Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 01:55
Current as of: August 31, 2024 - 01:55
4 out of 7 - Moderate & Challenging
Discover a beautiful and fertile land at the northern gateway to Patagonia – a magical escape of active volcanoes, turquoise rivers, gigantic lakes and ancient native forests. See Andean condors swoop from the cordillera foothills as we cycle on some of the most scenic routes in South America. We’ll also gain cultural insight into both Chile and Argentina, including the European influences and indigenous customs that have shaped the region.
Offering a fantastic mix of paved roads and off-road gravel tracks, this two-country cycling route allows you to cross the Andes twice in spectacular fashion. Along with the challenging bike ascents and catamaran rides across Todos los Santos Lake, you’ll also enjoy staying at a charming ecolodge in Conguillo National Park.
Highlights
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 4 (Moderate & Challenging). For more information on our trip gradings please visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
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
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.
Note – Changes in local cycle route or distance may be necessary should our cycle team determine safety concerns due to increased commercial traffic and/or deteriorating road conditions pertaining to our originally advertised routes.
Our guides are local cycling tour leaders and experienced in working with cycling groups. They have good English and are very knowledgeable about the region.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Depart London in the evening for an overnight flight to Santiago.
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, bike fitting and welcome dinner. This is 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)
Travellers on our group flights will arrive to Puerto Montt Airport today after connecting in Santiago de Chile. There will be a group transfer from the airport to our start hotel in the nearby town of Puerto Varas (30 min). We’ll gather at the hotel for the first time this evening, enjoying a welcome briefing with our tour leader, bike fitting and welcome dinner. This is 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.
For those people who have booked Land Only and made their own travel arrangements, you are welcome to meet the group transfer should you wish (and have informed us in advance) otherwise the meeting point is at the start hotel in Puerto Varas for the welcome briefing.
Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)
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: 18mi (29km) paved and 3.1mi (5km) unpaved.
Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)
We follow the shoreline of Lago Llanquihue once more today but in an easterly direction past 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. Crossing 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)
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 preceding 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)
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)
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)
Departing Bariloche, we transfer (approximately 1 hour) along a busy portion of the famous Patagonian Highway 40 bordering Nahuel Haupi Lake up to Villa La Angostura; beyond the town we start cycling along the first part of the “Seven Lakes Route” (Camino de los Siete Lagos). From here we will first cycle paved road and then along gravel road along the shores of Traful lake, challenging ourselves to summit the Portezuelo Pass. Today our destination is the small village of Villa Traful.
Today’s ride will be 13mi (21km) paved and 14.9mi (24km) unpaved.
Accommodation: Hotel Alto Traful (or similar)
We begin the day with a transfer (approximately 50 minutes) to our starting point for our second day cycling along the “Seven Lakes Route” (Camino de los Siete Lagos). 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 / Le Village Hotel (or similar)
After breakfast, we take a transfer (approximately two hours) to Rahue village. From here, we will start cycling alongside the Alumine River on 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 today’s ride we transfer to the small village of Villa Pehuenia. The next two nights are spent in the beautiful Posada La Escondida, by the shores of Alumine Lake.
Today’s ride will be 19.3mi (31km) paved and 9.3mi (15km) unpaved gravel.
Accommodation: Posada La Escondida (or similar)
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 Alumine Lake or take a 4×4 up Batea Mahuida Volcano and enjoy the mountain views on a short hike to the crater lagoon.
Accommodation: Posada La Escondida (or similar)
After breakfast, we pedal 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 lunch we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the Mapuche town of Melipeuco for any last-minute provisions before cycling a lovely stretch of paved road towards Conguillio National Park. From the park entrance we cycle for 3.7mi (6km) on an unpaved road until we reach our charming 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 mostly paved: 16.8mi (27km) paved and 5mi (8km) unpaved gravel.
Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)
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)
After breakfast this morning the group will be transferred to Temuco airport for the flight to Santiago, with same day connecting flight this evening from Santiago to London.
Note, while this is our planned flights/itinerary, occasionally an overnight in Santiago is required due flight changes.
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.
Ascents, descents and distances: All ascents, descents and distances listed in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these Trips Notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
We spend 12 nights in a range of hotels, all with included breakfasts. 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.
Worth Knowing
Single supplement from £ 690
All breakfasts, nine lunches and rwo dinners 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.
We have a support vehicle assisting our rides each day so you don’t need to carry anything while riding and you’ll have easy access to the vehicle at drinks stops. If you want to opt out of any rides or sections then you can board the bus. The itinerary is designed so most days involve a combination of cycling and road transfers – this is so we can cover the required distances and ensures we are cycling the most appealing sections that are applicable to the difficulty grading of the trip.
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.
Start hotel: Casa Kalfu Hotel, Pje. Tronador 1134, 5550728 Puerto Varas, Los Lagos
Phone: +56 65 275 1261
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Puerto Montt Airport (PMC)
The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer, at an additional charge.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily by taxi, which should cost approximately US$10-US$15. On arrival at the hotel, please make the reception staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
There’s a group departure transfer to Temuco Airport (ZCO) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen return journey to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Customers taking the return to London, UK: Please note, the tour leader will not join the flight from Temuco to Santiago at the end of the tour. Those on the return journey will fly from Temuco to Santiago and depart Santiago for London, UK, on the same day, While this is our planned itinerary, occasionally an overnight in Santiago is required due to flight changes.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Puerto Varas
Location end: Temuco
Just in case you experience any issues with your main luggage, we strongly recommend packing a set of your cycling clothes in your carry-on bags.
Included standard bike
The standard bikes for this trip are Specialized Rockhopper Elite, Giant Fathom 2 and Giant Talon.
