Wine Roads of the Andes Cycling
Treat yourself and your senses to the cuisine, culture and breathtaking beauty of the wine roads of the Andes on this cycling tour through four of the most acclaimed wine regions of Argentina and Chile. Beginning in Buenos Aires, a city filled with the seductive spirit of Argentina, we tour distinct barrios by bicycle, visit fine restaurants and wine bars and top it off with an amazing evening of traditional Tango in the city's vibrant arts district. Then it's off to Mendoza, where we sample the region's outstanding Malbecs as the experts at our featured wineries in the Uco and Central Valleys share their unique insight with us. We'll even learn to prepare a favorite regional treat with an expert chef. We then travel overland through the spectacular Andes, stopping for an unforgettable ride at the foot of Aconcagua, the tallest peak on the South American continent. Crossing the border into Chile, we explore bustling Santiago, one of Latin America's most fascinating cities. Then set out on the wine roads of the Colchagua and Curico Valleys where we'll create our own unique red wine from a variety of red grapes, discover the dining secrets of the locals, and enjoy even more great wines and rides.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Wine Roads of the Andes Cycling Itinerary:
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Day 1
Your trip begins today in Buenos Aires, Argentina. REI will provide a group transfer from the airport to our hotel, where we'll have time to check-in, visit a charming local café and rest a bit before meeting up with our guide this evening. Buenos Aires, considered by many to be one of the most unique and impressive cities in the world, is a tantalizing mix of Italian, German and Spanish influences. After an orientation we make our way to one of the city's finest wine bars "Gran Bar Danzon" where we'll be introduced to some of Argentina's most distinctive wines legendary cuisine. We'll review our itinerary and discover what else is in store for us over dinner this evening. Dinner included.
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Day 2
Buenos Aires beckons exploration today and - true to our R.E.I. roots - we'll accomplish this by bicycle. Our morning bike tour of the city's diverse "barrios" leads us through exclusive Palermo and Recoleta. Relaxing over lunch, we later set out on an afternoon ride of the bustling waterfront and other historic neighborhoods, cycling through the Plaza de Mayo and the nation's capital before ending our day in the vibrant arts district of San Telmo. This evening we explore the celebrated tradition of Tango at an authentic performance complete with superb local musicians and dancers. Breakfast & Dinner included. Lunch is on your own.
Cycling: 4 hours. Terrain: Flat paved roads and bike paths. -
Day 3
Early today we transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Mendoza, gem of the Argentine wine country. A short overland transfer today brings us to the province's Central Valley. We'll begin our day at Catena Zapata, easily recognized by its unique architectural design and renowned as a pioneer of quality winemaking in Argentina. From here, we transfer to the town of Tupungato in the renowned Uco Valley where we'll set out on our first ride in the wine country, stopping at Salentein Winery mid-day. Salentein's remarkable cross-shaped architectural design, known to the locals as the "Cathedral of Wine", is not only visually impressive, but is an important attribute of the wine-making process. The bodega's restaurant and art space, Kilka, is an ideal spot to lunch before an afternoon visit to the winery and vineyards, where we can expect breathtaking views of the towering Tupungato section of the Andes. We spend the next two nights in the Uco Valley at Postales del Plata Lodge. All meals included.
Cycling: 15-20 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. -
Day 4
Today's morning ride features two of the valley's finest wineries, Clos de los Siete, a joint venture initiated recently by the world famous French winemaker Michel Rolland. We then ride on along the bodega's inner roads along the foothills of the Andes to Monteviejo Winery before our lunch today at a favorite local hotspot, Posada del Jamon. Here, we'll enjoy a traditional Asado (Argentine BBQ) lunch with magnificent views of the Andes. We'll return to Postales del Plata for the evening where expert chef will teach us how to prepare a favorite regional treat, delicious Empanadas! All meals included.
