Location:

Argentinian and Chilean North Patagonia. Río Negro and Neuquen Provinces in Argentina and X Region in Chile.


Duration:

Eight days/seven nights. The best weather will be fine between November and march, from the end of springtime to the beginning of the fall.


Activities:

Day 1: Bariloche welcome This afternoon we will receive the group with a welcome cocktail, followed by a detailed presentation of the trip, as well as a mini-clinic on mountain biking. We will fit bikes and have a brief test ride, making sure everything is in perfect order. In the evening, we will host a traditional Argentine dinner at the famous Parrilla de Alberto – an authentic asado (grilled steak) accompanied by great Argentine wine. You´ll rest tonight at the Hosteria Santa Rita - set on the shores of the Lake Nahuel Huapi, the views from every room are fantastic. A small, family-run inn, the Santa Rita offers a comfortable, homely feel. And the location is perfect, set just outside central Bariloche, below the foothills of Mount Otto.

Day 2: the magical Patagonian Steppe
This first day is the perfect Patagonian introduction. Our journey begins with a short shuttle out of Bariloche, to the mouth of the Limay River. Fed by the snow melt waters of the Nahuel Huapi Lake, the river is a beauty – its turquoise waters wind their way under eroded rocks and jagged peaks, poplar and other native trees hugging its banks throughout. We begin pedaling here, over a dirt road leading us through local farms and ranches - there will be plenty of opportunities for seeing and meeting local farmers. The dirt road becomes an off-road trail at times, taking us to amazing views of the distant Andes range. With a little luck, we might see impressive local fauna, such as the mythical Andean condor, soaring in the skies; the guanaco, a cousin of the llama, its elegant silhouette off in the distance; or even the wild rhea, or choique, as it is called locally.
Upon arrival at Villa Llanquin, a small ranching town over the river’s edge, we will enjoy an outdoors picnic, on the shore of the Limay. For those wanting more biking, the Limay trail continues further. We can also remain at our picnic spot, relaxing while taking in the light sounds of the river, as well as the incredible colors surrounding us here. Our day’s journey continues in our van, en route to the unique Valle Encantado (Enchanted Valley). Its name comes from the countless volcanic rock formations and hills eroded by thousands of years of Patagonian wind and rain. This afternoon, you can view the sunset over this magnificent setting from the terrace of our hosteria; or take a walk down over the Traful River nearby. We will have a group dinner at the hosteria tonight.

Day 3: the Cordoba Pass and the heart of the Seven Lakes Routea
Today we will take on another great cross-country journey, going into the Lanin Volcano National Park, through truly marvelous landscapes. The challenge begins from the heights of the Cordoba Pass (Paso del Córdoba), which we will comfortably reach in our van. The descent is incredible, snaking over magical vistas towards the Andes, crossing the transition zone between Patagonian Steppe and the Andean forests, very similar to the Far West landscapes of the USA. After having a picnic lunch on the Meliquina River, in a pretty little corner of the forest, we’ll have the option of continuing in the vehicle or on bike. The arrival into San Martin de los Andes couldn’t be better - 10 km of descent over a paved road, with incredible views over Lake Lacar.
San Martin is an enchanting and very exclusive mountain town, and it is the port of entry to the Lakes Region. We recommend getting to know the town, strolling its pretty streets and exquisite shops, and of course visiting one of its many renowned restaurants or cafés.

Day 4: the Crossing of the Andes over the Hua-Hum Pass
The day you have been waiting for! Crossing the Andes is an experience of a lifetime, and an unparalleled sensation will abound you. We have chosen this mountain pass not only as a great mountain biking backroad, but also for its beautiful natural setting. We begin pedaling at our hotel in San Martin de los Andes, quickly entering the dirt road to Chile, where we will take on a very tough, but short, climb. The view from above towards San Martin is superb. Here we begin a journey through magical forests, under countless mountains, deep within the Lanin Volcano National Park. Soon after entering Chile, we are awaited by a special excursion – we will get on a ship that crosses Lake Pirihueico, a remote and lovely lake, set deep within green towering mountains in the Chilean Andes. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Port Fuy, a small town over the Lake’s shore, and continue our journey in our van, getting deeper into the lush rainforests of this region of Chile. We will explore the Huilo-Huilo Reserve, and hike to the impressive Huilo-Huilo Falls, under the shadows of the Choshuenco Volcano. We will arrive early at Conaripe Thermal Baths and Hotel, where we are awaited by its pools fed by natural hot springs – the ideal place to relax and recuperate energies. Tonight we will have a group dinner.

Day 5: Coñaripe Thermal Baths, rafting and rest in Pucon
This morning, you can wake up early for another soak in the thermal baths. Or, why not sleep in a bit? After an abundant breakfast, we’ll leave Conaripe
in our vehicle, crossing thick green forests, eventually coming under the shadow of the Villarica Volcano. After time for free lunch in Pucon, you can choose from various activities for you rest day: the famous Trancura River rafting - plenty of adrenaline and incredible views of the Villarica; a canopy tour in nearby forests; or even a tour of the exclusive thermal baths surrounding Pucon. In the afternoon, you will want to get to know the lively town of Pucon. On the edge of Lake Villarica, this small city has become the adventure capital of the Chilean Lakes Region. Pucon is a great base for our last days of adventure together. Dinner is on your own tonight - you will have three nights in Pucon to try the great regional cuisine, including the famous Chilean salmon.

Day 6: the Transvolcanic Trail
Today´s ride takes us to a sector of the Villarica National Park that few tourists venture into. In our vehicle, we will take a dirt road up to the pass between the Villarica and Quetrupillan Volcanoes, approaching the edge of the park. Here, we’ll begin pedaling uphill, over a dirt road that eventually becomes an off-road track. Once over 1000 ms (3300 ft), we enter an incredible forest of monkey-puzzle trees and southern beech. We will leave our bikes for a while, commencing a hike to the Pichillancahue Glacier. The path eventually takes us over the tree line, crossing high-mountain prairies, ravines and beds of volcanic rock, with incredible views of the volcanoes and the Andes Range all around us. The descent on our mountain bikes seems to go on forever! Dinner is on your own in Pucon tonight.

Day 7: Villarica Volcano
Undoubtedly, today’s program is the best way to close the trip! Our van will take us to the Volcano’s ski base, right under the cone of the Villarica, with majestic views of the region. Our local mountain bike guides, very experienced downhill riders, will give us a detailed talk on descent technique. From here, we will take little-used singletrack trails. The ride is one of a kind, with some technical stretches that can be walked. There are plenty of long, windy stretches, crossing over amazing lava beds and through thick forests. Each one is free to ride down at their own pace, with the support from our guides, who will always be nearby.
After a ride down a dirt backroad, we’ll reach Lake Villarica where we’ll have a picnic lunch together. Another day that you will surely remember for years to come!
Tonight we will have a farewell group dinner in Pucon, celebrating this fantastic journey together.

Day 8: end of journey and adiós in Pucon
After breakfast at the Hostal, we will shuttle you to the airport at Temuco (approx. 2 hours over paved highway). If you prefer to stay in Chile longer, or return to Argentina, we will gladly help you with your travel plans.