Argentina - Patagonia by mountain bike

This is a spectacular mountain biking journey through Patagonia. The city of Puerto Montt is our gateway into the Chilean Lake District. Ride through misty forests, by beautiful lakes and cascades in the Valdiviana Jungle. Delight in the invigorating hot springs of Puyehue and marvel at the unique sight of the Arrayanes Woods. Bike along the Nahuel Huapí coastline and visit welcoming San Carlos de Bariloche. Then head east to discover Patagonia's endless horizons. Experience first hand the local people, guanacos, foxes and choiques and other residents. Conclude this unique tour in Puerto Madryn with it's spectacular marine reserve around Península Valdés.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 Dinner and introduction of the group in Puerto Montt, Chile. Overnight in chalets.

Day 2 Puerto Montt - Puerto Octay. Travelling northwards we skirt Lago (Lake) Llanquihue and get some spectacular views of lakes and forests. Puerto Octay is a popular resort town, but not crowded like the southern resorts. 70 Km (Asphalt). Overnight in chalets.

Day 3 Puerto Octay - Aguas Calientes ('hot springs'). More lagos as we make our way towards Puyehue National Park. 85km (Asphalt). Camping

Day 4 Aguas Calientes - Villa la Angostura. We cross the border into Argentina and head to our camp at the side of the beautiful Lago Nahuel Huapi. 90 Km (Asphalt). Camping.

Day 5 Villa la Angostura - Bariloche. We now ride to Bariloche, the centre of the Lake District. 83 Km (Asphalt). Excursion to la P. De Quetrihue in the morning. 24 Km. Overnight in hostel.

Day 6 Bariloche. Rest day, or you could take a walk along the long ridge of Cerro Otto. Overnight in hostel.

Day 7 Bike along national road # 40 towards Commallo through the never ending wilderness of Patagonia. Camping at a school. 90km (Dirt road).

Day 8 Continue on towards Ingeniero Jacobacci. Is this the wildest place on earth, you will be asking yourself by now. 127 Km (Dirt road). Hostel.

Day 9 Camping at the shores of a lagoon. 108km (Dirt road).

Day 10 Camping at a local peasant's house. 93 Km (Dirt road).

Day 11 Camping at a local peasant's house. 64 Km (Dirt road).

Day 12 Cona Niyeu. Camping in a small village. 79 Km (Dirt road).

Day 13 Camping at a local peasant's house. 120 Km (Dirt road)

Day 14 Puerto Madryn. 120 Km (Dirt road). Overnight at a hosteria.

Day 15 Puerto Madryn. Sightseeing (no biking). Overnight at a hosteria.

Day 16 Depart for home, or...Excursion (optional extra) to Peninsula Valdés, one of the world's top marine reserves for whale watching etc.

Difficulty: moderate to hard.
Total ride: 1,150 kilometres. 12 days riding.

Dates: 15th February 2005
Non Scheduled - November to March as a private trip.

Price Guide per person GB£ / US$:

GB£830 - GB£1200 / US$1300 - US$2000 dependent upon the group size

Email for current prices

You can book as an individual, but we need a minimum of 4 for the trip to proceed at these prices. The maximum number in the group is 12.

What is included
Accommodation; 2 nights chalets, 5 nights hostel, 8 nights camping. Support vehicle. Guide and coordinator. Mechanical service and spares. All meals, except dinner at hosterias. Group camping equipment.

What is Not Included
Bike & equipment (Helmet, day bag and waterbottle), International airfare, lunch and evening meals while in the hosterias. Sleeping bags. Personal extras and special request purchases, confirmation or changes to flights. Faxes, e-mails and other personal correspondence. Drinks other than tea / coffee as served with the meals. Visa fees (if required), vaccination costs, personal clothing and equipment, all items of a personal nature. Medical treatment, Emergency & Evacuation Costs, Personal Travel Insurance. All costs associated with cancellations, changes & unavoidable delays, beyond our control.

Visas
A visa is not currently required for UK or USA passport holders.

Travel Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on this trip. For UK clients we recommend the policies of the British Mountaineering Council, for their expertise in evacuation from remote areas worldwide. Details at www.thebmc.co.uk