Argentina’s Patagonia Lake District Luxury Walk, Bike & Kayak 7D6N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 153 m (500 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)

Arrive at the scene on time as you meet with your trip leaders. You will convene in the lobby of the Paraíso Casa dé Montaña by 9:30 a.m. Ensure to come dressed in your hiking kits and pack in your luggage a day pack with your rain gear and anything you will find useful in today’s trip. Furthermore, if you fancy horseback riding, then you should also pack in an extra pair of long pants. Lastly, ensure to have your passports handy in order to ease the check-in process ahead of the day’s activities.

Welcome to Argentina! Your life-changing Patagonia experience starts in a mountain village wonderland. Begin at the awe-inspiring town of San Martins de Los Andes, a scenic gateway to explosive waterslides and riveting wildlife sanctuaries at Lake Lácar. To get things underway, your trip leaders will give a quick orientation of the exciting journey ahead before we hit the roads towards Lago Lolong.

We start off with a hike to the vista-speckled property of our good friends in a private ranch, which will be accompanied by an interestingly delicious, home-prepared lunch put together in the ranches’ adobe oven. And when you’re done, choose your preferred mode to transverse this exciting expanse with horseback riding and hiking options available to pick from. This epic plunge into the Patagonia experience proper takes you through remarkable wooded paths and unrelenting local forest with birds and wildflowers a frequent feature to look out for.

Relish the audacious sceneries that gently unfold as you take on a scenic trail amid the pristine Lake Lolong and breathtaking jagged Andean peaks. After the exciting exploration, we head back to where we will call home for the next two nights in the 5-star luxury Boutique Paraíso Casa de Montaña, located just 5 minutes from the city Centre in the seven-lake region. Settle into your ensuite rooms with lake views and the alluring Andeas peaks, unwind to a refreshing dip in the pool or take a lovely stroll in its serene gardens.

This evening, we will convene as you’re treated to a lustful welcome reception before sitting down to an exquisitely prepared meal uniquely crafted to your delight at a local restaurant.

Note: Depending on the number of people who choose to ride horseback, the ranch may require part of the group to ride in the morning, and then hike in the afternoon.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 214 m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 19 km (12 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 244 m (800 ft)

Enjoy a peaceful breakfast in your wonder-filled accommodation as you get ready to transcend into the next phase of your Patagonia experience. After breakfast, your trip leaders will have your bike fitted and enlighten you on biking techniques and safety. We kickoff on a heart-thumping ride, pedaling upwards out of town. Start off slowly, and as you increase in speed, feel the breeze glide through your ear as you fixate your eyes on the picturesque sceneries of lake Lácar. Watch as views of the lake and the surrounding mountains become clearer as you ascend higher and higher.

While you enjoy the wonderful postcard perfect views of your surroundings, get ready for the exciting descent down a quiet dirt path that leads you back to town. Then, if you must explore more, take the turn back through the paved road!

After lunch, we will take on a hike from town to Mirador Bandurrias, a stunning viewpoint that draws its name from a species of Patagonia ibis. Watch from this open-view point offering panoramic views of the lake Lácar and its surrounding. Enjoy the moment while it lasts with options to enjoy a stroll or relish a fascinating beach time.

You can also head back to the hotel to unwind in the indoor/outdoor pool or sauna. Or simply laze on the terrace lounge and enjoy a backdrop view of the lake. While the day is still young, you have plenty of time to visit a gallery owned by the Austrian-born painter Georg Miciu Nicolaevici. Learn about his work's stunning artistry and the story of his life in San Martins spanning over 20 years.

