Description
Bike Dreams would like to introduce an incredible bike race/expedition : “The Andes Trail”, from the middle to the end of the world in 11.000 kilometres. Bike Dreams has created a wonderful route which incorporates all the main attractions allowing you to experience the full beauty of the South American continent.
The start of “The Andes Trail” is from the equator, just outside Quito. The finish is 128 days later and 11.000 kilometres ( 6.875 miles ) further south in Ushuaia.
The Mitad-del-Mundo monument at the equator marks the start line of this epic journey. The first stages in Ecuador you cycle along sleeping volcanoes and through dense rainforests. Isolated areas and tough climbs await you in Peru, but you don’t have to miss the highlights of Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca. You’ll bike at high altitudes at the altiplano in Bolivia. Crossing the flat plateau with little oxygen, herds of llama and vague tracks on the white salt of the Salar-de-Uyuni makes the cycling a surrealistic experience. The trail drops further down into Argentina with a mix of landscapes : coloured canyons, giant cacti, green valleys, the pampas and the Aconcagua - the highest mountain of the American continent. You cross the Argentinean-Chilean border more than once to experience the best of which Patagonia has to offer : crystal blue lakes, impressive glaciers, green forests and craggy, granite peaks. The finishing line of this grandiose bike ride is drawn in Ushuaia, the most southern town on the globe, the entrance gate to Antarctica and called the Fin-del-Mundo. The end of the world.
You can expect all kinds of conditions. The majority of the roads is nicely paved, but you come also across some rough roads with washboards, rocks and loose sand. The weather conditions can also vary enormously in the Andes. Although we have chosen the best season, intense heat, severe rain showers, freezing temperatures and fierce winds are still possibilities. The high altitudes give an extra dimension to the tour. Anyway, smooth roads or dirt tracks, good or bad weather; it is all part of the game. You cover the kilometres within your own capabilities and in a pace you determine. This means that you can compete with the other participants and try to cover the distance as fast as possible, or you can choose to take it easy and enjoy the beauty of the Andes in all her facets. The landscape, the culture and the people.
“The Andes Trail” is more than just a normal bike ride. It’s a combination of the physical challenge, the adventure, the appreciation of the natural beauty and above all, a mental freedom. Next to that, the bike journey is open for cyclists from all around the world to create an exceptional atmosphere, during as well as after the bike ride. The people of the Andes and your fellow-cyclists will make it a memorable journey.
The credo of Bike Dreams is: “Life is not the dreams you have, but the dreams you realize”.
Inclusions
• Accommodation based on hotels ( 55 nights ) and campsites
• Pre- and post accommodation in Quito ( 3 nights ) and Ushuaia ( 1 night )
• Breakfast, lunch, extra meal after finishing the stage ( during cycling days )
• Fruit, water, sport drinks and energy bars ( during cycling days )
• Dinner ( only during cycling days if we are camping )
• Transportation of luggage
• Organisation of the journey
• Technical support by a bike mecanic
• Medical support by a nurse
• “The Andes Trail” cycling jersey
• Daily detailed description of the route
• Tour guide with information about the route
• DVD with compilation of the best pictures
• Entrance fee of the National Parks Huascarán in Peru, Los Alerces in Argentina and Torres del Paine in Chile
• Ferry tickets