Chile & Argentina
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Chile & Argentina
Trip Leaders
Upcoming Dates
- December 26, 2009 Sold Out
- January 17, 2010
- February 7, 2010
- March 21, 2010
- March 21, 2010
- October 31, 2010
- November 7, 2010
- December 26, 2010
Accommodations
Classic
Ability Level
Intermediate
Terrain
Rolling hill, pass over the Andes (day 3)
Distance
195 mi
Daily average 37 mi
Arriving
Puerto Montt
Departing
Temuco – Main Tour
Santiago – Santiago & Vinyeard Post Tour Extension
Price
- Jan: $4,195
- Feb, Nov: $3,995
- Mar, Oct: $3,795
- Dec 2010: $4,295
- Santiago & Vineyard Tour Extension: $1,195
Single Supplement
$800 Main Tour
$250 Santiago & Vinyeard Tour Extension
Bike Rental
Included! Scott Speedster S60
A Ride Full of Discovery through the Andes and the Route of the Seven Lakes
This tour is designed for small groups and space is VERY LIMITED.
Highlights
- Road cycling through the pristine landscapes of the Andes and the Seven Lakes Region, north of Patagonia
- Visits to five national parks with spectacular lake and volcano views
- Walk to Chile’s breathtaking Petrohue Falls
- Boat crossing of Pirehueico Lake
- Encounter with the region’s indigenous Mapuche indians and a visit to their museum
- This tour is fully inclusive of all accommodations in the highest quality, family-owned lodges and hotels, and includes all meals and snacks en route
- Don’t miss our 3-day Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour Extension, or our New Year’s Holiday departure!
As we continue to discover the best bike tour routes around the world, one of our first stops on the South American continent boasts just the right ingredients for a perfect new Ciclismo Classico tour. Often called the “Switzerland of South America”, this cycling tour through Chile and Argentina covers an unspoiled and often less-visited countryside just north of Patagonia.
The area’s landscape has been sculpted over millennia by glaciers and volcanoes and has created the backdrop for our riding – lush lands dotted with pristine lakes, coastal cities, ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, waterfalls and thermal springs.
By bike, you will explore the Andes, cruise across Pirehueico Lake and meet the largest group of indigenous people in the area. By foot, hike to spectacular falls and enjoy the area’s diverse ecosystems.
As always, a Ciclismo bike tour would not be complete without our expert local cycling guides, the amazing and hearty cuisine like carne asada accompanied by the area’s Malbec and other rich wines.
Note: This tour includes the use of our New 2009 Trek 1.5 road bicycles. Travelers may also bring their own bike. Call for bike specifications or for complete details about bringing your own bike.
Extend your stay with an optional 3-day Santiago and Chilean Vinyeard Tour. The tour includes a visit to Chile’s capital, sommelier lectures and three private winery visits and wine tastings in the Colchagua Valley, recently named by Travel & Leisure as one of the up-and-coming destinations for the 21st century.
Itinerary
Day 1—2 – Temuco
We meet at the Temuco airport for a short drive to Pucon, the capital city of adventure tourism. In the evening, we have a bike fitting, orientation, and a delicious welcome dinner. On Day 2, cycle from Pucon to Curarrehue, a small village on the Argentine border. In Curarrehue, visit the local museum to learn about the Mapuche, the area’s indigenous peoples, and then meet some of locals at the market!
Day 3 – Villarrica, Panguipulli, & 7 Lakes Ride
Today we will be able to experience active volcanoes! Cycle on a quiet road alongside the Lakes Panguipulli, Calafquen, and Villarrica – a truly pastoral delight with views of farms and green meadows.
Day 4 – Lake Pirehueico Crossing - Rest Day
Say goodbye to Chile and head for Argentina. After breakfast, we’ll board a ferry in Puerto Fuy that will take us across Lake Pirehueico in about an hour.
Day 5 – San Martin de los Andes and 7 Lakes Ride
Today we ride the “Route of the Seven Lakes,” one of our tour highlights that is famous throughout South America. Our route connects Lakes Lacar, Espejo, Correntoso, Escondido, Villarino, Falkner, and Machonico. Take in the pristine beauty of these impressive lakes – natural wonders that have taken millions of years to evolve into what you see today!
Day 6—7 – Puyehue National Park & Puerto Varas
The cycling on Day 6 consists of a good rolling climbs and then a thrilling descent to Chile; shortly after leaving the hotel we will be negotiating the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range. Day 7, we will drive to the placid shores of Lake Llanquihue near the Osorno Volcano. Cycling along the lake, there is a snow-capped volcano; its spectacular views tantalize us throughout the day.
Day 8 – Adios! Or Join the Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour Extension
After breakfast, we offer a shuttle to the Puerto Montt Airport for flights back to Santiago.
Want to stay a few more days? Fly to Santiago to join our Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour extension, beginning with an introduction to Chilean wines by our sommelier.
Day 9—10 – Chilean Vineyard Tour
Colchagua Valley Vinyeard Visits Explore the cellars of two renowned, family-owned vineyards, explore the cellars and see the crop up close via horse-drawn carriage. Tastings of a few reserve wines, of course! Day 10, explore Santa Cruz village before a visit to the avant-garde Viña Estampa winery. Finish up just in time to catch our shuttle to the Santiago airport to catch your flight home.
Extension Price: $1,195 per person, minimum 6 participants. Includes all accommodations, ground transfers, three private winery visits with wine tastings, 3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, guide services.