The Andes challenge - Domuyo Vulcano

Argentina

Destination

Expert

Difficulty level

Andes Challenge: Domuyo Volcano MTB Tour

The challenge begins in Chos Malal, taking us north along the eastern side of the “Cordillera del Viento”. In two days of intense ascents, we reach the top of this majestic mountain range, with the stunning Domuyo Volcano always snow-capped and in sight.

Riding along a route recently created to shorten the seasonal movement of livestock (transhumance), we will mountain bike through the Andes in one of the most spectacular and isolated settings in Argentina. The descent towards Route 43 is simply indescribable—you have to experience it firsthand! On this journey, we will enjoy the thermal waters that emerge beneath the Domuyo and witness the only active geysers in Argentina. It is also highly likely that we will spot dozens of wild condors soaring above.

An Intense and Rewarding Cordillera Expedition

Mountain biking in the Andes is a true challenge; the rugged mountain conditions make it highly demanding from a physical standpoint. However, the effort is worth every pedal stroke. In total, you will tackle 6,800 meters of cumulative elevation gain over six unforgettable days of mountain biking! Join us for this extraordinary high-mountain adventure.

DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL	Chos Malal / Chos Malal (Neuquén, Argentina)
DEPARTING TIME	Departure from Buenos Aires (or meeting at the Chos Malal hotel)
SERVICES INCLUDED	18-seater exclusive van utilized throughout the tour. Two 4×4 support vehicles equipped with two-way communication radios (providing daily on-board service including granola bars, fresh fruits when available, snacks, and drinks). Mountain bike transportation during the entire duration of the tour. Bilingual tour leaders, equipped with two-way radios, and expert local guides. Full mechanical assistance and spare bicycle availability on the road. All meals at campsites, hotels, or regional restaurants (except meals while in transit, dinner on Day 1, and lunch on Day 8). Support staff in charge of setting up camp and preparing fresh meals every day of the tour. All accommodations while camping: comfortable 2-person tents (individual tents are available upon request), structural dining tent, latrine tents, and complete camping equipment including tables, chairs, and dining ware. Two hotel nights in Chos Malal, Neuquén (Argentina), with double or triple occupancy (single supplement is available – please inquire). Travel medical and accident insurance. Daily Trip Information Notes, featuring maps, routes, and regional details. Pre-trip information package with extensive details on how to prepare, what to bring, and route specs.
NOT INCLUDED	Meals not detailed in the program, drinks, and alcoholic beverages. Air tickets and airport transfers not detailed in the tour program. Bike replacement parts, phone calls, laundry expenses, and personal expenses. MTB Rental.

Additional information

Location	Chos Malal, Neuquen
Duration	9 days
Month	February, March

The tour starts in Chos Malal and finishes in the same city, in Neuquen Province, North Patagonia, Argentina .

The van leaves on Friday night from Buenos Aires city. If you wish to arrive in Chos Malal, you should do it on Saturday to meet the rest of the group. The nearest airport is Neuquen’s Airport (230 miles) and we can arrange your transfer to Chos Malal (Flight and transfer not included in the tour price).

Day 1

Meet & greet in Chos Malal, left time to prepare the Bikes, walk in town and rest. Hotel Included and dinner not included in the tour price.

Day 2: Tricao Malal - Puerta del Domuyo

After breakfast and after receiving the tour briefing, we make a one-hour transfer until we almost reach Tricao Malal, in the northwest of the Cordillera del Viento (The windy Andes range). That’s where our Challenge begins. Spectacular and difficult route, mostly uphill, we slowly enter in the mountain range, overcoming long slopes and enjoying spectacular descents. Opportunity to see the Domuyo Volcano, which with its 4700 meters above sea level is the highest in Patagonia and it is an icon for trekking expeditions. Distance: 42km Elevation gain: 1500mts.

Day 3: Puerta del Domuyo - Aguas calientes

In the second stage of the challenge, we go uphill from our campsite. Throughout the journey there is a minimum of three support vehicles: a minibus that always goes behind the group with all the personal effects, plus mechanical assistance, a cooler full of water to hydrate. The 4×4 pick-ups go ahead to prepare the camps and meals. The route continues to climb towards the top of the ride: After 17km, the highest point of the traverse is reached at 2650mts. The landscape is dazzling, the gravel road in a semi-desert landscape, which allows us to see the snow-capped hills on the horizon and pass by the southern wall of the Domuyo Volcano… In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to bathe in the Domuyo thermal waters. Distance: 49km Elevation gain: 1.400mts.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Laguna Varvarco Tapia

Today we have an amazing day! We will accompany the west face of the Domuyo Vulcano, through a spectacular path that is usually closed during the year as a result of successive snowfalls and thaws. For twenty-eight kilometers we pedal over undulating terrain always accompanied by our support vehicles, which carry our luggage, our shelter, tools and food. The most intense ascent will be between kilometers twenty-eight and thirty-four. The scenery is spectacular, rolling through a valley, where local ranchers raise their cattle and take advantage of the tender summer pastures. The camp will be on the shore of the “Varvarco Tapia” Lagoon, a celestial mirror facing the north face of Domuyo. Enjoying the sunset reflected in the snowy north face of the Domuyo Volcano is a worthwhile spectacle. Distance: 40km Elevation gain: 805mts.

Day 5: Laguna Varvarco Tapia - Puesto Valdez

We depart from Laguna Varvarco Tapia after breakfast towards Puesto Valdez. The route mainly takes us downhill, although there will be some isolated ascents that will demand the most of us. At the Valdez Post we will have lunch. In the afternoon we will leave the bikes and will drive to visit a unique natural scenery in Argentina: After a short walk we will arrive at “Los Tachos”, two geysers that have a maximum height of two meters. At sunset we will have the second opportunity in the journey to use the thermal water of the Domuyo! Distance: 40km Elevation gain: 550mts.

Day 6: Puesto Valdez - Varvarco

We leave the Puesto Valdez after breakfast and continue pedaling south, following the Neuquén River. The landscape continues to be very attractive between mountains and pine forests forested. The path is mostly downhill, although we will have to struggle against the Cajones del Arroyo Covunco and the Atreuco, two very impressive places due to their rock formations. After passing through the Atreuco, the path gently accompanies the Varvarco River in descent. Shortly before entering Varvarco we will see a remarkable spectacle: the Neuquén River, with clear water, and the Varvarco River, with muddy sedimented water, come together and travel several hundred meters without mixing, giving the river a very curious appearance. At kilometer fifty we will finish a phenomenal descent passing through Butalón Norte, to then resume the upward trend. At kilometer fifty-nine we finished the stage. Load of the bikes in the trailer to cover the remaining 24km by vehicle until reaching Huinganco. Distance: 64km Elevation gain: 1207mts.

Day 7: Huinganco - Chos Malal

Last stage of the journey! We leave from Huinganco ascending to overcome a slope of 500 meters elevation gain in almost six kilometers. The path plunges into a spectacular pine forest. Once we reach the asphalt, we will alternate between ascents and descents until beginning at kilometer twenty-two a downward trend almost without interruptions to Chos Malal. Next to the Curi Leuvú river we will make our picnic and celebrate the end of the challenge. Accommodation in Chos Malal and free afternoon. Distance: 61km Elevation gain: 918mts.

Day 8: Depart towards Buenos Aires

Once the tour is over, we leave towards Neuquén in the morning. We can leave you at Neuquen’s airport if you prefer to fly from Neuquén to Buenos Aires. After passing the city we continue to Buenos Aires. Arrival in Buenos Aires at dawn on Sunday the 9th, at the same place where the departure was made.