Expedition: Patagonia Coast to Coast - Chile to Argentina
Expedition: Patagonia Coast to Coast - Chile to Argentina
Are you ready to pedal Coast to Coast across South America? Join us on this expedition from Chiloé, Chile on the Pacific Coast, over the Andes, down the Chubut River valley through the Argentinian Steppe, to Playa Union on the Atlantic Coast. There are plenty of surprises along the way: starting with the unique culture of the Chilote people; the Welsh settlement and tea houses at Gaiman; Ruta 25, the main road of Argentine Patagonia, yet one of the least traveled roads in the country. Enjoy oceans, rain forest, mountains, deserts, river valleys and just about every other type of terrain you can imagine on this 700+ mile, 17-day expedition.
Expedition tours are designed for experienced riders looking to challenge themselves. Read more about how they differ from a regular ExperiencePlus! tour here.
Chiloé Island, the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, penguin colony, market in Castro, rafting, Old Patagonian Express, Last frontier feeling in the Argentinian Steppe, Guanacos, Gaiman, Irish tea house.
Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Expeditions require that you be prepared for anything and a sense of adventure will be your most valuable asset!
- Due to gravel/poor road conditions there will likely be 2 or 3 instances where you will have to shuttle.
- You will travel to remote areas with very basic accommodations.
- Private Rooms may not be available every night.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Expedition tour
here.
Includes
17 days, 16 night's accommodation, 16 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners. Price includes all tips including tour leader gratuities. Day 1 shuttle from Puerto Montt to the tour start. Day 17 shuttle from Playa Union to the Trelew Airport.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Expedition tour at the Expedition Tour Style page.
Arrive / Depart
Puerto Montt, Chile (via Santiago, Chile) /Trelew, Argentina, (via Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Our trip begins with a shuttle to Ancud, Chiloé (about 90kms, 2 hours) where we fit bicycles and take a warm-up ride to stretch out our legs. Founded in 1767, Ancud was a fortified city, a base for seafarers coming north around Cape Horn, and the last Spanish stronghold in Chile. Chiloé is a fascinating island with one of the largest indigenous populations of any place in Chile.
Highlights: Magellan and Humboldt penguins colony, walk on beach, Curanto Lunch
We’re in Ancud again tonight but we'll take an excursion today to be sure our bikes are properly fitted, dip our toes in the Pacific on this spectacularly remote beach and visit the penguin colony. A 30 min. boat ride will takes us to Puñihuil, the only place in Chile where both the Magellan and Humboldt penguins breed.
For lunch we'll have a Curanto lunch - experience a 10,000 year old recipe and cooking style.
Distance: 51km (32mi)
Gain: 624m (2047ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: East Coast of Chiloé Island
Highlights: Fishing port, East coast of Chiloé Island
Our route today takes us on the Panamerican Highway for about 40 km, then off to the east coast of Chiloé Island. A little over half way into our ride we'll pass the Aucar islet, a tiny island with just a church and cemetery but special because of a 700m wooden bridge which connects it with the Island of Chiloé. (For those who want to add a few km the wooden church of Colo is worthwhile the detour( there will be another wooden church on the route tomorrow)). We’ll end our day in Dalcahue, a fishing port north east of Castro, the capital of the island.
Distance: 110km (68mi)
Gain: 1523m (4995ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Explore fishing community, bicycle to Castro
Highlights: Church of Santa María de Loreto in Achao, Palafito Houses and Market in Castro
From Dalcahue we'll take the ferry to Quinchao Island. We'll bike to Curaco de Velez and after that to Achao to explore the oldest church (1793) in the archipelago which is one of the iconic wooden churches of the Chiloé Archipelago and a UNESCO site. On our way back we'll have lunch at an "agroturismo". After ferrying back to Chiloé we'll bicycle to Castro where you'll have time to explore the local market of Castro and discover produce you've never seen before and artisanal handicrafts!
Distance: 75km (47mi)
Gain: 1372m (4500ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Castro to Chiloé National Park
Highlights: Ride to Pacific, Chiloé National Park, lunch with locals
We pedal from Castro to Chiloé National Park on the Pacific Coast today. In the National Park we'll go for a 1-2 hour hike to explore its ancient forests and learn about its history. This region was described by Charles Darwin on his famous voyage as rich in its diversity of temperate-zone forest plants. The park was created by the indigenous communities of Chiloé who have fought to protect the environment threatened by intensive deforestation. The national park is also home to rare species of animals endemic to Chile, such as picaflores (hummingbirds), kingfishers, huillines (sea otters), and pudúes (the smallest deer in the world). We'll visit with members of the indigenous community of Quilque over lunch with local products. Tonight we overnight in a unique stilt hotel in the small town of Cucao.
