Southern Lakes Explorer

Info:

90% of this ride is on paved road however these road surfaces can be in bad condition with large potholes.

10% of this ride is on dirt most dirt is hard packed, although there are sections that can have loose gravel and can be rutted. Dirt surfaces can also be loose in sections. This ride also cross high altitude passes. It must be remembered that driving styles in South America can be somewhat different to those in the west and as such a certain amount of care is of course required

Total distance: 2100ks / 1300ml approx

TOUR

Day 1: After a short flight from Santiago to Temuco we shall transfer to our hotel in Pucon, a wonderful township nestled at the foot on Villarrica volcano deep within the stunning Chilean lakes district. We shall get acquainted with our bikes before going on an afternoon ride around the Chilean Lakes District. We have a great ride designed that will take in some of the extraordinary scenery that abounds and one that offers a mix of on and off-road.

Day 2: We have some time to further explore the Chilean Lakes District before riding to one of Chiles most magnificent cities of Valdivia with a beautiful setting on the confluence of the Rio Calle Calle and Rio Cruces. We spend the late afternoon and evening visiting the 17th century forts and exploring the Plaza de la Republica. We certainly won’t forget the numerous boutique beers on offer in Valdivia

Day 3: We ride south into the stunning southern lakes region of Chile and stop at Ensenada, wonderfully located on the shores of Lago Llanguihue. Today’s ride is spectacular as we travel amongst verdant farmlands and forests of green and view the perfect snow capped cone of the Volcano Osorno, not to mention the lake. We shall ride out to the most stunning lake in all of Southern Chile, Lago Todos los Santos, where we shall overnight at Pertohue. Hopefully we shall see Volcon Osorno being beautifully reflected off the emerald green lake; it’s an outstandingly beautiful spot.

Day 4: Continuing south we shall reach the Germanic town of Puerto Varas with offers more stunning views of Lago Llanguihue and Volcon Osorno before riding onto Puerto Montt. From Puerto Montt we shall cross onto the mythical Chiloe Island. Chiloe is an archipelago of over 40 islands and is steeped in history and mystique. We are now in Patagonia and stay overnight at Ancud situated on the dazzling north coast of the island

Day 5:Returning north we ride onto Frutillar, a wonderfully preserved 18th century village that has a strong Germanic history. Another beautiful riding day amongst the lakes and mountains we shall stop en-route at the super laidback Puerto Octay on our way to our overnight stay at the tiny village of Entre Lagos, on the shores of Lago Puyehue.

Day 6:Today is yet another spectacular ride as we cross into Argentine via the lofty Paso Puyehue. We shall be riding through the Parque Nacional Puyehue all the way to the Argentinean border with numerous lakes and twin volcanic peaks in full view. After border procedures we shall ride down into San Carlos de Bariloche, an absolutely stunning town know for its Swiss architecture, Saint Bernard dogs and chocolates.

Day 7: A full day is spent in Bariloche allowing us time to ride the stunning Circuito Chico that runs along the shores of Lago Nahuel Huapi. A visit to the world renowned resort of Llao Llao is highly recommended for lunch. We shall enjoy a traditional asado (BBQ) that evening at our wonderful log cabin accommodation.

Day 8: Our last ride day shall see us ride north and ride the world famous 7 Lakes ride; a dirt road around 7 scenic lakes, this ride is a scenery overload. The scenic splendour continues on as we pass through San Martin de los Andes before crossing back into Chile at the remote border pass of Mamuil Malal. The ride down into Pucon is along an infrequently used dirt road through ancient forests.

Day 9: Our final day will see us take private transport to Temuco for our return flight to Santiago.

Tour Included

Airport transfers

Transfers Santiago – Pucon – Santiago

Flight Santiago – Pucon & Pucon – Santiago

Motorcycle Rental BMW F 650 GS

Fuel Tolls

Border paperwork

Services of ride leader and support vehicle driver

Support vehicle with passenger carrying ability

Breakfast everyday, 7 lunches and 4 dinners

Accommodation in excellent small hotels

Bonus night accommodation

Pre-departure material and route maps

Access to satellite phone, pay per minute

Compass Expeditions dress shirt

Entrances to all national parks mentioned in the itinerary

Tour Not Included

International Flights

Visas (if required)

Personal spending money

Personal Health Insurance

Tips and gratuities

Accomodation

9 nights 3 to 4 star hotels & 1 bonus night

Accommodations are generally in 3 to 4 star hotels. For a list of our accommodation styles please refer to FAQs.

A flexible attitude is needed as standards are not always what we are accustomed to.

Single Supplement: US$ 500 (may be required to share a bathroom at least once on this trip)