Compare Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina by Exodus Travels vs South American Odyssey by Globus
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 13 days | 15 days |
| Price From | $ 5,700 | $ 5,519 |
| Price Per Day | $ 438 | $ 368 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | 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. | N/A |
| Description |
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 paved 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 |
Triple the sights, sounds, and sizzle on this South American vacation through three of the continent’s most scintillating countries. As you samba through Brazil, tango through Argentina, and cueca through Chile, your toes will meet the liveliest of dance floors, the sandiest of beaches, and the most storied of streets. Guided visits to the vibrant cities of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago are perfectly balanced with quieter excursions to lush rainforests, chic waterfront resorts in Patagonia, and even a rural Argentine ranch where you can saddle a horse and be a beret-wearing gaucho for the day. Traditional open-fire barbecues and crispy empanadas will satisfy your cowboy cravings throughout your South American journey, while witnessing both sides of thundering Iguassu Falls, cruising Patagonian fjords beneath the soaring peaks of the Andes, and visiting Chile’s renowned wine country will quench your thirst for scenic adventure. |
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.
Day 1: ARRIVE IN RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL
Welcome to Rio de Janeiro! At 3:30 pm, meet your Tour Director for a drive along Ipanema and Copacabana beaches to the base of 1,300-foot-high Sugarloaf Mountain. Ascend by cable car to its summit, where you can take in spectacular vistas of the city. Next, toast the start of a memorable vacation with [LF] caipirinhas, a traditional Brazilian cocktail, from atop Sugarloaf Mountain during a cocktail party.
LOCAL FAVORITE LOCAL TASTES A once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits atop Sugarloaf Mountain overlooking Guanabara Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Take in the breathtaking panoramic views as you join a private cocktail party with your fellow travel companions. Toast with a traditional caipirinha, Brazil’s national cocktail, made with fresh lime, cachaça (a distilled sugarcane spirit), and sugar. Deliciosa!
Day 2: RIO DE JANEIRO
Heavenly ViewsThe city’s landmark, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, crowns Corcovado Mountain, a rounded peak rising 2,300 feet from the bay below. A scenic ride by cog railway leads to the top, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama affords sweeping views. From here, proceed to bustling downtown Rio, where modern office towers stand next to relics of the Portuguese colonial past. View the Sambódromo and visit the Cathedral. The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience this vibrant city on your own. Tonight, it’s a fun outing to a churrascaria for a feast of barbecued meats marinated and roasted over charcoal in true Brazilian style. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Soar to the summit of Corcovado Mountain by cog railway to reach the site of the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer. This crowning jewel of Rio and Brazil was constructed between 1922 and 1933. The statue of Jesus Christ stands 98 feet high (or 124 feet including the pedestal) with an arm span of 92 feet wide. Towering over the city, this piece of art is truly an engineering marvel and was even voted one the New7Wonders of the World.
Day 3: RIO DE JANEIRO
Beaches, Boutiques & Bites A full day at leisure to enjoy Rio. Relax on one of the world-famous beaches or take advantage of the world-class shopping or fine dining. (Breakfast)
FREE TIME TIPS EXPLORE MORE Spend free time in Rio de Janeiro with an optional excursion to Petropolis, (mountain resort and former summer palace of Emperor Dom Pedro II). This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO app.
Day 4: RIO DE JANEIRO–IGUASSU FALLS
What a Rush!A flight from Rio takes you to Iguassu Falls. Experience the clouds of spray, the incessant roar, and the surrounding luxuriant tropical growth that make this an unforgettable natural wonder. Head into Brazil’s Iguassu National Park to enjoy the magnificent panorama of waterfalls from the Brazilian side. Your Local Guide introduces the spectacle of this 2-mile-wide rushing torrent. With some cataracts as high as 250 feet, Iguassu Falls is nothing short of hypnotic! (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTNATURAL WONDERS Explore incredible Iguassu National Park (Brazilian side) and walk the pathways skirting Iguassu Falls. Watch for amazing wildlife in this protected area, including toucans, agoutis, giant otters, anteaters, tapir, and even jaguars!
