Pre-Summit Adventure October 12 – 15, 2017
Northern Patagonia Multisport
Biking, Hiking, Rafting, Kayaking
Argentina’s Lake District, in northern Patagonia, is home to some of the country’s most spectacular scenery including several national parks, snowcapped volcanoes, glacier-fed lakes, and abundant forest. Not surprisingly, it is a prime tourist destination with people flocking to hike, bike, fish, and sail in the summer and ski in the winter.
San Martin de los Andes, the northern end of the famed Route of Seven Lakes, is a quiet town on the shore of Lago Lácar and our base of exploration. Over four days we actively discover this area around Lanín National Park.
Andestrack invites you to visit our part of the world, North Patagonia!
Trip Highlights:
• Mountain bike the trails near San Martin de los Andes • Hike in Lanín National Park • Whitewater raft the Rio Chimehuin • Bike and kayak along the picturesque Seven Lakes Route • Interact with the region’s native people, the Mapuche
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ITINERARY
October 12th – Day 1: Arrive San Martin de los Andes, mountain biking Our trip begins today in lakeside town of San Martin de los Andes. Upon arrival, we greet you at Chapelco Airport (CPC) and transfer you to the hotel, our home for the next few days.
Our adventure begins with a mountain bike ride through the forest. The outskirts of San Martin de los Andes offers excellent bike paths with varying difficulty levels. Most travel through the Mapuche community, so we not only enjoy a bike descent, but also get our first glimpse into the way of life of the native people.
Back at the hotel, a heated pool and sauna are available for use. We gather again, later in the evening, for a welcome dinner and learn more about the activities planned for the next few days from our guide. Dinner included.
Mountain biking: 2-3 hours; Ascent gradient: ~400/500m (1300’/1600’); Descent gradient: ~200m/650’
See recommended flight below.
October 13th - Day 2: Lanín Volcano National Park Hiking & Rio Chimehuin Rafting After breakfast, we head north to Lanín Volcano National Park (1.5-hour drive). Upon entering the park, we are surrounded by forest of the Araucaria araucana, the monkey- puzzle tree, an endemic species of incredible beauty. We hike, ascending for ~40 minutes, to a panoramic point which has a lovely view of Lago Tromen and Lanín Volcano (3,746m/12,293′), a glaciated cone-shaped stratovolcano on the border of Argentina and Chile. It’s also part of Villarrica National Park in Chile.
This afternoon we spend on an exhilarating descent of the Rio Chimehuin. Following a safety briefing, we put on neoprene suits and helmets and begin whitewater rafting on a mix of Class II and III rapids, surrounded by forest with dramatic views of the glaciated south face of Lanín volcano.
We arrive back in San Martin de los Andes, with some free time before dinner. All meals included.
Hiking: 2 hours, moderate; Rafting: 1.5 hours, Class II and III rapids.
October 14th – Day 3: Biking and Kayaking the Route of Seven Lakes Ruta de los Siete Lagos or the Route of Seven Lakes, connecting San Martin de los Andes and Villa La Angostura, is considered one of the most spectacular drives in Argentina and is also ideal for biking. After breakfast, we drive south to Lago Falkner and Lago Villarino, two of the most beautiful lakes along the route. From here, we bike north 17km to Lago Machonico, passing through forest and by the breathtaking Vullinaco waterfall.
Lago Machonico, “house of the pancora (crab),” is a lake with a north-south orientation which shelters its waters from the wind making it ideal for kayaking. Starting on Lago Machonico, we paddle to the mouth of the Rio Hermoso river, continue upstream up to the smaller Lago Pichi Machonico.
Once at the shore, we hop on our bikes again and ride 25 km back to San Martin de los Andes with views to the surrounding mountains.
After biking, we stop at Pil Pil, 5 km from town, to visit the “lonko” (head Mapuche spiritual leader) and his family. We learn about their beliefs, the way they interpret their surrounding world to better understand their way of living. All meals included.
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Biking: 3 hours total, ascent gradient: 300-450m, descent gradient: 190 -760m; Kayaking: 2 hours, easy
October 15th – Day 4: Depart San Martin de los Andes for Salta This morning is at leisure with time to visit the town. We depart for the airport at 11:30am, to provide plenty of time to catch the flight to Salta. Breakfast included.
Trip Rating: (3) Moderate (Good physical fitness required; ~4-6 hours activity/day)
Getting to and from San Martín de los Andes (CPC), Northern Patagonia Important Note: Please take note of which airport in Buenos Aires you are arriving and departing when you book your airline tickets. International flights from North America and Europe land in Buenos Aires at EZE (Ministro Pistarini International Airport; Ezeiza International Airport). Your flight to San Martín de los Andes (CPC), however, departs from AEP (Jorge Newbery Airfield), Buenos Aires. The distance between the two airports is ~44km and an hour without traffic.
