Binational Crossing Through the Old Cochamó Pass, from the Andes to the Sea in 8 days.
This trekking expedition takes us across the Andes along one of the ancient routes used by the Jesuits when they traveled through South America trying to evangelize the natives.
Dear Applicant, Thank you for your interest in joining the Years of Culture trip to Argentina and Chile. Due to a very high volume of applications and strictly limited spots, we are unable to include everyone in this particular journey. We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and the time you took to apply. We would love to see you on a future adventure! We invite you to explore our other upcoming cultural trips currently listed on our network at www.alibintowar.com Thank you for your understanding and we hope to travel with you soon.

Arrival to Bariloche

El León campsite

Section from La Pasarela, Paso El León to the Correntoso sector

Trek from Torrentoso to Lake Vidal Gormaz.

Section from Lake Vidal Gormaz to El Arco.

El Arco to La Junta Section

Day in La Junta

Section from La Junta to Cochamó.
Arrival to Bariloche and transfer to the accommodation for tonight.
Accommodation Hostería Las Marianas. www.lasmarianashotel.com
A van will then transport the expedition group to the El León campsite, located on the banks of the Manso River on the southern edge of Nahuel Huapi National Park.
Section from La Pasarela, Paso El León to the Correntoso sector
The next day, you will cross the Manso River by boat. The trail continues along the same side of the river to the Correntoso sector.
Leaving from the campsite, you will cross the Manso River by boat because the old footbridge to follow the path coming from Argentina was destroyed by snowfalls in recent winters.
To continue the trail, you must continue northeast, walking downstream through the Manso River valley from El León.
Throughout the trail, the trail climbs and descends steeply, following the river valley along its northern bank. During the hike, you can see the Manso River, its turquoise waters, nestled below. Approximately 10 km.
Towards Lake Vidal, we hike 11 km through the mountains and enjoy beautiful views of Lake Vidal Gormaz. Near the beach, we find Mr. Soto's house, where we will be waiting for a meal at his home. Here, we will have lunch and enjoy fishing or contemplation.
From the Torrentoso area, we follow the trail to the southern end of Lake Vidal Gormaz (camping is also possible to the north). The trail passes directly down and winds along the lake shore, offering beautiful views of this mountain lake. Then, following the western shore, along pebbly beaches, we reach the campsite owned by locals named Bahamonde.
Following the trail's directions on the stretch from Lake Vidal Gormaz to El Arco is difficult. The path becomes more complicated, as we are in the middle of the mountain range, beneath dense, verdant native forest. Therefore, it is recommended to be accompanied by a local guide. This section passes through one of the most impressive forested landscapes of the route. Along the way, you will cross streams and smaller rivers. The trail continues descending from Lake Vidal Gormaz and borders a beautiful Andean lagoon along its southern shore (Laguna Grande). It passes through a spectacular virgin forest composed of Tepa, Mañío, and Coihue trees.
Nature lovers will be delighted with this part of the hike, as the forests surrounding El Arco boast gigantic, ancient Alerce trees.
This stretch is the most intense, as we cross a small pass and enter the Cochamó River valley. We rest at Lake Grande for a snack, and then continue to the El Arco sector. As its name suggests, this section features an arch-shaped rock formation with an Alerce tree above it, crossed by a small waterfall. This area boasts a rock formation crowned by an Alerce tree that cascades downstream.
We will stay near the rustic refuge located below the El Arco River crossing, in a meadow on the right, as this area offers good conditions for camping and a restorative dinner with mate by the fire. 10 km.Day in La Junta, trekking to the Amphitheater Valley (7 hours total), a site of granite rock and large walls where routes of up to 800 meters can be climbed.
After breakfast, we continue down the valley alongside ancient alerce trees, 3,000 years old and measuring 5 meters in diameter.
The section between El Arco and La Junta is extremely diverse and scenic. Slowly descending the Cochamó River Valley from El Arco, we cross the Valverde, Traidor, and La Junta rivers, finally reaching the area of the same name. Here, we pass through a narrow passage in the Cochamó River Valley, and then open up to breathtaking views of towering granite hills with spectacular abrasion formations. 10 km.
Day in La Junta, trekking to the Amphitheater Valley (7 hours total), a site of granite rock and large walls where routes of up to 800 meters can be climbed.
Continuing our journey, we descend along the northern bank of the Cochamo River toward the town of the same name. A 4- to 5-hour trek leads us to the end of this trail and to the Pacific Ocean, where it flows into the river. This section is a dirt path that is easily recognizable from La Junta. In some parts, the road remains a few meters above the Cochamó River, while in others it rises about 100 meters. The trail ends at the end of the vehicle road. The last 7 km are gravel, reaching the bridge over the Cochamó River. We will then be transferred by vehicle to Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, but not before passing through the town of Cochamo and visiting its 1900 church.
Approximate arrival time is 8:00 PM in Puerto Montt or Puerto Varas, end of services.
Accommodation & Camping:
Transportation (Ground):
Food:
Guiding & Logistics:
International Flight Tickets
Important Luggage Note
Luggage Weight Limit: Due to the limited number of horses available to carry all bags, your main luggage should not exceed 15 kg. You will hike with only a daypack.
We love our community, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
Cycling Tour Argentina and Chile

