Cordillera Bike Tour - Andean Barreal and El Leoncito National Park

Bike Trek through Leoncito Park & Andean Barreal

4.8 (147)
Duration: 4 days 3 nights Starting from: San Juan Airport Region: San Juan Distance: 120/160
Home: Request!
Start time: 9 am Ending time: 17hs
Meeting Point: San Juan Airport
Duration: 4 days 3 nights Cupos: 15 spots

Proposal

Itinerary

Day 1: San Juan - Barreal

  • Reception at San Juan airport.
  • Transfer to Barreal.
  • Check-in - Lunch on your own.
  • In the afternoon we’ll do an acclimatization bike ride around this Andean town.
  • Visit and wine tasting at a high-altitude winery.
  • Estimated ride time: 2 hours
  • Elevation change: 80m
  • Distance: 25 km

Day 2: Calingasta Valley

  • Breakfast.
  • Ride through the Calingasta Valley enjoying views of the Andes mountain range, Cerro de los 7 Colores, Cerro Alcázar, the San Juan River, and the historic center of the town of Tamberías (recently restored).
  • We’ll take a break for lunch with a tasting of excellent high-altitude wines from San Juan grape varieties at Finca Nocce.
  • We return to Barreal crossing the Sorocayense bridge, where we’ll have an extraordinary view of the entire mountain range with Aconcagua in the background.
  • Estimated ride time: 3 hours
  • Positive elevation gain: 350m 
  • Distance: 56 km

Day 3: Pampa del Leoncito, El Leoncito National Park

  • Breakfast
  • Full-day experience riding through the striking Pampa del Leoncito.
  • Lunch box-style lunch at Pampa del Leoncito.
  • After lunch we head up to El Leoncito National Park. Ride within the park and stargazing at the Astronomical Complex.
  • Descent by vehicle to Barreal.
  • Farewell dinner
  • Positive elevation gain: 808m
  • Distance: 80 km

Day 4: Barreal - San Juan

  • Breakfast.
  • Transfer to San Juan Airport.
  • End of our services.

Included Services

  • Transfers:
    • San Juan-Barreal in/out.
    • Support vehicle with technical and mechanical assistance.
  • Accommodation:
    • 3 nights at a hosteria (country inn).
  • Meals:
    • 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 3 breakfasts.

Services NOT included

  • Airfare or ground transportation
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Drinks and extras.
  • Travel insurance
  • Costs for dropping out of the program
  • Tips

Note

This is a demanding trek that requires participants to be in good physical condition. You must also have a bike in good working order, with the basic gear listed below.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do we ride a lot each day?

We ride an average of 30 km per day on this type of terrain.

Do we ride with a backpack or panniers?

We ride without panniers. If possible, without a backpack either. Personal gear travels in the support vehicle.

Can I do this with a bike that isn’t an MTB?

Given the terrain, we don’t recommend it. The bike we recommend for this trek is a mountain bike, with at least 21 gears, front suspension, good quality and in good condition.

Can I rent a bike for this? I have an MTB, but it’s not very good.

We don’t recommend it — we ask that you bring your own bike.

That said, the fact that you ride in your city and will have some prior training doesn’t tell us everything we need to know. It’s also important that you’re comfortable with your bike and know it well. If you talk to us about your experience and training, and you don’t have a suitable MTB, or if it’s a matter of travel distance, we can consider arranging a bike rental.

How do I transport my bike to San Juan?
  • CAR: If you’re traveling by car to San Juan. 
  • BUS: You must pack it up and send it as cargo. Check with the bus company departing from your city whether it can travel with you on the bus or whether you need to send it ahead of time.
  • PLANE (Recommended):  You can ask a local bike shop to pack it for travel in a bike cardboard box/bag, or you can do it yourself — ask us if you need advice. Make sure to pad the inside of the box. A good tip is to pack clothes, a sleeping bag, etc. inside so it travels as protected as possible. Keep in mind you shouldn’t have to pay extra to bring the bike, since it’s considered sports equipment, as long as it’s within the 15kg allowed per person for checked baggage. Also keep in mind that you can carry 5kg as hand luggage. 
What happens if I get tired and can’t continue?

The entire trek is accompanied by a support vehicle. If you get tired or have some discomfort, we can load your bike and you can continue in the vehicle.

What if my bike breaks down?

Our support vehicle is equipped with tools and materials to make repairs. If it truly cannot be repaired, we have a spare bike to replace your damaged one.

Who's a good fit for Cycling Among a Thousand Stars: Leoncito-Barreal Trek?

Cycling Among a Thousand Stars: Leoncito-Barreal Trek is an expedition that any adventurer can take on with the right physical preparation, equipment and prior experience con salida desde San Juan Airport , in the region San Juan, Argentina. It lasts 4 days 3 nights. Todos nuestros programas incluyen guías de montaña certificados, logística de expedición y seguro de accidentes personales.

What's included in Cycling Among a Thousand Stars: Leoncito-Barreal Trek?

Transfers: San Juan-Barreal in/out. Support vehicle with technical and mechanical assistance. Accommodation: 3 nights at a hosteria (country inn). Meals: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 3 breakfasts.

What happens if the trip is suspended due to bad weather or other force majeure?

At AEX, the safety of our travelers and guides comes first. Activities are only suspended or modified when weather, political or geographic conditions put the expedition at risk. The decision rests exclusively with the guide team and technical direction, based on official reports (National Weather Service, National Parks or local authorities).

If the trip is suspended, do I lose what I paid?