Cycling: 16-20 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. -
Day 5
A short transfer north today brings us to the province's Central Valleys. We'll ride the backroads to the award-winning winery Achaval Ferrer, whose outstanding wines consistently receive 90+ punctuations in the publication Wine Spectator. At this winery, we'll focus on a "vertical" tasting of a single grape, the regionally prized Malbec, obtained from different altitudes, or Terroirs. This is a fascinating look into the effects of environment on the cultivation of wine grapes is a fun and unique experiment! Later the same morning, a short transfer leads us into the heart of indigenous Mapuche legend to sample the wines of Ruca Malen, rumored to be spellbound by ancient gods. After lunch at the winery you're free to relax at our next lodge or ride the surrounding countryside before dinner tonight. Breakfast and Lunch included. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Cycling: 12-20 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. -
Day 6
Today we drive to the town of Uspallata, located in a valley high in the Andes. From Uspallata we set out on a ride that leaves the towns green pastures and leads into the desert, culminating at a set of hidden pre-Columbian petroglyphs. After a gourmet picnic lunch we continue on our way through some of the world's most outstanding mountain landscapes as we pass by Mt. Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. In the afternoon, we arrive at Aconcagua Provincial Park where, weather permitting, we'll stop for a short walk to Lake Horcones for dramatic views of Aconcagua's impressive South Face. Later that day, having crossed the border into Chile, we lodge at one of the world's classic mountain resorts, the Chalets at Portillo Lodge, on the shores of Lake Inca. All meals included.
Cycling: 20 miles; Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. -
Day 7
This morning we complete our drive from the Andes into to Chile's capital city, Santiago. Among Chile's most precious treasures are its well-known Mariscos (seafood), and the best Chilean chefs obtain their seafood from the historic and impressive Mercado Central. We'll enjoy lunch at this site before setting out on an early afternoon walking tour of Santiago's notable historic sites and spend tonight in the city. Breakfast and lunch included, dinner is on your own tonight and there are great restaurants to choose from in Santiago.
Walking: 2-3 miles, 2 hours. Terrain: paved city sidewalks. -
Day 8
Some of Chile's favorite wines are produced in the Colchagua Valley south of Santiago. Today we'll head straight for the heart of the valley to the town of Santa Cruz. Enjoy a bit of time to walk around the historic town and perhaps visit the Colchagua Museum before our ride this afternoon along the backroads from Apalta to the Hotel Vina la Playa where we'll spend the night. This hotel, owned by Vina Sutil Wineries, produces a range of varietals and reserves. Before dinner, we'll enjoy a "tour" of Chile's wine-producing regions with a tasting of the country's most emblematic wines. Breakfast and dinner included, lunch is on your own in Santa Cruz.
Cycling: 25 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved and dirt roads. -
Day 9
Today we ride from the lodge to the village of Peralillo. Biking through picturesque vineyards and farms we arrive finally to the Montgras winery in the Colchagua Valley where we'll enjoy lunch. Then, we visit the bodega's cellar where we'll have the opportunity to blend a variety of different red grapes to produce our own unique wine! This is a truly memorable experience. We return tonight to the Hotel Vina la Playa for our farewell dinner. We celebrate our journey and prepare for our final travel day tomorrow. All meals included.
Cycling: 25 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved and dirt roads. -
Day 10
Our tour's grand finale leads us to another of Chile's prime wine regions. We transfer south in the morning to Curico. Founded in 1743 and destroyed by an earthquake in 1928, today Curico is one of the most cultured and provincial towns in the nation. A few miles outside of town we discover Alta Cima, a family-run boutique winery dedicated to the production of fine wines. After our visit, we enjoy lunch at one of the valley's true culinary jewels - restaurant Colo Colo, in the town of Romeral. Its simple atmosphere, scarcely known outside the locals, hides some of the best Plateadas (beef casserole) in Chile. Bidding farewell to our adventure this afternoon, we transfer back to Santiago for flights connecting to the U.S. Breakfast and lunch included.
Although we do our very best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.
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); group airport transfers; ground transportation; winery tours, park fees.
Airfare to trip's start in Buenos Aires and from trip's end in Santiago; 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 (not included with meals, but wine tastings are included); Chile's reciprocity fee upon entry ($100 – although not consistently charged); gratuities and items of a personal nature.
