Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Itinerary

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Day 1: Start Puerto Varas
Our journey begins in Puerto Varas, nicknamed the City of Roses. We’ll gather at the hotel for the first time this evening, enjoying a welcome briefing with our tour leader: an excellent chance to get to know your fellow travellers. There’s no cycling today, so take time to rest your legs before our two-wheel adventure begins in earnest tomorrow. Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)
Day 2: Cycle around the edge of Lago Llanquihue to Frutillar
Our Lake District cycling adventure starts in scenic fashion as we navigate 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 enjoy spectacular views of the volcanoes and the Andean range that lie to the east. Volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo, Tronador, Puyehue and Calbuco are all visible on a clear day. We’ll cycle to the lakeside village of Frutillar, a German-influenced settlement home to the modern Teatro del Lago theatre. The ride ends here; after lunch we’ll transfer back to Puerto Varas. Today's ride will be mostly paved: 18.6mi (30km) paved and 2.5mi (4km) unpaved. Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)
Day 3: Cycle from Puerto Varas to Petrohue; boat ride on the emerald waters of Todos los Santos Lake
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. Our journey from here across the mountain range takes us into 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 view and we'll swap our mode of transport and board a private catamaran ferry. Cruising across the lake is a peaceful experience as we keep our eyes peeled for Andean condors overhead (journey time approximately 1hr 30min to two hours). Today’s ride will all be paved. It will consist of approximately 28mi (45km) on flat terrain and a climb for the last 9.3mi (15km). Accommodation: Hotel Natura (or similar)
Day 4: Begin the Andes crossing to Argentina; lake crossing and some tough cycling sections to arrive at Puerto Blest
After breakfast, we start cycling towards the Argentinian border, which involves riding 12.4mi (20km) with a steady incline before a challenging climb (approximately 2,297ft/700m over 4.7mi/7.5km) to reach the frontier. There is then a short descent into Puerto Frias. Depending on 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 unforgettable journey across the Andes is a short ferry crossing on Lago Frias followed by a 1.9mi (3km) ride to your hotel in Puerto Blest. Today is the most challenging day with 19.3mi (31km) unpaved. The border crossing involves a long steep climb on gravel followed by a fast downhill. Accommodation: Hotel Puerto Blest (or similar)
Day 5: Ferry across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Panuelo; cycle to Bariloche
Puerto Blest is on the westernmost point of Lago Nahuel Huapi and from here we board a catamaran to Puerto Pañuelo. Instead of cycling directly towards Bariloche, we take a scenic route on a paved road that loops via Punto Panoramico, a viewpoint with panoramas of the Argentinian Lake District. As we approach Bariloche, we board the bus for a transfer (approximately 20 minutes), linking up with the lakeside main road. Today’s ride will be 9.3mi (15km) paved and 5.6mi (9km) unpaved. Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & SPA (or similar)
Day 6: Free day; explore Bariloche and ascend the nearby viewpoint of Cerro Campanario
After several days of travelling, today is a free day allowing a chance to relax. You may wish to look around the centre of Bariloche, a hub for ski and adventure sports with numerous chocolate shops. There are plenty of adventurous activities available, such as guided stand-up rafting on Rio Limay or an independent trek up Mount Campanario to enjoy beautiful views from the summit. Accommodation: Alma del Lago Suites & SPA (or similar)
Day 7: Transfer to the Limay River; pass through the Enchanted Valley; cycle to Villa Traful
Departing Bariloche, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to Villa Llanquín. Here, we unload the bikes and start cycling along the Limay River. We ride through the Enchanted Valley with amazing views of rocks eroded by the intense Patagonian weather. When we arrive at the Minero river, we stop for a scenic picnic lunch prepared inside a converted school bus. Afterwards, we cycle 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 enjoy beautiful views of Traful Lake. From here, we cycle the last 4mi (6km) downhill (half gravel, half paved) to arrive at our destination for the night, Villa Traful. Today’s ride will be 13.7mi (22km) paved and 22.4mi (36km) unpaved gravel and a final 1.8mi (3km) paved downhill road. Accommodation: Hotel Alto Traful (or similar)
Day 8: Short transfer to start point; cycle the Camino de los Siete Lagos to San Martin de los Andes
We begin 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 a scenic route that winds 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 around 39.1mi (63km) through spectacular and rewarding landscapes. We will break up the ride with a lunch stop and should therefore arrive in San Martin de los Andes in the afternoon. Entering the picturesque small town involves a wonderful approach along the shore of Lago Lacar. Today will be all paved and 39mi (63km) in total; the last 10.6mi (17km) is a fast downhill section. Accommodation: Hosteria Monte Verde (or similar)
Day 9: Transfer to Alumine village; cycle along the Alumine River to Villa Pehuenia
After breakfast, we take a transfer (approximately two hours) to Alumine village. From here, we will start cycling alongside the Alumine River in what is known as La Ruta del Pehuen, named for the monkey puzzle forests in the area. We also pass many Mapuche houses and farms. After lunch, we 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, on the shores of Alumine Lake. Today’s ride will be 24.9mi (40km) paved and 14.3mi (23km) unpaved gravel. Accommodation: Posada La Escondida (or similar)
Day 10: Free day in Villa Pehuenia
Today is at leisure for you to choose from doing organised activities or resting. Your tour leader can advise which local agencies to use depending on what you would like to do. Options include a popular kayak excursion on the crystalline waters of Lake Moquehue. Or take a 4x4 up Batea Mahuida Volcano and enjoy the mountain views on a short hike to the crater lagoon. Accommodation: Posada La Escondida (or similar)
Day 11: Cycle to Icalma Village in Chile; short transfer to China Muerta National Reserve; cycle the lunar landscape of Conguillio National Park
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Argentina and cross back into Chile via the Icalma International Pass. Once we clear immigration, we stop for lunch in Icalma Village. After a transfer (approximately 40 minutes) to avoid a gravel road, we jump back on the bikes inside China Muerta National Reserve and cycle a 16.8mi (27km) stretch of paved road towards Conguillio National Park. From the entrance, we take a short walk to Truful Truful waterfall. After, we cycle for 4.3mi (7km) until we reach our accommodation. The scenes we encounter today are vastly different from the rest of the tour. Clouds rise from surrounding valleys and quickly change form while passing over the volcanic lava. Llaima Volcano (10,253ft/3,125m) dominates the skyline and we spend the night in a remote ecolodge. The property restricts energy use as part of its self-sufficiency, meaning electricity and hot water are not available during the night. Today’s ride will be 26.1mi (42km) paved and 5.6mi (9km) unpaved gravel. Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)
Day 12: Ride through Conguillio National Park
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 Conguillio Lake. We will also visit the interpretation centre to learn more about the formation of the park. (Please note, the centre is sometimes closed during our visit). We then walk for an hour through native forest to see ancient monkey puzzle trees. Tonight will be the last evening together with group and staff; the perfect opportunity to look back over the fantastic journey while enjoying a meal and drinks. Today will be a loop ride of 16.8mi (27km), all on unpaved gravel. The way out will be mostly uphill and the return will be mostly downhill. Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)
Day 13: End Temuco Airport
Our adventure ends with a transfer from Conguillio National Park to Temuco airport. This transfer is timed to coincide with a chosen route to London, UK, via Santiago. Customers not taking this chosen route are welcome to join the transfer, although we recommend checking the timings with your sales representative before making your travel arrangements.

