Beautiful scenery of Chile by Road bike

Road biking tour of Chile's lake and volcano district

Tour Description: Guided

Discover the Lake & Volcano District cycling Chile’s southern backroads. Explore this fascinating part of Chile dominated by clear-water lakes and amazing live volcanoes. Together with friendly locals, you will pedal alongside green rolling meadows and through national parks, visit local ethnic villages and relax in soothing natural hot springs. 

This tour is for nature lovers. For 8 days you will be visiting protected wilderness areas and observe endemic birds, and learn about some of the most active Chilean volcanoes. The thermal waters of this area are some of the best in the world; due to the volcanic activity, you can find hot springs and thermal spas almost everywhere you go. Likewise, the cuisine is another highlight of the tour, with the ingredients that have made Chile known worldwide: wine, delicious produce and seafood from the South Pacific Ocean.  

Aptly named the “Lake & Volcano District” for the active volcanoes and twelve major lakes and dozens more dotting the landscape, this area has been frequently compared to Switzerland. Our tour starts in Temuco and from there we head off to the Andean areas of this untamed land, cycling almost entirely on quiet well paved roads that go alongside different lakes and volcanoes. We’ll cycle across National Parks in the most spectacular rides and finally head to the Osorno volcano and the Petrohue Falls. We stay at 3 and 4-star charming hotels and enjoy hot springs 3 times during the tour.

About Guided Tours>

Tour Description: Self-guided

Discover the Lake & Volcano District cycling Chile’s southern backroads. Explore this fascinating part of Chile dominated by clear-water lakes and amazing live volcanoes. Together with friendly locals, you will pedal alongside green rolling meadows and through national parks, visit local ethnic villages and relax in soothing natural hot springs. 

This tour is for nature lovers. For 8 days you will be visiting protected wilderness areas and observe endemic birds, and learn about some of the most active Chilean volcanoes. The thermal waters of this area are some of the best in the world; due to the volcanic activity, you can find hot springs and thermal spas almost everywhere you go. Likewise, the cuisine is another highlight of the tour, with the ingredients that have made Chile known worldwide: wine, delicious produce and seafood from the South Pacific Ocean.  

Aptly named the “Lake & Volcano District” for the active volcanoes and twelve major lakes and dozens more dotting the landscape, this area has been frequently compared to Switzerland. Our tour starts in Temuco and from there we head off to the Andean areas of this untamed land, cycling almost entirely on quiet well paved roads that go alongside different lakes and volcanoes. We’ll cycle across National Parks in the most spectacular rides and finally head to the Osorno volcano and the Petrohue Falls. We stay at 3 and 4-star charming hotels and enjoy hot springs 3 times during the tour.

About Guided Tours>

Highlights: Guided

• Lakes and volcanoes to see every day
• Natural Hot Springs 
• Climb The Andes Mountain
• Visit Chile's First Geopark
• Pucon, the capital of Adventure Tourism
• Huilo - Huilo Ecological Reserve
• Puerto Varas, a city with strong German Heritage
• Lake Llanquihue, second largest lake in the country
• Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and Petrohue Waterfalls
• Ride to Osorno Volcano, a very steep climb

Highlights: Self-guided

• Lakes and volcanoes to see every day
• Natural Hot Springs 
• Climb The Andes Mountain
• Visit Chile's First Geopark
• Pucon, the capital of Adventure Tourism
• Huilo - Huilo Ecological Reserve
• Puerto Varas, a city with strong German Heritage
• Lake Llanquihue, second largest lake in the country
• Vicente Perez Rosales National Park and Petrohue Waterfalls
• Ride to Osorno Volcano, a very steep climb

Daily Program: Guided

Day 1: Temuco Airport – Malalcahuello- Geopark
Arrive at Temuco Airport and drive to Malalcahuello, a small moutain village located in the heart of the first Geopark in Chile. Enjoy thermal hot springs the first day. 
Overnight in Malalchuello 

Day 2: Kutralcura Geopark and the Andes climb  (cycling: 36mi/58 km + 14mi/23 km Andes climb).
We ride alongside the Andean areas of Chile's First Geopark and climb up to the border with Argentina across Alto Bio-Bio National Park, reaching an altitude of 6,000 feet
Overnight in Malalchuello 

Day 3: Rolling Green Hills (cycling: 46 miles/74 km)
Ride alongside very green hills while enjoying the views of Llaima, Tolhuaca and Lonquimay volcanoes. End the day in Pucon next to Villarrica volcano. 
Overnight in Pucon. 

