Double Crossing the Andes Mountain Bike - Volcanoes Trail

Proposal

Our mountain bike trip "Double Crossing of the Andes" will take you to the most striking scenes of the Argentinean and Chilean Andes. A spectacular, Mountain Bike trip, amazing climbs and descents on gravel roads ranging from the desert to the lakes, mountain streams, and the magic of the Patagonian forest set among snowy peaks.

We will visit the river region in Chile where we will pedal through an amphitheatre of volcanoes: Mocho Choshuenco, Villarrica, Quetrupillán, Lanín.

Always accompanied by a support vehicle, mountain bike professional guides and assistants specialized in adventure travel and sports tourism all over Argentina.

Itinerary>300kms

Day 1: Arrival at San Martin de los Andes in the morning. Hostel, presentation of mountain bike guides & staff. Welcome snack .

Overnight at Hotel

Day 2: Breakfast and beginning of the cycling day going towards Laguna Verde. Passing through Curruhue Chico Lake , Curruhue Grande Lake and Pehuenes Forest (Araucaria) .

Distance: 70 kms approx.
Overnight at campsite

Day 3: Breakfast, Journey to Carirriñe Path located 1150 masl.First Crossing of The Andes. Lahuen Co, El Escorial (deposit of volcanic ash) Epulafquen lake. Liquiñe. Arrival to Chile. Hot springs. Hikes to explore the area.

Distance: 50 kms approx.
Overnight in cabins.

Day 4: Breakfast. And we start to pedal to Coñaripe, short but intense day. Lunch next to a beautiful river of cold water that comes down from the mountains. We continue towards our final destination of the day, the city of Coñaripe, whose shores are washed by the waters of Lake Calafquén. Beaches of black sand where we will have a snack. Free afternoon to visit the city. Dinner at the hotel.

Distance: 32km approx. 90% gravel - 10% asphalt
Overnight at Hotel.
Optional: visit to the geothermal hot springs can be arranged according to the time that we arrive to Coñaripe: http://www.termasgeometricas.cl/ considered one of the best in the world

Day 5: We face the longest part of our journey where most of the road is asphalt, a really beautiful road along stunning lakes (Pelaifa, Calafquén, Panguipulli and Pullinque). Where we can see 4 volcanoes at the same time: first the Quetrupillán, Lanín, the Villarica and later the beautiful Mocho and Choshuenco. Lunch on the Panguipulli Lake and then , our final destination: Choshuenco

Distance: 75km approx. 95% asphalt + 5% gravel
Overnight in cabins

Day 6: Breakfast, pedalling to Puerto Fuy. We start the navigation of the beautiful Lake Pirihueico. Arrival to Pirihueico and we will continue to Hua-Hum in Argentina .Second crossing of the Andes (659 m.a.s..l) Arrival to Lacar Lake where we will spend the night.

Distance: 30km approx. + 2 hours of sailing. 90% asphalt + 10% gravel
Overnight at the Hostel.

Day 7: We continue along the Lacar Lake, beaches and forests. Lunch by the Lake. Arrival to San Martín de los Andes - celebration dinner

Distance: 45km approx. 100% gravel
Overnight at hostel

Day 8: Breakfast, relaxing time in the morning. Check out at 10am. End of our services.

Included Services

Support vehicle and emergency mechanical assistance.
6 night-accommodation in hostels, cabins, hotel . 1 night in camping ground.
Tents
All Meals included from day 2 to day 7
Specially trained guides
Passes to National Parks.
VHF and cell phone for emergencies.
Meetings in Buenos Aires before traveling.
Parking lots if necessary.
Replacement bicycle
Personal Accidents Insurance

Services NOT included

Round trip from and to San Martin de los Andes
Passes to National Parks in Chile
Bicycle Transportation
Extra parts. needed.
Health and MTB Insurance .
Bicycle.
Luggage or bikes insurance in regular transportation.
Beverages.

Note

The double crossing of the Andes by bicycle is a demanding journey that requires physical fitness of its members
They must have a bicycle in good conditions, with basic elements listed below.

Group: 8 participants minimum

Special dates on request for groups.

Total Distance: 300 km

Program subject to climatic, geographical or political conditions. Modifications may occur during the trip. Decisions will be in charge only by the local guides.

Where to sleep

Day 1: Hostel

Day 2: Camping ground with facilities

Day 3: Cabins.

Day 4: Hotel

Day 5: Cabins.

