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Argentina Mountain Bike Trips

Bariloche MTB

La Tranquilidad de Argentina

Argentina is a country full of the fine things in life: awe-inspiring landscapes featuring both immense plains and imposing mountains, fantastic wines, superb food, European-flavored sophistication and most of all, intensely passionate people who have perfected the art of good living. This richness reaches a maximum in the Mendoza province of the spectacular Cuyo region with its dazzling prairies, fruit and tree plantations, high-altitude vineyards producing groundbreaking wines, meandering caminos del vino, all with majestic
views of the Andes foothills to the west.

Just a short distance from the main city of Mendoza, we begin in the lush Valle de Uco and the western shore of the crystal Rio Tunuyan. Immediately, it is claro that we are in wine country! Heading North, towards Lujan de Cuyo, an elegant wine town on the Rio Mendoza, the magnificent snow-capped peaks of the Andes tower in the distance. Traveling through the unique colorful landscape of the Cacheuta Valley, the serene Agrelo area and the rich lands of Maipu round out our seductive and luxurious Argentine
adventure!

Some Favorite Moments of the Tour
· Impressive views of the snow-capped Andes Mountains
· A cool post biking dip in your personal plunge pool at the magnificent Cavas Wine Lodge
· Horseback riding with a gaucho, the mythical Argentine cowboy
· A visit to the energizing thermal baths of the Cacheuta Valley
· An unforgettable gastronomic experience at the renowned Almacen del Sur
· Visits to exceptional wineries featuring polished New World wines such as Malbec and Pinot Meuneir

Days 1 and 2 Mendoza, and the Tupungato Valley
This is serious winemaking territory! After arriving at the breathtaking vineyards of the pristine Posada Salentein, our home for the next two nights, we settle in and head out to discover this land, famous for its rich and fertile tierra and ideal microclimate. Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Meuneir are some of the grape varietals found on the finca’s, or estate’s, historical 17th century vineyards that are lovingly tended by hand. A short bike ride takes us to meet our next mode of transportation…here we leave the bikes behind, and do as the Argentines and ride by horseback with a gaucho as our guide – a cultural must do here! Dinner tonight is a festive asado, typical Argentine barbecue including a variety of grilled specialties. Today’s gentle ride leads us through apple, pear and cherry orchards and past nut trees nestled below the foothills of the Andes. Biking along rows of vineyards takes us to the town of Tunuyan, untouched by tourism, allowing us a taste of what life is like for the local Mendocino’s.
Two nights at the Posada Salentein, an exclusive wine estate just outside of Tupungato situated on stunning vineyards and home to a prestigious art collection.
Our bike routes:
Day 1: 5 miles on flat to gently rolling terrain. Approximately 1-2 hours of professionally guided horseback riding on flat terrain.
Day 2: 43 miles on flat terrain, some white roads.

Days 3 and 4 Lujan de Cuyo and the Cachueta Valley
Heading North towards Lujan de Cuyo, a city bordered by the Rio Mendoza, we are immersed in the Cachueta Valley with olive groves and fields of rich vegetation as our scenery. The Cachueta Valley is a unique geological display of vivid colors that change according to the characteristics of the rock. Thermal baths and cold mineral springs, a superior air quality said to promote rest, relaxation, and greater energy, as well as over a hundred varieties of birds are just a few of the qualities that make Cachueta extraordinary.
Two nights at Estancia Lares de Chacras, a stylish family run inn immersed in Syrah vineyards and plum orchards. Amenities include: spacious beds, spectacular architecture including wood floors and distinctive Andean stonework, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Our bike routes:
Day 3: 50 miles. Flat to gently rolling terrain, some white roads.
Day 4: 40 miles of flat to gently rolling terrain, some white roads.