Day 4: Pucon's Hot Springs Route (cycling: 32mi/52 km + 22mi/35 km back to your hotel)
Start the ride from Pucon, the main adventure tourism destination in the Lake & Volcano District. Enjoy the views of volcanoes Villarrica and Quetrupillán and arrive at the beach of Lake Caburgua. Then ride alongside green meadows until arriving at Huife Hot Springs 
Overnight in Pucon. 

Day 5: Chile's 7 Lake route (cycling: 58 miles/93 km)
 Another day and more different lakes and volcanoes to see; we’ll ride Chile’s 7-lake route on a quiet road alongside the lakes Calafquén and Panguipulli with fantastic views over the volcanoes Lanín, Villarrica, Mocho and Choshuenco .
Overnight in Huilo-Huilo Ecological Reserve.  

Day 6: The German Settlers Route (cycling 56 miles/90 km)
Ride alongside the north coast of Lake Llanquihue, the second largest lake in Chile. We’ll bike towards Frutillar, a small quaint german-style village with great views of Osorno Volcano and Lake Llanquihue. 
Overnight in Puerto Varasat. 

Day 7: Vicente Perez National Park Route (cycling: 34mi/55 km+ 7mi/11 km Osorno volcano climb)
This trip of a lifetime is about to end. We’ll ride from our lake-front hotel in Puerto Varas to Ensenada alongside Lake Llanquihue until arriving at the amazing Petrohue Falls and the Osorno Volcano. Then we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner in Puerto Varas.Option extra 7.3 miles / 3,750ft gain: Challenge yourself and climb Osorno volcano, one of the steepest climbs in South America if not Europe.  
Overnight in Puerto Varasat. 

Day 8: Puerto Montt Airport - Santiago
Sadly, it’s time to say good-bye to the beautiful Lake & Volcano District of Chile. After breakfast, we’ll drive to Puerto Montt City and visit the Market of Angelmó, which is the perfect place for wonderful souvenirs, handcrafts and woolen clothing. Later, we’ll head to the Airport to catch your flight back to Santiago (transfer included, flight not included).

Daily Program: Self-guided

Dates: Guided

March 16 and April 6, 2013

Dates: Self-guided

Packages and Prices: Guided

Tour Package (guided)
Per person, double occupancy $3125 Single room supplement (one person, one room) $700 Bike rental Road bike $240 Extra nights, Santiago Per person, double occupancy $75 Single room supplement (1 person, 1 room) $75 Extra nights, Temuco Per person, double occupancy $80 Single room supplement (1 person, 1 room) $80 Extra nights, Puerto Varas Per person, double occupancy $90 Single room supplement (1 person, 1 room ) $90

Packages and Prices: Self-guided

Included Services: Guided

• Professional guide.
• Support van for rides and private transportation throughout the tour (with trailer and bicycle rack)
• Accommodation at 3, 4 and 5 stars hotels
• Meals as per itinerary (7 breakfasts, 4 picnic lunches, 2 lunches and 4 dinners; on-route snacks include: mineral water, energy drinks, trail-mix, fresh fruit and gourmet sandwiches).
• Gratuities at restaurants and hotels
• Basic cycle parts (cable housing, tubes, tires and spokes)
• All activities according to the itinerary
• Entrance fees to hot springs and national parks
• All routes can be extended up to extra 20 miles

Included Services: Self-guided

Hotels: Guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Day 1 and 2: Malalcaheullo Hotel & Thermal Spa, Malalcahuello village
Best hotel in the area, with thermal baths included and views over Lonquimay volcano. 
4-star, breakfast buffet included.

Day 3 and 4: Pucon Green Park Hotel,Pucon
www.pucongreenpark.cl
Great hotel located next to bike lane.
Amazing views over Villarrica volcano. 
3-star, breakfast buffet included. 