The Qatar-Argentina 2025 Year of Culture invites communities from both nations to connect through a celebration of our cultures. Argentina, a land of dramatic landscapes with a rich cultural legacy, brings its iconic tango, renowned literature, and world-class football to the heart of Qatar, fostering dialogue and discovery.
The Qatar-Chile 2025 Year of Culture is a celebration of the creativity, vibrancy, and the natural wonders that define both nations. Chile’s unique geography, stretching from the Atacama Desert to the southern fjords, provides the backdrop for a rich cultural legacy. This year-long programme will showcase Chile’s creative industries, cinema, gastronomy, sporting accomplishments and sustainable outlook alongside Qatar’s own artistic and cultural achievements.
Hurry and secure your tickets to Knowld before they sell out! Don't miss your chance to be a part of this unforgettable evening. We can't wait to see you there!

DEPART FOR CHILE - SANTIAGO

ARRIVAL IN CHILE - PUERTO VARAS

PUERTO VARAS TO LAS CASCADAS

PUYEHUE TO VILLA ANGOSTURA

El Arco to La Junta Section

VILLA ANGOSTURA TO SAN MARTÍN DE LOS ANDES

SAN MARTÍN TO PUCÓN

SAN MARTÍN TO PUCÓN

SAN MARTÍN TO PUCÓN
04/10/2025
Arrival
Depart for Chile and Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport
Santiago (SCL) arriving the following day.
Arrival and Transfer
After an overnight flight to
Santiago, you'll take a domestic
flight to Puerto Montt, where you
will be met by guides. A 30-minute
transfer will take you to your hotel
in Puerto Varas.
Bike Assembly & Briefing
Upon arrival at the hotel, the group
will have time to assemble their
bikes and get a detailed briefing
about the trip ahead.
Explore Puerto Varas
The day is a non-riding day,
allowing time to explore Puerto
Varas, known for its German
traditions, food, and scenic setting.
You will have a chance to try local
cuisine, including German pastries,
before a welcome dinner in the
evening.
First Day of Riding
The day marks the "Grand Depart"
with a bike ride from Puerto Varas
to Las Cascadas.
Cultural Stop
The group will pause after 15 km to
visit a local farm, Fundo Playa
Venado, to learn about the
region's farming traditions and
enjoy coffee.
Scenic Ride
The ride continues along Lago
Llanquihue's black-sand shoreline
on a designated cycle lane,
offering impressive views of the
Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes.
Scenic Drive
The trip begins with a picturesque
ride along the shores of Lago
Llanquihue, offering views of the
Osorno and Calbuco volcanoes.
Lake Transition
The journey shifts direction at
Hacienda Rupanco, heading north
to pass two smaller lakes, Lago
Rupanco and Lago Puyehue.
Relaxing Destination
The day concludes with a stay at
the Puyehue Hot Springs, where
you can enjoy a rejuvenating dip
in the pools before dinner.
Challenging Climb
The day begins with the most
challenging ride of the trip, a long
climb over the Andes Mountains to
the Argentinian border.
Highest Point & Border
Crossing
The summit, at approximately
1300m, is the highest point of the
adventure and serves as the
border between Chile and
Argentina.
Thrilling Descent
The ride concludes with a thrilling
17-kilometer descent that leads to
the charming resort town of Villa
Angostura, passing through border
control along the way.
Longest & Most Scenic Ride
The day involves the longest ride
of the journey (100 km) along the
famous "Road of the Seven Lakes,"
one of the most scenic routes in
Latin America.
San Martín de los Andes
The ride ends with a final climb
and a winding descent into San
Martín de los Andes, a hub for
outdoor activities with a vibrant
downtown area.
Cultural Exploration
Upon arrival, the group will visit the
Che Guevara museum to learn
about the history of the man and
the region before retiring for the
