Name: Three Arctic Islands (Southbound)
Brand: Exodus Adventure Travels
SKU: N/A
Price: 19190 USD
Availability: LimitedAvailability
Rating: 5.0 (1 reviews)

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I didn’t know what to expect on a group trip, but this ended up being one of the best vacations we’ve ever been on! Being an intense planner, I had a hard time giving the reins away, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Annie truly found the best of the best in Italy! We felt like we were on a luxury, private vacation that was perfectly customized for us! The tours, the food, the accommodations, while booked for the group, truly felt personalized, making the experience absolutely magical and so much fun! Not to mention, it was a huge value! Being in finance, I 'ran the number'. For accommodations, daily transportation, daily meals, and excursions, I thought the cost made sense. What I didn't factor in was the intimate experience. We ate amazing meals in local's private homes! Our tours were limited to our group and we we're shuffled into tour buses but privately chartered luxury vans to travel between destinations. It's hard to vacation without these amenities these days, I hope The Table Less Traveled continues to offer a new tour yearly, or else my vacations will be limited. :)

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This trip surpassed my previous Exodus bike trips by a country mile.  The 
scenery was truly outstanding, the cycling manageable while challenging and 
it was organised and supported in the most exceptional way by the local team. 
  I could not recommend it too highly.
You never grew tired of the outstanding views of volcanoes, dotted amongst 
the most extraordinary lakes and dramatic scenery.  Some of the off-road 
ascents were tough, especially with gravel interleaved with stones and in the 
heat, but the challenge was inspiring and the pace was comfortably pitched 
accommodate a diverse group.  We did the trip in January 2018; the weather 
was exceptional (many days about 20-25 degrees, although it did get hot (over 
35 degrees) on a few days.  I don't believe a single person on our trip (15 
of us in all) found it anything other than exceptional.


Our day to day leaders had a maturity and confidence that worked wonderfully 
for our group.  They were continually thinking about the support for the 
group, and when issues arose, as they inevitably do, they addressed them 
quickly and efficiently.  The back-up team with van, coffee stops, hotel 
support etc was also first class.


Rest days can be that if you want but there are so many opportunities to try 
other activities.  We tried kayaking one day and climbed an active volcano on 
the other.  Both excellently delivered by local guides who provided all the 
kit, advice and support you need.


A few of our days included long stretches on tarmac road with a bit of 
traffic, more so than I expected, but this was not a big problem.  The few 
transit legs in the van gave us the opportunity to experience the best parts 
of the route.  And some of the hotels were truly outstanding, including Porto 
Blest and the eco-lodge north of Pucon.

Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

If you enjoy your scenery,and a good variation in your cycling ( mix of road 
and off-road ) then this trip is for you. It is quite challenging in 
parts,but is well within the abilities of a reasonably fit and competent 
cyclist ( I am 67 years old but reasonably fit,and I managed without much 
difficulty,although generally at back end of a very fit  group of good 
cyclists ! ). We were exceptionally fortunate with the 
weather-dry,sunny,warm-unusual in an area noted for rainfall.
Difficult to pick only one-but the first of anything generally sticks in your 
mind,so I will go for the first day in Puerto Varas where the views of 
Volcano Osorno and distant Tronador are quite stunning.


Yal was a really nice and likeable guy,and seemed quite efficient. His 
communication skills though were somewhat lacking,and most of the briefings 
were delivered by his very able assistant German,also a very likeable and 
helpful guy.The disappointment though was that there no commentary or 
information provided on the history,culture,economy etc of the areas visited.


I took insect repellant but didn't need it ( mosquitoes non-existent here at 
this time of year ( November ) so this would be worth checking before you 
leave.
Be prepared for rapidly changing weather-fortunately for us it was sunshine 
all the way,but we were always prepared for the possibility of rain.
The final day ( Friday ) was spent at the eco lodge in Conguillo National 
Park-if you are not on group flight bear in mind this is a long way from 
Temuco ( a taxi costs in the region US $ 110 ).
Tap water is apparently safe to drink throughout the trip-I drank it with no 
ill effects as did many others in the group.


