The northern region of Neuquén province is where the Patagonian landscape begins to fade and starts to make way for those of the Cuyo region. Here you will find wide valleys, peaks over 3500-meter high, and rivers of meltwater that bring life to the most remote corners. All these features make this program a real adventure on wheels, not to be missed by bike lovers
The Highlights
- Experience the warmth of the fire under millions of stars every night.
- Cycle through great glacial valleys, nowadays covered by green vegetation.
- Cross the river by bike, ride without paths or trails to follow, and relax in natural hot springs.
Itinerary
Day Before
Meeting in Varvarco.
Setting up the bikes and equipment before the adventure.
Day 1 | Varvarco - Los Bolillos - Aguas Calientes
Our tour begins from the guest house towards the north, the Domuyo Volcano always in sight. The difficulty of today’s route lies in two large mountain valleys. These breathtaking and spectacular valleys almost sum up the entire grade of day.
Before reaching the first mountain valley we will detour for about 10 km to visit an interesting rock formation called Los Bolillos. 5 km after the last valley we will reach Aguas Calientes, our stop for the night.
Day 2 | Aguas Calientes - Lake Varvarco
Tapia
Today we will skirt the Varvarco River to its source, an alpine lake. We will follow a rural path, with stunning views and long gravel descents more than 10 km long.
Our camping site is located on the shores of Lake Varvarco Tapia, populated by pink flamingos and surrounded by peaks higher than 3500 m.
Day 3 | Laguna Varvarco Tapia – Campos – Manzano Amargo
The place is breathtaking, and getting here requires a great deal of effort.
The goal for this day is to travel along part of Provincial Route 53, which runs north, and visit the vast Varvarco Campos Lagoon, while always maintaining an altitude close to 2,000 meters above sea level. In the afternoon, we will descend through the valley where the Neuquén River originates, until we reach our hotel in the small village of Manzano Amargo.
Day 4 | Manzano Amargo – Las Ovejas – Huinganco
We continue descending through the valley of the Neuquén River, passing by small villages dedicated to goat farming, slowly getting used to a bit of civilization.
Once on the main road, we continue south through Las Ovejas and finally arrive at our next hotel in the village of Huinganco.
Day 5 | Varvarco – Butalón – Huinganco
Our last day of riding will be truly incredible.
We’ll start early, after a hearty breakfast, following the Neuquén River as we head into a mountain trail that will take us northward the entire time.
The route will be demanding, with many climbs and descents, but the spectacular scenery will make every bit of effort worthwhile. We’ll pass by local ranches and tiny villages with no more than 10 houses.
By the end of the day, we’ll arrive back in Varvarco (where the vehicles are), where we’ll spend the night and enjoy our farewell dinner.
Trip summary
| Distance | Elev. Gain | Paviment | Gravel | Lodging | |
| Day 1 | 57 km | 1600 mts | 0 km | 57 km | Camp |
| Day 2 | 44 km | 850 mts | 0 km | 44 km | Camp |
| Day 3 | 67 km | 670 mts | 0 km | 67 km | Hotel |
| Day 4 | 73 km | 1100 mts | 0 km | 73 km | Hotel |
| Day 5 | 52 km | 950 mts | 0 km | 52 km | Hotel |
