Compare 11 day Highlights of Argentina & Brazil by Travel 2 vs Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina by Exodus Travels
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 2,370 | $ 5,700 |
| Price Per Day | $ 215 | $ 438 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Internal airfare and ground transport included | Ground transport included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | 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. |
| Description |
This tour “11 day Highlights of Argentina & Brazil” explores the major cities including Buenos Aires, Iguazú Falls, Rio de janeiro. Experience life on an Argentine ranch and indulge in a mouth-watering barbecue or ‘Parrillada’, and Iguazú Falls and the Devil’s Throat, one of South America’s most impressive natural landmarks. |
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.Ride through the beautiful Lake District of Chile and Argentina |
Day 1
Arrive Buenos Aires Arrive in Argentina’s capital and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Buenos Aires Sightseeing & Tango Show See the brightly painted houses of the artists’ quarter at La Boca, the gracious parks and statues of Palermo and the chic and fashionable neighborhood of Recoleta, with its tree-lined avenues and exclusive boutiques. In the evening enjoy a delicious dinner and Tango show.
Day 3
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Fiesta Gaucha Tour Experience life on an Argentine ranch and indulge in a mouth-watering barbecue or ‘Parrillada’, with typical folk music and dancing.
Day 4
Meals: Breakfast
Buenos Aires A free day to explore. Take a walk along the riverfront in Puerto Madero or visit the plazas and cafés of Recoleta or Palermo, and Florida Street is great for shopping.
Day 5
Meals: Breakfast
Buenos Aires - Iguazú Falls (Argentine side) Transfer to the domestic airport for you morning flight to Iguazú. On arrival visit the Argentine side of Iguazú Falls and the Devil’s Throat, one of South America’s most impressive natural landmarks. Here, 35 rivers with over 200 hundred rapids finally join to form one of nature’s most surprising spectacles. Numerous rainbows crown the falls and at ground level within the exuberant forest, a wide variety of flowers, exotic birds and butterflies enhance the beauty of this amazing natural wonder.
Day 6
Meals: Breakfast
Iguassú Falls (Brazilian side) A half-day tour of the Brazilian side of the falls to gain a different perspective and to enjoy the stunning panoramic views, with time to take an optional boat ride to get up close to the falls or helicopter flight over them.
Day 7
Meals: Breakfast
Iguassú – Rio de Janeiro Head to the airport for your flight to Rio de Janeiro where you will be transferred to your hotel on Copacabana Beach
Day 8
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Mountain Travel by train through the lush Tijuca forest to reach the top of Corcovado crowned by the legendary Statue of Christ the Redeemer. From here you will discover why Rio is commonly referred to as the most beautiful city in the world. After a delicious lunch, travel to the top of the Sugar Loaf Mountain by cable car and marvel at the sight of the city with its countless bays and curvaceous coastline.
Day 9
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Rio de Janeiro Today is yours to do as you wish then this evening; enjoy a typical Brazilian barbecue dinner and Samba show.
Day 10
Meals: Breakfast
Rio de Janeiro Time for some last-minute shopping and sightseeing or simply relaxing on the world-famous Copacabana Beach.
Day 11
Depart Rio de Janeiro Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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.
