blue in color, in contrast to the milky-blue glacial waters typical of further south. The area is home to world-class trekking: Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi and El Bolsón each boast exceptional refugio networks. Prior to European colonization, indigenous Mapuche inhabited vast areas of Northern Patagonia. Although primarily based west of the Andes, the Mapuche would cross the Andes mountain range to trade and hunt guanaco and rhea, which thrive at the edge of the vast Patagonian steppe.
Route Summary
The Bicycle Patagonia Tour starts in Bariloche and heads south, joining iconic Ruta 40 then proceeding south through Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi. South of El Bolsón, the Tour departs from Ruta 40 and joins RP-71, passing Butch Cassidy's old hideout before reaching the dusty frontier town of Cholila. Here, the road turns to ripio and snakes its way through Parque Nacional Los Alerces to Trevelin then on towards the Chile border and Futaleufú. Warning: road conditions between Trevelin and the border are extremely poor.
Explore Routes and Stops in Northern Patagonia
Weather
There are two distinct climates in the Northern Patagonia section. The Río Negro and Chubut Provinces feature a temperate mediterranean climate–with hot, dry summers and wet, moderate winters. Cholila and Trevelin are the most eastern towns on the route on the fringe of the much drier Patagonia Steppe. The wettest area is Parque Nacional Los Alerces, where you can expect consistent showers. In the Los Lagos region of Chile, from Futaleufú to Villa Santa Lucía, conditions change to a marine and oceanic climate.
Cities & Towns
In each of the featured cities and towns in the Northern Patagonia section, you'll find a place to stay and a grocery store. The largest grocery store is in Bariloche, so stock up on any specialty items (like coffee) before setting off. The next large supermarket is in Coyhaique, 785km south).
Parques Nacionales
Muchos lagos! Both national parks have beautiful lakes with dense forest covering the shore. The tour takes you right through Parque Nacional Los Alerces where you will be steps away from the trails.
