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Chile and Argentina

The Andes and the Lake District

Guided Road Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

14 days

Prices from

$4,420 P.P.
Chile and Argentina

The Andes and the Lake District

Guided Road Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

14 days

Prices from

$4,420 P.P.
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6
Based on the success of our mountain bike holidays in this region, and in response to popular demand, we introduced a fantastic road cycling holiday in Chile and Argentina. This trip will take you through landscapes of snowcapped volcanoes, deep valleys, shimmering lakes and curious forests of monkey puzzle trees set against the awesome backdrop of the Andes.
Our North to South route begins in Temuco from where we head into the Andes, an interesting region featuring many great hot springs. Climbing over the mountain range we head on through the impressive Las Raices tunnel and on into Argentina.
Turning south through the valleys of Argentina we enjoy quiet roads and cozy accommodation before joining the famous Ruta 40. We take the opportunity for a relaxing rest day in San Martin de los Andes before continuing south on the Ruta de las Siete Lagos. Our last stop in Argentina is the village of Villa La Angostura.
Climbing over the Andes one last time and re-entering Chile, we thread our way past the now quiet volcano and on to the hot springs town of Puyehue. Skirting around the shores of Lago Llanquihue on a special bike lane we stop in Ensenada before a side trip to visit the crashing rapids and waterfalls of Saltos de Petrohue. Our last stop is in Puerto Varas, a great spot to relax and sample the interesting combination of German and Chilean cuisine.
This holiday is the perfect choice for those cyclists looking for a spectacular destination which is accessible to the everyday riders amongst us.

Highlights

  • Your first glimpse of the snowcapped Volcan Osorno
  • Cycling the Seven Lakes Route from San Martin to Villa Angostura
  • Quiet roads and the backdrop of the awesome Andes
  • The immense monkey puzzle trees around Villa Pehuenia
  • Riding through the 4,528m long Las Raices tunnel
  • Tasty Argentinean Malbec and a juicy steak dinner

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Thank you for organising this cycling holiday in such an out-of-the-way part of the world. It offers not just enjoyable cycling, beautiful and varied scenery, but a taste of interesting and unusual cultures. Ernesto, the tour leader, was not just excellent but outstanding. He takes great pride in his country!

John, South Africa

Itinerary

Day 1
Departure:
Non Riding Day
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Depart for Chile and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport Santiago (SCL) arriving the following day.

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Day 2
Arrival Day: Santiago to Temuco
Non Riding Day
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Following your overnight flight you will arrive in Santiago, Chile. You will need to clear customs and immigration before heading up to the domestic terminal (just upstairs) in order to catch your internal Chilean flight to Temuco Maquehue Airport (ZCO), where you are met by your Skedaddle guides for the trip. The hotel is just a 25 minute transfer away. Once settled into our hotel, we have a chance to build our bikes before enjoying a welcome dinner and a chat about the journey ahead.

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Day 3
Temuco to Malalcahuello
34 Miles / 55 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,400 Metres Approx.

After a short transfer out of Temuco (50km approx.) we are soon on our bikes. Our journey takes us eastwards today with the Andes beckoning towards the small town of Curacautin on the Río Cautín.

Located in a beautiful valley near the volcanoes of Tolhuaca, Lonquimay and Llaima, this area is renowned for its natural beauty, encompassing the National Parks of Conguillío and Tolhuaca as well as the National Reserves of Malleco, Malalcahuello and Nalcas.

After Curacautin we head towards our home for the night, Lodge Suiza Andina,

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Day 4
Malalcahuello to Lonquimay
34 Miles / 55 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 200 Metres Approx.

We continue to climb into the Andes and the scenery just keeps getting better and better. The high Andean forest covers the slopes with monkey puzzle trees which form a great contrast with the towering mountains and snowcapped volcanoes.

After enjoying our resting place for a little longer in the morning, we’ll cycle through the fantastic Túnel de las Raíces (Tunnel of the Roots). Built in 1929, the tunnel is located at an altitude of 1,010m and at 4,538m in length it is the second longest tunnel in South America. The tunnel is safe for cyclists, however anyone not wishing to ride it can hop aboard our vehicle. Soon after the tunnel, we arrive into the small town of Lonquimay where we stay for the night.

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Day 5
Lonquimay to Villa Pehuenia
30 (up to 45 Miles) / 48 (up to 72 Kms) Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,675 Metres Approx.