Days 5, 6 and 7 Maipu and Agrelo
Day five’s route leads us through Maipu to the elegant yet warm and intimate Almacen del Sur for a remarkable gastronomic experience! Their chef prepares our lunch with ingredients cultivated right on this special property; the land here is irrigated with the melted snow of the Andes and is known for its intense sunshine and low humidity – stellar conditions for turning out super flavorful fruits, vegetables, spices and…of course grapes! Malbec, a grape synonymous with Argentina, is the star of this corner of South America. Malbec is known, like the Argentines themselves, for its intense flavor and elegant zest. Old World European winemaking techniques combine beautifully with New World style at Catena Zapata Vineyards, one of the very first wineries in this region to uncover the hidden splendor of the Malbec grape, originally used in Europe as a blending grape. Tonight we toast our memorable adventure with a glass of, what else…Malbec, while watching the brilliant sun as it sets behind the Andes – all with a violin concert providing the musical backdrop. A farewell feast in the inn’s candlelit dining room includes South American specialties such as rib eye with Chimicurri and offers an extensive list of rare wine labels. Our final day allows us time to luxuriate in this fabulous 5-star hotel where tranquility is not elusive. After breakfast, indulge in a vinotherapy treatment at the spa, or take a dip in your personal plunge pool.
Two nights at Cavas Wine Lodge, an opulent Relais & Châteaux property. Each room here is an independent lodge with a private plunge pool, private outdoor shower, roof terrace with a fireplace, spectacular views of the Andes and vineyards as far as the eye can see!
Our bike routes:
Day 5: 35 miles. Flat to gently rolling terrain, some white roads.
Day 6: 35 miles of flat terrain, some white roads.

Style
Our small groups (max. of 16) assure distinctive service and selection throughout our trips. All hotels have private baths and are the finest in the area. Our inns are stylish and elegant wine estates including a luxurious Relais & Chateaux property; all are unique, plush and full of amenities such as private pools and terraces. Due to Argentine culinary customs and traditions, dinners and lunches are often special daily menus, which present the finest and freshest selections. Meals range from sophisticated South American cuisine to the typical casual Argentine asado, or barbecue but always reflect the best and the freshest of the region.

What’s Included
* A maximum (not average) group number of 16 for the best in distinctive inns, restaurants and guide support.
* Accommodations at the best hotels and inns of the region such as Cavas Wine Lodge. All inns have private baths and luxuries
such as spacious beds, terraces and fireplaces.
* All breakfasts, and snacks along the way.
* Gourmet lunch at Almacen del Sur.
* Professionally guided horseback riding with a gaucho.
* 5 dinners featuring special menus: appetizers, soups & salads, main courses, coffee & dessert.
* 1 free night for dinner on your own.
* Services of 2 experienced guides.
* All maps, trip notes, and detailed route directions.
* Support van and baggage transfer.
* All gratuities at inns & restaurants, all state & local taxes.
* Private tour and tasting at Catena Zapata Vineyards.
* T-shirt and water bottle.
* Wine at our welcome and farewell receptions. All other alcoholic beverages are at the discretion of our clients.
* Detailed pre-trip information packet
* Mountain bike, helmet, water bottle and handlebar bag included.
* Toe clips are also available. You may bring your own personal clipless pedals and we will attach them.

The Details:
length: 7 days/6 nights level: 1 A/B
mileage: 5-50 miles.
cost: $3980 single, supplement: $700
meals: All breakfasts, all dinners but 2; picnic and snacks along the way
start: Mendoza, Argentina
finish: Mendoza, Argentina
2008 dates: Oct 26 – Nov 1, Nov 16-22 2009 dates: March 22-28

Weather
We plan our trips during the best season for biking in the region. Nevertheless, we always recommend you pack rain gear for that unexpected shower. Argentina enjoys an arid climate with low rainfall throughout the year. The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are as follows: Spring is September-October, summer is November-March, fall is April-May, and winter is June-August.

Our Bike Riding
Our bike trips are created as a vacation, not a race. The biking in Argentina is flat to very gently rolling, along rural paths and through vineyards; some riding is on hard-packed dirt roads for which mountain bikes are the most appropriate. Argentina is recommended for weekend riders and moderate bikers.

Gear
All of our bikes include a water bottle, handlebar bag and mini pump. We also supply complementary helmets, but for the best fit bring your own personal helmet. Your handlebar bag includes: a clear map case, a full color map of the region, tissues, spare tube, de-grease cloths and a bike lock.

Your Guides, Support Van, Cell Phones
Every morning your guides review the day's route and the highlights of the day. You set your own pace. You do not "follow the leader" or need to keep up with the group. We encourage you to slow down, relax and enjoy the day. Most of you will bike our main route, some of you may add on some mileage with our optional routes. Your guides are always in the background. One guide sweeps the route by bike, the other sweeps with our van. Sometimes, the van is needed to deliver luggage or to transfer supplies. Don't worry, if you break down or are tired and want a lift, you can reach your guide via the guide's cell phone supplied on every tour.

