The best road cycling routes in Neuquén

Neuquén offers a selection of nearly 10 road cycling routes, catering to various skill levels. These routes traverse the stunning Patagonian landscape, featuring majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests.

The terrain in Neuquén is diverse, characterized by dramatic Andean mountains, expansive forests, and numerous crystal-clear lakes. Many routes follow the shores of lakes like Lácar and Nahuel Huapi. While primarily paved, some segments may be unpaved, offering a varied cycling experience.

While there are no routes specifically classified as 'easy' in our current selection, Neuquén does offer 5 moderate routes that can be suitable for those with some cycling experience. The region's diverse terrain includes options for casual riders, with some routes featuring minimal elevation gain. For example, the Laguna Calafate – Playa Bahía Mansa loop from Puerto Manzano is a shorter, moderate option.

For experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Neuquén provides several difficult long-distance routes. The View of Lake Falkner – Río Correntoso loop from San Martín de los Andes is a demanding 128.3-mile (206.4 km) trail, often taking over 10 hours to complete. Another challenging option is the Lácar Lake – San Martín de los Andes loop from San Martín de los Andes, covering over 100 km with significant elevation gain.

Neuquén's routes are rich with scenic vistas. You can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Falkner on the View of Lake Falkner – Lake Correntoso Viewpoint loop from Arauco. The iconic Route of the Seven Lakes, which connects San Martín de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, offers unparalleled views of pristine lakes like Lácar, Machónico, and Nahuel Huapi. Don't miss the Belvedere Viewpoint for panoramic landscapes.

Yes, many of Neuquén's road cycling routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include the Viewpoint of Lake Machónico – San Martín de los Andes loop from San Martín de los Andes and the Ruca Malen Wooden Bridge – Lake Correntoso Viewpoint loop from Villa La Angostura.

Road cycling in Neuquén offers access to stunning natural monuments. You can cycle past the beautiful Lácar Lake, enjoy views of Machónico Lake, and even encounter the Inacayal Waterfall. The region is also home to parts of Nahuel Huapi and Lanín National Parks, showcasing verdant forests and dramatic Andean scenery.

Several routes connect or pass through charming towns. San Martín de los Andes is a popular base, with routes like the View of Lake Falkner – Río Correntoso loop starting from there. Villa La Angostura is another key hub, offering routes such as the Villa La Angostura – Correntoso River Bridge loop. These towns provide opportunities for rest and exploration.

Neuquén is an enjoyable place for cycling, with the warmer months typically offering the most favorable weather conditions. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) often provide pleasant temperatures and stunning scenery, while summer (December to February) is ideal for enjoying the lakes and longer daylight hours. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.

The road cycling routes in Neuquén are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's incomparable natural beauty, the majestic mountains, and the turquoise lakes. The diverse terrain ensures that both casual riders and experienced cyclists find suitable challenges and breathtaking views.

Yes, some routes offer unique points of interest. The Ruca Malen Wooden Bridge – Lake Correntoso Viewpoint loop from Villa La Angostura specifically passes by the Ruca Malen Wooden Bridge. Additionally, you can find routes that lead to beautiful spots like Between Two Beaches, Los Arrayanes National Park, offering picturesque lakeside cycling.

Absolutely. Neuquén is famous for its lake district. The iconic Route of the Seven Lakes, a section of National Route 40, is a prime example, offering continuous views of lakes like Lácar, Machónico, Villarino, Falkner, Escondido, Correntoso, and Nahuel Huapi. Many individual routes, such as the View of Bahía Manzano – Camping Los Cipreses loop from Bahía Manzano Resort, also provide stunning lake vistas.