However, traffic can be very heavy in Buenos Aries and we recommend you allow several hours between flights to clear immigration, customs, obtain luggage, and transfer to AEP to be sure you can make your connection.
October 12, 2017 - Recommended flight from Buenos Aires to San Martín de los Andes on Aerolineas Argentina: AR 1612 | AEP 11:55 AM to CPC 02:15 PM Nonstop: Duration 2h 20m
October 15, 2017 - Recommended flight to Salta via Buenos Aires on Aerolineas Argentina: Depart CPC 03:00 PM, Arrive SLA 10:05 PM (1 stop) AR 1613: CPC 03:00 PM AEP 04:55 PM AR 1452: AEP 07:50 PM SLA 10:05 PM
Accommodation: La Casa de Eugeni Rooms based on double occupancy. Our hotel for three nights is in downtown San Martin de los Andes, one block from the shore Lago Lácar and three blocks from the main avenue.
Our guides We only work with certified guides specialized in each area and activity. They are experienced and highly trained to guide people in adventure sports/tourism and managing risk. They are also dedicated to meet the needs and expectations of our clients.
Our vehicles We have our own vehicles per the needs of each service. 2015 and 2016 vehicles. They all have needed and appropriate insurances and licenses to work and circulate in the region. Mercedes Benz Sprinter 415 and 515 units for 15 to 19 passengers.
Group size: 4 to 12
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Price per person: US$ 740.- Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard) or PayPal
What’s included: What’s not included: • Transfer in & out local airport/Hotel/local airport • Guides gratuities • All transfers to activities • Alcoholic beverages • 3 nights at 3 stars Apart Hotel with • Personal gear (see below list of breakfast. Double occupancy rooms. suggested equipment) • All the activities mentioned on the • Meals not specified above previous itinerary. All the equipment • Personal travel/health/medical evacuation involved: mountain bikes, rafting boats, insurance kayaks, safety equipment (helmets, life vests) • Professional guides qualified by the National Park, specialized in each activity: mtb guides, trekking guides, rafting guides, kayak guides. • Safety equipment in all activities: gps, first aid kit, satellite phone. • Meals: box lunches during activities (3), 1 welcome dinner at hotel, 2 dinners at restaurant. • Accident insurance during adventure activities
Reservation and Cancellation Policy
An advance of 30% of the total amount of the trip is required to book with Andestrack. The remaining 70% is due 60 days prior to the start of the trip.
If the participant cancels the reservation earlier than 60 days prior to the starting date, the deposit will be refunded, minus a $ 75. - administration fee. If cancellation is made: - Within 59 - 31 days of the starting date, 50% of the deposit will be refunded. - Within 30 - 0 days of the starting date, there will be no refund.
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Weather during October (Spring) Weather conditions are relatively dry and stable. However, this is Patagonia and most of the time weather can be very difficult to predict. Mornings and nights can be cold. Temperature range varies between 5°C and 15°C (41°F -59°F). While it is not the rainy season and winds are generally not strong during October, you should be prepared for sun, cold, rain and wind.
Packing List Luggage: Assorted Personal Items: Medium to large duffle; Rolling soft- Water bottles (2 1-Liter or 2L sided duffle hydration bladder) Packing cubes/stuff sacks Headlamp with batteries (& extra Day pack (15-25 liters) batteries) o Waterproof pack cover or Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF garbage bag to line pack Sunglasses with UV filter Clothing: Personal hygiene items (toothpaste, Casual clothing/shoes for travel and toothbrush, quick drying travel city wear (lightweight, easily washable) towel,etc) Waterproof jacket, lightweight Toilet Kit: Toilet paper, Ziplock bags Waterproof pants, lightweight (at least one for clean TP, one for Fleece/softshell jacket dirty TP), wet wipes, hand sanitizer Down (or synthetic insulation) jacket (You must pack out all toilet paper.) T-shirts, synthetic or wool Personal first aid kit, medications, blister kit Long sleeve shirt, synthetic or wool Bandana Hiking pants (no jeans for trekking) Pocket knife Synthetic or merino base layers Camera/memory cards/battery Underwear/sports bra (quick drying) Optional: Sleepwear o Trekking poles (collapsible) Swimwear o Earplugs and eye shade Sun hat o Binoculars Wool or fleece hat o mp3 music player, e-book reader Neck warmer or buff Liner gloves, synthetic or wool Warm fleece gloves/mittens
Footwear: Hiking shoes with rugged sole Hiking socks, synthetic or wool Water shoes/sandals
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