Wine Roads of the Andes Cycling
Relaxed cycling through the renowned wine country of Argentina and Chile is an adventurer's gateway to gourmet delight. 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 a gala evening of 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 share their unique insight with us. We then travel overland through the spectacular Andes, stopping for a hike at the foot of Aconcagua, the tallest peak on the South American continent, before crossing the border to explore Chile's finest restaurants, wineries and accommodations. Treat yourself and your senses to the best of everything that the acclaimed wine roads of the Andes have to offer on this truly unique cycling tour along the backroads of central Argentina and Chile.
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. Transfer on your own via taxi or "remise" to your hotel, where you'll have time to check-in, visit a charming local café and rest a bit before meeting up with our guide this afternoon. 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 where we'll be introduced to some of Argentina's most distinctive wines. After this first wine encounter, we experience a taste of the country's legendary cuisine at the renowned "La Caballeriza" steak house, situated on the city's impressive metropolitan waterfront. We'll review our itinerary and be oriented to 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 REI 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 as superb local musicians and dancers not only perform live, but invite us to try a few steps along with them.
Cycling: 4 hours. Terrain: Mostly flat paved roads and bike paths. Breakfast & Dinner included. Lunch is on your own. -
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 to the town of Tupungato in the renowned Uco Valley brings us to our first ride, ending at the lodge at Salentein Winery. 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 followed by a horseback ride through the vineyards, where you can expect breathtaking views of the towering Tupungato section of the Andes as we ride. We spend tonight and the next at Posada Salentein.
Horseback riding: easy, 2 hours. Cycling: 15-20 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. All meals included. -
Day 4
Today's morning ride brings us to another of the valley's finest wineries, Clos de los Siete, a joint venture initiated recently by the world famous French winemaker Michel Rolland. Enjoy a traditional Argentine Asado (barbecue) along with delicious empanadas and the bodega's exquisite blend as we take in more magnificent views of the Andes over lunch. Later today, our afternoon ride takes us to the small boutique winery La Azul, whose progressive approach to socially responsible business practice is as impressive as their exceptional Malbecs.
Cycling: 16-20 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. All meals included. -
Day 5
A short morning transfer north today brings us to the province's Central Valleys. We'll ride the backroads to Catena Zapata, recognized as a pioneer of quality winemaking in Argentina. You'll also enjoy the bodega's unique architectural design. Then we ride to the cradle 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.
Cycling: 16-25 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. Breakfast and Lunch included. Dinner tonight is on your own. -
Day 6
The award-winning and relatively young winery Achaval Ferrer is our first stop while riding today. There we'll sample their outstanding wines, which consistently receive 90+ punctuations in the publication Wine Spectator. Then we take a break from riding and set out for a 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 town's 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 and second most prominent mountain on earth. When weather permits, 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.
Cycling: 20 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved roads. All meals included. -
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.
Walking: 2-3 miles, 2 hours. Terrain: paved city sidewalks. Breakfast and lunch included, dinner is on your own tonight and there are great restaurants to choose from in Santiago. -
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, reserves and premium wines.
Cycling: 25 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved and dirt roads. Breakfast and dinner included, lunch is on your own in Santa Cruz. -
Day 9
After a short morning transfer, we bike through vineyards to the "Valley of the Artists" for a picnic lunch then bike more backroads to the town of Lolol before returning tonight to the Hotel Vina la Playa for our farewell dinner tonight. We celebrate our journey and prepare for our final travel day tomorrow.
Cycling: 25 miles. Terrain: Mostly flat, paved and dirt roads. All meals included. -
Day 10
Our tour's grande finale is fittingly hosted by the Casa Silva, unquestionably one of the country's most beautiful wineries - fully restored and charmingly representative of Chilean tradition. Sample the bodega's top Carmenere as you relax on the colonial patio, or have a stroll through the oldest vineyards in the Colchagua Valley today before our afternoon 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 contains a variety of activities including easy walking tours, cycling both paved and unpaved roads, and horseback riding. 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.
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. during spring and summer and from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the fall. 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 within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, 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 55degrees at night. Higher elevations will be slightly cooler with a breeze. Strong westerly winds are common at this time.
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.