We will take your height at the time of booking to reserve equipment. If you have a preferred bike size, please request when booking.
E-bike upgrade
Specialized Turbo Vado 3.00 (2022 model) e-bikes are available on this trip; prices start at £390/US$550/740 Canadian dollars. Speak to your sales representative for more information.
Bringing your own bike
If you’d prefer to bring your own bike, please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the trip. However, you will be responsible for any extra baggage charges; assembling and disassembling your bike; and bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. You should also ensure you have adequate insurance to cover loss, damage or theft.
Bringing equipment from home
You’re welcome to bring your own equipment, such as SPD pedals or clipless pedals, your own saddle (excluding the seat post), or gel saddle cover for the hire bikes. Your leader will help you fit these when bikes are distributed.
Accessories Note – please advise your sales representative if you plan to bring additional accessories (e.g. end bars, bike computers, front bags, under seat bags, etc…). Knowing this in advance will help our local team speed up the bike fitting for the entire group.
Helmets
Helmets are mandatory for everyone on a guided Exodus cycling trip. You must bring your own as, following best safety practice, they are not available for hire.
Cycling clothing
For all cycling trips we recommend:
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Argentina. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, if you are crossing the border into Argentina from Chile on your trip, we will need to know your profession to provide when entering Argentina.
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Chile. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
Please note, a PDI tourist card will be given to you by migration at Santiago airport, upon arrival to Chile, and asked for upon departure from Chile (please retain this important slip of paper). The PDI certifies that you are a visitor and must be given back to migration upon departure from Chile.
If you are travelling via the USA and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Program, you are required to register in advance for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). There is a US$21 charge, which is only payable online. Please see our website www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa for further information.
Please note, not all nationalities have the same eligibility for travel to or transit via the USA, and you may not be covered by the visa waiver program. Regulations stipulate that any person who has travelled to Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen since March 2011, or have dual nationalities of these countries, may no longer qualify. In addition, if you have travelled to Cuba since 12 January 2021 you will not be eligible for the visa waiver program and should instead apply for a visa.
If you are in doubt of your eligibility, please check the visa requirements with your local US embassy.
To travel to Easter Island it is now compulsory to complete the single entry form to Easter Island (FUI). The form is available from LATAM.com Help Centre and also during online check-in. Customers may also complete it by accessing https://ingresorapanui.interior.gob.cl/
There are no required vaccinations. However, recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, typhoid, and yellow fever (strongly recommended if you intend to visit the Iguazu Falls due to a recent outbreak in the Misiones province). Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Bilharzia is known to occur in some lakes or rivers in Argentina; follow advice from your guide or leader locally before venturing for a swim.
Dengue and zika, both mosquito‐borne viral diseases, are known risks in Argentina. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available; therefore, the best form of prevention is to take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid.
Dengue fever, a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes, is a known risk in places visited. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, so we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
The Travel Health Pro website recommends to have a rabies vaccination on this trip, as cycling is considered a higher risk activity.
Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Argentina's time zone: America/Argentina/Buenos_Aires (UTC -03:00)
Chile's time zone: America/Santiago (UTC -04:00)
Argentina's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and I (three flat pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Chile's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and L (three round pins in a row) – 220V, 50Hz
Argentina's currency: Argentine peso (ARS)
Chile's currency: Chilean peso (CLP)
Chilean Pesos are the national currency of Chile, and Argentinean Pesos in Argentina – therefore these are what you will require for spending money.
ATMs are available in Santiago, Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Bariloche, San Martin and Temuco. If planning to use your ATM or credit card overseas, as opposed to exchanging currency, then you should always inform your bank in advance to prevent problems with access.
Note – while in Argentina, we recommend exchanging US Dollars (USD) or using your credit card to get a “better than official rate of exchange” commonly referred to as the Blue Rate, as noted in the “Extras Expenses & Spending Money” section below.
Credit Cards – Visa/Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards and the most convenient option to use along the entire trip (restaruants, tourist shops, etc…). In Chile using credit cards will get you the “official bank rate of exchange”. Currently in Argentina, using foreign issued credit cards will get you the special “Tourist” exchange rate, which is higher than the “official bank rate of exchange”, and slightly less than the non-official “Blue” exchange rate used for USD (this special Tourist credit card rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the credit card companies).
Average meal prices in Argentina equate to about US$10-20 and in Chile slightly more in general US$20-30. The price of a beer in both countries is approx. US$3-4.
Cash – For spending money we recommend US Dollars cash, since GBP and Euros are more difficult to exchange, and the rates are not as good. Large, clean notes of $50 and $100 USD are more widely accepted than smaller denominations. It is always wise to have some local currency for cafes, bars, snacks, incidentals etc. Your tour leader will give you more information on exchanging currency as you go along but do bear in mind that exchange facilities/hours can be limited particularly at the times you’ll arrive or depart. Please ensure that you do not have any torn or damaged bank notes to exchange, as these are often not accepted.
Note – In Argentina large denomination US Dollars can be exchanged at the “Blue” rate, which considerably higher than the official bank rate of exchange – clean USD $50 and $100 notes are preferred (no tears or marks). The “Blue”rate is subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Argentine government. Your tour leader will give recommendations and assist group members in getting the best exchange rate in a safe way.
Optional Excursions
Prices given are correct at the time of writing but can fluctuate, the activities are also dependent upon availability.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus. Although tipping is entirely discretionary, it is customary in this part of the world and as such we recommend an allowance of US$5 per day for your cycling leader plus US$2-US$3 each for the driver and assistant leader. The team may ask for a kitty at the start of the trip to cover tipping for hotel porters etc.
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.