October 7, 2015

Bikes, Wine, & Patagonia

Written By Admin

Trip Overview

Chile is one of, if not the, most geographically diverse countries on the planet. Its fertile central valley has earned international acclaim for producing some of the world’s best wines and, further south, the pure natural beauty of Patagonia bursts with verdant forests, crystalline lakes, jagged mountain peaks, and even active volcanoes. You’ll experience it all during this 8-day custom-designed bike tour, where you’ll pedal at your own pace far from traditional tourist routes over country roads, through forests, and along rows of vineyards laden with grapes. You’ll also trek on a volcano, raft the Petrohue River, and enjoy an authentic Chilean asado with the gauchos of Patagonia. This is the only trip of its kind in South America!

Day 1:  Arrival Santiago, Chile

• Private transfer from airport to hotel in Santiago
• Half-day city tour, private, guided
• Welcome reception with biking guide to review upcoming program
• Light dinner

Day 2: Eastern Colchagua Valley (Total Miles: 20)

• Your driver and guide will be waiting to meet you at 9:00am to embark on your Bike & Wine adventure!
• Transfer in vehicle to eastern sector of the renowned Colchagua Valley, to begin ride
• Private tour and tasting at afamily-run winery
• Overnight at winery’s hotel
• Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Biking in the Colchagua Valley (Total Miles: 25)

• Two winery visits and tastings  at top wineries
• In the afternoon, return to Santiago for flight to Chile’s Lakes District
• Upon arrival in Puerto Montt, private transfer to the picturesque town of Puerto Varas
• Free evening to relax and explore
• Overnight in Puerto Varas
• Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Hiking the base of the Osorno Volcano and Rafting on the Petrohue River

• Hiking at the base of Osorno Volcano
• White water rafting clase III and IV rapids on the Petrohue River
• Breathtaking scenery of snow-capped volcanoes, green forests, and deep blue waters
• Overnight in Puerto Varas
• Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Puerto Varas to Puerto Octay (Total Miles: 31)

• Depart Puerto Varas and travel 30 minutes to Frutillar to begin pedaling along the shores of Llanquihue Lake
• Ride to Puerto Octay for picnic lunch
• After a brief rest, continue to Puerto Fonck
• Overnight in a beautiful wooden antique house reminiscent of colonial Germany
• Breakfast, Lunch, Snack

Day 6: Llanquihue Lake, Volcano Osorno, and Petrohué Falls (Total Miles: 12.5)

• Short morning hike near Llanquihue Lake, with majestic Volcano Osorno as backdrop
• Pedal to Ensenada and on to the Petrohue Falls
• Overnight near Petrohue
• Breakfast, Lunch, Snack

Day 7: Along the Carretera Austral to Cochamó (Total Miles: 30)

• Begin the day pedaling through an incredibly beautiful route over the Carretera Austral (Southern Highway)
• A warm fire and Patagonian lamb barbeque greet you upon arrival in Cochamo
• Overnight in Cochamo
• Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Snack, Dinner

Day 8: End of Trip

• Coss the Estuary of Reloncaví en route back to Puerto Montt
• Flight to Santiago and international connections
• Breakfast

End of Services

What’s Included:

• All ground transportation in comfortable vehicle with professional driver
• Professional, bilingual bike guide
• Winery tours & tastings as detailed in itinerary
• Seven (7) nights lodging
• Meals as detailed in itinerary
• Santiago city tour
• Activities & excursions as detailed in itinerary
• Mountain bike & equipment
• Map of Chilean wine regions
• Bottled mineral water

Not Included:

• International flights
• Reciprocity fee due upon arrival to Santiago (US$140)
• Round trip flight Santiago – Puerto Montt
• Optional gratuities for guides and drivers
• Meals not listed in itinerary
• Items of personal nature
• Travel insurance