Northern Patagonia Multisport

Northern Patagonia Multisport Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Our trip begins today in Bariloche, Argentina. Arrive by late afternoon (your exact air itinerary can be worked out with a member of the REI Adventures air department). From the airport, there is one group transfer to our lodge for an orientation with our guides. Bariloche is a Swiss-styled resort town with a mix of Italian and Argentine influences. We enjoy a delicious welcome dinner at a traditional Argentinean restaurant.  Dinner included.

• Day 2

  We start the day with a splendid morning drive and then a chairlift ride to the top of Mt. Campanario for a "knock-your-socks-off" view of northern Patagonia and the Lake District including the famous Cathedral Hill. Countless lakes surrounded by the impressive mountains of the Andes kick start our adventure! Jumping on our bikes, we set out from Laguna el Trebol, warming up on rolling hills while making our way to an idyllic creekside picnic spot for lunch. After lunch, a slightly more challenging climb followed by a fun descent on gravel roads leads back to our lodge on the shores of Gutierrez Lake.  Breakfast & Lunch included. Dinner on your own.
  
  Cycling: 3.5 hours.  Terrain: Rolling hills on gravel roads.

• Day 3

  This morning is a scenic drive (2 hours) along the shore of Gutierrez and Mascardi Lakes to Pampa Linda at the foot of Mt. Tronador. Our lodge is at the end of the road in a lovely mountain setting; the location is perfect for today and tomorrow's adventures. After lunch, we hike to the Saltillo waterfall and enjoy exceptional views of the valley. Then, before dinner tonight, we'll take a short drive to enjoy stunning views of the moraine of Ventisquero Negro, the black glacier. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 6 miles, 4 hours. Terrain: Flat terrain while hiking to Saltillo, followed by a steep ascent on switchbacks to a ridgeline walk to the viewpoint.

• Day 4

  This is a challenging and rewarding day. Setting out on foot from our front door, our trail ascends steeply alongside a forest of cohihues trees, hundred of years old. We follow Morenkoff Ridge, each step upward opening to more impressive views of Mt. Tronador (11,632'). Our destination is Morenkoff Point, with fantastic views of the Tronador peaks, hanging glaciers and surging waterfalls. It is not uncommon to see magnificent condors soaring above with their 10' wing spans. Then it's back to the lodge for a relaxing evening. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 12 miles, 8 hours; Elevation gain:  2,780 ft; Terrain: steep switchbacks followed by ridge walk. 

• Day 5

  This morning we depart Pampa Linda and drive 3 hours toward scenic Seven Lakes Road. After a lovely picnic lunch, we're back on the bikes to tackle Cordoba Pass (3,000'), then descend the winding road that leads through this vast and dramatic desert landscape. This is very unlike other Andean landscapes with its wild rock formations and very "American Southwest" feel. We'll ride all the way to the small village of San Martin de los Andes tonight for some delicious pizza at a local wine bar. We stay at a local hotel tonight in San Martin de los Andes. All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 13-14 miles, 2.5 hours; Terrain: Mostly long descent on hard pack gravel.

• Day 6

  Enjoy a more leisurely start to the day, exploring quaint and colorful San Martin de los Andes on your own and settling into the local lunch spot of your choice for lunch. This afternoon, after a short transfer we'll transfer as a group to an area of terrifically scenic riding that leads to the Chapelco Ski area for more great vistas and a leisurely return ride out of the mountains on rolling hills, gravel roads and protected bike paths. Back in town, there's more time to relax, shop, sightsee and find the best spot to suit your taste for dinner. San Martin de los Andes has lots to choose from, and your guide can offer helpful recommendations. We spend one more night in San Martin de los Andes tonight.  Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner on your own.
  
  Cycling: 11 miles, 3 hours. Terrain: Secondary gravel roads and single track trails, on rolling hills. 

• Day 7

  This morning we leave early for our drive over the Andes (4 hours) to Chile. We pass through an entire forest of araucaria or 'monkey-puzzle' trees and stop for a picnic lunch en route.  Welcoming us to Chile are three volcanic sentinels:  Lanin (12,386'), Villarrica (9,309') and Mocho (7,890').  We enjoy superb road cycling through pastoral countryside and small villages until we arrive in the lively Chilean resort town of Pucon.  This city is an adventure traveler's mecca. With its wooden architecture and colorful markets and shops, Pucon possesses the typical flavor of Chile's southern towns. After settling in at our new accommodations, we head into Pucon to be fitted for gear and to quickly shop for lunch foods that we'll need on tomorrow's adventure.  Afterward, choose from a variety of lively local restaurants for our first night of dining in Chile.  We'll spend the next three nights here.  All meals included.
  
