The best cycling routes in Argentina

Argentina offers a wide selection of touring cycling routes, with over 220 options available on komoot. These routes cater to various preferences, from easy scenic rides to challenging mountain ascents across diverse landscapes.

The touring cycling routes in Argentina are categorized into various difficulty levels. You'll find approximately 67 easy routes, 79 moderate routes, and 83 difficult routes, ensuring options for cyclists of all experience levels.

Argentina's diverse geography offers an extraordinary range of landscapes for touring cyclists. You can explore the dramatic, rugged scenery of Patagonia with its glacial lakes and towering mountains, the arid, colorful rock formations and vineyards of the Northwest, or the high-altitude Andes Mountains. Regions like Mendoza are famous for cycling through vineyards with the Andes as a backdrop, while the Lake District near Bariloche features pine forests and clear mountain lakes.

Yes, Argentina offers family-friendly cycling options, particularly in areas like the Lake District near Bariloche, which has routes suitable for various skill levels. While specific family-friendly routes are not detailed here, many easy and moderate routes can be enjoyed by families. Always check the route's difficulty and terrain before heading out.

Yes, some touring cycling routes in Argentina offer views of waterfalls. For example, the View of Mount Fitz Roy – Chorrillo del Salto Waterfall loop from El Chalten includes a waterfall. You can also explore other waterfalls in the region, such as Iguazu Falls or Devil's Throat, though these might require separate trips or detours from typical touring routes.

The touring cycling experience in Argentina is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 400 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, from glacial lakes and vast Patagonian steppes to vineyard-lined routes and dramatic mountain backdrops. The variety of terrain and options for different ability levels are also highly appreciated.

Yes, many touring cycling routes in Argentina are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Circular a la laguna Ilón — Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi, the López Bay – View of Lake Moreno loop from Pájaro Azul, and the Bodega Vistalba – Bodega Viamonte loop from Lunlunta.

Yes, accommodation options are available along many touring cycling routes, especially in popular regions. In Patagonia, areas like the Lakes District (near Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes) offer numerous campsites and lodges. For multi-day adventures like sections of Route 40, you'll find various towns and facilities. Additionally, komoot highlights include Frey Shelter and Refugio Piltriquitrón, which are huts and cabins that can serve as overnight stops.

Beyond the cycling itself, Argentina offers many points of interest. In the Northwest, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Quebrada de Humahuaca with its colorful rock formations, or the Salinas Grandes salt flats. In Patagonia, the Perito Moreno Glacier in Los Glaciares National Park and Mount Fitz Roy offer breathtaking views. Mendoza is renowned for its vineyards and the backdrop of Mount Aconcagua. Many routes pass through or near national parks like Nahuel Huapi, providing access to diverse ecosystems and natural wonders.

The best time for touring cycling in Argentina largely depends on the region you plan to visit. Patagonia is generally best explored during the warmer months from November to March (Austral summer). The central and Andean regions, like Mendoza and Córdoba, often have a pleasant Mediterranean climate, making spring (September-November) and autumn (March-May) ideal. The arid Northwest can be very hot in summer, so cooler seasons might be preferable for cycling there.

Yes, Argentina offers several easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners. For instance, the Costanera Vicente López – Riverside Rides loop from Martínez is an easy 16 km route. Another easy option is the Villa O'Higgins loop from Villa O'Higgins, which is just over 16 km. These routes typically have minimal elevation gain and are great for those new to touring cycling.

Absolutely. Argentina is an excellent destination for multi-day touring cycling adventures. The legendary Route 40, which follows the Andes from north to south, offers an extensive route for long-distance cyclists. The Andes themselves provide challenging multi-day tours crossing high passes. Support vehicles are often available for organized tours, allowing riders to cover daily distances of 32-64 km with varying elevation changes.