"Over the Clouds" - Valles Calchaquíes from Salta
to San Miguel de Tucumán

Location: Salta and Tucumán provinces in the Argentinean northeast region near the Andes Mountains and Bolivia, 1600 km from Buenos Aires.
Duration: 9 days.
Difficultly level: expert

Saturday: Flight to Salta (flight not included). You´ll be picked up at the airport and take to the hotel. Rest of the day for local visiting.

Sunday: We start the day with one of the trip's highlights! We leave our Minibus on Road 68 then cross the town of El Carril and follow Road 33 to start climbing the Quebrada de Escoipe following a river flowing from the mountains. It is a beautiful place surrounded by green vegetation and tremendous mountains. Then we keep on climbing the famous Cuesta del Obispo (bishop slope) an amazing and untiring climb until finally we reach the Piedra del Molino at 3348 meters above sea level. After taking in the amazing views, we prepare to descend one of the most beautiful and lonely dirt roads you'll ever experience, El Camino de Los Colorados (the red's path). Its name comes from the strange ways the red rock took shape after years of erosion. Finally, we arrive at Cachi where we will stay at a "hosteria".
68km of dirt roads.

Monday: Early in the morning we awaken in Cachi, a pre-colonial town that Chicoanas Indians once lived before the Spanish arrived. It has a beautiful old 18th century church, many old buildings and a beautiful little square in front of an archeological museum. After we tour the town, we then ride slowly uphill to see El Nevado de Cachi, an incredible snow capped mountain that reaches 6200 meters into the sky only 759 meters less than Aconcagua, the tallest peak of the Andes. At Las Pailas is where we will find the best view of "El Nevado de Cachi" and the Morteros and pircas that the Indian civilization left behind. After that we descend down hill once again until we are back at Cachi. Then we cycle 27 meters on Road 40 to Seclantás where we come to rest at some beautiful cabins for the night.
53km of dirt roads.

Tuesday: After breakfast we head towards one of the most unexpected places of the trip. We end up in the middle of red, dry mountains, a lonely place covered by cardones called Brealito Lagoon. Here we arrive for lunch. This scenic and rocky path has many challenges. This is where you can exercise your technical cycling skills on some of the most difficult climbs and incredible downhills of this tour.
48km of dirt roads.

Wednesday: We drive the Minibus to Molinos, an old 17th century town, where we set our bikes up to ride the mythical Road 40 following the Calchaquí River towards Angastaco. Rolling over the Calchaquí Valley we will have the chance to see the colors of the local architecture and culture. Here we get the opportunity to experience other ways of life, lonely and silent totally unlike the city.
39km of dirt roads.

Thursday: From Angastaco we will begin cycling on one of the most strangely beautiful and amazing roads on earth, the Arrows Road. It is an incredible place that is so much like the moon that will take you another planet. At the end of this ride, we load our bikes on the trailer in San Carlos to arrive a little later in Cafayate, a place famous for its world-renowned wine cellars.
50km of dirt roads.

Friday: From Cafayate we'll take the Minibus to the Castles to enjoy and discover a place that is very similar to Utah and Colorado with gorgeous canyons and red rocks with marvelous cuts carved out by weather - rain, wind, thunderstorms and snow. The most beautiful site will be the glowing sunset as it drifts across the red mountains. An incredible ride on paved road!
50 km of pavement.

Saturday: We pack up the Minibus and drive 50km to the Quilmes ruins where legend says that the Quilmes Indians, a local civilization, resisted the Spanish Invasion for many years. The Quilmes Indians held out for such a long time that while surrounded they finally had to give up when their food and water ran out. Following a tour of the ruins, we take the bikes to Cuesta del Infiernillo at 3200 meters above sea level and then descend over a paved road towards Tafi del Valle soaking up an outstanding view along on the way. After lunch we keep on riding down hill, but this time the landscape turns from dry and lonely to a beautiful green jungle full of life. At the end, we arrive at Famaillá where we get to take a shower then load up the bikes onto the trailer and arrive in San Miguel de Tucumán... Hotel night included.
50km of pavement roads.