In addition to the $400 deposit required to reserve your space (fully refundable up to 91 days prior to departure), the cost of the internal flights ($250 – Buenos Aires to Mendoza, subject to change) is also due at the time of registration. This payment is due in full and is non-refundable unless REI Adventures cancels your departure for any reason. If you needed to cancel your participation on this trip for a reason covered by your optional Travel Insurance plan, this flight cost would be reimbursable by that plan.
This trip is rated Easy Active [2]. It includes easy walking tours and cycling on both paved and unpaved roads. Everyone must be in fair (or better) physical condition, comfortable on a bike and enjoy the outdoors. Please note that we cover a fair amount of distance on this trip, traveling from Mendoza in Argentina to Santiago in Chile while crossing over the Andes. Some days of the tour involve a van transfer of 3 – 4 hours.
March and April is autumn in Argentina and Chile, so you may be traveling during picking times and when the wines are being made. Typical fall daytime highs are in the high 60s to low 80s, dropping about 20 degrees at night into the mid-40s to mid-70s. October and November is springtime in Argentina and Chile and by December it is summertime. Expect 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 55 degrees at night. Higher elevations will be slightly cooler with a breeze. 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.
Wine Roads of the Andes Cycling
The key to staying comfortable during this trip is layering. To obtain 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. Bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
October and November is springtime in Argentina and Chile and by December it is summertime. Expect 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 55 degrees at night. Higher elevations will be slightly cooler with a breeze. Strong westerly winds are common at this time. March and April is autumn in Argentina and Chile, so you may be traveling during picking times and when the wines are being made. Typical fall daytime highs are in the high 60s to low 80s, dropping about 20 degrees at night into the mid-40s to mid-70s.
Gear Checklist
- 24- speed hybrid mountain bikes, unisex style
- Water bottle cage and water bottle
- Bike helmet (or bring your own)
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bags, sturdy, large enough to hold all your gear.
- Small day pack or fanny pack, for carrying water bottle(s), rain gear, camera, lunch
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Passport pouch or money belt
- Lightweight, casual, easily washable items for city/evening wear or when traveling.
- One change of elegant casual clothes for evening Tango. No jacket required.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Padded cycling shorts
- Padded cycling gloves
- Windbreaker or cycling jacket
- Hiking shorts, synthetic and quick-drying
- Lightweight hiking pants, synthetic and quick-drying
- Mid-weight fleece or wool sweater
- T-shirts (at least one synthetic and quick-drying)
- Long sleeve shirts (for evenings and additional insect protection)
- Swimsuit
- Underwear
- Hiking socks (wool or synthetic)
- Liner socks, synthetic
- Sun hat
- Warm hat (for climb)
- Lightweight liner gloves (for climb)
- Rain jacket (no ponchos while cycling) waterproof, breathable
- Warm fleece jacket
- Light sweater or vest
- Lightweight hiking boots/trail shoes
- Two 1-quart water bottle(s) or hydration system
- Toiletry kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 15 or higher)
- Personal first-aid kit
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries/bulb
- Insect repellent
- Daypack cover in case of rain
- Camera, lenses, film/memory cards, spare batteries
- Reading / writing material
- Binoculars
- Travel alarm
- Laundry soap
- Motion sickness remedies
- Ear plugs
- Travel pillow
- Plastic bags, various sizes
- Water bottle for biking (or we can provide)
- Bike helmet (provided, but you can bring your own for best comfort and fit)
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing (including hiking shoes), and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Space for luggage is very limited - please pack lightly.
- Bike helmets and water bottles are provided, but you may prefer to bring your own.
- 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 walking tours on this trip but cannot be safely used during the biking portions. You can bring both items or just a rain jacket.
- We cover a fair amount of distance on this trip traveling from Mendoza in Argentina to Chile while crossing over the Andes. Some 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.
Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and REI's Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will also be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI’s website at www.rei.com. The "Expert Advice" section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