Shuttle downtown for dinner at your own leisure. Peruse the streets and pick one out of the many exquisite restaurants. Your leaders are also happy to recommend one to you. If you’re in the shopping mood, get acquainted with San Martin’s work at the outdoor artisans' market. Branch at one of San Martin’s excellent chocolate shops and pick some lovely sweets while you’re at it.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 70 m (200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 214 m (700 ft)

Your revolutionary stride today starts with a shuttle past alluring lakes, streams, and rivers as we hit our starting point for the main course. Bring a pair of water shoes or sandals with you for a hike across a mellow trail riddled with a few river crossings. As we forge ahead on this walk, feed your eye to the native trees dotted across the path amid the Colihue cane forest (a species of bamboo). Every step further reveals strikingly audacious waterfalls as we explore the nature reserves of Cascada Ñivinco.

Continue the journey for the next 30 minutes on the iconic route of the seven lakes- tracing a winding path amidst a landscape of drop-dead gorgeous multi-hued forest, serene lakes, and imposing mountain peaks. This path is touted to be one of the most scenic routes in Argentina and should offer the best scenic satisfaction for your sense. Next, stop at the lakeside for a picnic, and if you're up for it, soak in the chill waters of the lake to re energies.

After a truly satisfying lunch, we climb back on board our shuttle as we head to the trailhead for the afternoon hike that’ll begin from La Última Esperanza (Last hope), serving as one of the many arms of Lake Nahuel Huapi. So, take off on a hike with nature trees perfectly lined to fall in sync with your senses. Watch out for the coihue, arrayanes, and bamboo trees that lead to the beautiful shores of the lake where we take a little break from hiking before hitting the trails once again.

After the day’s hiking escapade, we head to Correntoso Lake & River Hotel, a peaceful accommodation in Villa la Angostura, situated at the mouth of Correntoso river with imposing views of Lake Nahuel Huapi. Our abode for the next two nights.

While the sun sets, the evening packs a plethora of exciting events lined up to thrill your senses further. Sneak into the nights as we spend the evening arousing your senses with rhythmic moves while learning the tango and regional folkloric national dance of Argentina like el paseo, el Ocho, el enganche and other steps.

Pending when the dancing adventure ends, a delectable dinner fare of regional cuisine ensues. When you’re done, take a calming moonlit stroll along Lake Nahuel Huapi shoreline as the soothing breeze slowly touches your skin. For those who would prefer to stay in, unwind with a book in the hotel’s cozy sitting room as you create a perfect diversion from the stalling nights.

Note: This evening’s dancing and dinner may be moved to Day 4 depending on the timing of the day’s activities.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 70 m (200 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 457 m (1500 ft)

Today’s exploration is filled with exciting and epic adventures. Prepare yourself for an amazing glide across the crystal clear waters of Lago Espejo (Mirror Lake), touted for its mirror-like reflection that transpires on the water surface during low wind conditions. At this point, our local guide will prep us with gear and safety talk as you get set with your paddle in hand. Get ready to hop into a kayak and explore the expanse of the lake.

As we process through to mid-morning, we will take a break off kayaking and exploring while we convene at the lakeside for a sip of yerba mate. Enjoy this interesting South-American beverage made by steeping the dried-up leaves and twigs of the yerba maté plant; the result is a fusion of herbs, earth, bitterness, and sweetness which makes it quite fascinating.

When you’re done, return to shore as you take on lunchtime at your leisure in the beautiful village of Villa La Angostura, one of the loveliest mountain villages in Argentina. After lunch, we will tread further across the charming Villa La Angostura with a demanding hike climbing through a forest of coihue, an evergreen forest filled with tree species native to the Andean parts of Argentine Patagonia. Our destination this afternoon is Cerro O'Connor.

Keep your eyes peeled for dazzling views of the colossal Nahuel Huapi Lake, the Andes, and if you're lucky, the Striking Chilean volcanoes should make the highlights for this next location. Take on a pleasant and soothing walk along Rio Bonito all the way to the beach of Lake Nahuel Huapi to regain your energy.

