Today you start your journey, boarding your flight to Chile and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport Santiago (SCL), arriving the following day.

After your arrival in Santiago, Chile, you will need to clear customs and immigration before heading to the domestic terminal (just upstairs) in order to catch your internal Chilean flight to the capital of the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Montt (PMC), where you are met by your Saddle Skedaddle guides.

Following arrival, we transfer you to your hotel in Puerto Varas (transfer time 30 mins approx.). Situated around 20kms from Puerto Montt it occupies a lovely position on the shores of one of the largest natural lakes in South America Lake Llanquihue. From here the perfect cone of Osorno Volcano and the snowcapped peaks of Calbuco volcano and Mt. Tronador are clearly visible from the lakefront.

It’s a great place to take things easy after a long flight(s) and with this in mind, the day is spent resting-up from your travels and preparing the bikes for the journey ahead.

Our evening meal is taken in one of the great restaurants that exist in Puerto Varas. With the area renowned for seafood, we’ll make sure this is an option. At a convenient point during the meal we’ll discuss the programme for the tour in a little more detail and be happy to answer any questions you may have.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

Following breakfast we load up our bikes and leave Puerto Varas by our support vehicle. This initial section takes us southwards firstly through the small settlement of Chamiza and then shortly after passing through Lenca, we skirt the dramatic Alcere Andino National Park for the final few kilometres to Caleta La Arena.

Here we board the small local ferry for the 40 minute crossing of the narrow Estuario de Reloncavi to Caleta Puelche. It’s here that we unload our bikes for the undulating unsurfaced track/road alongside Estuario de Reloncavi to Puelo. This is a truly stunning section and is a wonderful introduction to our trip and a fabulous way to begin our biking journey.

Tonight we stay in the beautifully Patagonia Puelo Lodge.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 930 Metres Approx.

Leaving our cosy lodgings by bike and following a brief crossing of one of the arms of the Estuario de Reloncavi we continue our progress northwards towards Río Puelo and to Cochamó situated at the far tip of the Estuario de Reloncavi.

We reach Cochamó after 32kms/20miles and then continue alongside the fjord for the last 14kms/9 miles, on an unsurfaced yet well packed section. For the remaining 36kms/22 miles, we’ll be cycling on a superb smooth tarmac section and finish our cycling in Ensenada.

During this last section of cycling you’ll be able to see the incredible Volcan Osorno that now dominates the skyline, with your roadside accompaniment the bright yellow shrubs of this region.

Once the bikes have been loaded up, we visit the ever impressive Saltos de Petrohué – a series of rapids and waterfalls passing over an impressive sculpture of extruded volcanic rock. We’ll be now in the centre of Chile’s first National Park – Parque National Vincente Pérez Rosales (established in 1926). Accommodation tonight is in the relaxed surroundings of Ensenada, our final stop of the day.

Please Note – Although the cycling distance today is longer than other days, today’s riding will adhere itself to this longer distance. As always, the support vehicle is at hand for those wishing to do a little less time in the saddle.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 310 Metres Approx.

Dominating the skyline now is the impressive Volcan Osorno (2,660m) which we pass-by on our morning transfer from Cascadas to Salto del Indio. As we reach the edge of Parque National Puyehue it’s time to leave Chile at Paso Cardenal Samore and cross over by bike into Argentina.

With our passports stamped we take a superb well surfaced and pre-dominantly downhill route to Villa La Angostura. Situated on the edge of Lago Nahuel Huapi with its Alpine style architecture set against a backdrop of snow capped peaks and the crystal clear waters.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 640 Metres Approx.

From Lake Nahuel Haupi we follow a largely flat route along the lakeshore. As we pedal make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Nahuelito, Argentina’s answer to the Loch Ness monster!

Today’s ride really sums up what cycling in the Lake District is all about with views of snow dusted peaks to the left and to your right serene brightly coloured waters. The ride will be around 59 Kms in total with most of the cycling done before lunch, which is taken at Mirador de Bariloche. This is a great place to take a rest after the morning’s exertions with its stunning views over the Andes and lago Nahuel Huapi, the perfect accompaniment.

We end our cycling day in style with a fast 11 kms downhill on asphalt to the junction of Ruta 40 where today’s ride ends. From here we hop aboard our support vehicle for the 20-30 minute transfer to Bariloche. With its Swiss style architecture and chocolates, it is known as the St. Moritz of South America and we have set aside the rest of the afternoon to explore this lovely place.

There is perhaps only one way to end the day such a day – a juicy Argentinean steak and majestic Malbec, followed by some tasty chocolate treats.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 510 Metres Approx.

Having enjoyed the streets of chocolate shops, bars, and the numerous restaurants offering Swiss fondue and huge steaks, we bid farewell to this little part of Switzerland. Initially travelling by support vehicle we soon start our cycling on the road towards Confluencia.

