EXPERIENCE CHILE - OUR BEST TRIPS MOUNTAIN BIKE ADVENTURE IN THE LAKES (8 Days)

This Biking Trip is designed specifically with more exercise in mind. We feel sporting activities help a traveler get closer to the essence of a country and its people. Well, we think mountain biking has a special affinity with Chile. We have tried to pace the days in these adventures with Lake Country Geography in mind.

Have you looked out on the horizon to see a tremendous volcano in the distance, and then taken the afternoon to arrive at the foot of it? You will. Have you stood half way up it and looked back to where you´ve come only to see the ocean in the distance? You will. How would you like the satisfaction of bombing down it? You will.

* Biking amidst the Lakes.
* Biking along shoreline of Lago Llanquihue.
* Biking along the Reloncavi Fiord.
* Hiking in Valdivian Rain Forest.
* Combined bike and hike trip to ancient Alerce Forest
* Carefully selected overnights ranging from cozy mountain
refuges to family operated middle range hotels.

Daily distances: between 20 and 70 kilometres, depending upon the group. Group support vehicle allows those who wish to shorten distances where required.

Tour level: daily bike rides moderate to challenging for advanced cyclists and ambitious beginners. In the majority we will cycle along gravel roads and country lanes for which our quality mountain bikes are the perfect match. During two days we will ride tarmac roads. There is very little car traffic on any of the roads.

Conditions for participants: normal state of health and fitness. Qualified English speaking bike guides will bring you closer to the Chilean Lake District through their enthusiasm and knowledge.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1 | Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas

• Reception at airport in Puerto Montt. Transfer to Puerto Varas.
• Evening gathering to discuss our coming adventure over a complimentary welcome cocktail at the local Merlin Restaurant in Puerto Varas.
• Overnight : Hotel in Puerto Varas.

Day 2 | Puerto Varas - Alerce Andino National Park ..........B-BL

• Drive south through the local capital and principal southern port: Puerto Montt.
• Route continues along the Carretera Austral next the ocean.
• Hike in National Park Alerce Andino.
• About the Park :
  • Park makes up almost 40,000 hectares or (97,000 acres).
  • Largest surviving Valdivian Rainforest in the world.
  • Many native Alerce-- giant coniferous tree distantly related to the Redwoods of California.
  • Note : Standing amidst these tremendous trees is like standing in a cathedral larger than any you have previously known. Though it may seem like a strange juxtaposition, in point of fact, if one were to count the rings of some of these trees one would find them to be much older than any Cathedral you have known. Many are indeed much older than the Christian religion itself.
  • Vegetation surprisingly dense and varied. Trail well maintained.

• Return to Puerto Varas in the evening.
• Walking on our first day is designed to allow everyone to limber up for the coming days.

  Hiking: about 12 km (8 miles)

Day 3 | Puerto Varas - Volcan Osorno

• Depart early from Puerto Varas by mountain bike along the shore of Lago Llanquihue.
• Snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes grow steadily larger as we ride along the lakeshore toward them.
• In Ensenada we hop aboard our accompanying vehicle and travel uphill to the Mountain Lodge on the slopes of Volcan Osorno.
• Lunch on the lower slopes of the Volcano itself.
• Afternoon hike on the surface of the Volcano´s sculpted lava and snowfields.
• Overnight at 1300 meters above sea level in a cozy mountain hut.
• With a bit of luck we´ll enjoy a colorful sunset over Lake Llanquihue and Volcan Calbuco.

  Biking: 45 - 65 km, (accompanying vehicle at all times)
  Hiking: 5 - 8 km

Day 4 | Volcan Osorno - Las Cascadas Waterfalls ..........B-BL

• Breathtaking morning views hiking downhill on the slopes of Volcan Osorno. Bike descent to lake´s edge.
• Continue along the shore of the Lago Llanquihue to the sleepy hamlet of Las Cascadas.
• Picnic on the lake´s edge.
• Hike into a spectacular canyon with waterfall. A deep lush gorge and light playing on the mist in the air makes for refreshing and spectacular finish today.
• Return by vehicle to Ensenada.
• Overnight in Ensenada.

  Biking: 35 km, (accompanying vehicle at all times)
  Hiking: 3 km

Day 5 | Ensenada - Petrohue river - Ensenada ..........B-BL

• Drive or bike to Petrohue, visit waterfalls, short boatride and hike.
• Break from cycling for white-water rafting trip on the Petrohue River.
• Picnic on the beach on the river.
• Overnight: Overnight in Ensenada.

Day 6 | Ensenada - Reloncavi Fiord on the Pacific Ocean - Puerto Varas .......B-BL

• Cycle south to the Reloncavi Fiord on the Pacific Ocean.
• Rustic farms of Northern Patagonia.
• Distant ocean views from various high points on route.
• Dolphins can be seen on final leg of the trip.
• Return in the afternoon to Puerto Varas, overnight.

  Biking: 45 km

Day 7 | Puerto Varas - Frutillar - Puerto Octay ..........B-BL

• Ride north along shores of Lago Llanquihue in the footsteps of the German settlers of the 1850´s.
• Small lakeside road winds along the hilly landscape offering fascinating views of various southern volcanoes.
• Swim at sandy beach during a break on route.
• First destination, beautiful summer town of Frutillar.
• Visit to open air museum Pioneer Village Museum.
• Hearty picnic.
• Continue along lakeshore to Puerto Octay with idyllic harbour and famous fishing.
• Return to Puerto Varas in the late afternoon by vehicle.
• Overnight: Hotel in Puerto Varas.

  Biking distance between 35 and 60 kms

Day 8 | Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt ..........B

• Transfer to Puerto Montt airport for return flight.

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