The first 50 kms today are mostly flat, with some fantastic scenery. After we cross the border and go through Chilean border control, we start a big climb, with some steep sections. For 22kms we skirt the border, riding the boundary between the two countries.

Right on the border, we have lunch and then the last section on the bike is 6kms down hill to the Argentina border office. After the paperwork here, we jump on the bus for about 1 hour to get to Villa Pehuenia, a small but amazing village, where we stay for the night.

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Day 6
Villa Pehuenia to Zapala
62 Miles / 100 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,005 Metres Approx.

A short transfer to start the day today to get us back on the route. Back in the saddle we ride a fast section of road into Argentina. We often have the wind at our back, pushing us into the country east to Zapala.

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Day 7
Zapala to Junin de los Andes
62 Miles / 100 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 950 Metres Approx.

Another 100km day today but the route is mostly flat with more awe inspiring scenery and striking views. Tonight we usually stay at the Estancia La Rinconada lodge. Set in typically amazing scenery the area is famed for fishing and birdwatching but works just as well as a place to relax and take in the views!

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Day 8
Junin de los Andes to San Martin de Los Andes
30 Miles / 45 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 230 Metres Approx.

Leaving the peaceful surroundings we have a shorter day today to allow a little more time at our destination, the lovely San Martin de Los Andes. Nestled by Lago Lacar and surrounded by mountains, San Martin is a real South American treat; get ready to be seduced by its prettiness. There are lots of nice places to eat in San Martin and with this in mind, once suitably refreshed we set off to explore the town.

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Day 9
Rest Day: San Martin de los Andes
Non Riding Day
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  • Meals: Breakfast

San Martin de los Andes serves as an excellent rest day location. Not only extremely pretty and tranquil but it also has lots to offer. The options today are numerous. Simply resting and enjoying the restaurants, shops and cafés of the town with a little sightseeing thrown in, or horse riding, and for the more energetic you can explore the surroundings by bike. A favourite option is however a great walk through the densely wooded area close to Lago Lacar. Our ‘rest day’ is finished off with more exploration of San Martin and a good nights sleep.

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Day 10
San Martin de los Andes to Villa Angostura
62 Miles / 100 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,865 Metres Approx.

Heading out of San Martin we have a winding ascent of several kilometres which is rewarded with views over Lago Lacar and the surrounding mountains. After the climb we travel further along the ‘Road of the Seven Lakes’ and the smoother, flatter section allows us to soak up the views which make it one of the most popular routes for locals and tourists alike. Later we take a transfer over an unpaved section of the road before arriving into Villa Angostura, a quaint resort town standing in the shadows of Volcan Caulle.

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Day 11
Villa la Angostura to Puyehue
62 Miles / 100 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 1,830 Metres Approx.

Today, after a morning transfer, we ascend the Andes one last time with a 17km climb as we make our way back to the Chilean side of the mountain range. Once over the border we have a fast downhill section towards our home for the night.

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Day 12
Puyehue to Las Cascadas
43 Miles / 70 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 525 Metres Approx.

We start the day following the shores of Lago Llanquihue, one of the largest lakes in South America and will enjoy views over the volcanoes of Osorno and Calbuco. Travelling along its shores, we ride on a special bike only lane before arriving into Las Cascadas. This afternoon we have the option to visit the Saltas de Petrohue waterfalls and can either go by bike for a little extra ride or hop in our support vehicle.

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Day 13
Las Cascadas to Puerto Varas
40 Miles / 65 Kms Approx.
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  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch
  • Ascent: 535 Metres Approx.

This morning we head back to Lago Llanquihue and rejoin the bike lane around the lake shore which brings us into our last stop in Puerto Varas. With a shorter distance today we have time to reflect on our journey before our final night together.

Puerto Varas (known as ‘La Ciudad de las Rosas’ or ‘The City of Roses‘) is a city well known for its German traditions, food and its beautiful natural setting. The town is worth exploring and we get to sample the range of cuisine on offer, from German pastries (especially the kuchen (cake), cookies, chocolates and craft marmalades alongside the quality meats of the south of Chile (veal, lamb, venison, pork, etc). A fitting send off to a great holiday.

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Day 14
Departure: Puerto Montt Airport
Non Riding Day
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  • Meals: Breakfast

After a last breakfast together we make the short transfer to Puerto Montt airport and say our goodbyes before boarding your flights home.

