Compare Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina by Exodus Travels vs Classic Chile tour by Audley Travel
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 14 days |
| Price From | $ 5,700 | $ 6,961 |
| Price Per Day | $ 438 | $ 497 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Private guided tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included | 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. | N/A |
| Description |
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 paved 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.Ride through the beautiful Lake District of Chile and Argentina |
The Atacama — the highest, driest desert on Earth. The uninhabitable icefields of Tierra del Fuego. The inscrutable moai of Easter Island. On a tailor-made holiday to Chile with Audley, you’ll see the scenic highlights — and much more — your way. We’ll design your ideal trip with you, paying close attention to your interests, your travel style and your budget. Our Chile specialists know the country inside out and can lead you to experiences you won’t find in a guidebook.
Debate the merits of local cabernet sauvignons over carmeneres, Chile’s foremost red wines, at a chic vineyard retreat in Chile’s central winelands. Lose yourself in the higgledy-piggledy streets of Valparaíso and admire their artistic murals. Explore the island community of Chiloé with its troll-infused mythology. Strap on your spikes to hike a Patagonian glacier, or nose your kayak into vaulting caves of marble. Stargazing in Elqui Valley. Horseback riding with gauchos on pampas trails. The granite spires of Torres del Paine, and the toothy peaks of the Argentine Lake District. What excites you? Travel at your own pace, in your own style, with the confidence that we’ll show you the best options, wherever you go. |
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, 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)
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: 18mi (29km) paved and 3.1mi (5km) 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 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)
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 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)
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 Villa Angostura, cycle the first part of the Seven Lakes Route and on to Villa Traful
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)
Day 8 Short transfer to start point; cycle the second part of Seven Lakes Route to San Martin de los Andes
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)
Day 9 Transfer to Rahue village; cycle along the Alumine River; transfer to Villa Pehuenia
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)
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 Alumine Lake 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 Melipeuco; cycle the lunar landscape of Conguillio National Park
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)
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.
Day 1 : International outbound flight
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to Santiago.
Day 2 : Santiago
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Santiago. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 3 : Santiago
This morning go you will explore the city with your guide. Over recent years Santiago has worked hard to change its image from a smog covered conference centre to a cultural capital city and the effect has been incredible. Once you have finished the tour you can explore one of many museums, art galleries or relax in a cafe and watch the world go by. Alternatively you can explore a local market and have a cooking lesson with a local chef afterwards. These days Santiago offers a wide range to suit everyone.
Day 4 : San Pedro de Atacama
This morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Calama. Here you will be met and taken to your hotel in San Pedro de Atacama. Once settled in you will head out on your first Atacama excursion, to explore the stunning Moon and Death Valleys.This excursion ends just after sunset, leaving you time to explore the restaurants of San Pedro town.
Day 5 : San Pedro de Atacama
Today you will travel out of the town to explore the Altiplanic Lagoons and local salt flats, home to countless flamingos and a surprising amount of other wildlife too.
Day 6 : San Pedro de Atacama
An early rise will see you head up to approximately 4,000m above sea level where, before dawn, it will be below freezing. From here you will witness the sun rise over the Andes as the Tatio Geysers spurt around you.An early start means you will be back at your hotel at lunch time leaving you free to relax by the pool or visit the wonderful museum in San Pedro.
Day 7 : Puerto Varas
Transfer back to the airport in Calama for your flights south to Puerto Montt in the Lake District where a driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas. Explore the town this afternoon and perhaps have dinner over looking the lake with views of the mighty Osorno Volcano.
Day 8 : Puerto Varas
Enjoy a full day excursion the Osorno Volcano and Vincente Perez national park. Or, if you are bit more active, we can arrange for you to go rafting, kayaking or cycling in the region.
Day 9 : Puerto Varas
Something a little different today will see you visit Senda Romahue. This is a family run ecological centre that show cases local flora and acts as a rescue home for local fauna as well. You will be shown around by a family member and your visit will contribute to maintaining the slice of tranquility.
Day 10 : Torres del Paine National Park
Transfer back to Puerto Montt for your flight to Punta Arenas (or possibly Puerto Natales if schedules allow) from where you will travel north to the breathtaking mountains that make up Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 11 : Torres del Paine National Park
Excursions from your lodge in Torres del Paine National Park are all included in your stay. Each evening you will meet with your guides to discuss the option for the following day. This may not be the most economic way to see the park but we believe that it is the best value and ensures that you get the very best out of your time there.
Day 12 : Torres del Paine National Park
Excursions from your lodge in Torres del Paine National Park.
Day 13 : Santiago
Travel back to Puerto Natales in time for your flight to Santiago, where you spend the night. As flights often arrive late we do make use of the airport hotel, but this may well depend on the times of your onward journey.
Day 14 : International return flight
Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.
Day 15 : International return flight
Arrive home today to complete your journey.
