Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

Stunning lakes shimmering in sunlight with volcano summits in the haze. Some challenging but thoroughly enjoyable rides interspersed with some stunning and relaxing boat rides.

As an Exodus staff member, I hope I can speak for the entire group when I say that we had such an amazing holiday in these two wonderful countries. My favourite was Chile for the volcanoes and Argentina for the Condors! Easily, the most picturesque trip I've been on with Exodus! The accommodation was fantastic, with a mixture of 3,4 and 5-star hotels! If you are a keen cyclist who loves taking pictures, this trip is for you!

I first rate end-to-end experience. The route, the variations in landscape and the demands made upon the cyclist were all thoughtfully considered. The accommodation used was all very good, very clean and occasionally excellent. Our lunch stops were all interesting as we dined in local restaurants run by families. We were blessed with good weather, a fine trio of guides and a lovely group. Our support vehicle loitered around us when we were on the move and miraculously would appear under the shade of a tree with a table full of goodies and drinks. The early stages are green and lush, but as the Andes are climbed and Argentina entered, the route turns north and the landscape becomes less Alpine and more ‘high plains drifter’ and finally near desert with glacial topped volcanoes and lava fields. The Monkey Puzzel forests ate the end a cool green and beautiful treat. Both countries are calm gentle places, the driving generally very calm and where the people are kind and courteous. The Mantupechu villages and tribal lands were fascinating.

This was a great adventure that was very scenic and provided a challenging ride. The tour leaders were great and created an overall wonderful experience. Similar to another Exodus trip, the quality of the hotels are mixed. I can appreciate it difficult to find hotels in each location but it is not clear if there are minimum standards / expectations by Exodus. It appears that these decisions are made by the local tour company subject to budgets provided by Exodus, but the lack of ownership on securing clean and comfortable hotels is one reason that I do not fully recommend Exodus.

Our cycling adventure through the Lake District of Chile and Argentina was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, it was a journey filled with breathtaking scenery, unique experiences, and unforgettable moments. First and foremost, a huge shoutout to our incredible guide, Ale, whose passion, expertise, and energy made the trip seamless and enjoyable. His knowledge of the region, combined with his enthusiasm for sharing it, elevated every aspect of the journey. The scenery was absolutely stunning—Patagonia at its finest. We cycled past shimmering lakes, towering snow-capped volcanoes, dense forests of monkey puzzle trees, and rolling gravel roads that offered both challenge and charm. Each day brought something new: crossing lakes by ferries, spotting tarantulas on the road, and soaking in the vast, untouched beauty of the region. The sense of discovery was unparalleled. Every turn revealed another postcard-perfect view, from tranquil lake shores to the rugged peaks of the Andes. The gravel roads and challenging terrain were made worthwhile by the jaw-dropping vistas and the camaraderie of fellow travelers. Sharing meals and stories with the group fostered a sense of community, making the trip as much about the people as the places. This journey through two countries was more than just a trip; it was a soul-enriching experience. It rekindled a deep appreciation for nature, adventure, and the simple joys of life. If you're looking to fall in love with the world again, this is the way to do it.