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ROAD CYCLING IN THE LAKES & VOLCANOES DISTRICT CHILE 12D/11N
NEXT TOUR: FEB20 / MAR03 / 2009 - SPACES OPEN!!
Day 01, Santiago – Temuco
Upon your arrival (around 17:00, local time), our staff will meet you at Temuco Airport and drive you to the city, where we’ll check in at your hotel and have a rest. That evening we will check and fit your bicycles, have an orientation and briefing session, and enjoy an introductory dinner with your guides and fellow riders.
Lodging at hotel in Temuco
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Day 02, Lautaro – Manzanar + additional riding to Malalcahuello
We’ll begin early in the morning by traveling 30 km (18.6 miles) in our private minibuses until the main square of the town of Lautaro. Then we’ll mount on the road-bikes and commence pedaling across an old bridge over the river Cautín towards the Andean Mountain Range. The route passes through the middle of seeded fields on smooth hills with a beautiful view to the volcanoes Llaima, Lonquimay and Tolhuaca and an extensive green valley before the city of Curacautín (there are two short climbs and a fun descent before entering the city). From here, the road starts to ascend as we enter in foothills of the mountain range. We’ll go bordering the Cautín River as the valley goes narrowing after each meter we ascent until arriving at the plain of Malalcahuello village. Then, we’ll check-in at the Termas de Manzanar Hotel where a soothing thermal bath awaits for us.
Lodging at Hotel Termas de Manzanar
Bike traveled distance: 46 miles + 20 mi to Malalcahuello (RT).
Time cycling: 4 hours approx.
/ B / BL / D /
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Day 03, Sierra Nevada – Liucura – Pino Hachado
The vans will take us to the Sierra Nevada Range through the Las Raíces tunnel - the longest tunnel in Chile (4,5 km / 2,8 mi). Here we’ll set off on our second ride, traveling alongside the Lonquimay River by a fairly flat valley; this 32-mile section features one of the smoothest roads. We’ll bike through the lands of different Pewenches indigenous communities, ascending along the international path Pino Hachado until reaching the Customs. The road is rolling with false-flat sections and a few small climbs and good down hills. If you want to pedal up some serious grades, it is possible to extend the route on 13.6 miles more, to the peak altitude of 6.181 feet; at the top you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Andes. In the small village of Liucura, we’ll arrive at the meeting point with the minibuses. Then, we’ll check-in at the hotel Termas de Manzanar where a soothing thermal bath awaits for us. Dinner at the hotel around 8pm. While having dinner, we’ll review the following days’ route graphics and maps, and watch a slideshow of the best pictures of the trip.
Lodging at Hotel Termas de Manzanar
Bike traveled distance: 51 + 22 km / 32 + 13 miles.
Time cycling: 3 hours approx., with an optional additional 1 hour
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Day 04, Malalcahuello National Park – Hiking Activity - Temuco
From Malalcahuello we take a 15 km (9 miles) dirt road that enters the National Reserve Nalcas-Malalcahuello and travel through a phenomenal forest of araucarias (Araucaria Araucana) that leads to Corralco, the mountain center located at the foothills of the Lonquimay volcano. We can take in the views of the fantastic peaks of the Andean Araucanía, such as Sierra Nevada (2.554 meters / 8.379 feet) and Llaima volcano, as well as the more distant landmark of the Lanín volcano (3.710 meters / 12.172 feet) to the south.
During the day we’ll be hiking through the wonderful reserve, which is surrounded by native forests of very old araucarias. We will learn about Chilean volcanoes, as well as about the indigenous group Pewenches, who have a very close and interesting relationship with the araucaria tree. In the late afternoon we’ll return to Temuco in the vans (2 hours).
Lodging at hotel in Temuco and dinner at a local restaurant with Italian food
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Day 05, Third Ride: Padre Las Casas – Cunco – Melipeuco - Pucón
The road we’ll be biking on starting at Padre Las Casas is well paved, and cuts through farmlands in the rolling hills of La Araucania. This time will be riding with another volcano in front of us; we’ll enjoy the landscape of Mapuche land, along with smooth hills and scenic Nothofagus tree forests in the middle of green meadows. As we approach the Llaima Volcano (the most active volcano in South America) with constant ascents and descends, we’ll arrive at Cunco (picnic lunch) and finally to the town of Melipeuco to end the third ride. We’ll drive (two hours) to Pucón - the main adventure tourism destination in the Lake & Volcano District and check in at Hotel Apart Hotel del Volcan.
Evening at leisure (dinner NOT included). We highly recommend for you to explore this nice touristy town with its many shops, restaurants, bars and cafes. Ask our guides if you need some local knowledge about dining and good shopping.
Lodging at hotel in Pucón
Bike traveled distance: 46 miles
Time cycling: 3.5 hours approx.
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Day 06, Pucón – Caburgua – Huife
We’ll cycle from Pucón to the village of Caburgua where we’ll eat a snack at the beach of Lake Caburgua. The road today is a constant false-flat with a few rolling hills – just enough to get your legs going. Throughout today’s ride our guide will help us identify several species of birds and trees as we cycle next to beautiful farms and enjoy views of the Villarrica volcano. With a little good luck, we will see smoke coming out of the active Villarrica volcano. After cycling to Huife, we will visit the Hot Spring Resort, have lunch there and enjoy a soothing soak in a hot mineral bath. Later we’ll enjoy dinner in Huife and then take a short ride in the vans back to Pucón.
