The Andes cross – Pichachen Pass starts in Argentina and finishes in Chile. We start our ride under the Domuyo Volcano domains, the highest mountain in Patagonia! And we end in “Los Angeles”, the capital of the 8° region in Chile.
The challenging climbing is rewarded by long downhill rides once we enter Chile. We will camp under incredibly huge skies, involved in a magical setting of jagged peaks, snow-capped mountains and desolate desert landscapes. Our experienced team of tour leaders, support staff and cooks work as an efficient team. They are always a step ahead of our guests needs. You will always have a team member nearby.
If you prefer you can ride alone. Whether it be cycling strong at the front or at your own relaxed pace in the rear. You will have this freedom. Our team members will greet you around the next curve with an encouraging word and a friendly smile. You will feel their strong support. Live this Andes cross once-in-a-lifetime experience with us!
DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL | Chos Malal (Argentina)/ Los Angeles (Chile) | |||||||||||
DEPARTURE TIME | 8 P.M. Departing time from Buenos Aires | |||||||||||
SERVICES INCLUDED |
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Additional information
Location | Chos Malal, Los Angeles |
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Duration | 9 days |
Dates | January, February |
Andes cross through “Paso Pichachen”, from Chos Malal in Argentina to “Los Angeles” in Chile.
Guests starting with us in Buenos Aires will depart in our van on Friday afternoon. Our meeting point is in Buenos Aires (flight to, and accommodations in Buenos Aires are not included in tour price). We recommend flying to the city of Neuquen, in Neuquen Province. If you choose to fly to Neuquen, you must arrive in Chos Malal by Saturday. The nearest airport is Neuquen, which is 380 km from Chos Malal. We can arrange for your transfer from Neuquen airport to Chos Malal (Flight and transfer not included).
Day 1:
Day 2: Chos Malal - Huinganco
38,5 miles – 4500 ft elevation gain
Día 3: Huinganco - Río Reñil Leuvu
28 miles – 3175 ft elevation gain
Day 4: Río Reñil Leuvú - Cajón del Pichachen
Today will be an uphill day. After doing 26km, we’ll arrive to “Gendarmeria” border control, where we’ll do the Argentinean migrations and customs paperwork. We’ll seize that period to have lunch. In the afternoon we’ll see the “Moncol” mountain, different valleys and woods of “Lengas”, a typical strong tree from Patagonian Andes. In the end of the day, some downhills will give us a break!
24 miles – 3150 ft elevation gain.
Day 5: Cajón del Pichachen - Sierra Velluda
The most overwhelming day is awaiting us: The challenging uphills, the fascinating downhills and the stunning scenery, composed by the perfect cone of the “Antuco” volcano and the sharp top of the “Sierra Velluda”, will take your breath away!
In the morning we start the last uphill riding definitely over a dark soil, due to an ancient volcanic activity. At this point, after facing strong winds and tough uphills, we’ll be really looking forward to arrive to the top of the mountain, where the milestone will show the exact place where both countries meet. After riding nine hard kilometers we’ll get to the limit between both countries. There’s not much to be said at this point: the incredible views will hold us not to leave while we stare at the “Antuco” Volcano (2985meters) and the “Sierra Velluda” (3865meters). The “Antuco” Volcano was active until 1853, and its glaciers drag down different sort of sedimentations, giving different green tones to “Laguna Verde” (The green lake) and different rivers that flow into the “Laja” River. The downhill will let us go until arriving to “Carabineros de Chile” where local authorities will do the paperwork for us to enter the country. The campsite will be in a magic place, nearby both volcanoes.
24 miles – 2920 ft elevation gain
Day 6: Sierra Velluda - Campamento Río Rucúe
After 31km we loose more than 600 meters (1960 feet) and we find the start of the paved road.
The “Laja” River will escort us while we cycle down, until we arrive to “Antuco” the first Chilean town and first civilization contact. After some few more miles, we’ll arrive to the “Río Rucue” campsite, where we spend the rest of the afternoon and make use of the river to refresh ourselves.
37 miles – 2083 ft elevation gain
Day 7: Campamento Río Rucúe - Los Ángeles
We start the last stage and start to roll over a slightly downhill paved road. Views changed completely: We left behind the mountain appearance that turned into a very green and humid farm area that receives the weather influence from the Pacific Ocean. As we slowly enter an urban area, we make emphasis in safety and steer our bikes with more self-control. The support team will wait at the hotel with lunch prepared, ready to celebrate the success of our tour with champagne! After loading our bikes, you’ll have time for a relaxing shower, with a free afternoon to enjoy the pool, followed by a group dinner at our hotel.
32 miles – 580 ft elevation gain
Tour Reviews
Mariano, I want to thank you for this wonderful trip and the special experience. Not only the breathtaking landscape but also your professionalism, your enthusiasm, your kindness and helpfulness are outstanding.
Moreover – your team is also exceptionally professional, it is a pleasure to be looked after in this way.
All this components create an unique experience – vacation in the best possible way !
It was a pleasure to have this time with you, your team and the and the nice fellow cyclists.
Hugs & kisses to you and your team
Mariano, many many thanks for the trip!
The trip was amazing: beautiful nature, well organized and good company (the team and the riders)!
I recommend to this trip to all riders: strong and not so strong 🙂
I’m looking forward for the next trip in Argentina with your company.
/marius
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