No. The amount paid becomes a Credit in your favor (Weather Voucher) valid for 18 months from the suspended date: up to 6 months to choose a new date plus 12 months to take part. You can use it for the same expedition or any of our other destinations and experiences, and if you cannot use it within that period you can transfer it to someone else.

Required equipment

Reference: What to wear and personal gear:

The secret is dressing in layers, for maximum comfort and the best performance at minimum weight. It’s important to use wind-resistant, quick-drying clothing, which is why we recommend avoiding cotton. If you’re planning to buy new footwear, make sure to break it in before the trip. The weather can vary, and even with a forecast, it’s unpredictable. Nights are cool. Even if the sun is shining, always bring a warm layer and a waterproof jacket, just in case. Always try to wear UV sunglasses. Always use sunscreen even if it’s cloudy. As much as possible, avoid sun exposure at any time of day. All these precautions contribute not only to your own health and well-being, but to the group’s as well.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT: MTB

  • Mountain bike in good condition (check the bike to make sure it’s in optimal condition with no heavily worn parts, since this trek is quite demanding. Be sure to check the brakes — replace pads if disc brakes, or brake shoes if V-brakes).
  • Helmet. (MANDATORY)
  • Gloves
  • 2 spare inner tubes.
  • 1 patch kit.
  • Pump suitable for your valve type.
  • Suspension fork pump (if needed)
  • Required front and rear lights. Spare batteries.
  • Front and rear reflectors.
  • Medical fitness*** (a note from your doctor confirming you’re fit to do this activity).


Note: Repair equipment such as tools, puncture repair kits, chain breakers, spare chain links, and other materials will be provided by our company.

CAMPING GEAR

  • Sleeping bag (warm)
  • Sleeping pad.

CLOTHING

  • Sun hat - Multifunctional neck gaiter, Buff-type.
  • Dark UV/IR sunglasses
  • Padded cycling shorts / long cycling tights
  • Synthetic (dry-fit type) shirts for cycling.
  • Short windbreaker jacket.
  • Cycling shoes
  • 2 short-sleeve shirts.
  • Changes of underwear.
  • Thermal base layer shirt.
  • Comfortable shoes for the campsite.
  • Several pairs of socks
  • Warm gloves
  • 1 long-sleeve shirt
  • 1 pair of warm long pants
  • Extra warm layer (for those who feel the cold)
  • Shorts or swim trunks (for bathing in hot springs or rivers)
  • 2 warm layers (fleece pullover)
  • Warm hat (fleece)
  • Down jacket or vest (optional)
  • Waterproof third-layer jacket (Ultrex, Gore-Tex or similar would be ideal) – if you don’t have one, pair a windbreaker with a plastic poncho.

PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Passport, ID card.
  • TRAVELER ASSISTANCE INSURANCE  (mandatory)
  • Medical/health insurance.
  • Completed medical and personal form, authorization.

MISCELLANEOUS

  • HEAD lamp with batteries (spare batteries).
  • Large sturdy plastic bags to store clothing.

HEALTH & HYGIENE

  • Sunglasses. (IMPORTANT)
  • Personal first-aid kit (medication with the relevant prescription).
  • Sunscreen, lip balm (SPF 30 or higher)
  • Soap, shampoo (travel-size) and a small towel.
  • Toilet paper. Tissues. Baby wipes.
  • Insect repellent.

 

HYDRATION

  • 1 or 2 water bottles – Camelback, Nalgene or similar, optional.

 

Rental Equipment

Trekking sleeping bag Available
Trekking sleeping bag
Pair of Trekking Poles Available
Pair of Trekking Poles
Mittens Available
Rental mittens
Crampons - Pair of Crampons Available
Pair of Crampons
Climbing II - helmet, crampons and pickaxe Available
Rental : helmet, crampons and ice ax
Climbing Combo I - helmet, crampons, pickaxe, harness, carabiners, plate, straps, cords Available
Combo Top: helmet, crampons, ice ax and full harness
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom Available
Category 3 sunglasses - Shepra Julbo Spectrom
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman Available
Backpack for trekking and mountaineering - Woman

4.8

147 Google reviews

MC
Maxi Cuska

Espectacular todo! el recorrido Calilegua-Tilcara, los paisajes, la atención y dedicación de los guiás. Lean y Gusti una masa!! comimos excelente, mucha magia de Gustavo en la cocina y los lugareños que nos recibieron de primera. El grupo que toco también toda la onda!! La pasamos genial en todo momento, el hospedaje de ultima noche un lujo. Recomiendo fuerte!!

GA
Guillermina Augustu

Tilcara Calilegua es la travesía mas hermosa que hice, tiene unos paisajes maravillosos . La inmensidad en la montaña es increible. Pero lo que realmente lo hizo mágico fueron los lugares donde nos hospedamos, los compañeros de montaña y el amor y el cuidado de los guías. Euge y Gus estuvieron en cada detalle, pendiente de cada uno de nosotros, realemente ellos fueron el viaje. La comida increible. Agradecida eternamente con ambos..

LD
Luciana Durante

Fui a Tres Picos con Mati y Fer de AEX. Todo sucedió como estaba organizado. Tanto los guías como Euge estuvieron disponibles desde el día 1 de la reserva para evacuar todas nuestras dudas y llegar de la mejor manera al trekking. Súper recomendable viajar con AEX.

Do you have doubts?

If you have questions about this adventure, we look forward to hearing from you!

Cordillera Bike Tour - Andean Barreal and El Leoncito National Park

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