To mark its 30th anniversary in autumn 2025, independent cycling holiday company Saddle Skedaddle has spotlighted a range of ‘Skedaddle classics’ – trips that have shaped the company over the past three decades and gone on to become firm favourites.
Holidays include a guided cycling adventure holiday through the Chile and Argentina Lake District (the first destination Saddle Skedaddle visited in 1995); a guided coast to coast mountain bike holiday in Sardinia (Saddle Skedaddle’s first destination in Italy); and a guided road cycling holiday from Bilbao to Barcelona (the company’s most popular road cycling holiday in Spain).
Here we take a look at the guided cycling adventure holiday through the Chile and Argentina Lake District…
Cycling in the Chile and Argentina Lake District
It was on a cycling holiday in Chile in 1994 that Saddle Skedaddle co-founders, Paul Snedker and Andrew Straw, first had the idea to launch a cycling holiday company. Chile was also the first destination Saddle Skedaddle visited as a new independent cycling holiday company, and 30 years on, it remains one of Saddle Skedaddle’s classic holiday destinations.
Saddle Skedaddle’s 13-day, guided cycling adventure holiday in the Chile and Argentina Lake District showcases the awe-inspiring landscapes and world-class riding that inspired the creation of the company. Set against the backdrop of the awesome Andes, the 280-mile route heads through a landscape of snowcapped volcanoes, deep valleys, lakes and monkey puzzle tree forests.
After a short ferry transfer to Caleta Puelche, it’s onto the bikes and along an unsurfaced track hugging the Estuario de Reloncavi to Puelo. The impressive Volcan Osorno (2660m) comes into view enroute to Chile’s first National Park – Parque National Vincente Pérez Rosales – which was established in 1926.
The mountain pass of Paso Cardenal Samore marks the crossing point into Argentina by bike. There’s then a downhill ride to Lake Nahuel Haupi, with its Alpine-style architecture and backdrop of snow-capped peaks and the crystal clear waters.
The journey through Argentina includes a picturesque ride along the Curcuito Chico loop; a gravel and earth track section through Valle Encantado with its rock formations and backdrop of snow-capped mountains; and some spectacular cycling on the Ruta de Siete Lagos (the Seven Lakes Route).
After a rest stop in the town of San Martin it’s back into Chile for the final few days of riding. The town of Pucón provides the options to explore the countryside by bike, take to the water for some white water rafting, or join a guided climb up Volcan Villarica. Parque Conguillio national park provides one of the highlights of the trip, one of South America’s most active volcanoes – Volcan Llaima. The woodland landscape quickly transforms into a barren and ash landscape, showcasing the solidified lava flow from previous eruptions.
After emerging back into the untouched forests of beach and araucaria, Lago Verde and Lago Conguillio lead the way to the town of Curacutin – the final stop on the trip.
Accommodation during this trip is in a combination of hotels, lodges, and cabañas.
About the trip
- Dates: 9-21 November and 7-19 December 2025, and 11-23 January, 11-23 October, 22 November-4 December, and 21 December to 2 January 2026
- Price: From £3,995pp. Price includes accommodation (half board), full tour service (including guide, support vehicle, and luggage transfer), entrance fees to National Parks, and airport transfers. British Airways and LATAM fly from London Heathrow to Puerto Montt (via Santiago) on the outbound. LATAM and British Airways fly from Temuco (via Santiago and Madrid) to London Heathrow on the return leg. Approx flight price: £1,000pp. Bike hire £400pp.
- How to book: skedaddle.com
For more information about cycling holidays with Saddle Skedaddle see skedaddle.com