Distance: 56km (35mi)
Gain: 659m (2162ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6: Pedal to Chonchi or Castro and Ferry to Chaitén
Highlights: Ferry to Chaitén
Our schedule today will vary depending on ferry schedules. If the ferry leaves mid-day we'll take a quick morning ride from the ocean back to Castro or Chonchi. We arrive in Chaiten later this afternoon after a 4-5 hour boat ride. We'll spend the night in Chaitén and explore this town as it is being rebuilt. In 2008 Chaitén was partially destroyed during the eruption of the Chaitén Volcano after it having been dormant for 9000 years!
Distance: 54km (34mi)
Gain: 562m (1843ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7: Cycle to Yelcho in Patagonia
Highlights: Bicycle Chaiten - Yelcho en Patagonia
We will rest our legs on a shorter ride today and get ready for the Andes. Our accommodation tonight is in a "hidden corner of the world." We will stay on the shores of the lake of Yelcho, one of the largest lakes of Chile surrounded by ice capped peaks and rain forests.
Distance: 52km (33mi)
Gain: 368m (1207ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Boat ride to Futaleufú
Highlights: Boat ride across Lake Yelcho
We jump on a boat across the lake today to experience the the mountains from a different point of view. We'll spend some time enjoying the little community of Futaleufu which is mostly known for its world class rafting and fly fishing. No riding today, just some time on the lake and exploring town.
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Futaleufu - Rest day in the Mountains
Highlights: Scenic rivers, rafting and hiking
You have the option of a half day of rafting or spending your day simply enjoying your beautiful surroundings. If you are a fly fisher we can help find you fly fishing options for the day, or simply a nice walk in the hills if you prefer! Tonight we'll have dinner together and celebrate our last night in Chile before we cross the border tomorrow.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: Esquel, Argentina and into the Foothills of the Andes!
Highlights: River views, views of Patagonia Express narrow gauge steam train
We head up the river this morning and climb about 2,000 feet by the time we arrive in Esquel, a small ski resort in the foothills of the Argentine Andes. Esquel is famous as the terminus of the Old Patagonian Express one of the oldest continuously operating steam railways in the world. The train now operates primarily as a tourist attraction. We should be able to get some good photographs.
Distance: 75km (47mi)
Gain: 745m (2444ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11: Climb to Tecka
Highlights: Bicycle Ruta 40, the Andes
You'll continue to climb on today's ride as you leave Esquel for Tecka. After about 10 km. you intersect the famous "Ruta 40" which we’ll follow to Tecka where we spend the night. (If you continue south on the Ruta 40 and you’d end up in southern Patagonia - after about 4 weeks on your bike!).
Distance: 95km (59mi)
Gain: 626m (2053ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12: Tecka to Paso de los Indios
Highlights: Barbecue, Argentinean steppe
Today is your first opportunity to ride a century, from Tecka to Paso de Indios on Ruta 25, rather than Ruta 40. We'll go over our last mountain range and head down to the beginning of the Chubut River Valley. The choices for accommodations are very limited in this remote area so we'll stay in a simpler style hotel. Keep your eyes open and you'll see eagles, and some guanacos.
Distance: 164km (102mi)
Gain: 1024m (3359ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13: Down into the Valle de Los Altares
Highlights: Bicycle the Rio Chubut
Continuing east from Paso de Indios we encounter the Rio Chubut and the landscape changes dramatically as we enter the Valle de Los Altares. This green river valley contrasts starkly with the eroded sedimentary cliffs on either side. Our destination tonight is a small hotel in the village of Los Altares.
Distance: 57km (36mi)
Gain: 184m (604ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14: Bicycle to Dique Florentino Almeghino
Highlights: Cycling the plains - longest day of cycling!
Our route continues down the Rio Chubut today following the river to Las Plumas. We then continue on to where the Rio Chubut was dammed in 1963 to provide irrigation, hydroelectric power, and flood control for communities down the river. The prevailing winds are strong and should be at your back (fingers crossed) as you ride down the valley. If the winds are unfriendly there will be a shuttle available at the 100 km mark.
Distance: 190km (118mi)
Gain: 987m (3237ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15: Bicycle to Gaiman
Highlights: Welsh tea house
As we follow the Rio Chubut further eastward, the last thing you might expect to find is a Welsh tea house and a city of 6,000 people speaking both Spanish and Welsh, but that is precisely what Gaiman has to offer. Settled by Welsh immigrants in the 1860s and 70s, the entire region is a miniature Welsh enclave.
Distance: 111km (69mi)
Gain: 375m (1230ft)
Terrain:
Day Level:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 16: Bicycle to the Atlantic
Highlights: The Atlantic Ocean
We continue pedaling through this unlikely Welsh cultural region, and capital of the Chubut region. We then head on to the Atlantic coast to dip our feet into the Atlantic and end this expedition in the small town of Playa Union.
