LAKES & VOLCANOES FLY&RIDE • OCT 6–12, 2026
Lakes & Volcanoes Fly&Ride 2026 — Northern Patagonia in 7 Days
Fly into San Martín de los Andes, ride a UpSerra BMW R1300GS through Argentina & Chile lakes, volcanoes and Andean passes.
1,340 km · 2 countries · Moderate level.
Northern Patagonia, without the long pampas grind. Fly directly into San Martín de los Andes in northwest Argentina — a UpSerra-prepared BMW R1300GS is waiting at the hotel. Seven days through one of the most concentrated lake-and-volcano regions on Earth: the famous Seven Lakes Route, the Lanín Volcano rising over the Argentina-Chile border, Pucón and the active Villarrica, the iconic conical Osorno, the turquoise rapids of Saltos del Petrohué, and Bariloche to close.
1,340 km, two countries, two Andean crossings (Paso Mamuil Malal on the way in, Paso Cardenal Samoré on the way back). Moderate pace, ~190 km daily average, time to stop and absorb. Full UpSerra logistics: hotels, support vehicle, bilingual tour leader, professional photo coverage. The BMW R1300GS is included.
It’s the entry tour to Patagonia for international riders short on time. No 4 days of Brazilian/Argentinian pampas to get there. You arrive, you ride volcanic landscapes, you see seven lakes, you fly home from Bariloche.
IN MOTION
Lakes and volcanoes in motion
Footage from the previous Northern Patagonia edition. Landscapes, the bike, the rhythm — exactly what’s waiting for you in October.
More videos on @upserra YouTube channel →
THE ROUTE
San Martín → Pucón → Puerto Varas → Bariloche
Day-by-day itinerary
DAY 01 · TUE OCT 6 · SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES
Arrival in San Martín de los Andes
You land at Chapelco (CPC, San Martín) or Bariloche (BRC) and the UpSerra team welcomes you. Transfer to the hotel by Lago Lácar, on the Seven Lakes Route. Technical briefing, BMW R1300GS handover, equipment check. Welcome dinner with the group.
DAY 02 · WED OCT 7 · 100 KM · 7 LAKES ROUTE
San Martín → San Martín (Seven Lakes loop)
First riding day to get acclimated on the bike and the region’s scenic roads. Loop along the famous Ruta de los 7 Lagos — the most cinematic Andean lake views in Argentina: Lago Lácar, Lago Machónico, Lago Falkner, Lago Villarino, Lago Espejo, Lago Correntoso, Lago Nahuel Huapi. Return to San Martín for a second night at the same hotel.
DAY 03 · THU OCT 8 · 180 KM · LANÍN VOLCANO
San Martín → Pucón (Chile)
Cross the Andes into Chile via Paso Mamuil Malal, riding past the imposing Lanín Volcano (12,372 ft / 3,776 m) — perfect snow-capped cone. Spectacular landscapes of araucaria forests and lakes. Arrival in vibrant Pucón, lakeside town on Lago Villarrica with a view of the still-active Villarrica volcano.
DAY 04 · FRI OCT 9 · 400 KM · OSORNO VOLCANO
Pucón → Puerto Varas
Long scenic ride south through Chilean lake district, crossing villages and volcanoes. Lunch at Frutillar with a privileged view of the Osorno Volcano (perfect cone reflected in Lago Llanquihue) — village colonized by Germans in the 19th century, with preserved Germanic gastronomy. Arrival in Puerto Varas in the late afternoon.
DAY 05 · SAT OCT 10 · 200 KM · PETROHUÉ
Puerto Varas day loop
Loop ride to Saltos del Petrohué — turquoise glacial rapids cascading over volcanic rock with Osorno towering behind. Visit Lago Todos los Santos, one of the deepest, clearest lakes in Chile, in the Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park. Scenic roads around the lake. Second night in Puerto Varas.
DAY 06 · SUN OCT 11 · 360 KM · PASO CARDENAL SAMORÉ
Puerto Varas → Bariloche
Cross back into Argentina via Paso Cardenal Samoré, traversing wild Northern Patagonian landscapes. Stop at the charming Villa La Angostura on Lago Nahuel Huapi (alpine chalets in the middle of the forest), and arrival in lovely San Carlos de Bariloche, the tourism capital of Argentinian Patagonia.
DAY 07 · MON OCT 12 · 100 KM · CIRCUITO CHICO · FINISH
Bariloche · Circuito Chico · finish
Closing on a high note with one of the most beautiful loops of the trip: the Circuito Chico within Nahuel Huapi National Park. Cerro Campanario viewpoint, Llao Llao hotel, Punto Panorámico, bridge over Lago Moreno. Lunch at one of the local chocolate restaurants. Bike returned at the end of the afternoon. Farewell dinner. Flight home from Bariloche (BRC) the next day.
EXPEDITION MEMORIES
Northern Patagonia in pictures
Photos from previous editions in the lakes and volcanoes — to give you a sense of what’s waiting in October.
More on Instagram @upserra_ →
FLY&RIDE FORMAT
Patagonia, without the long crossing
It’s the most compact Fly&Ride on the UpSerra calendar. Instead of leaving Urubici and crossing 4,000 km / 2,485 mi of pampas to reach Patagonia, you fly directly into Bariloche or to Chapelco airport in San Martín de los Andes and the UpSerra-prepared BMW R1300GS is at the hotel. Seven days that begin where the landscape gets interesting.