Day 5: Baobab Hotel & Spa, Huilo-Huilo Ecological Reserve. 
www.huilohuilo.com
This hotel will blow your mind away, it is very unique and its SPA is the best in the area. 
4-star, breakfast buffet included

Day 6 and 7: Patagonico Hotel & Spa,Puerto Varasat 
www.hotelpatagonico.cl 
This is a great lake-front hotel, with fantastic views over the Osorno volcano and Lake Llanquihue.
Puerto Varas downtown is at walking distance from the hotel. 
5-star, breakfast buffet included.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Hotels: Self-guided

These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

Day 1 and 2: Malalcaheullo Hotel & Thermal Spa, Malalcahuello village
Best hotel in the area, with thermal baths included and views over Lonquimay volcano. 
4-star, breakfast buffet included.

Day 3 and 4: Pucon Green Park Hotel,Pucon
www.pucongreenpark.cl
Great hotel located next to bike lane.
Amazing views over Villarrica volcano. 
3-star, breakfast buffet included. 

Day 5: Baobab Hotel & Spa, Huilo-Huilo Ecological Reserve. 
www.huilohuilo.com
This hotel will blow your mind away, it is very unique and its SPA is the best in the area. 
4-star, breakfast buffet included

Day 6 and 7: Patagonico Hotel & Spa,Puerto Varasat 
www.hotelpatagonico.cl 
This is a great lake-front hotel, with fantastic views over the Osorno volcano and Lake Llanquihue.
Puerto Varas downtown is at walking distance from the hotel. 
5-star, breakfast buffet included.

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options. 

Bike Rentals: Guided

Available for rent:
Trek 1.5 Road Bike or similar. 
Frame: Alpha Black Aluminum 
Fork: Bontrager Race carbon
Wheels: Bontrager SSR 
Tires: Maxxis detonator 700x25c or similar
Shifters: Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed
Derailleur: Front: Shimano Sora, Rear: Shimano Tiagra GS
Crank: FSA Vero 50/34 
Cassette: SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speedSeat
Post: Bontrager Carbon, Infinite Angle Adjustability
Handlebars: Bontrager SSR VR Bend OS, 31.8mm
Stem: Bontrager Race Lite OS, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset: Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, integrated, alloy
Breaks: Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano Sora STI levers  

No special rentals, sorry!If you rent one of our great bikes, please feel free to bring your own pedals, seat and seat post (27,2 mm). Also remember you MUST bring your own helmet and two water bottles. 

Bike Rentals: Self-guided

Available for rent:
Trek 1.5 Road Bike or similar. 
Frame: Alpha Black Aluminum 
Fork: Bontrager Race carbon
Wheels: Bontrager SSR 
Tires: Maxxis detonator 700x25c or similar
Shifters: Shimano Sora STI, 9 speed
Derailleur: Front: Shimano Sora, Rear: Shimano Tiagra GS
Crank: FSA Vero 50/34 
Cassette: SRAM PG950 11-26, 9 speedSeat
Post: Bontrager Carbon, Infinite Angle Adjustability
Handlebars: Bontrager SSR VR Bend OS, 31.8mm
Stem: Bontrager Race Lite OS, 7 degree, 31.8mm
Headset: Aheadset w/semi-cartridge bearings, integrated, alloy
Breaks: Alloy dual pivot w/Shimano Sora STI levers  

No special rentals, sorry!If you rent one of our great bikes, please feel free to bring your own pedals, seat and seat post (27,2 mm). Also remember you MUST bring your own helmet and two water bottles. 

Surface and Terrain: Guided

All roads are well paved and some of them have new smooth asphalt. Roads in general have very little traffic, drivers are aware of cyclist and will give you a lot of space. Roads in general have a narrow shoulder and some have bike lines. The terrain is mostly rolling and sometimes hilly, this is one of the main features of Chile's geography. Each day you will see a new lake and a couple of new volcanoes. 

You can ride in the support van at any time during the rides if you get tired or need a break. 

This tour is rated Challenging and is for cyclists in above average physical condition. 

Surface and Terrain: Self-guided

All roads are well paved and some of them have new smooth asphalt. Roads in general have very little traffic, drivers are aware of cyclist and will give you a lot of space. Roads in general have a narrow shoulder and some have bike lines. The terrain is mostly rolling and sometimes hilly, this is one of the main features of Chile's geography. Each day you will see a new lake and a couple of new volcanoes. 

