Cycling around Capilla del Señor Cardales Pilar and surrounding rural areas

We start our cycle in Capilla del Señor beginning in the Provincial Road number 39. In the roundabout, we keep straight, to see after some 500 yards (or even less) a rural road to our left hand side.

We turn left and start cycling on a dirt road that take us through agricultural fields, and country houses. This road tends to be generally in good shape, unless it had rained the days before, which tends to be a bit too muddy.

We keep going, and after we cross a railway track we find a road on our right hand side away 1km from the tracks that will take us to Cardales.

In Cardales, we take Belgrano Road, towards the south east, when this diverts, we take left to another dirt road, that will take us to the main road through the Industrial Park. This road tends to be a Little bit busy during working days, but would turn quiet on Sundays.

Once we reach the National Route 8 (already in Pilar) we keep straight and turn left onto the Avenida Lopez. 5 minutes later we turn right on a main crossing that will take us to Pilar Railway Station.

Cycling through the rural and semi-rural areas connecting Capilla del Señor, Los Cardales, and Pilar (along with neighboring spots like Fátima, Manzanares, and Parada Robles) offers some of the best classic weekend cycling terrain in the northern Buenos Aires province.

The region combines quiet paved secondary roads, historic railway lines, and hard-packed dirt or gravel agricultural paths (caminos rurales), making it a favorite hub for gravel grinders, road cyclists, and touring enthusiasts alike.

Key Characteristics of the Area

• Terrain: Mostly flat, open pampas landscapes with occasional gentle undulations. Wind can often be a major factor depending on the direction of your loop.

• Road Types: A mix of low-traffic asphalt lanes, smooth gravel/caliche, and dirt tracks (huellas) that can require wider tires (32mm+ or gravel/MTB setup) if there has been recent rain.

• Scenery: Historic estancias, polo fields, small agricultural patches, old railway stations (like Manzanares or Los Cardales), and traditional country almacenes where you can stop for a rest or a snack.

Popular Route Ideas

1. The Classic Triangle (Pilar – Cardales – Capilla del Señor): A broader regional loop often executed by combining stretches of provincial routes, local paved connectors, and low-traffic municipal dirt roads. Total distances for a full loop usually range from 45 km to over 90 km depending on whether you start directly from Pilar/Fátima or weave deeply into the Exaltación de la Cruz rural grid.

2. Los Cardales – Fátima – Manzanares Loop: A popular mixed-surface route (roughly 45 km) that hugs old railway paths, crosses near industrial/semi-rural boundaries, and loops through peaceful tree-lined dirt tracks. It features quiet rural segments interspersed with brief touches of paved access roads.

3. Capilla del Señor to Parada Robles / Solís: Heading north and west out of Capilla del Señor towards Route 192 or towards San Andrés de Giles opens up even more remote agricultural fields with exceptionally light vehicle traffic.

Practical Tips for Riding Here

• Bike Choice: A gravel bike or an all-terrain setup is ideal. While you can stick strictly to asphalt (using routes like parts of Ruta 6 or local paved connectors), the real charm of this zone lies in exploring the dirt grid (los caminos de tierra), which can turn challenging if muddy after a storm.

• Logistics: Many cyclists take the Mitre train line (Victoria–Capilla del Señor branch) or drive out to a secure starting point like Pilar, Fátima, or Los Cardales to begin their rides.

• Support & Stops: While towns like Capilla del Señor and Los Cardales have plenty of grocery stores, bakeries, and cafes, the rural stretches between them are entirely agricultural. Always carry enough water, hydration, and basic flat-tire repair kits.