Chile Cycling Tour 2024/2025

“We have traveled and hiked all over the world. Originally we were disappointed we couldn't go on the trip to Patagonia in Argentina and Chile. We were asked if we would do the Condor instead since COVID kept us from crossing the border between Argentina and Chile. We were not disappointed! In fact this was an even better trip than the original! We were the first group in 2 years since COVID started to go with the tour operator to Patagonia. We had the unusual blessing of having great weather every day of the 2 weeks in lower and upper Patagonia. We hiked with Alvaro Jaime who was an exceptional guide, funny, encouraging and loves his native Patagonia. Our guide on the W in Torres de Paines was Christian. At every turn there was a nice surprise. We drank directly from the streams, saw puma and cub, heard and saw the avalanches in the French Valley, turned the corner and saw the magnificent Torres de Paines with the glacial blue lake in front and the glacial waterfalls in back with a bright blue sky reflecting off the granite towers. Wow! We fought the wind, saw the beautiful towers of the Cuernos or horns. The lakes filled with swirling rainbows and another with large icebergs were spectacular. At the end of the W trek, we went kayaking among those same icebergs and the last day went to the Gray Glacier to see it up close. The first week was full of new adventures and sights. The second week was spent among the volcanoes in Porto Mont. We hiked Osorno, the second most perfect volcano in the world after Mount Fuji. That was such a surprise for me to see all the volcanic beauty. Richard from KoKayaks was our guide in this temperate forest region, much different from souther Patagonia. We kayaked a fjord, ate lunch on an isolated peninsula where the 75 year old owner walks one hour to the closest road, biked around the second largest lake in Chile, white water rafted in Class 3-4 rapids, rested in an old German lodge and ate great seafood, beef and lamb. The vegetarian options were equally tasty. The whole trip was wonderful so if you have only one option this year - the Condor trip- don't worry. You won't be disappointed.”

“Visiting southern Patagonia had always been a lifelong dream. Alvaro and Cristian helped me get so much more out of the W-trek than I could ever get from following a guidebook. Their warmth - and humor - put me at ease right away. When appropriate, I could go at my own pace - which is something that I need on occasion. With them handling everything, all I had to do was enjoy the hike. The W-trek alone would have made this among the best trips - if not the best - I've ever taken. But it wasn't over. I have to admit, I originally short-sold northern Patagonia. I loved the lakes district. As I said in the title, I feel that my eyes have been opened to an unexpected gem. I am so glad that I took Chilean Condor. After the hike up the Orsono volcano with Franz, I knew that I was truly on the best trip I've ever been on. The biking and kayaking were the icing on the cake. Speaking of which... I enjoyed my 'bakery tour' through Puerto Varas. (Don't worry, I'm pretty sure I burned off enough calories on the W-trek.) On top of that, the dining - well everywhere - but particularly in the lakes district - was excellent. I knew Chile was known for its wines, but the beer I had in the lakes district was outstanding. I'm so glad that I went to northern Patagonia. ALL of this, while Covid and its attendant chaos raged around us. I feel I was shielded from what must have been a huge hassle. Finally, I want to single out something minor, but I think is indicative: On the way to lunch after our bike trip, I and a few members of the group needed a bathroom break. We could have 'soldiered on', but accommodating us kept everyone comfortable. Gestures like this are appreciated. In conclusion, I want to thank Cristian, Richard and most of all Alvaro. This trip wouldn't have been what I wanted - and needed - without you. I hope to make it back to Chile and look forward to traveling with the tour operator in the future.”

“Do yourself a favor and book this incredible tour. The tour operator team were professional and quick to send me all the information I needed after I booked. The tour itself was incredible. I mean the salt falts are stunning, you can't go wrong here.”