You can ride in the support van at any time during the rides if you get tired or need a break. 

This tour is rated Challenging and is for cyclists in above average physical condition. 

How To Get There: Guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Temuco, Chile

Tour end
Nearest airport:  Puerto Varas, Chile

How To Get There: Self-guided

Tour start
Nearest airport: Temuco, Chile

Tour end
Nearest airport:  Puerto Varas, Chile

Weather: Guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns. Get weather information 

Weather: Self-guided

Weather Underground offers information on average and record temperatures at many destinations throughout the globe. Type a destination in the search box and enter a travel date range to learn about seasonal weather patterns. Get weather information 

Tour Company Background: Amity Tours: Guided

Founded in 2003, Amity are a family owned company specializing in nature and adventure travel. They strongly believe in the Responsible Tourism. Their bike tours take place in Pucon, an area known as the Lake & Volcano District in Patagonia; an amazingly beautiful area of evergreen forests, active volcanoes, national parks, pristine lakes, and natural hot springs.

They are located in Pucon, Chile, and have been in business for 10 years. They operate all their tours locally, with their own vehicles, experienced local guides and own equipment. They don’t work with other subcontractors, therefore cutting many costs that only makes the product more expensive. You will be paying the lowest possible price and still get their supreme quality service which has been recognized by their returning clients since 2003.

As Amity says: "We want to invite you to a once in a lifetime experience: Bicycle through the beautiful and unique landscapes of The Lake & Volcano District of Chile and Argentina. The rolling geography and excellent roads make this area a great place to be explored on a bicycle."

Tour Company Background: Amity Tours: Self-guided

Founded in 2003, Amity are a family owned company specializing in nature and adventure travel. They strongly believe in the Responsible Tourism. Their bike tours take place in Pucon, an area known as the Lake & Volcano District in Patagonia; an amazingly beautiful area of evergreen forests, active volcanoes, national parks, pristine lakes, and natural hot springs.

They are located in Pucon, Chile, and have been in business for 10 years. They operate all their tours locally, with their own vehicles, experienced local guides and own equipment. They don’t work with other subcontractors, therefore cutting many costs that only makes the product more expensive. You will be paying the lowest possible price and still get their supreme quality service which has been recognized by their returning clients since 2003.

As Amity says: "We want to invite you to a once in a lifetime experience: Bicycle through the beautiful and unique landscapes of The Lake & Volcano District of Chile and Argentina. The rolling geography and excellent roads make this area a great place to be explored on a bicycle."

Terms and Conditions: Amity Tours: Guided

Cancellations Policy 

If for any reasons you are forced to cancel a booking, the following penalties will apply:
1. Cancellations made between 15 and 7 days before the clients’ date of arrival, we will retain 25% of the total deposit.
2. Cancellations made between 6 and 2 days before the clients’ date of arrival, we will retain 50% of the total deposit.
3. Cancellations made 1 day the before the clients’ date of arrival or No Show, we will retain 100% of the total deposit.

Amity Tours reserves the right to resell tour space without notice if the final payment has not been received by due date. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain at any time any participant in any tour. All tours operate with a minimum of four participants. We reserve the right to cancel tours if the minimum number is not achieved.

Modification of Day Excursions & Programs

Amity Tours reserves the right to modify the itinerary if the change allows the achievement of better services or due to reasons beyond our control it is compelled to so, without altering the length of the tour. If for any particular reason a client doesn’t use a service included on the itinerary, he or she will not have any reimbursement or right to complain.

Type of vehicles utilized by Amity Tours

On day excursions and programs visiting wild protected areas, Amity Tours does not make use of buses or vehicles with capacity over 18 passengers due to security measures. In the wild areas, the bridges usually support no more than 6 tons; the roads are narrow and are surrounded by canopies, which impede 360º turns and the safe passing of medium and large size vehicles.

Amity Tours generally uses 2 models of vehicles according to the number of passengers, in groups of 4 to 12 people. The company does not utilize the vehicles at their full capacity.

- Hyundai H1 (9-passenger capacity with reclining seats) for groups of up to 6 people -Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313 CDI Turbo Diesel (13-passenger capacity with semi-reclining seats) for groups of up to 10 people.

