Tierra del Fuego Cycling Tour and Southern Patagonia (El Calafate – Ushuaia)

The journey touches some of the most iconic and remote places in Southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Starting from El Calafate and the spectacular Los Glaciares National Park, home to the famous Perito Moreno Glacier, the route crosses into Chile to reach Puerto Natales and the world-renowned Torres del Paine National Park. From here, the road continues through Rio Verde and on to Punta Arenas, facing the legendary Strait of Magellan.
Once in Tierra del Fuego, highlights include Porvenir, Bahía Inútil, and the unique King Penguin Nature Reserve. The ride then passes through Cameron and Russfin, crossing the Bellavista Pass between Chile and Argentina. On the Argentine side, the itinerary includes Rio Grande, Tolhuin, Lake Yehuin, and the stunning lakes Fagnano and Escondido. The final stretch of this El Calafate to Ushuaia bike tour leads into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Garibaldi Pass, and ends in Ushuaia, the “city at the end of the world”, overlooking Bahía Lapataia and the Beagle Channel.

The total distance of this Patagonia cycling adventure is approximately 950 km, of which around 450 km are on gravel roads. The varied terrain offers an exciting mix of smooth asphalt sections and wilder, more adventurous dirt tracks, making the experience diverse and rewarding.

The complete itinerary covers 950 km (450 km of gravel roads), spread across 9 cycling days plus 2 rest days with optional excursions. The daily average is around 100 km, with several scheduled stops to eat, take photos, and regroup with the group.
The total positive elevation gain is approximately +6,200 m. While the wind in this region is often favorable, there will be stretches where it becomes a true challenge, adding character to the ride. The maximum altitude reached is 900 meters above sea level.
Weather conditions can change suddenly, with possible rain and temperature variations, so being properly equipped is essential. Throughout the trip, the support vehicle will always remain close to the cyclists, ensuring safety and assistance at all times.

Temperatures during this Patagonia cycling holiday range between 5 ºC and 25 ºC. Nights can be cold, so we recommend bringing a sleeping bag with a comfort rating below 0 ºC.
As in all of Patagonia, sudden weather changes and rain are possible, making it important to be ready with proper clothing and gear. The support van will accompany the group and remain available to help whenever needed.

For this adventure we recommend using a mountain bike or gravel bike, equipped with gravel tires (minimum 700x40) and a full mechanical check-up prior to departure. Each participant should carry a basic repair kit, including two inner tubes, allen keys, and a small inflator. Essential safety equipment includes a helmet and front and rear lights.
Hydration is fundamental: bring a water bottle or Camelbak-style hydration pack.
Bikes must be packed in fully collapsible cardboard boxes or soft travel bags. The boxes will be disposed of at the start, and a new one can be purchased in Ushuaia or at the end of the tour. Rigid or bulky boxes are not recommended, as they must be shipped separately from the starting point to the final destination.
Saddlebags are not necessary unless you wish to carry personal equipment such as a camera. A small handlebar bag or light backpack is sufficient to store a windbreaker, an energy bar, and your photo gear.

The program includes:
- All transfers in private vehicles, ensuring comfort and flexibility.
- Lunches and energy snacks (2–3 times daily) during the cycling stages, served in scenic spots along the way. Meals may include sandwiches, empanadas, cakes, fruit, natural energy bars, and hot or cold drinks. Water is always available during the rides.
- Dinners featuring the best regional specialties, offering a taste of Patagonian cuisine.
- Basic mechanical assistance throughout the trip and one spare bicycle per group in case of major breakdowns.

Minimum 5 people. Ability to do it with fewer people at a higher cost. For private travel, ask for a quote.

• The presence and experience of Mariano Lorefice and occasionally local guides. (Mariano was trained pedaling in Patagonia since 1986 and gladly shares the best of this land where he grew up).
• Support vehicle that will carry the luggage and will always be close to the cyclists, to assist and rescue them.
• All program transfers in private vehicles.
• 12 nights in hotels or other accommodation of a good standard.
• 7 dinners, tasting the best products of the región.
• All lunches and energy meals (2 or 3 times) during the days of pedaling, served in spectacular places along the way. They can consist of: sandwiches, cakes, empanadas, fruit, energy bars (natural) and hot or cold drinks. Water always available during the cycling stages
• Basic mechanical assistance and 1 spare bicycle (per group), in case of breakdown.
• Excursion to the Perito Moreno National Park and Torres del Paine.
• Boat to cross the Strait of Magellan.

• entrance fee to national parks
• meals and beverages at days off or leisure days. (those dinners mentioned as on your own)
• optional excursions and tours

• Head lamp or flash light with spare batteries
• Sunglasses
• towel
• Personal medication , Sunblock lotion and lipbalm
• 1 or 2 cycling shorts + leggings or long pants
• 1 or 2 short-sleeved t-shirts
• 1 long-sleeved shirt or extra sleeves
• Long-sleeved thermal shirt like the first skin
• Pile (Polar fleece)
• Down jacket
• 2 light socks and 1 warm pair
• winter gloves
• neck (buff) and warm hat
• cycling shoes or others
• Sandals or spare tennis shoes
• Waterproof clothing (ideally Goretex): jacket, pants, shoe covers, (every three/four days there will be the possibility to wash clothes)