Trips of a Lifetime
ExperiencePlus! Bicycle Tours Highlights Winter Escapes in Patagonia and Cuba
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 (there is also a seven-day version of this trip available) 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 is onto explore 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.
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.
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.