Day 5: IGUASSU FALLS
Taking the Plunge Today, journey across the Brazilian border by motorcoach to the Argentine side of Iguassu Falls, where you will take the Ecological Jungle Train and enjoy a closer perspective on a walking tour of the falls. Meander along the walkways from atop the falls and enjoy an exhilarating view looking over the precipice of the falls as the water plunges to the rocks below. You will also have the chance to walk through the rainforest on the lower falls trails that will bring you up close to some of the smaller cataracts. Return to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTPICTURE PERFECT Iguassu National Park (Argentinean side) – From this side of the falls you get a bird’s-eye view from the catwalks perched over part of the Devil’s Throat, where 14 waterfalls drop more than 300 feet into the Devil’s Gorge below. A completely different perspective from that of Brazil’s side which is why you always need to see both sides of the falls!
Day 6: IGUASSU FALLS–BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
The Boulevards of Buenos AiresThis morning, cross the Brazilian border into Argentina by motorcoach to transfer to the Cataratas del Iguazu International Airport for your flight to Buenos Aires. After arriving, an orientation walk acquaints you with the “Paris of South America” and its wide boulevards and outdoor cafés. (Breakfast)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCITY SIGHTS Elegant European architecture, epicurean cuisine, and a café culture to rival any rue de Paris, Buenos Aires is a city of leisurely afternoons sipping café con leche or the choicest Argentinian wines.
Day 7: BUENOS AIRES
Dining, Dancing & DazzlingYour sightseeing starts in La Boca, a vibrant district and site of the city’s first port. Take a short walking tour of this unique enclave and then on to San Telmo, famous for its late-colonial buildings and a popular gathering spot for artists. At Plaza de Mayo, see La Casa Rosada (the President’s Pink House) and the Metropolitan Cathedral, housing San Martin’s Mausoleum. Drive past the ornate Teatro Colón opera house before reaching Recoleta Cemetery, burial site of Eva Perón. Next, [LF] learn how to make a traditional Argentinean dish during your empanada cooking class. After an afternoon at leisure, top off the evening at a famous Tango club. The Tango and Argentina go hand in hand and tonight you will [LF] visit a local milonga, or tango house, where professional tango dancers teach the traditional techniques of the Argentine Tango. After your lesson, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring Argentine steaks and other local specialties. Top off the evening when the professionals delight you with a Tango Show featuring the dance as it has evolved through the ages! (Breakfast,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITELOCAL TASTES Immerse yourself in Argentina’s culinary culture when you learn how to make empanadas. This hands-on cooking class teaches you the different fillings and the various 'repulga' techniques (how to close the empanada.) After perfecting your creation, enjoy your homemade empanada and a glass of Malbec.
Day 8: BUENOS AIRES
Ranch Life Today, head into the heart of the pampas (grasslands) and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of rural, country life at a working [LF] Argentina estancia (ranch). After a traditional welcome with empanadas and local beverages, get acquainted with the lifestyle of real gauchos (cowboys) on a carriage ride through the pampas. Later, at lunch, enjoy an authentic feast, complete with world-renowned Argentine beef, salad, desserts, local wine, and live music and dance by the gauchos themselves. Top off the day with a horsemanship show by the gauchos before saying adios to the countryside and heading back to the city. (Breakfast,Lunch)
LOCAL FAVORITE CULTURE & TRADITION Estancias date back to the 16th Century during Spanish colonization when conquistadors where gifted land to raise and breed cattle. Today, these lands and traditions that go along with them have been passed down from generation to generation. Today, you step into the traditional, local life of a gaucho and embrace Argentinian heritage.
Day 9: BUENOS AIRES–BARILOCHE
Patagonian Pleasures Fly south to Bariloche in Patagonia on the shores of fjord-like Lago Nahuel Huapi in the heart of Argentina’s Lake District. Arrive in the early evening and join your Tour Director for a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town. See the city hall, the clock tower in Municipality Square, and the famous chocolate factories. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURAL GEMS You are in Argentina but, you feel like you are in a small town in Switzerland when in Bariloche! Use your time here to sample its famous chocolate, sip locally crafted beer, dine on world class cuisine, and take in the breathtaking views of this Patagonian mountain town.
