Travel
by bicycle on a unique tour through the
Lakes District of Southern Chile and Argentina. Climb a
smoking volcano, hike through a pristine Araucaria
(monkey-puzzle) forest, camp at remote hot
springs, raft through basalt gorges and
enjoy both the Chilean and Argentine culture and cuisine
while camping and staying in hotels. The trip masseuse is available
for evening and morning massages.
ATAC's
tour vehicle takes all camping and personal gear between camps and
hotels. It is possible to ride as much as you like.
The van can pick up those who choose to ride less or not at all
on any particular day. Transportation, guides, one half hour massage,
trip video, and all meals (except for lunch and dinner on day 8)
are included in trip price. View equipment list to see what we recommend
bringing.
Arrive at Pucon airport via Santiago, Chile. Meet your ATAC trip
leader. Stay
in the Ecole Lodge, your home for the next two days. Meet the whole
group for a hearty vegetarian dinner at Ecole's
restaurant.
Climb Villarrica Volcano - Bike Down: Leaving
Pucon early in the morning, climb Volcano Villarrica. The summit
has breathtaking views of the Andes as well as
spewing, bubbling lava in its crater. Upon descending
to the ski area, ride mountain bikes back to town. Check out the
Los Posones hot springs in the evening or spend
the evening on the town.
Total Climb to Crater from Ski Resort: 3000 ft
Total Distance by Bicycle: 20 km
Total Descent on bike: 5000 ft
Ride Along the River: In the morning, eat breakfast
at Ecole and then ride bikes along the Rio Trancura and
Rio Liucura past the Ojos de Caburgua to Lago Caburgua.
Continue up the road to the entrance of Huerquehue National
Park. Stay in a lodge at the edge of Lago Tinquilco.
Total Distance by Bicycle: 40 km
Altitude Gain: 2000 ft.
Hike through Huerquehue National Park: Leaving
in the morning, hike through Huerquehue National Park, past 3 small
lakes and through ancient Araucaria forests to
the Rio Blanco hot springs. Stay in cabins on the shore of the hot springs.
Bikes travel with the ATAC van.
Total Hike Time: 6-8 hours.
Ride
and Raft (Rafting
dependant on water level): Leaving early in the morning,
ride from the hot springs through thick native coigue
forests and along the Rio Maichin
to the river's put-in. Raft a class
IV section of creek through narrow basalt canyons.
At take-out, ride your bike or hop in the van for a short ride to
Panqui Hotsprings where we stay in their hotel. If the river water
levels don't permit rafting, there is an option of hiking to Lago
Secreto in the afternoon.
Total Distance by Bicycle: 60 km
Total Elevation Gain: 500 ft
Total Time on the River: 1- 2 hours.
Ride
to Puesco: After a leisurely breakfast, ride bikes to the
town of Curarrehue. Visit the Mapuche museum and eat lunch in town.
Continue up the road in the afternoon towards the Puesco border
of Chile and Argentina. Camp and/stay in small cabins along a creek.
Celebrate the evening with a Chilean asado (barbeque).
Total Distance by Bicycle: 50 km
Total Elevation Gain: 1500 ft
Those
who have brought their kayaks and are keen to paddle class
V can enjoy the classic Puesco section of the Trancura
Ride
Across the Border: Leaving at 7 am, ride bikes
to the Chilean border and get passports stamped. Continue
on the road up to the high mountain lake, Quilleihue
and then through Araucaria forests - from temperate
forest to the high desert of the Argentine customs
outpost. After completing border crossing paperwork, continue down
hill towards the town of Junin de los Andes. Ride as much of the
trip as you want. From there, the ATAC van takes us to San Martin
de Los Andes.
Total Distance by Bicycle: 60 - 80 km
Total Elevation Gain: 1500 ft
Lakes Ride Through National Park Nahuel Huapi: Ride the scenic roads through virgin forests, along rivers and past lakes through the Nahuel Huapi National Park. On day 8, camp on the shore of Lago Falkner. On day 9, arrive to the town of Villa La Angostura. Stay at a hotel in town. Feast at an Argentine steakhouse for a farewell dinner.
Total Distance by Bicycle: 100 km
Departure:
Return home via San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina. Flights
leave to Santiago, Chile or Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Note:
We do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, however this
itinerary is subject to change.
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