Important Information

The trip destination

12 nights in hotels, all en suite
Nine days cycling with full vehicle support
74 percent paved, 26 percent unpaved tracks
Routes mainly follow quiet roads
E-bikes available for an additional cost

Food

All breakfasts, nine lunches and one dinner included. Hotel breakfasts are normally buffet-style, and lunches will either be at convenient restaurant stops during our rides or packed lunches. There is a variety of good-quality food in the hotels and local restaurants for the evening meals not included in the price of the trip. Chile and Argentina traditionally have a lot of meat dishes in their cuisine; however, vegetarians and vegans can be well catered for on this holiday. Please inform us before departure of any dietary requests so our local team can be well prepared.

Weather

Departures are organised to take place between October and March to take advantage of the longer, warmer days of summer. During these months, temperatures in Santiago de Chile exceed 30C (86F), while in Puerto Montt and the Lake District region they are more likely to be around 20C (68F). The weather in this part of the world is very changeable and you should come prepared for some rain showers.

Is this trip for you?

This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate/Challenging).

Average daily distance: 25mi (40km)

Number of cycling days: Nine

Vehicle support: 100 percent

Total distance covered: Approximately 242mi (389km)

Some cycling experience and good fitness levels are recommended

Please note: Between Peulla and Puerto Blest, there is a section of the ride where our vehicle cannot take the same route; however, vehicle access is possible in an emergency.

Terrain and route

Approximately 72 percent paved, 28 percent unpaved roads

Some large elevation gains

Mixed cycling terrain

Variable weather conditions

Some remote locations

Most of the roads are in good condition, although there are occasional potholes and poorer conditions in some short sections. Come prepared to cycle on unpaved gravel/dirt roads.

The Andes crossing day from Chile to Argentina is the toughest cycling day on the tour as the unpaved road between the lakes involves a long climb up to the border crossing, which is potentially on rough terrain depending on recent weather.

The roads are generally free of heavy traffic until we reach towns, where we are more likely to encounter other vehicles. The traffic there will be worse during high seasons.

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	Single room supplement	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 13 Oct 2024 / Fri, 25 Oct 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 10 470	Available
Sun, 03 Nov 2024 / Fri, 15 Nov 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 10 470	Available
Sun, 17 Nov 2024 / Fri, 29 Nov 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 10 470	Available
Sun, 01 Dec 2024 / Fri, 13 Dec 2024	NOK 52 340	On request	NOK 10 470	Available
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 / Fri, 03 Jan 2025	NOK 52 355	On request	NOK 10 470	Available

AVAILABLE DATES	PRICE (1 ADULT)	PRICE (1 CHILDREN)	SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENT	TRAVEL STATUS
Sun, 13 Oct 2024 / Fri, 25 Oct 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 10 470	On request
Sun, 03 Nov 2024 / Fri, 15 Nov 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 10 470	On request
Sun, 17 Nov 2024 / Fri, 29 Nov 2024	NOK 52 325	On request	NOK 10 470	On request
Sun, 01 Dec 2024 / Fri, 13 Dec 2024	NOK 52 340	On request	NOK 10 470	On request
Sun, 22 Dec 2024 / Fri, 03 Jan 2025	NOK 52 355	On request	NOK 10 470	On request

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Overview

Itinerary

Photos

Important Information

Prices / Dates