Our group size was 16,with a good international mix-everyone got on really 
well right from the start with plenty of humour throughout,so we were 
fortunate with that as well as the weather.
It was a hugely enjoyable and memorable holiday,with scenery to take your 
breath away ( from snow-clad mountains and volcanoes to emerald reflecting 
lakes to majestic rivers ) .
If you are thinking about it-I'd say go for it.

A Memorable and Hugely Enjoyable Experience

Amazing scenery, excellent organisation and logistics. Superb guidance and 
information. A really interesting part of the world to visit and made me 
hungry for more.
Seeing a condor,traversing  fjord like lakes with snow capped volcanoes as a 
back drop. Cycling into the lava fields of Conguillo National Park and 
walking in the monkey puzzle fores.


Excellent. Very good knowledge of the area, geography, social history, fauna 
etc. Good sense of humour and very encouraging when cycling was more 
challenging.


The rides are short but hilly and it is worth doing a bit of training!

This was our fourth Exodus Cycling Trip over the last few years and my 
favourite so far. The landscapes that we cycled through were simply stunning 
with snow capped volcanos, lush green valleys, blue and emerald lakes, monkey 
puzzle woodland and black volcanic ash and lava. The cycling routes were 
occasionally challenging but never too long. The accommodation was generally 
good (with two exceptions) and we were expertly led by Tia, his brother Yell 
and Matteus. It helped that the weather was pretty much perfect throughout 
our trip with cool mornings making way for clear hot afternoons. We also 
benefitted from a great group of cyclists, most of whom were of a similar 
(oldish) age and fitness level!
There were many, but I particularly enjoyed the Punto Panoramico ride with 
views of the Argentinian Lake District and the hike up (and rapid descent) of 
Villarrica Volcano. We also had a very special send-off from our hosts with 
drinks at sundown overlooking the Llama Volcano .


Tia was amazingly competent and patient as our group leader. The trip 
involves some incredibly tricky logistics with crossings from Chile into 
Argentina (and back again), numerous ferry rides, transfers by minibus, 
luggage checks at customs points and the constant shepherding of 16 cyclists. 
Despite these challenges the whole trip ran smoothly. His skills as a 
paramedic were also tested on a few occasions. Together with his brother and 
Matteus they formed a formidable team


1. About 25% of the cycling is off-road, mostly on gravel tracks with ruts 
and stoney sections. It can therefore be tricky at times. Some experience of 
biking off road is necessary (though there was the opportunity to opt out of 
these sections and travel in the support vehicle).
2. Even with the fine weather that we experienced the mornings were cool and 
the afternoons very hot so  we needed extra layers and lashings of suncream.
3. There were several opportunities for swimming on the trip so have swimming 
gear close to hand.
4. The lunches provided on the trip were often two and three courses- with 
large quantities- and it was sometimes difficult to do them justice without 
struggling to cycle in the afternoons!
5. Although American dollars could be used in several locations you do need 
some Chilean and Argentinian pesos for small purchases. Credit Card machines 
were fairly widespread in shops and restaurants.


There were a couple of glitches in the arrangements for the trip. The first 
hotel was changed at the last minute by the local host (and it proved to be 
disappointing) so hopefully the Hotel Patagonia in Puerto Varas will not be 
used again. There was also some confusion about which hotel had been booked 
on our last night in Santiago; a full list of the accommodation in each of 
our destinations would be useful in advance.

The snow-clad volcanoes and emerald lakes of the Andes mountains.
Gravel tracks, black lava fields and ancient forests of monkey puzzle trees.
Crossing the Andes by bike: not once but twice!