All vehicles have their own trailer to carry luggage, air conditioning, heating, first aid kit, chains for snow, shovel, towing rope and tool box.

Amity Tours’ Staff

Amity Tours is a family owned company with a team of local experienced professional tour guides specialized in the fields of skiing, cycling, mountaineering and ecotourism, with international and national certification (CATA, Chilean Adventure Tourism Committee) and with a strong background in the field of indigenous flora & fauna interpretation. All our guides count with the Wilderness First Responder certificate.

Both day excursions and programs are planned by a logistics manager and a program manager:

- Logistic Manager: responsible for planning and organizing the stock of food & beverages; coordinating transportation services, lodgings, and access to wild protected areas; running the check list for first aid kit, radio communication and common equipment.
- Program Manager: evaluates weather conditions and prepares the gear for the excursions and tours; coordinates the tour guides that are responsible for each trip and checks the clients’ profile to remark if there is anything important to keep in mind in terms of health & security, such as allergies, medicines, medical conditions, vegetarian diets and so on.

Our company’s standard is to employ 1 tour guide per each 7-people group and add another tour guide when the group is of 8 persons or more. Also, our company does not use the concept of tour guide-driver; on the contrary, we employ one person for each specific task.

During the operation of our programs and day excursions, we commonly support our guided nature and cultural interpretations with didactic items such as books and field-guides, which help us to explain the characteristics of an area or any species under protection.

Difficulty Degrees

To ascertain whether a program is right for your clients with regard to physical demands, we have given each Amity’s day excursion and program a rating from the least demanding to the most physically demanding, which are Low, Medium, High and Very High. Ratings are relative, and reflect a combination of intensity and duration, as well as many other factors such as distance, terrain, environmental conditions, weather, etc. The range of hours for each rating will vary from program to program, and refers to the estimated amount of time participants are engaged in physical activity.

LOW – Appropriate for all people and suitable for older adults in good health with overall good mobility who are comfortable participating in up to [3] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve activities of light to moderate intensity at an easy pace, mostly walking, sometimes on slightly uneven terrain.

MEDIUM – More demanding than the previous level, intended for active people who are comfortable participating in up to [4] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve activities of a moderate intensity and/or a more vigorous pace. These activities may include hiking on difficult terrain (sometimes steep and/or uneven trails, with obstacles such as wet logs, branches and muddy areas), rafting class 2/3, horseback riding up to 2 hours, road cycling up to 4 hours and skiing on-piste.

HIGH – More demanding than the previous level, designed for people who lead active lives and are comfortable participating in up to [6] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve some activities of higher intensity and/or a more vigorous pace. Usually it’s needed a medium command of techniques according to the activities involved. These activities may include all of the above, in addition to mountain-biking, road cycling for over 4 hours, rafting class 3/4, horseback riding for over 2 hours, volcano climbing and skiing off-piste.

VERY HIGH – More demanding than the previous level, designed for people who lead very active lives and are comfortable participating in up to [7] hours of intense physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve activities of higher intensity at a more vigorous pace. It is needed experience and knowledge in the activities involved as well as capability of tackling very challenging or risk situations. Medical authorization is a must. These activities may include all of the above, in addition to trekking, mountaineering and rafting class 4+.

Insurance

Amity Tours (Turismo Amity Tours Ltda. RUT: 77.977.530–5) shall not be held responsible for any damage, expense or inconvenience caused by late arrival of public transport, change of schedule, strikes, vehicle breakdown, Acts of God, or other conditions. The right is reserved to alter the itinerary should it be deemed necessary.

In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved. Chile’s accident compensation scheme provides only limited assistance to visitors to Chile who are injured. We strongly recommend that all travelers to Chile have full insurance covering any injury they might suffer, including medical treatment cover, before undertaking this activity.

Only hiking, nature and cycling tours count with insurance. However, for the skiing and horseback riding tours we do not count with the proper insurance. Therefore, all clients must have the appropriate insurance that covers the activity or activities involved in the excursion(s) and/or program(s). Without proof of the appropriate insurance the client will not be allowed to participate in the excursion.

Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Search the web to find the best deal that suits your needs

RELEASE AGREEMENT

1. In consideration of the acceptance of this entry and by signing this Release for myself (or for the participant if the participant is under 18) I agree to RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, and INDEMNIFY Amity Tours Ltda. and all its associates, their respective agents, employees and any and all Countries, States, Departments of Transportation, State Patrols, Counties, Townships and Cities through which this tour may pass, and any other parties connected with this tour for any injury, loss or damage suffered as a result of participation in this tour or any activity associated with it, including injury, loss or damage caused by the NEGLIGENCE of any party.

2. I understand that there are certain risks associated with adventure travel, including the risk of serious personal injury or death, and I expressly agree to assume these risks. I understand the trip chosen may be challenging, not necessarily the safest or easiest, and that weather, road or traffic conditions may make this ride more difficult. I warrant that I am in proper physical condition to participate in this tour, that I am a sufficiently competent person to handle the terrain conditions.

3. I understand that for all cycling tours, wearing a helmet that meets the CPSC, SNELL, ASTM or ANSI bicycle safety standards can minimize head injuries which may occur in a cycling accident, and that Amity Tours requires all riders to wear helmets. I agree to wear a helmet while participating in any cycling tour and to follow the rules of the road and all applicable laws and safe bicycling practices. It is my sole responsibility to insure that my helmet meets CPSC, SNELL, ASTM or ANSI standards and to wear my helmet while participating in this event.

4. I give permission to Amity Tours to use my image in any future company materials should it appear in photos taken during this tour.

5. I understand that this Release is also binding on my heirs and representatives. If I am signing on behalf of a minor, I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses incurred as a result of the minor’s participation. I agree to HOLD HARMLESS and INDEMNIFY the entities named above for any claims brought on behalf of the minor.

6. By registering, I agree to read and familiarize myself with the information in the registration materials and follow the procedures and rules. I will process a bank transfer or include check or money order payable to Amity Tours.

7. Any legal action that may arise from my participation in this tour will be handled in the city ofTemuco Chile according to Chilean law.

8. Amity Tours reserves the right to remove any participating from this tour if in our opinion is likely to be endangering themselves or other participants, or is riding illegally as defined by the Road Code.

9. Amity Tours reserves the right to cancel any day’s excursion and/or part of the itinerary if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.

Visa

No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. United States, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $130.00 cash-only processing fee payable on arrival. Make sure you have US currency in hand to pay please.

Lodging classification used by Amity Tours

Amity Tours tries to use, as much as possible, locally-owned accommodations with capacity for no more than 40 persons and with the highest comfort available, so we can achieve a highly personalized standard of service.Due to sometimes notorious differences between lodging establishments under the same stars category, we have designed our own classification that aims to show our clients the different comfort levels that they will find at the selected hotels in the visited areas.

- Comfort Class A: Best service and facilities available, combination of deluxe/luxury and very comfortable/cozy accommodations. Generally 4 stars Hotels and Hosterias (Inns)
- Comfort Class B: Moderate or first-class accommodations throughout. Generally 4 & 3 stars Hotels and Hosterias (Inns)
- Comfort Class C: Moderate to tourist-class accommodations, combined with lodgings of basic services & facilities. Generally 3 stars and/or tourist-class Hotels; Hosterias (Inns); Hostels and/or Cabins.
Amity Tours doesn’t operate programs that include camping.

Terms and Conditions: Amity Tours: Self-guided

Cancellations Policy 

If for any reasons you are forced to cancel a booking, the following penalties will apply:
1. Cancellations made between 15 and 7 days before the clients’ date of arrival, we will retain 25% of the total deposit.
2. Cancellations made between 6 and 2 days before the clients’ date of arrival, we will retain 50% of the total deposit.
3. Cancellations made 1 day the before the clients’ date of arrival or No Show, we will retain 100% of the total deposit.

Amity Tours reserves the right to resell tour space without notice if the final payment has not been received by due date. The right is reserved to decline to accept or retain at any time any participant in any tour. All tours operate with a minimum of four participants. We reserve the right to cancel tours if the minimum number is not achieved.

Modification of Day Excursions & Programs

Amity Tours reserves the right to modify the itinerary if the change allows the achievement of better services or due to reasons beyond our control it is compelled to so, without altering the length of the tour. If for any particular reason a client doesn’t use a service included on the itinerary, he or she will not have any reimbursement or right to complain.