Sunday: Transfer to the local airport. Flight to Buenos Aires (Flight not included)

Dates: September 15th to 24th, 2006

Price per person in Argentine pesos:

Services include:
* Local transportation in an exclusive 15/18 passengers Minibus
* Mountain bike transportation
* All meals (except the ones while traveling)
* Medical insurance
* Hotel and cabin lodging
* Mechanical assistance
* Support vehicle
* Bilingual and local guides
* Extra bicycle (in case yours breaks down)
* Quilmes ruins entrance fee

"Land of Volcanoes"

Location: Argentinian and Chilean North Patagonia. Río Negro and Neuquen Provinces in Argentina and XIX & X Regions in Chile.
Duration: ten days. The best weather will be fine between November and march, from the end of springtime to the beginning of the fall.
Difficult level: Intermediate
Total distance: 231 kilometers

Friday: Depart from Buenos Aires by van- you must show up at 7.00 p.m. at the office on the departing date, if you want to go by van. (If you plan to travel in the van and you are in Buenos Aires, you shall leave all your personal luggage and bike at the office the day before.) You have the option to fly, at extra cost. In that case you will leave on Saturday.

Saturday: Arrive in Bariloche, in Río Negro Province, transfer to our lodging. In the afternoon and after setting up, we´ll have some free time to walk around and have our dinner. For those arriving by plane, the flight and transfer prices are not included in the tour price.

Sunday 1° day: Bariloche (Arg) to Ensenada (Chile) First Andes Cross through Perez Rosales Paso. We drive to Puerto Pañuelo to take the first Ferry towards Puerto Blest (one sailing hour ). Arrive in Puerto Blest. There we first take the mountain bikes, only for some few kilometers until arriving in Puerto Alegre, where we will take a second ferry that will cross the Lago Frías, surrounded by an impressing natural countryside of mountains, blue lakes and marvelous green rainforest vegetation.
From this time we will have a short ride to arrive to the limit between both countries and then we will enjoy a great downhill until arriving in Peulla. Then we will take the last Ferry to cruise the lake "Todos los Santos" in two hours. Once in Petrohue we will have a great outlook of the absolutely perfect design of the "Osorno" snowcapped volcano. The last sixteen kilometers ride will take us to Ensenada.
49 kilometers of dirt and paved roads.

Monday 2° day: Ensenada - Volcán Osorno - Ensenada
From Ensenada we´ll uphill 7km on the van and from the middle uphill, we'll set the bikes to start uphilling on the bike on the 7km left to arrive to the snowcapped base of the Osorno Volcano from where we´ll get the best views of the Lago Llanquihue and the whole area. Prepare yourself for a strong and steep ride!
21 kilometers of dirt roads.

Tuesday 3ª day: Ensenada to Puerto Octay
After watching the overwhelming landscape, composed by the "Llanquihue" lake, the third in size in South America, and the "Osorno" Volcano, whose last eruption was in the year 1835, we head north, bordering the eastern side of the lake, through a typical "Valdivian" rainforest dirt road: compact, green, humid and surrounded by great views. We will pass by the volcanic scoria left during the last Volcano´s eruption that it´s starting to be covered by gaining vegetation. The scenery will show the legacy of German immigration influence: huts, constructions, Christian and Lutheran Churches and green fields until arriving in Puerto Octay. 60 kilometers of dirt and paved roads.

Wednesday 4° day: Puerto Octay - Frutillar - Puerto Varas
We leave Puerto Octay, on a brief piece of paved road towards the South, bordering the western side of the Llanquihue lake. Then we take a downhill, narrow and beautiful shortcut of dirt roads to arrive in the coast of the lake, accompanied by the Alps looklike surroundings. In Frutillar we will load the bikes and drive the last 20k. to arrive in Puerto Varas. From this city, we can catch the van to meet Puerto Montt, the main capital of the X Region and founded in 1853, that hosts now 150.000 souls and it´s the doorway to the famous "Carretera Austral" and the fjords from the whole area. It´s an active harbor that traffics its huge fishing industry and a strong tourist district, frequently visited by international cruises, that invites us to see the "caletas" and try the local fresh fish. 33 kilometers of dirt and paved roads.

Thursday 5ª day: Puerto Varas to Villa la Angostura (Arg)
We Leave Puerto Varas and we head forward to Villa la Angostura. After a four hours trip, we arrive for lunch time and we drive to Cerro Bayo, a small ski resort that during summer open its "doors" for adventure sports. We get to the top by cable car and we start, after one of the best views of the region, an exciting downhill.
18 km of downhill over gravel roads and singletracks.