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The Cycling

Terrain

We will be cycling on both side of the Andes mountain range, at all times in the Chile and Argentina Lake District, passing fjords, rivers, waterfalls, volcanoes, mountain ranges and of course lakes. That means constant highlights! There aren’t any major elevation changes, and the roads are mainly secondary roads with a generally good surface and soft traffic on most of the days. We‘re going to face some steep but short climbs with fast descents and the road surfaces can be of a lesser quality in places. Great cycling with amazing scenery every day.

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Road Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3: Moderate

45-60 miles / 70-95 kms per day

For riders with experience, good fitness & a decent level of skill

Some features that may be experienced more frequently in a higher grade tour

Most days include a couple of significant climbs

Some long days & some steep to very steep sections

Not for beginners

Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!

For more information about our grading system click here.

Is this suitable for you?

You’re definitely not a novice rider, you’re fit, you ride regularly at weekends, sometimes staying on the bike for much of the day, you love your bike! You also enjoy a challenge and if you haven’t already done so you’re keen to attempt a semi-serious to serious mountain pass or two. You’re as comfortable with the prospect of descending from the top of a col as you are with the idea of climbing it and you’re confident that you have the skills to do so safely. You’re not necessarily a “racer” but you can crank up the pace a little when it’s necessary and you don’t mind forgoing a coffee stop if the schedule demands it occasionally. You probably own and use clipless pedals. You have good control of your bike and can take a drink from a water bottle without having to unclip and put your feet on the ground. Whilst you find a full day in the saddle fulfilling you’re not obsessed and as much as you are looking forward to the riding on your holiday, you’re also looking forward to a little local culture and cuisine. Grade 3 would be a good option for you.

For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.

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Very well planned and organised, especially on the ground with local staff. All the days were outstandingly good! As a relative newcomer to the game, I felt the routes were well chosen – in that both novices and more experienced riders obviously got a lot from them.

Jeff, UK

Dates & Prices

Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit

Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.

Select a date to view prices and book

Whats Included Tick

A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms)

B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

C) Full tour service, including Skedaddle guides

D) Unless stated, at least one leader qualified in first aid

E) Support vehicle and luggage transfers

F) Entrance fees to National Parks or sites which are an integral part of the itinerary

F) Airport transfer on scheduled arrival day from Temuco airport (ZCO)

G) Airport transfer on scheduled departure day to Puerto Montt airport (PMC)

H) Financial Protection through ABTOT

What's not Included Cross

A) Bike rental (available if required)

B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)

C) Meals not stated in the itinerary

D) Single room (available if required)

E) Travel insurance

F) Personal clothing and equipment

G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)

H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route

I) Cost of visas (if applicable)

J) Airport transfers on days other than the scheduled arrival / departure days

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Private Departures

Private Departures

Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.

The Essentials

Travel Options

We ask that you fly into Temuco airport (ZCO). As there are very few direct flights into Temuco from outside Chile you will be required to fly into Santiago airport (SCL) first and then take a connecting flight to Temuco airport.

At the end of the trip you will need to fly back from Puerto Montt airport (PMC). Like Temuco, direct options are very limited so you will need to take a return flight via Santiago.

Group airport transfers are included in the holiday cost and both the arrival and return transfers will be co-ordinated with the group flight schedule. We will provide you with details of suitable flight/arrival/departure schedules as flight timetables become available.

Please check with us before making any travel arrangements to ensure we have reached the minimum number required to guarantee your holiday and to make sure your arrangements fit with our scheduled transfers.

Please note If you make travel arrangements that fall outside of the scheduled transfer windows, there may be an additional charge for individual transfers.

Accommodation

Accommodation is on a twin/shared basis in a combination of small hotels, lodges, cabañas and family run hospedajes (South American bed and breakfasts), chosen for their location and hospitality. A single room option is normally available on payment of a single room supplement (subject to availability).

Bike Hire

Rental bikes will be aluminium frame road bikes with carbon forks and a 10 speed Shimano group set (as a minimum), generally equipped with at least one bottle cage, a saddle bag and a small pump.

We can also include a helmet which should be requested at time of booking.

Please note that your bike will come with flat pedals as standard, so please do bring your own if you use clipless pedals.

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News, Reviews & Stories

The Story Behind: Chile

Find out everything about how Saddle Skedaddle was born from our founders!

Meet the guides: Ernesto, Chile

Meet our Chilean head honcho, who ensures you all enjoy the best possible cycling across the pond.

Road cycling in Latin America

Our road cycling expert David Hall tells us more about his experiences in the region.

Reviews

6

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