The route crosses the Andes twice at two different AR↔CL borders: Paso Mamuil Malal (into Chile via the Lanín Volcano region) and Paso Cardenal Samoré (back into Argentina via Villa La Angostura). In between, two days in Puerto Varas with the Osorno Volcano and Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, and two days in Bariloche with Circuito Chico and Nahuel Huapi. Moderate level, ~190 km / 118 mi daily average.
No vehicle paperwork or border permits to chase. The bike is UpSerra’s — you only need your passport and a valid Class A motorcycle license.
What’s Included
- BMW R1300GS prepared by UpSerra (always included in this tour)
- UpSerra bilingual tour leader (PT / EN) for all 7 days
- Mechanical support vehicle (does not carry luggage)
- 6 nights of selected accommodation
- Technical briefing in San Martín + bike handover
- Professional photo and video coverage
- Complete planning of route, refueling, and logistics
- Pre-trip support (documentation, equipment, flights)
Not Included
- International flight to San Martín (CPC) or Bariloche (BRC)
- Motorcycle fuel during the tour
- Meals (breakfast included at hotels — high-quality Patagonian gastronomy elsewhere)
- Mandatory international travel insurance
- Optional excursions (Cerro Campanario chairlift, Osorno Volcano hike, Lago Todos los Santos boat trip)
- Personal expenses
In Puerto Varas and Bariloche, optional excursions (Cerro Campanario, Osorno Volcano hike, Lago Todos los Santos navigation) are operated by local agencies and paid directly. UpSerra guides you to the best options for your profile each day.
Requirements
Documentation (international riders)
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond return date
- Visa requirements: US/Canadian/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens enter Argentina and Chile visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days)
- Motorcycle license (Class A or equivalent) — IDP recommended (issued by AAA in the US, AA in UK)
- Mandatory international travel insurance with motorcycle riding coverage and medical evacuation
- Round-trip international flight to San Martín (CPC) or Bariloche (BRC), arriving by Oct 6 and departing on or after Oct 13
Since the bike is UpSerra’s, no vehicle registration, ownership letter or Carta Verde insurance is required — all BMW documentation and AR↔CL border crossings are handled by the team.
Other requirements
- Moderate level — confident heavy-bike rider on twisties. 99% paved roads, with continuous Andean curves and wind
- Heavy-bike experience (700cc+) with comfort on mountain roads — Andean lake region has winding routes with occasional gravel sections
- Spring/all-weather gear: insulated jacket, balaclava, gloves, rain shell mandatory. October in Northern Patagonia ranges 5–18°C / 41–64°F with wind on the cordillera and possible rain
- Vaccinations: none mandatory for AR/CL entry
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Reserve your spot — Lakes & Volcanoes Fly&Ride October 2026
Leave your details and our team will reach out on WhatsApp within 24 hours.
After submitting, our team will contact you on WhatsApp within 24 hours to confirm booking and payment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly into San Martín (CPC) or Bariloche (BRC)?
Both work. Bariloche (BRC) has more direct flights and easier connections from Buenos Aires (AEP). San Martín de los Andes (CPC, Chapelco) is closer to Day 1’s hotel but smaller. UpSerra recommends BRC for international riders and arranges transfer to San Martín. Tour ends in Bariloche on Day 7, so departing flights from BRC.
How is Fly&Ride different from a full tour?
You fly directly to Patagonia instead of riding from Brazil. Saves 4–5 days of long crossings. UpSerra has the BMW R1300GS waiting at the hotel. Best option for international riders short on time.
How does this compare to other Patagonia tours?
This is northern Patagonia (lakes & volcanoes). For southern Patagonia (Ushuaia, Torres del Paine), see Ushuaia Fly&Ride. For the deep south crossing, see Carretera Austral Full Tour or Expedition Ushuaia.
Do I need a visa for Argentina/Chile?
US/CA/UK/EU/AU/NZ citizens: visa-free for tourism (up to 90 days).
Is my motorcycle license valid?
Yes — home country motorcycle license accepted. International Driving Permit (IDP) recommended.
What’s the weather in October?
Early Patagonian spring. 5–18°C / 41–64°F. Variable — sunny mornings, rainy afternoons, snow possible at high passes. Layered all-weather gear with rain shell mandatory.
How tough is the tour?
Moderate. Continuous twisties through Andean passes — riders need confidence on heavy-bike curves. 99% paved. Two border crossings (Argentina–Chile via Mamuil Malal, Chile–Argentina via Cardenal Samoré).
How do I pay? What’s the deposit?
10% deposit at booking. Balance via international wire transfer in USD or credit card. The team contacts you on WhatsApp within 24 hours.
Pricing
Per person, in USD. BMW R1300GS rental and full UpSerra logistics always included.
| Package | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Rider — Twin Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 5,500 |
| Rider — Single Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 6,500 |
| Couple — Double Room (BMW R1300GS included) | USD 7,000 |
Payment terms: 10% deposit at booking confirms your spot. Balance via international wire transfer (USD) or credit card. Talk to the UpSerra team on WhatsApp.
Limited spots.
Small group to preserve pace and full attention from the team.
Reserve your spot directly with our team.
“More than roads, we live experiences. More than destinations, we build friendships.”
@UPSERRA_ · OFFICIAL BMW MOTORRAD PARTNER