Day 6: Hostel.

Day 7: Hostel

Frequently Asked Questions

How many kilometres do we ride per day?

We pedal an average of 50 km per day ,from 10am to 5pm. We will stop for hydration, to take pictures, lunch and to visit interesting places while we cross.

Do we ride with a backpack or saddlebag?

We ride without saddlebags. If possible, without a backpack. Your personal belongings will travel in the support vehicle.

Is it possible to ride with a bicycle that is not MTB?

For the geography of the terrain, we do not recommend it. The bicycle we recommend for the trip is a Mountain Bike, minimum 21 gears, with front cushioning, good quality and in good condition.

Can I rent a bicycle ? I have an MTB but it is not so good.

We do not recommend it, we request to bring your own bicycle, the same with the one you work out.

It is also important that you are comfortable and that you know your bike. In case of contacting us, tell us your experience and training. If you do not have a MTB bike or it is diffcult for you for travel reasons, we can evaluate the rent of a bicycle.

How do I transfer my bike to San Martin de los Andes?

CAR: If you travel by car to San Martin.
BUS: You must pack it and send it to San Martin de los Andes. You should check with the bus company if you can travel with your bike in the bus or if you should send it before hand.
PLANE (Recommended): If you need advice, consult us. You should put protections inside the box. A good recommendation is to store inside clothes, sleeping bag, etc. so that your bike can travel as much protected as possible. Keep in mind that you should not pay extra for carrying the bike, since it is considered sports equipment (if it is within 15kg ). Take into account that as carry-on luggage ,you can also carry 5kg.

What happens if I get tired and I can not continue?

The entire journey is accompanied by a support vehicle. In case of getting tired or if injured, we can carry your bike and continue in the vehicle.

What happens if I break my bike?

Our support vehicle is equipped with tools and materials to fix your bike. In case it can not be repaired, we have a spare bicycle to replace your damaged one.

Difficulty Graduation System

Click on each indicator to see details

60%

MountainBike (B)

MountainBike: Unevenness / Duration of the Day.

Clic para detalles

80%

Physical (F)

Physical demand

Clic para detalles

40%

Technical (T)

Technician: Difficulty in the Field / Equipment.

Clic para detalles

80%

Psycho (P)

Psychological Strength

Clic para detalles

40%

Height (A)

Height Exposure

Clic para detalles

How to interpret these values?

Each aspect is evaluated from 20% to 100%, where:

20-40%: Basic or beginner level
60%: Intermediate level
80-100%: Advanced or expert level

Recommended for intermediate level

Previous experience and good physical condition required.

Required equipment

How to dress and personal equipment

The secret is to dress in layers, to obtain maximum comfort; the best performance at minimum weight. It is important to use windproof and dry-fit clothes , that is why we do not recommend using cotton. If you think of buying new shoes, make sure to wear them before the trip. The weather may vary, although we have seen the forecast, the weather is unpredictable. Nights are cold. Although the sun shines, always wear a coat and waterproof jacket. Always try to wear UV glasses and use sunscreen even if it is cloudy. If possible, avoid exposure to solar radiation, at any time. All these precautions contribute to your health and well-being.

GENERAL EQUIPMENT: MTB

MTB bicycle in good condition (Check bicycle; it must be in optimal conditions. Check brakes).
Helmet (MANDATORY)
Gloves
2 spare inner tubes.
1 fuse
Inflator suitable for your bike.
Forks inflator (if required)
Front and rear lights. Spare batteries.
Refractory front and rear.

Note: The repair equipment, such as tools, material for puncture repair, chain cutter, links spare part, and other materials will be in charge of our company.

CAMPING EQUIPMENT

Sleeping bag (warm)
Insulation sleeping pad

CLOTHES

Sun hat - Multifunction scarf , Buff.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Short or long leggings with pad
T-shirts made of synthetic material (dry fit type) for pedaling.
Windproof jacket
Sneakers for pedaling
2 short sleeves T-shirts
Underwear.
Thermal underwear.
Comfortable shoes to be in the camp.
Socks
Warm gloves
Long sleeve shirt x 1
Long trousers x 1
Extra coat
Swimming wear (to bathe in the hot springs or rivers)
2 coats (Polyester fleece)
Warm hat
Jacket or duvet vest (optional)
Waterproof jacket of outer layer (ultrex or gore tex or similar would be ideal) - in case of not having, complement a windbreaker with a plastic layer.