En route there are wonderful rock formations high above us with equally wonderful names, – Tren Expresso, Centilla and Dedo de Dios. We are now in the Valle Encantado, and it certainly feels like it; the views are superb.

From here we follow a gravel and earth track into another very pretty valley with more rock formations and the backdrop of snow capped mountains- this is great cycling. Just before the cycling ends for the day, we spend a little time at Mirador de Lago, which offers not only spectacular views of Lago Traful, but also of the route which you have cycled today.

Pictures taken and superlatives exhausted, we cycle a series of enchanting dips, twists and turns along a wooded track that skirts Lago Tráful, for the final few kms to reach our stop for the night, Villa Tráful. These cabanas will serve as our lodgings for the night, with dinner taken in the lovely surroundings of this small town.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 970 Metres Approx.

We start our journey cycling directly from Villa Tráful along the beautiful and spectacular Ruta de Siete Lagos (the Seven Lakes Route).

The cycling route today is a real treat as we head towards the town of San Martin de los Andes. Again following a good earth road we roll and wind through woods, past beautiful lakes with snow dusted mountains in the distance.

Shortly before lunch we hop in the support vehicle for a 30 minute transfer to a great picnic spot with beautiful views to help you digest another tasty lunch. This is a very tranquil and special area as we enjoy lunch amongst our surroundings and continue past the lakes.

Back on the bikes the views again are spectacular as we ‘scoot’ along the smooth road towards San Martin de los Andes. Before reaching it we pause to take in the fantastic views and then set off on a ‘grin inducing’ descent to San Martin along kilometers of winding road. Nestled by Lago Lacar and surrounded by mountains San Martin is a real treat.

As we pull into San Martin we are further enthralled by its prettiness. We take our lodgings at a nice hotel in town and suitably refreshed set off to explore the streets.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 450 Metres Approx.

Today we are re-entering Chile! By vehicle we pass through Junin de los Andes and head for the border at Paso Tromen, unloading our bikes at Mamuil Malal. En route we get our first views of the stunning Volcan Lanin, with its almost perfect snow covered cone.

After the border crossing we are soon in Parque Villarica where the ‘monkey puzzle’ tree forests abound. Today, as with all days, there is the option to cycle as much or as little as you wish, with some people opting to cycle all the way from the pass to El Turbio. It’s here that we re-board the support vehicle for the short drive to Pucón and our lodgings.

• Meals: Breakfast

Pucón is a pleasant town with a good climate which stands on the shores of the beautiful Lago Villarica. We spend the day here exploring the surrounding countryside by bike. Popular routes include rides to one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the area.

For those looking for more adventure there is always a spot of white water rafting or the option to climb Volcan Villarica, a fantastic guided climb up its snowcapped slopes. Please note there is an additional cost of 100,000 Chilean Pesos to cover the guide and equipment rental.

This is a truly memorable experience as you mount the top and stare into its molten centre. Literally staring into the centre of the earth is a very special feeling. The sulphur fumes are not so special but the ‘surprise’ descent is simply the icing on the cake – certainly a must do! Overnight in Pucón.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 595 Metres Approx.

Breakfast finished we jump into the support vehicle for the transfer to the start of today’s ride. Today’s riding is mostly on smooth tarmac and largely flat with a gravel climb towards the end of the day, taking us in to the beautiful Parque Conguillio national park. Today’s ride follows the bottom of a valley devoted to agriculture and makes for a gentler day on the bike.

Our lodgings are in a beautiful wooden lodge in the heart of the park, where we are sure to receive a warm welcome, set in a very private and tranquil setting.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch
• Ascent: 700 Metres Approx.

So if you thought you had seen it all, think again! Parque Conguillio is an absolute gem, as within it stands Volcan Llaima, one of the most active volcanoes in South America!

Initially the riding is through woodland and then suddenly, as if the trees had been blown away, you are confronted with a barren, rocky and ash landscape, the contrast is incredible.

This is the solidified lava flow from previous eruptions and the track of the solidified ‘rivers’ of lava have spread out like fingers over the landscape destroying all in its path. Soon the route re-enters the untouched forests of beech and araucaria where the sun is obliterated by their denseness.

Also passed are the wonderful and tranquil spots of Lago Verde and Lago Conguillio, that serve as a truly fitting end to our cycling as we reach the town of Curacutin. Once here we can change from our cycling clothes and after a celebratory beer or hot drink, make a transfer to our lodgings in or near to Temuco.

Our last night is spent reminiscing about our cycling adventure, with perhaps another glass or ‘two‘ of lovely Chilean or Argentinean vino which you’ve been no doubt enjoying during your trip.

• Meals: Breakfast

Having rested at our lodgings and had a final glimpse of the mountains and volcanoes we make our way to Temuco Airport (ZCO) (transfer time 30 mins approx.) to catch a flight to Santiago’s Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, from where we catch our international flights home, arriving the following day.