Highlights: Fly out to Buenos Aires or down to Tierra del Fuego
Our tour ends on the Atlantic Beach this morning. You understand Patagonia and the Steppe a little better now! Spend some more time discovering the Peninsula of Valdés. Buen viaje!
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Puerto Montt International Airport (PMC)
We will be glad to arrange your pre- and post-tour stay at the Meeting Hotel for you upon request. Note that we will not sleep there as a group and the stay there is not included in the tour price.
Getting to the Meeting Hotel in Puerto Varas from the PMC airport
Taxi (30min/30,000 pesos)
Tips on flights:
Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) has connections to Santiago, Chile (SCL), Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE), and Buenos Aires Domestic Airport (AEP) see LATAM
Connecting in Santiago, Chile: LATAM offers several 1.5 hour direct flights from Santiago.
Connecting in Buenos Aires: LATAM offers several flights daily from both Buenos Aires Airports - you may have to connect through Santiago). It is a 4.5 to 5.5 hour flight. We would recommend connecting through Santiago rather than Buenos Aires.
For more travel planning tips, including our packing lists, visit our Travel Planning Pages.
Day 17: Departure Information
Farewell and enjoy Argentina or Patagonia
On the final tour day, we shuttle from the tour end you to the Trelew Airport (REL). Shuttle departs at 6:00 a.m. with arrival at the airport by 6:30 a.m. in time for the first flight to Buenos Aires at 7:50 a.m., which is good if you have an international connection to catch later in the day. Tour Leaders will take your shuttle reservations on tour.
If your flight is later in the day (which is also recommended if you are planning on staying in Buenos Aires), there are a number of taxi services available. Tour Leaders or your hotel can assist with arrangements.
Tips on flights:
Trelew Airport has connections to Buenos Aires, from where you can connect to the United States from Santiago, Chile. Non-stop flights from Trelew to Buenos Aires take less than 2 hours but be aware of some itineraries that make several stops along the route and therefore take much longer. See LATAM
You will likely have to change airports in Buenos Aires. Read details on how to do that here.
Keep in Mind
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
Expeditions require that you be prepared for anything and a sense of adventure will be your most valuable asset!
- Due to gravel/poor road conditions there will likely be 2 or 3 instances where you will have to shuttle.
- You will travel to remote areas with very basic accommodations.
- Private Rooms may not be available every night.
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Expedition tour
here.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To Do Today!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation Email, it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.
6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure
Start reading one of the books or watching one of the movies from our Suggested Reading and Movie List which you'll find on the country page linked from the www.experienceplus.com/travelinfo page.
Great cultural experience, lots of variety in terrain, geography and climate.
Tim C., Fort Collins, CO - January 2020
An expedition, very fun but not for the light hearted. You need to be adaptable to all circumstances and 'no whining' ever!
Susan C., Fort Collins, CO - January 2020
Challenging and definitely worth the effort. Hotels were not the usual standard for ExperiencePlus! tours, but that was well understood and appreciated the effort to find accommodations in the more remote areas.
Patrica S., Alexandria, VA - January 2020
This was an outstanding experience for those few customers looking for a unique challenge and prepared to accept that there will be genuine adventures entailing compromises and last minute challenges allong the way. This is definitely not for everyone
Geroge K., Glenunga, Australia - January 2020
One of my favorite experiences was 100 mile days with strong tail wind. Another was rafting on Futalelfu river. Other favorite experiences were enjoying home cooked delicious lunches at a local person's home.
Cathy M., Portland, OR - January 2020
The trip expanded my world!
Gary M., Denver, CO
Great trip and great guides as usual!
Sybil P., Boulder, CO
Tops on my list is the accomplishment of completing the trip, riding coast to coast, crossing the Andes and biking two century days. I really think the whole of the trip is much more than the sum of its parts.
I booked this trip to mark the milestone of my 40th birthday, and it exceeded my every expectation. I not only challenged myself physically, I also experienced and learned about two amazing countries while getting to know an amazing group of fellow travelers. What better gift could I ask for?
Roger P. Sacramento, CA
I recently returned from the Coast to Coast South America expedition in Patagonia, and it was a wonderful, unforgettable adventure. I would have repeated it immediately ... without hesitation ... because I enjoyed it so much!
Linda H. Plattsmouth, NE
"I felt very comfortable with the family business because they all made me feel like 'one of the family!'"
Mary G. Sarasota, FL
"All in all this was a very nice trip, well organized, nice people, interesting location, excellent staff, a lot of fun, a lot of hard work and exercise,(that's a good thing)good equipment."
John D. Madison, CT
Gentle
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Mountainous
