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Route:
Technical Characteristics:
Route Profile: Medium. Some cycling experience and good level of fitness is recommended. Most of the roads are in good condition, although there can occasionally be potholes and poorer conditions in some short sections. You should be prepared for some cycling on unpaved gravel/dirt roads. The Andes crossing day from Chile to Argentina is the toughest day of cycling on the tour as the stretches of unpaved road between the lakes involves a long climb up to the border crossing which is potentially on rough terrain depending on how the weather has been. Terrain and route: Approx. 75% tarmac, 25% unpaved roads. Some large elevation gains; mixed cycling terrain; variable weather conditions and some remote locations.
Total Distance: 389 km
Travel Season: Departures: March 5; October 15; November 19 and December 24, 2023
Accommodation:
We spend 12 nights in a range of hotels along the route. All rooms are en suite and breakfasts are included each day. Accommodation has been chosen to suit our group size and requirements. They are all cyclist friendly and strategically located for the best cycling route possible around the Lake District.
Discover a beautiful and fertile land at the northern gateway to Patagonia - a magical landscape filled with active volcanoes, turquoise rivers, gigantic lakes and ancient native forests. See Andean condors swooping down from the foothills of the cordillera as we cycle on some of the most scenic paved routes that South America has to offer. We'll gain a cultural insight into both Chile and Argentina, including the European influences and indigenous customs that have shaped the region. Cross the Andes twice in spectacular fashion on two wheels as part of an incredible 'once in a lifetime' journey!
Itineraries
Day 1
Start Puerto Varas
Meeting point is at the start hotel in Puerto Varas anytime in the afternoon/evening.
Day 2
Cycle around the edge of Lago Llanquihue to Frutillar 34 km
Our Lake District cycling adventure starts off today in scenic fashion as we navigate clockwise around the shore of Lago Llanquihue (the third biggest lake in South America) and stretch our legs for the more challenging days ahead. From the lakeside road we will enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes and Andean mountain range that lie just to the east. Volcanoes Osorno (2652m), Puntiagudo (2190m), Tronador (3451m), Puyehue (2240m) and Calbuco (2015m) are all visible on a clear day. We’ll cycle to the picturesque lakeside village of Frutillar, a German influenced settlement which is home to the modern 'Teatro del Lago' theatre. The ride ends here and after lunch we’ll transfer back to Puerto Varas.
Day 3
Ride from Puerto Varas to Petrohue; boat ride on the emerald waters of Todos los Santos Lake 60 km
We follow the shoreline of Lago Llanquihue once more today but in an easterly direction past Puerto Chico and Ensenada, straight towards the imposing Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes. Gateway to the Andean Lakes, our journey from here across the mountain range takes us in to more remote and spectacular environments. We cycle onwards, following the banks of the emerald coloured Rio Petrohue towards the 'Saltos de Petrohue' waterfalls. Upon reaching 'Lago Todos los Santos' we are greeted by a beautiful setting and we'll swap our mode of transport in order to board a catamaran ferry. Cruising across the lake is a wonderful and peaceful experience as we keep our eyes peeled for Andean condors flying overhead (journey time approx. 1.5/2 hours).
Day 4
Begin the Andes crossing to Argentina; lake crossing and some tough cycling sections to arrive at Puerto Blest 31 km
After breakfast we start cycling towards the Argentinian border which involves riding 20 kilometers with a steady incline before taking on a challenging climb (approximately 700 meters over 7.5 kilometers) to reach the frontier. There is then a short descent into Puerto Frias. Depending upon how the weather has been in the proceeding days, the unpaved mountain roads can either be well compacted or sometimes loose and dusty. The final leg of today’s iconic journey across the Andes is a short ferry crossing on Lago Frias followed by a 3 kilometer ride to your hotel in Puerto Blest.
Day 5
Ferry across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo; cycle to Bariloche 24 km
Puerto Blest is situated on the westernmost point of Lago Nahuel Huapi and from here we board a catamaran to take us to Puerto Pañuelo. Instead of cycling directly towards Bariloche, we will take a scenic route on a paved road that loops around via Punto Panoramico to enjoy an awe-inspiring view of the Argentinian Lake District. As we approach Bariloche we will board the bus for a short transfer (approximately 20 minutes), linking up with the lakeside main road.
Day 6
Free day; time to visit city of Bariloche and ascend the nearby viewpoint of Cerro Campanario
After several days of travelling, today is a free day allowing a well-earned chance to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings of the Lake District. You may wish to take a look around the centre of Bariloche, a ski and adventure sports hub with numerous chocolate shops. There are plenty of adventurous activities available should you wish to indulge, such as guided ‘stand up rafting’ on Rio Limay, or the opportunity to independently trek up to Refugio Frey and back again on the slopes of Cerro Catedral.