Friday 6° day: Villa la Angostura - Península de Quetrihue - Villa la Angostura
Prepare yourself for one of the best rides we have to offer: "Península de Quetrihué" where legends say that Walt Disney inspired himself to create "Bambi". Well, do not believe the story, because it is not true, but come and enjoy one of the best singletracks that you will ever ride!! We will have the chance to mix an exciting path with one of the most beautiful endemic forests in the world: the "Arrayanes" forest. The "Arrayan" raises in cold and humid areas, and it is remarkable for its orange, onion like skin and it is protected by a local National Park. The forest is located at the end of the peninsula, by the lake "Nahuel Huapi". In Villa la Angostura, we prepare to drive 100km to San Martín de los Andes through the Seven lakes road. 24km of singletracks and 6km of pave roads

Saturday 7°day: San Martín de los Andes - Quila Quina - San Martín de los Andes
Drive to the detour where the dirt track starts and where we'll unload the bikes to start a strong uphill of 6km over the "Cerro Abanico". Once on the top, the landscape will be amazing! An emerald lake (Lácar), forest and bird sings before a great downhill to Quila Quina. Pic-nic on the lake shore and return to San Martín de los Andes. Return to Buenos Aires. 24km of dirt roads

Sunday: For those who are travelling on the minibus, they must expect to arrive at 9p.m. in Buenos Aires. For the ones flying back, they must stay one night in San Martín de los Andes (not included)
and hire the transfer service to Chapelco airport (air flight not included).

Dates: Jan. 6-15, 2006

Price per person in Argentine pesos: On a hostel and cabines base = 2095 On a hotel and cabines base = 2255

Services included:
* Support along the whole trip with a trailer for the mountain bikes (Vans for 15-18 people with TV, video and water fridge)
*Mountain bike transportation
*All breakfasts, lunches, appetizers (in the afternoon) and dinners included from the arrival day until the departure day, except the ones detailed at "not included".
Many lunchs and dinners will be cooked by our guides.
* Local expert guide and a local mountain bike English-Spanish speaking guide along the tour (staff people and a driver, always in contact by using two-way radios)
* Lodging at Inns, hostels, cabins and hotels along the tour.
* Medical insurance for the whole group
* Mechanical assistance and extra bike (in case yours breaks down)
* A t-shirt gift for every member of the group
* Boat Cruise in the following lakes: Todos los Santos, Nahuel Huapi, Frías and Pirehueico

Not Included:
*Both Domestic flights Buenos Aires-Bariloche and San Martín de los Andes-Buenos Aires.
*The price does not include personal expenditures (such as snacks, drinks, mini-bar, telephone calls, laundries, etc.) everything that is not indicated in the program.
*Dinners on days 1,3 & 5

Andes Cross"

Location: The starting point is Malargüe, in the Argentine province of Mendoza- the heart of the Andes. The destination is Curicó, Chile where we arrive after crossing the Andes at Vergara Pass (2460 metres/ 8,200 feet above sea level).
Duration: 9 days.
Difficult level: intermediate - advanced

Trip Profile:
It´s a non technical off road and point to point trip that goes along the Andes, covering 320km in 6 days. To join the Andes cross bikers must have an at least 21 speed mountain bike, a sleeping bag, a helmet, and a minimum fitness (that means to be able to cycle 60 or 70km in flat land, (40/45 miles) in flat land).
Andes Cross is the one of the hardest of our mountain bike trips, even the biker doesn´t have to be an athlete or a pro to be able to do it. Normally we cycle 25km in the morning and another 25 in the afternoon (except two stages that have more than 50km) You can stop whenever you want, it´s not a race, you can take pictures of the magic place you are watching or you can cycle stronger if you want. We are always 5/6 or 7 people depending the size of the group, working for campings and meals, so after a hard day you ´ll find the camp already set up in a breathtaking landscape. In the morning, after the rest, you ´ll be required to help to put tents away for example. This type of mountain bike trip, was created for people who like to do sports and enjoy nature at the same time. Also you ´ll need to have an open mind in the sense of having no toilets during five nights in the middle of the Andes.

Depart: (Friday) The ones leaving from Buenos Aires will depart in our van on Friday in the afternoon. You must show up at 6 p.m. at the departing date. You must expect a 15 hours drive. You shall leave all your personal luggage and bike at our office the day before. Our meeting point is our office in Belgrano a beautiful old neighborhood in Buenos Aires. If you decide to fly, you must arrive in Malargüe, (Mendoza) on Saturday. The nearest airport is San Rafael and it´s 180km from Malargüe, so you need to arrive to San Rafael early. (Flight, hotel and transfer not included)

Saturday Day 1: Arrive in the afternoon in Malargue, free time for visiting or resting. Lodging in a hotel (included) and dinner (not included) The ones arriving by land and the ones flying from Buenos Aires meet in Malargue.

