Experience the tour's first taste of ripio as you pedal away from the steppe, back into the Andes and through the rainforests of Parque Nacional Los Alerces.
From Cholila to the southern boundary of Parque Nacional Los Alerces, the ride along RP-71 is 100% ripio. Loosely packed gravel and large rocks are abundant here, and certain sections, especially near the north end of the park, are prone to rock falls and landslides (derrumbes). The scenery through the park is breathtaking: keep an eye out for Alerce trees, the ancient giants of the South American continent, as you pedal alongside luscious valleys, tranquil rivers and deep blue lakes. Within the park, expect narrow, windy roads and the occasional water crossing.
Fees on Route
There is a $250 ARS/person fee at the entrance to Parque Nacional Los Alerces. There are multiple free campsites inside the park.
Directions
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Cholila |
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|---|---|---|
| Head west on Ruta 15 (it's the wide road with the center median off Cholila's central rotunda) | ||
| 3 km | Proceed straight onto RP-71 | |
| 6-19 km | Rolling hills commence; watch for deep patches of ripio, especially near the edge of the road | |
| 22 km | Enter Parque Nacional Los Alerces | |
| 25 km | Park entrance gate; price: $250 ARS/person don't forget to ask for a complimentary park map!) | |
| 25.5 km | Puerto Cañero, a free campground on Lago Rivadavia (public restrooms and a small store selling basic food supplies and freshly-baked bread) | |
| 26 km | First (and the easier) of the park's two steep climbs (+150 m / 5 km) | |
| 31 km | Descend to the southeastern tip of Lago Rivadavia | |
| 33 km | ~5 kilometers of steady flat riding | |
| 38 km | Second steep climb within the park (+200 m / 4 km); caution: this portion of the road is embedded with large rocks (slick when wet) | |
| 41 km | Descend into the wettest area of the park, Río Arrayanes: home to a various campgrounds and other lodgings | |
| 59 km | Moving water on roadway; typically safe to cross, but use caution | |
| 62 km | Bahia Rosales Campground entrance; be prepared to share the road with construction crews, tractors, cattle and their gauchos | |
| 72 km | Lago Futalaufquen (southern shore) | |
| 74 km | Pavement resumes; tailwinds are common | |
| 75 km | Keep straight on RP-71, following signs for Trevelin and Esquel | |
| 94 km | Turnoff for Esquel; keep straight/right for Trevelin and steep downhill (-200 m / 5 km) | |
| 105 km | Turn left at the large rotunda and cross Río Percey; after bridge, immediately turn right, then stay left at the first fork to reach the central plaza | |
|
Trevelin |
Camping Recommendation
There are many great campsites in Parque Nacional Los Alerces, including a number of free sites. Between the park's southern entrance and Trevelin, wild camping options are extremely limited as the terrain is mostly fenced farmland.
Puerto Cañero Free Camp
Free, first-come-first-serve campground on the eastern shore of Lago Rivadavia, near the northern entrance to Parque Nacional Los Alerces. There are a selection of lakefront spots and fire pits at each site. Near the road, there is a small store that sell non-perishable foods, a limited selection of produce, and freshly baked bread.
Location |
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| -42.609125, -71.649168 |
Category |
|---|
| Organized |
Cost |
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| Free |
Water Source |
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| Lago (gather at elbow depth) |
Highlights |
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| Fire pits Near trails Small store |
Explore Nearby
The above route information is intended to be used as a guide in conjunction with your own due diligence. Although Bicycle Patagonia is a product of extensive research, we make no representations, guarantees nor assurances as to the accuracy of the above information or the associated .gpx and .kml files. Prior to beginning the route, be sure to check local weather forecasts & road conditions. While out riding, respect Patagonia – follow all public and private land use restrictions, carry proper safety and navigational equipment, and always #leavenotrace.