Day 7
Transfer to the Amphitheatre of the Lemay River passing the Enchanted Valley; cycle to Villa Traful 36 km
Departing Bariloche, we will have a short transfer (approximately 30 minutes) to the Amphitheatre viewpoint. Here we will unload the bikes and start cycling along the Limay River. We will cycle through the Enchanted Valley with amazing views of the surrounding rock formations, which have been eroded over time by the intense Patagonian weather. When we arrive at the Cuyin Manzano River, we will stop for a scenic picnic lunch prepared inside an old, converted school bus. Afterwards we have another short transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to the ‘Mirador del Viento’ viewpoint along a mountain road that transitions from the Patagonian Steppe into the Andean-Patagonian Forest. At the viewpoint, we will enjoy beautiful views of Traful Lake. From here we have the option to either cycle the last 6 kilometers (gravel downhill road), or we can jump back in the transfer vehicle to arrive at our destination for the night, Villa Traful.
Day 8
Short transfer to start point; cycle the ‘Camino de los Siete Lagos’ to San Martin de los Andes 63 km
Today we start the day with a transfer (approximately 50 minutes) to our starting point for another spectacular cycling route along the 'Camino de los Siete Lagos' (Seven Lakes Road). This is an incredibly scenic route that winds its way northwards past lakes and forests connecting the alpine towns of Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. Depending upon the exact start point, today involves us riding a total distance of around 63 kilometers through spectacular and rewarding landscapes. We will break the ride up with a stop for lunch and should therefore arrive in San Martin de los Andes in the afternoon. Entering the picturesque small town of San Martin de los Andes involves a wonderful approach along the shore of Lago Lacar.
Day 9
Transfer to the village of Alumine; cycle along the Alumine River to Villa Pehuenia 63 km
After breakfast, we take a transfer (approximately 2 hours) to Alumine village. From here we will start cycling along the Alumine River in what is known as ‘La Ruta del Pehuen’, which gets its name from the large number of monkey puzzle forests in the area. We will also pass many Mapuche houses and farms along this route. After lunch we will carry on cycling around Alumine Lake crossing three rivers until we arrive at the small village of Villa Pehuenia. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Posada La Escondida, located on the shores of Alumine Lake.
Day 10
Free day in Villa Pehuenia; optional ride to Batea Mahuida Volcano
Today is at leisure for you to choose from doing organized activities or having some time out. Your tour leader will be able to advise which local agencies to use depending on what you would like to do. For keen cyclists looking for a challenge, we can organize an optional day of cycling (34 kilometers) to the Batea Mahuida Volcano. This will also include a short trek to the summit which on a clear day offers breath-taking views of the surrounding volcanoes and lakes.
Day 11
Cycle to Icalma Village in Chile; short transfer to the China Meurta National Reserve; cycle the lunar landscape of Conguillio National Park 51 km
After breakfast we will say goodbye to Argentina and cross back into Chile via the Icalma International Pass. Once we clear immigration on the Chilean side, we will stop for lunch in Icalma Village. After a short transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to avoid a gravel road, we jump back on the bikes inside China Muerta National Reserve and cycle a 27 kilometer stretch of paved road towards Conguillio National Park. From the entrance we will take a short walk to the Truful Truful waterfall. Afterwards we will carry on cycling for 7 kilometers until we reach our accommodation for the night. The scenes that we encounter today are vastly different from the rest of the tour. Clouds rise up from surrounding valleys and quickly change form whilst passing over the volcanic lava. Llaima Volcano (3125 meters) dominates the skyline and we spend the night in a remote and charming eco-lodge. The property restricts energy use as part of its self-sufficiency, meaning that electricity and hot water are not available during the night.
Day 12
Ride through Conguillio National Park 27 km
It is our last day of cycling today as we continue riding further within Conguillio National Park and see several beautiful lagoons (Laguna Arco Iris, Laguna Verde) and Conguillo Lake. We will also visit the parks interpretation centre in order to find out about how the park was formed. (Please note that this may not be possible as sometimes the centre is closed during our visit). We will then walk for an hour through the native forest to see ancient monkey-puzzle trees. Tonight, will be the last evening all together with group and staff, so it is the perfect opportunity for a last meal and drinks to look back on what will have surely been a fantastic journey.
Day 13
Transfer to Temuco airport
Our adventure ends today with our transfer from Conguillio National Park to Temuco airport.
Prices
Included:
- 12 nights hotels all en suite
- All breakfasts, 9 lunches and 1 dinner included
- Tour leader throughout
- Local bike rental
Not Included:
- Travel insurance
- Airport transfers
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