Chile and Argentina - NEW!
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Chile & Argentina
Upcoming Dates
- December 27, 2008
- January 17, 2009
- February 14, 2009
- March 7, 2009
- November 21, 2009
- December 27, 2009
Accommodations
Classic
Ability Level
Intermediate
Terrain
Rolling
Distance
182 mi
Daily average 37 mi
Arriving
Puerto Montt
Departing
Temuco – Main Tour
Santiago – Santiago & Vinyeard Tour Extension
Price
- $3,795-3/7/09
- $3,995-11/15/08,2/14/09,11/21/09
- $4,195-12/27/08,1/17/09
- $4,295-12/26/09
Bike Rental
Included! Scott Speedster S60
A Ride Full of Discovery through the Andes and the Route of the Seven Lakes
Brand new for the 2008-2009 season! This tour is designed for small groups and space is VERY LIMITED. Reserve your spot today!
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
- Hike to Chile’s breathtaking Petrohue Falls
- Boat crossing of Pirehueico Lake
- Encounter with the region’s indigenous Mapuche people 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 Kona 7005 aluminum hybrid 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 – Puerto Montt / Puerto Varas
From Puerto Montt airport, take our short group shuttle to Puerto Varas. After settling in and freshening up, we will meet for our orientation, bike fitting, and a tasty welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Vicente Perez Rosales National Park
Spin along the shores of the tranquil Lake Llanquihue (pronounced yahn-KEE-way) after a morning transfer, where the snow-capped Osorno Volcano comes into view. Once in the national park, we will take a short hike to the roaring Petrohue Falls.
Day 3—4 – Argentina
Lush forest, rolling hills, lakeside beaches, and the majestic Andes Mountains are the setting for today’s ride. As we enter the Andes range, the Puyehue National Park will be our point of entry into Argentina, where our countryside hotel awaits. Day 4, pedal through the Andean Patagonian forest toward San Martin de Los Andes on the Route of the Seven Lakes, that connects these seven bodies of water that have taken millions of years to achieve their current beautiful form.
Day 5 – Lake Pirehueico Crossing - Rest Day
After exploring the village of San Martin, return to Chile and board the ferry to cross Lake Pirehueico. You will revel in some of the cleanest air you’ll ever breathe! Upon arrival at the Huilo-Huilo Nature Reserve, visit a local craftsman’s home before dinner.
Day 6—7 – Pucon and Curarrehue
Pastoral and verdant are words that encapsulate our rides toward Pucon, where the bike route lets us view the rich green meadows, farms, crystal-clear lakes and even some active volcanoes. Pucon, the “adventure capital” of Chile, welcomes us with a great beach and spectacular sunsets. Ride to Curarrehue on day 7 and visit a museum showcasing the culture of the Mapuche, the area’s indigenous people. Then meet some of them in person! The tour’s final spin is filled with chances to view unusual bird species and the Villarrica volcano. Top it off in Huife with an invigorating hot mineral bath before returning to Pucon.
Day 8 – Adios! Or Join the Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour Extension
Take our group shuttle to Temuco airport for your departing flights, or join us for our post-trip Santiago and Chilean Vineyard Tour.
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.