evening.
Return to Chile
The day involves a trip back into
Chile, which includes a second
crossing of the Andes Mountains.
Volcano and Forests
The ride takes you alongside the
Volcán Lanín and through forests
of prehistoric monkey puzzle trees,
which are sacred to the
indigenous Mapuche people.
Cultural Stop & Destination
The day concludes with a short
transfer to the town of Pucón.
Along the way, we'll make a stop at
a Mapuche museum to meet a
member of the Mapuche
community and sample local
delicacies
Exploring Pucón
The day involves a final bike ride
around the Pucón region,
concluding the two-wheeled
adventure.
Route & Destination
Relaxation at Hot Springs
A major highlight is a visit to
Termas de Huife, a hot springs,
where you can relax and recover
in the soothing waters.
Cultural Farewell
The day ends with a cultural
farewell dinner with local farmers
and producers after the bikes
have been packed away.
Final Breakfast
The day begins with the group
sharing a final breakfast together.
Airport Transfer
A short, one-hour and
fifteen-minute transfer takes the
group to Temuco International
Airport.
Departure
The trip concludes with the group's
departure from the airport for their
return flights.

Accommodation
Your accommodation has been
carefully selected to make the
most of your South American
experience, offering a blend of
comfort, charm, and authenticity.
Where possible we make use
of higher-standard hotels and all
accommodations have been
selected for their warm hospitality
and ideal locations.

Almost all meals are included on
this trip and will be halal. You'll
enjoy a variety of simple
breakfasts, picnic-style lunches
with fresh local produce, and
delicious dinners at your hotel or a
local restaurant. The region's
specialties include fresh fish,
grilled seafood, and Argentine
steak. Vegetarians and those with
other dietary requirements can be
catered for, just let us know when
you book.

At strategic points (where access
allows), you have the
security of our support vehicle. In
the vehicle there will be
some space for tired bikers,
allowing the chance of a
well-earned break if needed.
You will also be able to leave extra
gear or spare kit here
during the day meaning there is
no need to carry any
equipment other than that carried
on your normal day ride.

It is a condition of your booking
with us that you have medical
and personal accident insurance,
including repatriation and
coverage for all planned activities
as described in the itinerary.
You must provide your policy
name, number/reference, and
24-hour emergency number
before departure.

In order to get the most out of your
trip, you must be prepared
physically. The amount of
preparation and training you need
to do will depend on your own
experience, your existing level of
fitness. Whatever your level of
fitness, please take it seriously.

Local currencies are Chilean and
Argentinian Pesos which can
be obtained in the respective
countries from Foreign
Exchanges and ATMS at airports
and most major towns. In
Argentina US Dollars are widely
also quite widely accepted.
Accommodation and almost all
meals are included in the cost
of the tour so you shouldn’t need
to carry vast sums of cash

Ali is a dedicated bike explorer who has
organized and led international cycling
tours. His leadership and storytelling bring
inspiration and a deeper connection to the
landscapes and cultures along the route.

With extensive endurance experience,
Saleh ensures performance, safety, and
team spirit on every ride. His guidance
supports both seasoned cyclists and those
seeking to push their limits.

A veteran Chilean guide with decades of
experience, Ernesto brings unmatched
knowledge of local routes, culture, and
hidden gems, enriching the journey with
authenticity.
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