Type of vehicles utilized by Amity Tours

On day excursions and programs visiting wild protected areas, Amity Tours does not make use of buses or vehicles with capacity over 18 passengers due to security measures. In the wild areas, the bridges usually support no more than 6 tons; the roads are narrow and are surrounded by canopies, which impede 360º turns and the safe passing of medium and large size vehicles.

Amity Tours generally uses 2 models of vehicles according to the number of passengers, in groups of 4 to 12 people. The company does not utilize the vehicles at their full capacity.

- Hyundai H1 (9-passenger capacity with reclining seats) for groups of up to 6 people -Mercedes Benz Sprinter 313 CDI Turbo Diesel (13-passenger capacity with semi-reclining seats) for groups of up to 10 people.

All vehicles have their own trailer to carry luggage, air conditioning, heating, first aid kit, chains for snow, shovel, towing rope and tool box.

Amity Tours’ Staff

Amity Tours is a family owned company with a team of local experienced professional tour guides specialized in the fields of skiing, cycling, mountaineering and ecotourism, with international and national certification (CATA, Chilean Adventure Tourism Committee) and with a strong background in the field of indigenous flora & fauna interpretation. All our guides count with the Wilderness First Responder certificate.

Both day excursions and programs are planned by a logistics manager and a program manager:

- Logistic Manager: responsible for planning and organizing the stock of food & beverages; coordinating transportation services, lodgings, and access to wild protected areas; running the check list for first aid kit, radio communication and common equipment.
- Program Manager: evaluates weather conditions and prepares the gear for the excursions and tours; coordinates the tour guides that are responsible for each trip and checks the clients’ profile to remark if there is anything important to keep in mind in terms of health & security, such as allergies, medicines, medical conditions, vegetarian diets and so on.

Our company’s standard is to employ 1 tour guide per each 7-people group and add another tour guide when the group is of 8 persons or more. Also, our company does not use the concept of tour guide-driver; on the contrary, we employ one person for each specific task.

During the operation of our programs and day excursions, we commonly support our guided nature and cultural interpretations with didactic items such as books and field-guides, which help us to explain the characteristics of an area or any species under protection.

Difficulty Degrees

To ascertain whether a program is right for your clients with regard to physical demands, we have given each Amity’s day excursion and program a rating from the least demanding to the most physically demanding, which are Low, Medium, High and Very High. Ratings are relative, and reflect a combination of intensity and duration, as well as many other factors such as distance, terrain, environmental conditions, weather, etc. The range of hours for each rating will vary from program to program, and refers to the estimated amount of time participants are engaged in physical activity.

LOW – Appropriate for all people and suitable for older adults in good health with overall good mobility who are comfortable participating in up to [3] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve activities of light to moderate intensity at an easy pace, mostly walking, sometimes on slightly uneven terrain.

MEDIUM – More demanding than the previous level, intended for active people who are comfortable participating in up to [4] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve activities of a moderate intensity and/or a more vigorous pace. These activities may include hiking on difficult terrain (sometimes steep and/or uneven trails, with obstacles such as wet logs, branches and muddy areas), rafting class 2/3, horseback riding up to 2 hours, road cycling up to 4 hours and skiing on-piste.

HIGH – More demanding than the previous level, designed for people who lead active lives and are comfortable participating in up to [6] hours of physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve some activities of higher intensity and/or a more vigorous pace. Usually it’s needed a medium command of techniques according to the activities involved. These activities may include all of the above, in addition to mountain-biking, road cycling for over 4 hours, rafting class 3/4, horseback riding for over 2 hours, volcano climbing and skiing off-piste.

VERY HIGH – More demanding than the previous level, designed for people who lead very active lives and are comfortable participating in up to [7] hours of intense physical activity per day. Programs at this level generally involve activities of higher intensity at a more vigorous pace. It is needed experience and knowledge in the activities involved as well as capability of tackling very challenging or risk situations. Medical authorization is a must. These activities may include all of the above, in addition to trekking, mountaineering and rafting class 4+.

Insurance

Amity Tours (Turismo Amity Tours Ltda. RUT: 77.977.530–5) shall not be held responsible for any damage, expense or inconvenience caused by late arrival of public transport, change of schedule, strikes, vehicle breakdown, Acts of God, or other conditions. The right is reserved to alter the itinerary should it be deemed necessary.

