christmas in the andes

Our escape to the southern hemisphere for the Xmas /New Year period takes us on a magnificent journey across the Andes from Chile to Argentina. With an ever-changing panorama of volcanoes, snow capped mountains, glaciers, emerald lakes and fantastic rainforest vegetation, this area of Northern Patagonia is undeniably spectacular. Far from civilization for much of the trip, watch condors gliding effortlessly in cloudless skies as we head towards Bariloche and Villa De Angostura, ski resorts that become summer playgrounds for mountain bikers.
Off Road Paradise
Off road paradise Discover a wealth of biking terrain, from undulating dirt roads to technical forest trails, plenty of single-track and even a ski lift assisted climb before a superb downhill. Our total journey is approx 400km with some long days in the saddle but always with vehicle assistance if you just want to take it easy and enjoy the scenery.
We stay in various Lodges, Inns and Hotels as we cross the Andes. The trip includes all meals and accommodation, ferry fares and lift passes; all you need is enough money for those cevezas (beers) and souvenirs! The cost is based on two people sharing a room; single supplement applies.

Because of the time of year, flights need to be booked well in advance (preferably six months) to ensure the best prices. We will assist in finding flights to suit your arrival /departure dates should you wish to extend your vacation over the festive season.

Day 1
After setting up the bikes there’s time to
relax and visit the attractive harbour area
in Puerto Montt.

Day 2
A great start as we ride on narrow roads
around the beautiful Llanquihue lake.

Day 3
With the snow capped Osorno volcano
towering above us we head through typical ‘Valdivian’ rainforest towards Ensenada.

Day 4
Three ferry trips and some amazing biking
as we cross the border into Argentina.

Day 5
After some demanding riding to cross the
Andes, it’s time for some fun on the single
tracks at Catedral´s ski resort. By cable
cars we get to the top of Cerro Catedral,
a famous ski center that becomes an
adventure resort in summer and then ride
a couple of incredible downhill’s. 25 km of
single tracks and technical rocky paths.

Day 6
The most beautiful single track in
Patagonia, the Rio Manso, is 20km of
awesome fun in the lakeside forests.

Day 7
Another day that mixes beautiful landscapes and great views with 15km of single tracks and the coolest downhills. A steep 6km climb to the top of Cerro Otto then its down, down, down through the forest.

Day 8
After a free morning in the streets of
Bariloche or by the Nahuel Huapi lakeside
we transfer to Cerro Bayo by cable car
for an exciting 18km downhill.

Day 9
24km through fantastic forest scenery,
“Peninsula de Quetrihué ‘’ is one of the
best single tracks that you will ever ride!

Day 10
59 km of dirt roads for those that want it on the ‘Camino de los siete lagos’ (Seven lakes path) crossing Rio Correntoso, the worlds’ shortest river.

Day 11
Get your breath back today. A short ride takes us south from Rio Traful to arrive in Confluencia.

Day 12
A great ride for our last day in the Andes – climbing 1400 m in the spectacular red and dry landscape of the “El Paso del Córdoba” (Cordoba Pass). An exciting downhill before we transfer to “San Martin de los Andes”.

Day 13
An internal flight to Buenos Aires leaves time for some sightseeing before an overnight stay.

Day 14
Evening flight back to London.