Compare Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina by Exodus Travels vs Essence of South America 2022 by Tauck

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 Arrive Rio de Janeiro

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Belmond Copacabana Palace. A transfer is included from Rio de Janeiro International Airport to Belmond Copacabana Palace, an Art Deco landmark overlooking Copacabana Beach. Join us for a welcome reception and dinner with traditional entertainment.

MEALS : D

LODGING : Belmond Copacabana Palace

PORTOFCALL : Río de Janeiro, Brazil

Day 2 Summit of Corcovado & Samba City

Arise in amazing Rio for an unforgettable excursion up Corcovado Hill by train to Tijuca National Park to see the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. Enjoy a walking tour of Rio's historic downtown, including the Cathedral and other Belle Époque landmarks, and lunch at the famous Colombo Tea Room. Then discover the passionate nature of Rio's beloved Carnaval celebration, which draws visitors from around the world each year, on a visit to Samba City – where a local guide leads you on a behind-the-scenes look at the business of Carnaval and the creation of its dazzling costumes and floats, which includes an exclusive samba performance. Spend the evening as you please on your own in Rio tonight.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Belmond Copacabana Palace

PORTOFCALL : Santiago, Chile

Day 3 Sugarloaf Mountain and a cruise

Dramatic scenic views await at the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain after your two-stage cable car ride takes you up a quarter mile into the air to see what the birds see as they fly over Guanabara Bay and the city of Rio. Feast on a typical churrascaria barbecue lunch before returning to Rio for a private boat cruise on the bay below. Enjoy seaside glimpses of beautiful beaches, historic forts, a modern museum, outlying islands and the city skyline before joining us for dinner at a renowned local restaurant.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Belmond Copacabana Palace

PORTOFCALL : Puerto Varas, Chile

Day 4 Fly to Iguaçu Falls

Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, Iguazú Falls was named a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site and one of the "New Seven Wonders of Nature." You'll have to visit two countries to get a complete look at the falls – 275 cascades spread in a horseshoe shape across two miles of the Iguazú River, straddling the borders of Argentina and Brazil. Today experience the Brazilian side, walking on paved trails with a local guide to the catwalks along the falls for amazing views of the thundering water. Your hotel is ideally located inside the national park with nature's wonders as a welcome showpiece.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas

PORTOFCALL : Bariloche, Argentina

Day 5 Discover the Falls your way

Immerse in the natural splendors of the park your way today on a choice of excursions. Board a helicopter for a flightseeing ride over the falls; drive into the jungle for a jet boat ride to the base of the falls and "shoot the rapids" on the way back to the dock; or take a behind-the-scenes backstage tour of the Bird Park, a recovery and conservation center for exotic birds, where you will meet and perhaps feed toucans, flamingos and more. After time at leisure to do as you like, work up an appetite for our private tasting dinner tonight that immerses you in the culinary history of the different regions of Brazil.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Belmond Hotel Das Cataratas

PORTOFCALL : Bariloche, Argentina

Day 6 Cross Over Into Argentina

Drive across the Tancredo Neves Bridge over the border into neighboring Argentina where you will experience the falls from a different perspective. Take a walk along the "Superior Circuit" to "Devil's Throat" on metal grated walkways and up steps for stunning views, before lunch and an afternoon flight to Buenos Aires. Settle in at the elegant Alvear Palace Hotel, a city landmark since 1932 and the "grande dame" of Buenos Aires hotels.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Alvear Palace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 7 Buenos Aires allure

No doubt about it, Buenos Aires defines "sizzle"... and you'll discover why today when a local guide shows you the city. First up is a visit to Plaza de Mayo, Metropolitan Cathedral and Casa Rosada (government palace) where you'll see the balcony made famous by Evita Perón. Explore the colorful La Boca neighborhood, which is both a working class barrio and artist colony, and then enjoy lunch in the San Telmo District, a mix of colonial-style homes, narrow lanes, artist lofts and hip bars. This evening, experience the allure of the infamous tango when a superb show follows dinner in Buenos Aires.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Alvear Palace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 8 Visit a silversmith and a horse ranch

Experience time-honored Argentine traditions today as you venture out to the countryside to the artist community of San Antonio de Areco for a very special visit with one of the most famous silversmiths in the country. The Draghi family have created priceless pieces in pure silver for celebrities and local gauchos alike and today you will have the opportunity to see the artists at work. Continue on to a traditional estancia (ranch) for lunch and a fascinating gaucho demonstration with a horse whisperer. Your evening is free to enjoy Buenos Aires as you like.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : Alvear Palace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Buenos Aires, Argentina

Day 9 The Opera House

Today begins with a privately guided, behind-the-scenes tour of Teatro Colón, the city's seven-tiered opera house that first opened in 1908, and ranks among the best concert venues in the world. Its opulent stained glass, marble staircases and excellent acoustics recently underwent a three-year refurbishment. The remainder of the day is free to explore Buenos Aires as you please.

MEALS : B

LODGING : Alvear Palace Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Iguazú National Park, Argentina

Day 10 Fly to Chile

A morning flight touches down in Santiago in time for lunch in a local restaurant. Drive south on the Pan-American Highway to the Millahue Valley in the heart of Chile's famous winelands for a two-night stay. Your hotel is acclaimed for its unique architectural design and on-site winery; enjoy dinner at your leisure tonight.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Vik Chile

PORTOFCALL : Iguazú National Park, Argentina

Day 11 Chilean Wine Country, your way

Immerse in the beauty of wine country today as you choose how you want to spend the morning. Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the vineyards or pedal your way on a bicycle through vines meticulously grown and cared for. Or join us for a cooking class or a wine and chocolate pairing at the hotel. Everyone meets up for a wine pairing lunch before a tasting tour at the winery. A farewell reception and dinner features regional specialties and incredible scenic views.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Vik Chile

PORTOFCALL : Río de Janeiro, Brazil

Day 12 Travel home from Santiago

Tour ends: Santiago. Drive to Santiago this morning for a city tour and lunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, where day rooms have been reserved for you before your flight home. A transfer is included from The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago to Santiago Airport. Allow a minimum of three hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B, L

PORTOFCALL : Santiago, Chile