In any adventure activity, there is an element of risk involved. Chile’s accident compensation scheme provides only limited assistance to visitors to Chile who are injured. We strongly recommend that all travelers to Chile have full insurance covering any injury they might suffer, including medical treatment cover, before undertaking this activity.

Only hiking, nature and cycling tours count with insurance. However, for the skiing and horseback riding tours we do not count with the proper insurance. Therefore, all clients must have the appropriate insurance that covers the activity or activities involved in the excursion(s) and/or program(s). Without proof of the appropriate insurance the client will not be allowed to participate in the excursion.

Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets. Carriers for travel insurance include Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Search the web to find the best deal that suits your needs

RELEASE AGREEMENT

1. In consideration of the acceptance of this entry and by signing this Release for myself (or for the participant if the participant is under 18) I agree to RELEASE, HOLD HARMLESS, and INDEMNIFY Amity Tours Ltda. and all its associates, their respective agents, employees and any and all Countries, States, Departments of Transportation, State Patrols, Counties, Townships and Cities through which this tour may pass, and any other parties connected with this tour for any injury, loss or damage suffered as a result of participation in this tour or any activity associated with it, including injury, loss or damage caused by the NEGLIGENCE of any party.

2. I understand that there are certain risks associated with adventure travel, including the risk of serious personal injury or death, and I expressly agree to assume these risks. I understand the trip chosen may be challenging, not necessarily the safest or easiest, and that weather, road or traffic conditions may make this ride more difficult. I warrant that I am in proper physical condition to participate in this tour, that I am a sufficiently competent person to handle the terrain conditions.

3. I understand that for all cycling tours, wearing a helmet that meets the CPSC, SNELL, ASTM or ANSI bicycle safety standards can minimize head injuries which may occur in a cycling accident, and that Amity Tours requires all riders to wear helmets. I agree to wear a helmet while participating in any cycling tour and to follow the rules of the road and all applicable laws and safe bicycling practices. It is my sole responsibility to insure that my helmet meets CPSC, SNELL, ASTM or ANSI standards and to wear my helmet while participating in this event.

4. I give permission to Amity Tours to use my image in any future company materials should it appear in photos taken during this tour.

5. I understand that this Release is also binding on my heirs and representatives. If I am signing on behalf of a minor, I accept full responsibility for all medical expenses incurred as a result of the minor’s participation. I agree to HOLD HARMLESS and INDEMNIFY the entities named above for any claims brought on behalf of the minor.

6. By registering, I agree to read and familiarize myself with the information in the registration materials and follow the procedures and rules. I will process a bank transfer or include check or money order payable to Amity Tours.

7. Any legal action that may arise from my participation in this tour will be handled in the city ofTemuco Chile according to Chilean law.

8. Amity Tours reserves the right to remove any participating from this tour if in our opinion is likely to be endangering themselves or other participants, or is riding illegally as defined by the Road Code.

9. Amity Tours reserves the right to cancel any day’s excursion and/or part of the itinerary if we become concerned for any reason for your safety or that of any other person.

Visa

No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. United States, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $130.00 cash-only processing fee payable on arrival. Make sure you have US currency in hand to pay please.

Lodging classification used by Amity Tours

Amity Tours tries to use, as much as possible, locally-owned accommodations with capacity for no more than 40 persons and with the highest comfort available, so we can achieve a highly personalized standard of service.Due to sometimes notorious differences between lodging establishments under the same stars category, we have designed our own classification that aims to show our clients the different comfort levels that they will find at the selected hotels in the visited areas.

- Comfort Class A: Best service and facilities available, combination of deluxe/luxury and very comfortable/cozy accommodations. Generally 4 stars Hotels and Hosterias (Inns)
- Comfort Class B: Moderate or first-class accommodations throughout. Generally 4 & 3 stars Hotels and Hosterias (Inns)
- Comfort Class C: Moderate to tourist-class accommodations, combined with lodgings of basic services & facilities. Generally 3 stars and/or tourist-class Hotels; Hosterias (Inns); Hostels and/or Cabins.
Amity Tours doesn’t operate programs that include camping.