Tai and his younger brother Yal worked tirelessly to support the group. They 
gave a clear briefing on each day's itinerary and generated Stava maps to 
show the route. On the road they shepherded us through the traffic and 
managed to control both those keenest to reach our destination and those more 
content to just enjoy the scenery and walk the hills.
They coped very well with the inevitable problems which occurred: our 
punctures; occasional falls; late transfers; variable accommodation; wet 
weather; etc, etc.
They were always ready to chat with the group and explain about the local 
people, their history and culture .


The trip notes are not always updated and itineraries may well change.
Our mountain bikes were very good but with limited space for carrying spare 
kit or a camera. Although the support vehicle was close at hand, you might 
consider a ruck-sac or handlebar bag useful.
Research beforehand. More options are available for your free days than may 
be advertised. We really enjoyed excursions to Mount Tronador from Bariloche 
and later to Huerquehue National Park from Pucon.
Take a good camera with a wide angle lens as the landscapes are stunning. And 
it also pays to get up early for the dawn light.
Breakfasts are sometimes meagre but expect your waistline to expand: portions 
for lunch and dinner are huge!
ATM's in Argentina restrict you to 4,000 ARS and cost a lot to use. Santander 
Rio have branches in all the towns we visited. If you have an account, it 
gives you a much better rate.
Spend a few days in Buenos Aires if you have the chance. It's pretty safe and 
easy to get around. There's some lovely Art Nouveau architecture,  a lively 
café-culture, craft markets at the weekend, fine Opera and bookshops, tango 
dinner dances and lots of urban art. We would recommend a 5-hour cycle trip: 
Hidden Graffiti And Urban Art Tour.


If the weather is fine, as it fortunately was for us, cycling in Argentina 
and Chile is a joy. Traffic is generally respectful and the distances covered 
are easily manageable in the time. Where the trip notes describe parts of the 
route as gravel, be prepared for some pretty rough going. In places it was 
safer to walk. But the best is saved for last:  the Parque Nacional 
Conguillío - with black lava field and forests of monkey-puzzle trees under 
the brooding Llaima Volcano.

Its a bit difficult to describe this without using the usual clichés; this 
must be one of the most beautiful places in the World - at least when the sun 
shines! Massive mountains, huge lakes, amazing snow capped volcanoes. Its odd 
no one in the UK has heard  of it. For the most part it is sparsely populated 
and there is a wonderful feeling of emptiness.
As with similar Exodus trips the itinerary was interesting, fast paced and 
expertly delivered. We had a great time with a super bunch of people. We came 
away with a sense of awe.
The cycling was good along quiet roads. The ride over the Andes was 
challenging (700m ascent in 7km) and a bit technical - we managed it by 
stopping every mile and survived
There were several
- the ferry across Todos los Santos
- doing the Hokey cokey in the rain at the Chilean customs
- cycling across the Andes in the drizzle
- the journey from Puerto Blest to Bariloche
- Conguillio NP
- the steak at Alberto's in Bariloche
- the red wine and craft beer everywhere (but not the fish which was cremated 
at every eatery we went to)
- the impromptu disco in Choshuenco including the dancing on the tables


Tai and Jero are great guys - I think the ladies in particular admired them


The elephant in the room (another cliché) is the weather. We had about a 
third each of sun, cloud and rain. We actually felt lucky as we were told 
that the trip on this date in 2017 saw nothing apart from rain. The 
temperature rarely rose above 15C - presumably warmer in Nov - Feb. We felt 
we hade a great time but the moral of our very hardy group fell noticeably 
after two soakings on days 8 and 9. Thereafter mood improved as the Sun 
returned. Chile looks like Lancashire when the heavens open.
We were really disappointed with the flights we were given: Manchester- 
Heathrow- Santiago- Puerto Montt. The transfer in Madrid was short and we 
nearly missed it. In addition both going and returning we were unable to get 
boarding passes for all the flights. There is a direct flight from Heathrow 
to Santiago - INSIST ON BEING BOOKED ON IT


I think we were very fortunate with the weather. A few more rainy days and 
I'm not sure we would have felt so positive about our experience. Having said 
that it was one of the best holidays I've ever had

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