For those who would prefer a less engaging afternoon, spend your time as you wish. Explore the towns’ shopping complexes or engage in a soothing spa session at the hotel accompanied by a rejuvenating siesta at the poolside basking in the serenity of mountain views

As the evening sets in, get ready to have more exciting times as you’re treated to a warm welcome by longtime friends followed by Asado (Barbeque) with regional wine sampling while enjoying the soothing ambiance alongside Rio Bonito.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 92 m (300 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 3 km (2 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 92 m (300 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 153 m (500 ft)

This morning you are served breakfast as you get set to voyage across Lake Nahuel Huapi on an exclusive scenic boat ride. We shuttle to the port as we board a boat taking us to the protected island of Isla Victoria. While enjoying the clear atmosphere and pristine lake ambiance, the journey of thrilling vistas begins to unfold as you make your way to the central part of the island where the mountain views and lake sceneries elevates the splendour of this location.

Take on a trivial adventure as we make our way through dirt forest service roads and indigenous trails amid sprawling foliage speckled across the trail. As you forge ahead, the settlement nestled in the centre of the island plays host to a boarding school that welcomes and educates children in communities close to the lakeside.

This afternoon, you will continue on two legs or board another boat that will take us to a sequestered beach for an afternoon lunch to unwind and recover from lost energy. Enjoy special access to this island's southern and northern parts that are closed to the public.

Relish the peace and quiet while relaxing at the beach or take on a voluntary hike to the port before we board a private boat to continue voyaging through the spell-binding shores of the picturesque southern lake sailing through to the Majestic Llao Llao Resort, Golf & spa.

Settle into the extraordinary Llao Llao Resort, Golf & Spa, a 5-star hotel nestled in the majestic foothills of the Andes with shimmering lakes, imposing panoramic mountains, and jagged spires. Take on a refreshing dip into the crystal clear waters of the expensive infinity edge pool or a rejuvenating time in the spa. If you'd like to explore in the confines of your room, step into the patio while taking in the alpine settings sprawling from the panoramic outsides. Dinner this evening is at your leisure in the Liao Liao restaurant.

Note: Today’s activities are dependent on the weather. Some trails on the island close on windy days. If so, we change our routes. If extreme wind prevents the movement of our boats on the lake, your leaders will provide an alternate location to hike

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 153 m (500 ft)
Level 1, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 1-2 hours biking, Elevation gain: 305 m (1000 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 19 km (12 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 366 m (1200 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 39 km (24 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 671 m (2200 ft)

Settle in as you’re treated to a delectable breakfast this morning while you prepare for today’s mind-blowing trip. We will start the day’s adventure on an explosive and the most scenic bike ride route along Lago Perito Moreno and surrounding Llao Llao.

Cycle over a hilly paved route through forests of huge coihue trees and along ridge lines with magnificent views of Lago Perito Moreno and Cerros Tronador. Pedal toward Colonia Suiza, a village originally settled by Swiss brothers in 1895. We make a stop at a local restaurant where our host gives us a cooking lesson on making traditional Argentine empanadas.

You can choose to continue exploring Colonia Suiza or continue cycling around the lake before we stop for lunch at a popular eatery. Afterward, we shuttle back to Llao Llao or continue on your bike if you want. Later in the evening, we reconvene to celebrate our final night Patagonian night together with a delectable meal at a favourite restaurant.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours hiking, Elevation gain: 275 m (900 ft)

On this day, enjoy a savory breakfast and a relaxing morning at the hotel if you please, or jump on an exciting opportunity to explore the forest areas that surround the Llao Llao Resort. Our trek begins with a walk through your beautiful resort towards Llao Llao municipal park, where we climb through bamboo stands and coihue trees to a viewpoint over Lakes Escondido, Moreno and Nahuel Huapi.

Soak in sweeping views against the backdrop of the Andes before we share a light delicious lunch. Or, if you’d prefer an easier walk, follow a path that takes you past a giant myrtle tree forest to the shore of Moreno Lake and a view of the hotel. After lunch, we say our hearty goodbyes and board a shuttle to the Edelweiss Hotel in downtown Bariloche or to the Bariloche Airport.

Note: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.