Sunday Day 2: Malargüe - Bardas Blancas After a safety and organisation speach we start biking from the town central square. First stage biking, we leave the last city (Malargüe) slowly heading south, over the famous road 40 that goes from Jujuy at the north of the country to Usuhahia in the very the south of the country with over 5000km. With the Andes Range on our right, we go over a paved road to the Chihuído Slope uphilling 550 metres in the first 42km until we arrive to enjoy lunch. Our support team prepares lunch every day and receives us in the middle of the Andes at midday and does the same for our night´s dinners and camps. Then we finish our stage at our camp by the Rio Grande at Bardas Blancas. Here we´ll spend our last civilized night at this Border place. From now we won´t have more paved roads until the end of the trip. Temperature will be around 30° during the day and it can be 0° at night, so bikers must expect a wide range of temperatures and strong facing winds. 66 km - 550 metres uphill

Monday day 3: Bardas blancas - Las Loicas From the camp we bike from Bardas Blancas to Las Loicas, the last argentinian border control. The path is wide and always having a wonderful blue and cold river aside. Customer can choose between cycling ahead just looking for a sportive performance or doing it in the rear, just more relaxed. We usually use two support vehicles: the big minibus will escort us with our equipment and the other will go ahead to prepare the meals and the camp. We spend the night at a local "Puesto" where we´ll dinne "Chivito" the typical local goat.. 35km - 120 metres uphill

Tuesday Day 4: Las Loicas - Río Montañes After passing local argentinian border control, we cross the Chico river, and we start to bike on the Grande river´s left, that runs by the Grande Valley. Surrounded by incredible awesome landscapes, amazing views, strange rock shapes we find how the river becomes more clear as soon as we bike towards the Andes. We´ll cross big sand fields, bike long straight paths and may be if we are lucky we´ll watch a condor flying by the mountains near theirs nests. The breathtaking landscape at this moment is arid and lonely, peaks are still covered by snow and we´ll camp by the Montañes river.
That night temperature can reach 0° degrees. 53km - 250 metres uphill

Wednesday Day 5: Río Montañes - Termas del Azufre We start early this short but strong stage that will take us to the incredible sulphur hot baths leaning under the Peteroa Volcano, that was alive during the '90s and still smokes all day. This stage will face bikers to the strong wind, hard uphills, melting tinny rivers and no shade during the whole day, but at the same time will allow them to get into the heart and the spirit of the mountains. Our die hard cycling spirit will keep us cycling! We´ll find volcanic black stones and volcanic ashes by the road and while getting closer to the camp, we´ll see the remaining snowed peaks from the winter. Under a glacier and by the hot baths our support team will receive us with the already set camp, to enable us to enjoy the Andes gift and have a hot bath!! 47km - 570 metres uphill

Thursday Day 6: Termas del Azufre - Río Teno We can define this day with emotion and excitation due to finish the uphilling and leave Argentina, to finally cross the border, get into Chile and start the amazing downhill. After 14km we´ll find the border military control and the maximum height at 2465 metres over the sea level. Then prepare yourself for one of the most exciting downhill you´ll ever do on a mountain bike! The zig-zag curved downhill path will allow us to see an spectacular view and we´ll arrive at the camp placed by the Teno river, that is usually used for Olympic canoeing training teams for its great conditions.
41km - 65 metres uphill - 1185 metres downhill

Friday Day 7: Río Teno - Curicó Last stage of the Andes Challenge that keep us biking downhill, though it´s a hard day too, due to rocks over the path. We start early to be able to enjoy the swimming pool at the hotel where we´ll be lodged. Landscape has completely changed, we already left the dry and no vegetation mountain landscape to arrive this humid, green forests, white water rivers one. After crossing Los Queñes town we reach the paved road with some happiness, to cycle the last 26km until arrive the City. Our support team will be waiting us at the hotel where we´ll be lodged to have lunch & celebrate with champagne for our trip! After that we load the bikes on the trailer and enjoy relax, a hot shower and a free afternoon, swimming pool and dinner at the hotel. 74km - 1020 metres downhill

Saturday Day 8: We leave Curicó on our Minibus towards Cacheuta (547km). The ones returning to Argentina will spend much of the day travelling and crossing back the Andes. For the ones returning to their countries, or looking for other travel connections outside Argentina, it´s advisable to stay in Santiago de Chile. Time to see the Aconcagua Mt. the highest of the Americas (6959metres). We arrive in the evening at our hostel and have dinner together.

