Bike Patagonia

Departs; 11Nov 2022 

                17 Feb 2023

                10Nov 2023

Patagonia - the scenery in this part of the world is just stunning. Think of Queenstown and Central Otago then multiply it by 100 - minus all the people. Just plain spectacular!!!

We start out by flying from Santiago to Temuco to visit Pucon with its spectacular setting on Lake Villarrica and the stunning Mt Villarrica. You can explore off-road paths on National Parks and protected areas, surrounded by lakes, volcanoes, forests, rivers and hot springs.

After a relaxing stop, we travel overland through to the Lakes District. Crystal clear lakes, spectacular and imposing glaciers, remote and magnificent national parks, combined with endless snow-capped peaks of the Andes. And its not just the scenery that's eye catching - wildlife includes condors, flamingoes and abundant bird life.

We follow Chile's Carretera Austral route. Though most of the trip involves gravel, winding curves and unpredictable weather, the rewards are enormous. It's no exaggeration to say that each kilometre offers picture-perfect vistas - so have the camera at the ready.

You will hike or bike in the spectacular Fitzroy National Park amongst some of the most gorgeous mountain scenery in the world, before staying in the cute mountain town of el Chalten. The glaciers of Perito Moreno in Los Glaciars National Park is just plain awesome, its the size of Buenos Aires City and has such vibrant hues of blue and green with sculptured icebergs of all different sizes.

The nest part of the journey is into the stunning Torres del Paine National Park where its granite pillars soar almost vertically above the Patagonian steppe. The Park is littered with turquoise lakes, roaring rivers,creeping glaciers and dense forests that are a biker's paradise. The area is so good that we enjoy 5 nights here right in the park in a stunning eco lodge.

What really takes folks by surprise is the abundant wildlife - guanacos (from the camel family), foxes, geese, birds and duck, condors by the score, flamingoes, rheas, penguins, seals, and beavers, all in their natural habitat.

Inclusions:

• All economy flights on scheduled airlines as per itinerary.
• All accommodation twin /double share with private bathroom.
• All breakfasts,18 lunches, and 11 dinners.
• All transport costs - taxis, buses, trains, etc.
• All transfers to/from airports and bus stations.
• All entrance fees and sightseeing as per itinerary.
• All entrance fees into National Parks as per itinerary.
• Services of local English speaking guides.
• Services of professional Tour Manager.
• Pre Departure Information Booklet plus complimentary phrase book.

Exclusions:

• International flights to/from Santiago.
• Travel Insurance – mandatory for travel to South America.
• Food – for lunches & dinners on days where not included; allow $35 USD per day.
• Visas – no Visa required for this spectacular journey.
• Tips & gratuities to local guides;  allow US$200.
• Bike hire, available if required for an additional NZ$700. We suggest taking your own in a special bike carry bag. 

NB. These costs based on you flying internationally to/from South America with LAN Airlines. Should you travel on another airline a surcharge may apply.