Northern Patagonia, also called the Lake District, offers some of the most scenic landscapes in South America. Situated in lush, temperate rainforest (similar to that of the U.S. Pacific Northwest), whose western border is the Pacific Ocean and whose eastern edge is formed by the Andes, this region is scattered with hundreds of glacial lakes ranging in hue from deep azure to Caribbean turquoise. Set beneath impressive, cone-shaped volcanos, this gently rolling terrain is an ideal bike touring destination! The wide, fertile valleys are dotted with quaint, colorful villages, reminiscent of those the European settlers left behind in the Alps. These are ideal for sightseeing stops and meeting the locals. Inside the Valdivian forest itself, accessed during short day hikes, one encounters giant alerce trees (similar to the redwoods), coihue (a type of southern beech) and the famed araucaria pines, or monkey puzzle trees. In this peaceful setting, the loudest sounds are usually the splashing of waterfalls into clear rivers, the chirping of Andean songbirds, or the whir of our bicycles speeding down graded dirt roads. Supported by a fully equipped sag-wagon, guests on this exciting trip peddle through some of the earth’s most spectacular scenery by day and spend their nights in comfortable hotels or charming country inns—an ideal combination for most travelers!

Following our arrival to Santiago, we connect to a local flight to Puerto Montt, then drive to Puerto Varas, the southern gateway to the Lake District. Our adventure begins with a tour of the village of Frutillar. The following day, we drive to Ensenada for a warm-up ride to Reloncaví Sound, on the Pacific Ocean. On subsequent days, we hike on the Osorno Volcano (8,725'), and bike into Puyehue Park where we enjoy an afternoon soak in the hot springs. We peddle uphill to the Antillanca refuge, drive and bike north to Villarica and spend a couple days in Pucón—the Lake District’s most active and popular resort. Our final day of both biking and hiking is spent following forested paths to hidden lagoons in Huerquehue National Park. Group members heading home transfer to Temuco for the flight to Santiago, to connect with international flights.