Sunday Day 9: In the morning we´ll enjoy the last adventure: Water rafting in the Río Mendoza, 1 to 2 degrees. After lunch the ones returning to Buenos must prepare to travel back to Buenos Aires and they expect to arrive early on Monday morning (takes about 16 hours). The ones flying will be transfered to Mendoza city where they can take a taxi to the airport.

Dates: 2006 - Jan. 6-15 and 20-29, Feb. 3-12 and 17-26

Price per person in Argentine pesos:
Regular price: 1755
1855 (including the transfer between San Rafael and Malargue)
VIP: 2055 (including the transfer from San Rafael´s airport to Malargue, plus a 4 stars acomodation in Santiago de Chile in double room)
VIP Single: 2285 (including the transfer from San Rafael´s airport to Malargue, plus a 4 stars acommodation in Santiago de Chile in single room and a 4 stars acommodation in Curico in a single room)

Services included:
*Transportation in exclusive Minibus for 15pax (w/TV & video)
* mountain bike transportation
* all meals including hotel and restaurant meals (meals in transit are not included)
* medical insurance
* camp, tents, cooking equipment and dishes
* mechanical assistance
* support vehicle during the trip and transfers (San Rafael-Malargüe and Curico-Santiago de Chile)
* bilingual guide with communication equipment and camp team
* Two nights in 4 * hotels (Curicó and Santiago de Chile) and one hotel night at Malargüe.
* extra bike
* Visit to the "Witches Cave" Park

General information about the Andes Cross

Water is not a problem because there are many rivers formed by the remaining snow from winter.
The maximum height is 2560 metres/8300 feet above sea level.
During the day the temperature may reach 30°, but may fall to almost 0° during the night.

"Patagonia Singletracks"- From Bariloche to San Martin de los Andes

Location: In Río Negro and Neuquen provinces, next to the Andes Mountains (1600 km from Buenos Aires).
Duration: 9 days.
Difficult level: intermediate

Departing date: (Jan. 20 or March 10)If you plan to travel in the van and you are in Buenos Aires, you shall leave all your personal luggage and bike at our office address in Buenos Aires, the day before. Then you must show up at 8.00 p.m. at the departing date.
Flying options: In case you want to avoid the long drive to Bariloche, you shall fly and in that case you must arrive during Saturday January 21 or March 11. (flight not included in the price)
To return back to Buenos Aires, you might stay one night (January 28 or March 18) at San Martín de los Andes and catch the flight to Buenos Aires on Sunday (flight and hotel night not included in the price).

Day 1: We arrive in the town of Bariloche (Rio Negro province), at the Hostel where we rest after a long trip and gaze at the fantastic views of Nahuel Huapi lake.

Day 2: Incredible great downhill from the Cerro Otto. (10 km of amazing singletracks)

Day 3: We pedal towards Cerro Catedral, the famous ski resort, and after lunch great singletracks until arriving in Lago Gutierrez. (25 km of singletracks and rocky paths).

Day 4: Today we leave from Bariloche to meet one of the highlights of this trip: the singletrack of the Rio Manso. We´ll cycle over a singletrack made by local animals, having a lot fun uphilling, downhilling, arriving to lonely, incredibly awesome places, where local people live by breeding sheep and cows far from civilization. The whole distance will be 20 km through forests and lakes surrounded by mountains.
(20km singletracks)

Day 5: Departure to Villa la Angostura by Minibus. We arrive at midday and after lunch we go to Cerro Bayo. We get to the top by cable car and we start, after one of the best views of the region, an exciting downhill.
(18 km of downhill over dirt tracks)

Day 6: We go over Península de Quetrihué where legends say that Walt Disney inspired himself to create "Bambi" and going over a wonderful trail we arrive at the unique Arrayanes forest. Here we´ll have the chance to mix an exciting singletrack with one of the most beautiful forests in the world: the Arrayanes.
(24km of singletracks and 6km of pavement)

Day 7: We depart by vehicle through the "7 lakes road" towards Villa Traful. We arrive round noon and after that we pedal towards Confluencia. Relaxing, freetime . Dinner together at our Inns. (30km of dirt roads)

Day 8: Amazing bike ride through the Paso del Córdoba, uphilling more than 500 metres through an incredible dry dirt track. Arrive in San Martín de los Andes. (50km of dirt roads)

Day 9: We arrive Buenos Aires in the afternoon.

