ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours, a trailblazer in cycling vacations and leader in active travel, is looking forward to winter, and particularly its unforgettable adventures in Patagonia and Cuba. Perfect for those looking to escape winter’s chill, these expertly guided tours promise immersive experiences in two scenic, culturally rich, and sun-soaked destinations.
PATAGONIA
For those seeking adventure in the great outdoors, Patagonia’s summer season – North America’s winter – is the ultimate cyclist’s playground. ExperiencePlus’ 10-day Bicycling Patagonia’s Lake District Plus! the Island of Chiloé takes guests on an amazing adventure across the Continental Divide in the Andes – from Argentina into Chile – experiencing the wild expanse of Patagonia’s ever-changing landscape of pristine lakes, lush forests, conical volcanoes, and snowcapped Andean peaks. Then it explores Chiloé Island’s tranquil fjords, pastoral landscapes, and the rugged Pacific coastline. With its rich history and isolated location, Chiloé Island offers a cultural experience that is unique to Chile and the world.
The 10-day tour travels a total of 260 miles (419 km), with an average daily distance of 43 miles (70 km). Starting in Argentina, in the bustling mountain town of San Carlos de Bariloche, here are just some of the highlights cyclists will experience during the trip:
- A trip up the Cerra Campanario ski lift for panoramic views of the Andes (often called one of the top 10 views in the world).
- A catamaran ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi.
- A hike through Arrayanes National Park, home to some of the most pristine myrtle in South America.
- Crossing the Andes by bike and enjoying the incredible shifts in landscape while pedaling from Lake Espejo over the Cardenal Samore Pass to the thermal resort of Termas de Puyehue.
- Pedaling along the shores of Lake Llanquihue, which offers stunning views of the snow-capped Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes in the near distance.
- A visit to the famous Saltos del Petrohué (Petrohué waterfalls).
- A chance to see both Magellan and Humboldt penguins on the rock islands of Puñihuil.
- A stop in the village of Achao on the island of Quinchao, location of the oldest church in the Chiloé archipelago.
- Cycling from Castro to Chiloé National Park on the Pacific Coast. The park was created by the indigenous communities of Chiloé who fought to protect the environment that was threatened by intensive deforestation. It is home to several rare species endemic to Chile.
CARRETERA AUSTRAL
The famed Carretera Austral – also known as Route 7 – is an intrepid bicyclist’s paradise through a full third of Chilean Patagonia. Paved only part of the way, which makes for a nice introduction to gravel riding, this road connects some of Chile’s most remote communities located across a wild and mountainous, fjord-laden region whose snow-capped volcanoes, dense forests, stunning lakes, impressive rivers, and glaciated peaks are largely protected within national parks and reserves.
On ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours’ 17-day Chile’s Carretera Austral expedition, cyclists will travel a total of 640 miles (1,030km) following a partially-paved Route 7 from Puerto Montt to the southern shores of General Carrera Lake, including along a few long stretches of ripio (gravel) near the tour’s end. Some of the many highlights along the way include:
- An opportunity to explore eight National Parks/National Reserves, including Pumalin National Park, Corcovado National Park, Melimoyu National Park, Cerro Castillo National Park, Reserva Los Huemules, and Queulat National Park, home to the park’s namesake hanging glacier.
- A total of 57 nautical miles (106km) of boat travel, offering the chance to take in the scenery and changing landscapes from the water.
- Pedaling a beautiful glacier valley along the Carretera Austral to the shores of Lago Yelcho, renowned for world-class fly fishing.
- A visit to the Tepaluma Distillery, a family-owned business that produces artisan single malt whisky and barrel-aged gin.
- Optional full day’s excursion of the Laguna San Rafael Glacier, a major outlet glacier of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field.
- A visit to the bustling town of Coyhaique, the capital of Chile’s Aysen district.
- Riding over a metric century (74 miles/119km) in one day heading to General Carrera Lake, the largest lake in Chile and second largest in South America (its deepest point is lower than sea level).
- Ample opportunity to Puerto Río Tranquilo on a rest day.
- A boat ride to explore the 6,000+ year old marble caves just off the coast of Lago General Carrera (known in Argentina as Lago Buenos Aires).
CUBA
Cycling through Cuba during its winter months offers the opportunity to enjoy mild temperatures while exploring this Caribbean gem during the island’s dry season. Delving deep into the rich and lively culture, ExperiencePlus’ 15-day Grand Bicycling Tour of Cuba cycling adventure combines the company’s central and western tours to provide an in-depth experience of one of the most fascinating countries in the world. These itineraries meet the United States requirements for legal travel under a ‘Support for the Cuban People’ general license and therefore includes a full-time agenda of cultural activities that provide a unique glimpse into the lives of Cubans.
Traveling a total of 354 miles (571 km) and averaging 34 miles (57 km) per day, guests will pedal past much of Cuba’s less-traveled countryside on quiet roads with visits to local farms, national parks, and even snorkeling in the Bay of Pigs. From its crystal blue waters and lush forested hills to its vibrant cities and rich musical heritage, this stunning route shows off the best of Cuba’s culture and landscapes. Here are just a few of the many highlights:
- Starting off in the city of Remedios, in central Cuba, cyclists head to Sancti Spíritus, one of the first colonizer settlements on the island and as such full of history and Spanish colonial architecture.
- Time spent in Trinidad, a town that dates to the 16th century.
- Riding along the coast, passing fields, beaches, and estuaries.
- Stops in Cienfuegos, Playa Girón, landing site for the Bay of Pigs invasion, and Playa Larga.
- A visit to the Korimacao Community Projects – a collective of teachers and young Cubas investing in local performance and musical arts.
- The opportunity to explore the bustling capital city of Havana.
- Cycling along quiets roads into the hills toward the UNESCO Sierra del Rosario Biosphere Reserve, aptly names the “Rainbow of Cuba.”
- Travel deep into the heart of tobacco country, pedaling through the small towns of San Diego de Los Baños and Viñales, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding natural beauty, unique landscape, and traditional agricultural practices.
- A stay in Las Terrazas, a small community with a vibrant creative scene.