Day 10: BARILOCHE
Alpine TreasuresThis chic alpine resort boasts some of the most glorious scenery in the country. Cameras should be ready for today’s guided sightseeing including a chairlift ride to a lookout point at Cerro Campanario. You’ll want to capture the vistas of surrounding lakes and Andes mountain peaks. The tour continues with a leisurely drive around the Llao Llao Peninsula, Lago Moreno, and Lopez Bay followed by lunch at a local restaurant. (Breakfast,Lunch)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTEPIC RIDE Sit back and relax on the 7-minute chairlift ride to the Campanario summit at 3400 feet. From here you will experience the best views in Patagonia. Take in the sweeping vistas of the surrounding snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and lush forests.
Day 11: BARILOCHE–PUERTO BLEST–PUERTO VARAS, CHILE
Peak PerfectionSet out today for your [LF] Andes Lake crossing! Board a boat for the cruise across Lago Nahuel Huapi to Puerto Blest. Proceed by motorcoach and see emerald lakes, thick pine forests, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains. Look out for soaring Osorno Volcano as you cross Lago Todos los Santos by catamaran. Skirt the southern shore of Lago Llanquihue on the way to Puerto Varas. Drive to your hotel along the rosebush-lined streets of this lakeside resort. (Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner)
LOCAL FAVORITE NATURAL WONDERS Why go around the Andes Mountains when you can cut a path directly through them? That’s exactly what you will do today on a full-day Andes Lake Crossing from Argentina to Chile! Sail across glacial lakes, travel through national parks, stop on a remote island for lunch, watch for giant condors, and cruise past active volcanoes into Chile. Today will be an unforgettable adventure.
Day 12: PUERTO VARAS–PUERTO MONTT–SANTIAGO
Summits & SeasYour morning tour of the nearby seaport of Puerto Montt in Chilean Patagonia takes you to the harbor brimming with fishing vessels and along a busy waterfront lined with seafood stalls. Transfer to the airport for your flight north to Santiago. Perched between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, Santiago has evolved as the country’s political, commercial, and cultural capital. Tonight, dinner is at the hotel. (Breakfast,Dinner)
TOUR HIGHLIGHTLOCAL TASTES Discover a wide variety of fresh seafood during your visit to the local market in the seaside village of Angelmó near Puerto Montt. If seafood isn’t your preference, you’ll also find fruits, vegetables, cheese, meats, handicrafts, and much more.
Day 13: SANTIAGO
Toasts of the TownToday, your Local Guide traces the city’s history and heritage on a guided city tour. Start at La Moneda, the official Government Palace, before heading to the Plaza de Armas, the main square, with a visit to the 18th-century cathedral. Continue into Chile's nearby wine region and visit one of Chile's oldest wineries, Cousiño-Macul’s. A guided tour uncovers the vine-to-wine process that produces some of the world's finest wines. (Breakfast)TOUR HIGHLIGHTHISTORIC SPOT Learn the history of wine during your visit to Cousiño-Macul’s Winery in the Maipo Valley. Family operated since it was built in 1856, Cousiño-Macul's reserve wines are estate grown, vinted, and bottled in the family tradition of six generations. Tour the hundred-year-old vines, walk through the cellars, and taste a selection of the wines.
Day 14: SANTIAGO
Hasta Luego, Chile The day is free for independent activities. You may want to take advantage of an optional excursion to the beautiful coastal region west of Santiago. Tonight, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner to celebrate a great touring adventure. (Breakfast,Dinner)
FREE TIME TIPSEXPLORE MORE Take an excursion to Valparaiso and Viña del Mar. Drive through the hills of Chile’s wine country to the historic port of Valparaiso, and continue along the coast to nearby Viña del Mar. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 15: SANTIAGO
Safe travels until we meet again!Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