Lodging at hotel in Pucón
Bike traveled distance: 56 km / 34.8 miles
Time cycling: 3 hours approx.
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Day 07, Fifth Ride: Villarrica Nat. Park by MTB + Hike to Glacier
Departing from Pucón, we drive 18 kms / 11 miles by minibus to Palguín Alto, where we start the Mountain Bike ride (supplied by operator and day rental included in rates). The road leads us through the Palguín valley in Villarrica National Park, with views of scenic waterfalls, as we will pass several majestic snow-capped volcanoes. The vegetation changes spectacularly as we ascend to Chinay, the highest point of the day at 4.101 feet above sea level. After approx 3 hours of a steady climb, we’ll arrive at the Pichi Llancahué Glacier trail, where we’ll take a good break and grab a bite of your on-route snack from the 4x4 support vehicle. Later we’ll hike the trail (2 ½ hours round trip) that leads to a phenomenal glacier which is absolutely covered by the volcanic ashes of the Villarrica volcano. Once again you’ll enjoy the stunning views of four volcanoes. Back to the head of the trail, we’ll get on the bikes again and experience an exciting descent through the forest. After 30-45 minutes riding downhill we’ll exit the park’s boundaries. Return to Pucón and have dinner at a local restaurant.
MB traveled distance: 6 miles + 4 miles hike.
Time cycling: 3 hours approx.
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Day 08, Villarrica – Licanray – Panguipulli
Each day brings new beauty on this tour, and today is no exception. We will ride the shores of two beautiful lakes, Calafquén and Panguipulli, and will cycle three-quarters of the way around Villarrica, a majestic, snow-capped active volcano. We’ll ride through the beach town of Licanray, on roads bordered by green prairies and native forests. At one point we should be able to see five volcanoes. After about 35 miles of cycling, we’ll get to the town of Panguipulli, which means “land of lions,” and also it is a tourist destination located at the border of the lake with the same name. From there, we will ride in the vans until we reach the Natural Reserve of Huilo Huilo where we’ll stay overnight in a very special hotel.
Lodging at Hotel Marina del Fuy or similar
Bike traveled distance: 82 km / 50.9 miles.
Time cycling: 3.5 hours approx.
/ B / BL / D /
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Day 09, Natural Reserve Huilo-Huilo, Day @ leisure
A day of rest from your bicycles doesn’t mean you have nothing to do. There are activities in Huilo-Huilo for everyone; including hiking trails, horseback riding, and spectacular waterfalls. For the adventurous, there are two canopy (zip line) options.
Lodging at Hotel Marina del Fuy or similar
/ B / BL / D /
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Day 10, Osorno – Entre Lagos - Termas de Puyehue
Today we’ll ride in the vans 135 km (84 miles) until we reach the town of Osorno, where we will begin cycling. We will ride over rolling hills and beautiful beaches next to Lake Puyehue, always on the lookout for wildlife and views of volcanoes. With the lake on one side, green pastures and fields on the other, and the snow-capped Andes in the distance, this will be another picturesque day on our bicycles. The cycling today consists of small hills and long, flat stretches most of the day, but be sure to save enough energy to ride the final hill to the fantastic Termas de Puyehue Hotel & SPA where we’ll spend the night.
Bike traveled distance: 70 km / 43 miles.
Time cycling: 4 hours approx.
/ B / BL / D /
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Day 11, Puerto Varas – Ensenada – Petrohue Falls
In the morning, the vans will take us to the shores of beautiful Lake Llanquihue where we will approach the Osorno Volcano with its perfect cone. As we cycle along the lake, the snow-capped volcano appears to rise directly out of the lake, and we will have wonderful views of it during much of the day. We’ll pass through the village of Ensenada, then on to the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and hike a short distance to the dramatic Petrohue Falls. After a short ride in the vans, we’ll have a farewell dinner and spend the night in the charming German-style city of Puerto Varas.
Lodging at Hotel in Puerto Varas
Bike traveled distance: 56 km / 35 miles.
Time cycling: 3 hours approx
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Day 12, Puerto Varas – Airport in Puerto Montt (PMC)
Sadly, it’s time to say good-bye to the beautiful Lake & Volcano District of Chile. After breakfast, we’ll ride in vans to Puerto Montt Airport to catch your flight back to Santiago. It’s been a trip you will always remember!
End of services
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PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Professional guide
- Lodging at 3*, 4*hotels and luxury lodges
- Private vans (1 van from 4 to 12 pax, 2 vans for 12+pax)
- Support vehicle (pick-up truck) with bicycle trailer from 10 riders up.
- Basic cycle parts (cable housing, tubes, tires and spokes)
- Gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on-route snacks include: mineral water, energy drinks, trail-mix, fresh fruit and gourmet sandwiches)
- Entrance fee at Huife Hot Springs, and all activities according to the itinerary.
NOT INCLUDED
- International and local flights
- Accident Insurance (you MUST have your own insurance)
- Other cycle parts and components (derailleur, crankset, fork, etc)
- Entrance fee to national parks
- Laundry
- Beverages & cocktails not included on menus
- Bike rental (available upon request) TREK 1.5 18-speed Road Bike or similar
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
Road cycling, hiking and hot springs
DIFFICULTY
Medium, designed for people who lead active lives and are comfortable participating in up to [5] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve some activities of higher intensity and/or a more vigorous pace.
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