Dates: 2006 - Jan. 20-29, March 10-19

Price per person in Argentine pesos: 1700

Services included:
* Local transportation in exclusive Minibus 15pax
* mountain bike transportation
* all meals (except the ones on the minibus)
* medical insurance
* hotel and cabin lodging
* mechanical assistance
* support vehicle during the stage.
* bilingual guide and local guides
* extra bike
* Cable car to Cerro Bayo and Catedral

Info for all Bike Trips

Bike Rental: From 15 to 20u$ dollars a day. The helmet is included in the bike hire.
The bikes are:
a) Giant mountain bikes, aluminium frames, 24 speed and fork. (year 2002) 20u$ /day
b) Zenith Mountain bikes, aluminium frames, 24 speed and fork (year 2002) 15 u$/ day

Hotel Level
Malargüe: 3 stars
Curico: 4 stars
Santiago de Chile: 4 stars

Do I have to be physically fit?
You must have at least a minimum of what is called "sport level fitness". You will be the engine for your trip and, although you don't need to be a mountain bike racer, the better your state of physical fitness, the more you will enjoy your trip. To join any tour you should be able to pedal 50 km a day on flat land. Typical day rides are shorter but you will be cycling along single tracks, up hills with strong head winds and steep descents that are more challenging than flat ground. These trips are designed to be suitable for a wide range of different abilities. A support vehicle will always be available if required. Having prior technical experience will help but, if you do not, your mountain bike leaders will help you to learn basic off-road techniques.

What about the mountain bikes?
You need to bring at least an 18-speed mountain bike (everyone knows how nice is traveling with your own bike). The bike must be in good mechanical condition and gloves and helmet use is obligatory. Normally when you fly, bikes are carried free of charge as part of your luggage allowance. In the event that you don't want to bring your own bike, you may rent one from us. It is not necessary to bring mechanical equipment, as our company will provide it. Additionally, you can always count on an extra bike if yours breaks down. The bikes coming from outside Argentina must be registered at the Argentinean border. We will need in writing the brand, model, color and serial number of your mountain bike.

Who will be your traveling companions?
Who participates in the mountain biking tours? Usually people who join these kind of trips are women and men between the ages of 18 and 48, singles, couples and, sometimes, groups of friends. What they have in common is a love for an experience where bikes and the environment are combined, meeting others with the same interests, cycling as a healthy way to see different and unknown places, keeping both minds and bodies in a healthy state, being able to enjoy the simple things, and participating all the time.

What size will my group be? Normally the average is 14. We can enlarge the number of participants only on long vacation trips, but to no more than 26. This enables us to provide a personalized service for our clients.

Support vehicle
We have some center based tours n addition to point-to-point ones, which is possible because of the flexibility provided by having a support vehicle. This means that you do not have to carrying any bags with you. If you need medical attention, you don't have to wait. We also carry an extra bike and you only cycle in the best areas avoiding cycle less interesting places.

Communication
You'll be assisted at all times by a bilingual guide (Spanish English) who also is a trained specialist in physical fitness and mountain biking touring.

Medical insurance
Mountain biking is not a high-risk sport like flying or scuba diving, but there is an inherent risk involved. For this reason, we take all necessary precautions, which is why a helmet and cycling gloves are essential and mandatory. In addition, we carry a first aid kit, explain preventive measures (i.e. teach participants how to ride with awareness), and everyone is covered by medical insurance in Argentina and in Chile when it is needed.

Accommodation
Accommodation is always included in your tour rate, which is usually at campgrounds or inns depending on the tour. In the Andes Cross you have two hotel nights in Talca and Santiago de Chile. Tents and cooking equipment also included but you have to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat.

Food
Everyone knows that food is our body's fuel for keeping us strong and healthy while we are demanding its best performance on the bike. The food chosen and programmed is common and rich in proteins, calories and carbohydrates for helping the cyclist's performance. During the day, there are cold and quick lunches and during the evening, we have hot and tasty dinners. We don't include meals whilst in transit to and from your point of origin.

What's Not Included?
- Transportation from your city to Argentina
- Airport taxes
- Accommodation in Buenos Aires
- Shuttle from Ezeiza Airport to your hotel
- Tips, soft drinks, alcohol and meals while in transit
- Optional extras