The Andes Tour®
Patagonia Volcanoes
5 days of trails and rural roads between the most important volcanoes
of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia.
Grandiose landscapes, hot springs, rivers, endless valleys, and the purest nature will be your setting in this unique mountain biking expedition in South America.
March 2024 Program
Andes Tour Program
Day 1 - Meeting and Adaptation
9 am: Meeting at the agency to get to know each other and define tour details.
2 pm: We start pedaling on pure trails in the Mountain Bike capital, San Martin de los Andes. The trails will be of medium difficulty, and the idea is to familiarize ourselves with slopes, technical use of gear shifts, changes in demand, precise handling, address any questions, and evaluate the group's capabilities. Return: 6 pm.
Approximate distance: 25 km of pure trail
Approximate elevation gain: +500 meters
Day 2 - Tromen - Pucon
It will be a demanding day with long distances, although the negative elevation will be of great help, which is why we have added so many kilometers to cover.
7:30 am: Departure by vehicles to Tromen, at the foot of the impressive Lanin volcano, where the adventure begins in a landscape of extraordinary beauty.
A few minutes after starting to pedal, we will enter the Andes mountain range to reach the Argentine customs. After immigration procedures, we will do the same a couple of kilometers ahead at the Chilean customs to enter that country.
From here, we will begin a descent of approximately 24 km, catching a glimpse of the Quetrupillan volcano, passing by Laguna Quillelhue, and traversing deep valleys between towering mountains until we reach Puesco. The terrain from here onwards, although still with changing slopes, will be less steep.
We will cross the Trancura River to enter a 14 km trail that leads to the small mountain town of Curarrehue. There, the support vehicles will be waiting for us to have lunch.
We will continue connecting trails, rural roads, and a section of highway to reach Los Ojos del Caburgua, a curious formation where a river emerges on the surface in the middle of the Valdivian Rainforest, creating waterfalls and peculiar shapes. It is in this stretch that the third great giant of our journey will start to come into view, the active Villarrica volcano, seemingly welcoming us with its plume of gas expelled from its crater and its hanging glaciers.
Those who wish can reach Pucón by the support vehicle or continue cycling. Pucón is a small mountain town that is among the most sought-after tourist destinations in Chile. In addition to its architecture with a clear Alpine European influence, it is situated on the slopes of the active Villarrica volcano and by the lake of the same name. We will explore it before having dinner.
Estimated arrival in Pucón: 6:30 pm
Distances: 71 km Tromen - Caburgua / additional to Pucón 24 km
Elevation change: -916 meters
Day 3 - TransVolcánica: Palguin - Coñaripe - Huilo Huilo8 am. The vehicle will take us to Palguin Alto, where we will begin the TransVolcánica route. This rural road may be one of the most demanding days of the journey, as the first 20 km will involve a variable and constant uphill climb through an impressive forest of pure Oak and ancient Araucaria trees.
The lunch support point for this day will vary depending on the time of year and road accessibility for support vehicles.
The final stretch will be an enjoyable descent of 20 km to Coñaripe. Before the end, we will have the opportunity to add a stop at the Rincón Hot Springs for a bath.
The shuttle vehicle will take us to the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, where we will stay.
It is there that we will encounter the imposing Mocho Choshuenco Volcano, which will challenge us the following day as we climb its slopes on our bikes.
Distance: 44 km.
Elevation: Cumulative positive 1150 meters.
Day 4 - Choshuenco and Huilo Huilo
This day can be the most recreational and least demanding of the journey.
In the morning, we will ascend to the Mocho Choshuenco Volcano and return via pure trails to the starting point.
The afternoon will be a good time to enjoy this extraordinary place. Among other experiences, we can visit the Museum of Volcanoes, observe deer and wild boars from aerial walkways, see the Puma Waterfalls, the impressive Huilo Huilo, and the unique concept hotels Montaña Maigica and Nothofagus. We guarantee that this day and place will surprise you!
Distance: 18 km.
Elevation: Cumulative positive 850 meters.
Day 5 - Cross by Boat: Huilo Huilo to San Martin de los Andes
Crossing the Andes is always a strong and memorable experience, regardless of the route, as the breathtaking beauty and size of the landscapes never fail to amaze. This experience becomes even more enjoyable when crossing by boat. The views offered by navigation are unparalleled. This navigation will connect the ports of Fuy and Pirihueico. After leaving the boat, we will start cycling for about 11 km to the Chilean-Argentine customs. After completing the customs procedures, we will continue to the Hua Hum area, a beautiful spot where the Hua Hum River originates on the shores of Lake Nonthue. If the group is physically capable, we will venture into a trail section in the Quilanlahue area.
The arrival in San Martin de los Andes will be from the west, entering through trails that will provide an incredible aerial view of San Martin de los Andes, where we will conclude the journey.
Distance: 51 km.
Elevation: Cumulative positive 1180 meters.
Additional Day
We suggest adding at least 1 extra day to allow for some flexibility in the program due to weather conditions that may be encountered.
If there are no modifications to the program in San Martin de los Andes, you will have several activities to enjoy during your stay.
Please inquire about prices for groups larger than 5 people.
The reservation is made after verifying availability and transferring a percentage of the total value of the expedition to a designated account. The remaining balance can be paid in full on the day of the pre-departure meeting or in a couple of installments before the departure.
Prices with advance reservation:
USD 1100.-
An initial payment can be made, with the balance payable in installments.
We require a minimum of 6 people to confirm the departure.
(For groups with fewer participants, please inquire about special departures)
MOUNTAIN BIKE RENTAL:
If you don't bring your own mountain bike, we offer the option to rent:
Canondale 29 or 27.5 for 6 days = USD 120.-
Santa Cruz Full Suspension Aluminum for 6 days = USD 180.-
Santa Cruz Full Suspension Carbon 9a1 for 6 days = USD 240.-