  Cycling: 25 miles, 3 hours: Terrain: mostly level two-lane paved country road. 

• Day 8

  A new adventure today and it's sure to be a highlight…a climb of Villarrica Volcano! This classic snowcapped volcano is the prominent feature on the Pucon horizon and one of the Andes' many volcanoes. We're outfitted with mountaineering boots, an ice axe, helmet and a substantial windbreaker outfit.  We meet our specialized guides at the foot of the mountain where we begin a non-technical climb to reach Villarrica Volcano's steaming summit.  The ascent takes about 5 hours with the majority of the time spent on permanent snowfields (no crevasses).  And then – the summit (9300')!  Take in huge views of the Andes in all directions as well as the impressive crater with its boiling lava inside. Anyone opting not to climb can choose to do another local hike (suggestions offered by our guide).  Once back at the hotel, enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow climbers followed by a good night's sleep. Breakfast and lunch included. Dinner is on your own.
  
  Hiking: 7 miles, 3,000-4,500' elevation gain depending upon starting point, 7-8 hours;  Terrain: Gradual, continuous uphill with some steep sections, climb is almost entirely on snowfields.

• Day 9

  Take it easy this morning, sleep late or explore the charming town and artesian markets of Pucon.  You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy local lunchtime cuisine on your own in one of Pucon’s many delicious cafes.  This afternoon hold on tight as we raft the thrilling, rock-and-roll Class III Trancura River.  The landscape and geology of the area is impressive as we run the rapids downstream.  Tonight is our farewell dinner — we celebrate our accomplishments and bid farewell to our guides. Breakfast and dinner included.
  
  Rafting: 1.5 - 3 hours;  River conditions: Class II /III rapids.

• Day 10

  After breakfast there is a group transfer to Temuco Airport (2 hour drive) for connecting flights home via Santiago. Or, extend your stay to explore on your own. Breakfast included.

Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control including weather and terrain conditions.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

Meals as noted in the daily itinerary; hotel accommodations; guide leadership; bicycles (hybrid bike with suspension); whitewater rafting; climbing gear as needed for Villarica; group airport transfers; ground transportation; ferry boat ride; park fees.

Airfare to trip's start in Bariloche and from trip's end in Temuco; any additional hotel nights; 3 lunches; 2 dinners; cost of medical immunizations; insurance of any kind; excess baggage charges; airport taxes (if any); alcoholic beverages or soft drinks; Chile's reciprocity fee upon entry (USD $100 – although not consistently charged); gratuities and items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3]. It contains a variety of activities including moderate to moderate plus hikes, mountain biking and whitewater rafting. The climb of Villarica Volcano is not technical however it is primarily on permanent snowfields and includes an elevation gain between 3000' - 4500' and is a very long (yet wonderful) day of hiking. Participants should have hiking and cycling experience. Everyone must be in good physical shape, comfortable on a bike and in a raft, know how to swim and enjoy the outdoors. Please note that we cover a fair amount of distance on this trip, traveling from Mt. Tronador in Argentina to Pucon in Chile while crossing over the Andes. Several days involve a van transfer of 3 - 4 hours; please refer to the itinerary for activity times.

The February, early March and late December departures take place in the summer. Summer offers warm, sunny days, cool nights and typically very little rainfall. Daylight lasts from 6 a.m. to nearly 10 p.m. Typically temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, dropping to about 65 degrees at night. Higher elevations will be slightly cooler with a breeze. The November departure takes place in the spring. Temperatures during the day are in the 70s, dropping into the 50s at night. Strong westerly winds are common at this time.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you choose your clothing and gear for this trip. Try to bring only what is necessary; this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

The February, early March and late December departures take place in the summer. Summer offers warm, sunny days, cool nights and typically very little rainfall. Daylight lasts from 6 a.m. to nearly 10 p.m. Typically temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, dropping to about 65 degrees at night. Higher elevations will be slightly cooler with a breeze. The November departure takes place in the spring. Temperatures during the day are in the 70s, dropping into the 50s at night. Strong westerly winds are common at this time.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking boots), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Space for luggage is very limited - please pack lightly.
• Bike helmets are provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet it drains your body heat. Plan on bringing at least one synthetic shirt that maintains its warmth when wet. Examples of these fabrics would be Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• A poncho is wonderful for the hiking portion of the trip but cannot be safely used during the biking portion. You can bring both items or just a rain jacket.
• We cover a fair amount of distance on this trip traveling from Mt. Tronador in Argentina to Pucon in Chile while crossing over the Andes. Several days involve a van transfer of 3–4 hours; please refer to the daily itinerary for activity times.
• Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents. Plastic bags work great for sorting out dirty or wet clothing.
• You may want to bring a rain cover or some trash bags to protect your daypack or camera, should it rain.