Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Depart London in the evening for an overnight flight to Santiago.

Day 2

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. 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
anytime in the afternoon/evening.

*Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)*

Day 3

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 the 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. 

/Today's ride will be mostly paved. (30 km paved and 4 km unpaved)/

*Accommodation: Casa Kalfu Hotel (or similar)*

Day 4

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 an exclusive private 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). 

/Today’s ride will all be paved. It will consist of approx. 45 km on flat
terrain and a climb for the last 15 km./

*Accommodation: Hotel Peulla or Natura (or similar)*

Day 5

After breakfast we start cycling towards the Argentinian border which
involves riding 20km with a steady incline before taking on a challenging
climb (approx. 700m over 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 iconic journey across
the Andes is a short ferry crossing on Lago Frias followed by a 3km ride to
your hotel in Puerto Blest.

/Today is the most challenging day. 31 km unpaved. The border crossing
involves a long steep climb on gravel followed by a fast downhill section./

*Accommodation: Hotel Puerto Blest (or similar)*

Day 6

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 (approx. 20 minutes), linking up with the lakeside main
road.

/Today’s ride will be 15 km paved and 9 km unpaved. /

*Accommodation:  Cacique Inacayal Lake & Spa Hotel (or similar)*

Day 7

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 Mount Campanario to enjoy beautiful views from the summit. 

*Accommodation:  Cacique Inacayal Lake & Spa Hotel (or similar)*

Day 8

After breakfast we’ll transfer for approx. 1.5 hours around the northern
edge of Lago Nahuel Huapi to bypass the busy Bariloche traffic and reach the
starting point for another spectacular cycling route. The 'Camino de los
Siete Lagos' (Seven Lakes Road) is an incredibly scenic route that winds its
way northwards past lakes and forests connecting the alpine towns of San
Carlos de Bariloche and San Martin de los Andes. Depending upon the exact
start point, today involves us riding a total distance of around 52km through
spectacular and rewarding landscapes. We will break the ride up with a
lunchtime picnic stop and should therefore arrive in San Martin de los Andes
in the afternoon. Entering the picturesque small town of San Martin involves
a wonderful approach along the shore of Lago Lacar. 

/Today will be all paved. The last 17 km is a fast downhill section. /

*Accommodation:  Hosteria Monte Verde (or similar)*

Day 9

After breakfast we will say goodbye to Argentina and cross back into Chile
via the Huahum Pass. We will have a short transfer to the border before we
start cycling up to Pirihueico Port, crossing the Huilo Huilo Biological
Reserve. We will make a stop for coffee and lunch at the port. From here we
will take a barge (boat) that will sail us to Port Fuy, (approx 1.5hours).
From here we will cycle to the village of Choshuenco.

/Today’s ride will be 21 km paved and 13 km unpaved gravel. It will mostly
be downhill. /

*Accommodation: Hosteria Rucapillan (or similar)*

Day 10

Today we start the day by cycling to Panguipulli Village. Here we will have
lunch before a transfer Pucón Town (approx. 1 hour). We will stay in a
dowtown hotel, located by the feet of Villarrica Volcano (2840 m). 

/Today will all be paved. During high season there may be more traffic than
usual in this area./

*Accommodation: Alpes Apart Hotel (or similar)*

Day 11

Today is at leisure for you to choose from doing organised activities or
having some time out. There are numerous nearby hot springs (termas) and spas
in this part of Chile meaning Pucon is the perfect place to soothe away any
bike-induced aches and pains! Your tour leader will be able to advise which
local agencies to use depending upon what you would like to do. There is also
a nice beach in Pucon just a short walk from the hotel, and there are lots of
restaurants and bars to choose from.

Should the local conditions permit then today is the perfect opportunity to
climb to the crater of a live volcano! Villarrica Volcano (2840m) is situated
just outside of the town and most recently erupted in March 2015. Obviously,
this activity comes with its risks and so the local tour company will only
take groups if the conditions are totally safe. All equipment can be rented,
meaning that you only need to bring your own waterproof walking trousers. The
early morning ascent takes around 4 hours and involves wearing crampons to
cross a glacier before a memorable and unique descent after reaching the
crater (this isn’t for the faint hearted!). Depending upon the amount of
snow at the summit, the normal way of getting down the volcano is to sledge
down a specially crafted series of compacted snow and ice channels. This is a
special experience from start to finish but should only be undertaken if
aware of the challenges.

If you wish to cycle today then you can take your bike out and the tour
leader will recommend some routes.

*Accommodation: Alpes Apart Hotel (or similar)*

Day 12

Departing Pucon, we transfer northwards after breakfast to the town of Cunco.
From here the cycling starts with a 33km stretch of paved road towards
Conguillio National Park, stopping for lunch in Melipeuco. Shortly afterwards
is the turn off to enter the national park where the road eventually becomes
unpaved and dusty in places. From the entrance we will take a short walk to
the Truful Truful waterfall. Afterwards we will carry on cycling for 7km
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 (3125m) 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.

/Today’s ride will be 45 km paved and 6 km unpaved gravel. /

*Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)*

Day 13

It is our last day of cycling today as we continue riding further within
Conguillio N.P. 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.

/Today will be a loop ride which will all be unpaved gravel. The way out will
be mostly going uphill and the return will be mostly downhill./

*Accommodation: La Baita Conguillio Ecolodge (or similar)*

Day 14

Please note that today is a free day before your evening flight. After
breakfast you can enjoy a leisurely walk and enjoy the breath-taking views of
the Llaima Volcano. There are also many optional excursions you can book.
Please ask your tour leader, and they will help you arrange these.

In the afternoon those on the group flight will be transferred to Temuco
airport for your evening flight.  Flight Inclusive bookings will fly to
Santiago and spend tonight in a hotel near the airport before departing on
international flights tomorrow. 

*Accommodation: Hotel Holiday Inn Santiago - Airport Terminal (or similar)*

Day 15

We depart Santiago in the early afternoon on an overnight flight to London
via Madrid.

Day 16

Arrive London.