Andes Mountains

Name: Andes Mountains
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (79 reviews)

Most Beautiful Places to Visit on Andes Holidays

Patagonian Lake District

Comprising ancient forests, rugged peaks, simmering volcanoes and emerald lakes, the Patagonian Lake District is a sparkling jewel in the Andean crown. You’ll be captivated by the diversity of the landscape which stretches from the eastern cordillera of the Andes and along the Chilean border. The monumental peaks of the Andes hug the shores of glacial lakes, forming the most beautiful reflections on the water’s surface. The region is made up of several national parks and winding tracks lead you through wildflower meadows, forests and mountains, where occasionally you’ll arrive at a pretty alpine village.

Torres del Paine National Park

On the southern tip of the Andes, Torres del Paine National Park boasts a rich biodiversity where glacial valleys play host to a wealth of flora and fauna. The Torres del Paine is a series of granite pillars that dominate the landscape above the Patagonian Steppe and the hike up to its foothills guides you through sprawling forest to amazing views over the national park. Here you’ll find a sapphire blue lake that completes this almost fantastical scene which lies below the peaks. As well as hiking through Torres del Paine National Park, it’s great to explore by bike, adding another dimension to your experience.

Camino de los Siete Lagos

More commonly known as the Seven Lakes Road, the Camino de los Siete Lagos is one of the most picturesque driving routes in the world, which runs for 114 miles from Villa La Angostura and San Martin de los Andes. The road snakes past alpine lakes and forests and you’re treated to epic panoramas that stretch uninterrupted over the Chilean landscape. While the name of the road suggests there are seven lakes en route, there are actually many more than this, each as beautiful as the next. The entire road takes approximately 3.5 hours to drive along but owing to the spellbinding scenery, it feels much shorter.

Conguillio National Park

Spanning an incredible 150,000 acres in the Chilean Lake District, Conguillio National Park plays host to ancient beech and araucaria forests, river canyons, alpine lakes and volcanic landscapes. It’s this diversity that makes the park so popular on Andes tours and is great for exploring on foot or by bike. Th most notable landmark is the active Llaima Volcano which soars over 3,000 metres high. Other sights of interest include Laguna Arco Iris, Conguillio Lake, Laguna Verde and, of course, the famous monkey puzzle trees (araucaria).

Andes Holidays

The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, and passes from Venezuela in the north, through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile, where these magnificent mountains have impacted the culture as well as its geography. During our Andes holidays, visit the Atacama Desert in the north, which is the driest desert in the world sitting high on a plain and surrounded by lakes; snow-capped peaks; and the rumbling volcanos of Laguna Meñique and Miscante.

Our Andes tours not only present you with jaw-dropping scenery, but they also introduce you to the history and culture of this mountainous region. Marvel at native Indian ruins, watch gauchos herd their sheep and visit authentic Mapuche houses and farms.

Separating Chile and Argentina, the Andes Mountains forms part of Patagonia, which is one of the most diverse and beautiful regions to visit on holidays in South America. Its landscape is made up volcanoes, mountains, ancient forests and lakes and can be explored on foot or by bike. As well as discovering the magnificent scenery, you’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the native wildlife. From the cordillera foothills of the mountains, Andean condors swoop down to catch their prey, and if you are very lucky you might spot a puma or Patagonian mara.

Our cycling Andes tours of Chile and Argentina are led by an experienced guide that takes you along scenic tracks, including the Seven Lakes Road to San Martin, and through the Conguillio National Park, where you’ll ride beneath ancient monkey puzzle trees.

Andes Adventure Holidays

13 Days from £ 3679

£ 3499

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover the beauty of the Andean Lake District on two wheels.

Cycling

13 Days from £ 5879

£ 5419

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover spectacular southern Chile and Argentina

Culture

14 Days from £ 5229

£ 4819

Guided Group (Excl. Flights)

Discover spectacular southern Chile and Argentina

Culture

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I first rate end-to-end experience. The route, the variations in landscape and the demands made upon the cyclist were all thoughtfully considered. The accommodation used was all very good, very clean and occasionally excellent. Our lunch stops were all interesting as we dined in local restaurants run by families. We were blessed with good weather, a fine trio of guides and a lovely group. Our support vehicle loitered around us when we were on the move and miraculously would appear under the shade of a tree with a table full of goodies and drinks. The early stages are green and lush, but as the Andes are climbed and Argentina entered, the route turns north and the landscape becomes less Alpine and more ‘high plains drifter’ and finally near desert with glacial topped volcanoes and lava fields. The Monkey Puzzel forests ate the end a cool green and beautiful treat. Both countries are calm gentle places, the driving generally very calm and where the people are kind and courteous. The Mantupechu villages and tribal lands were fascinating.

John Whittle Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

This was a great adventure that was very scenic and provided a challenging ride. The tour leaders were great and created an overall wonderful experience. Similar to another Exodus trip, the quality of the hotels are mixed. I can appreciate it difficult to find hotels in each location but it is not clear if there are minimum standards / expectations by Exodus. It appears that these decisions are made by the local tour company subject to budgets provided by Exodus, but the lack of ownership on securing clean and comfortable hotels is one reason that I do not fully recommend Exodus.

Ryan Resch Cycling the Lake District of Chile & Argentina

This is my second trip with Exodus and I could not be more pleased. Already planning my third. The Iguazu Falls extension was over the top fun! The tour leaders that Exodus works with were all exceptional. Pamela with Aqua Grandes in Iguazu. In Patagonia on my lesser hikes, both Mathieus and Jorge were knowledgeable about wildlife – and we saw a lot! Condor (from afar), puma (up close), emus, rheas, guanacos, and plants and flowers and orchids, etc. SUPPORTIVE both literally and figuratively moving at my speed and letting me figure out the terrain.

Kathryn Warmus Patagonian Highlights

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