Bike tour of Chile’s lake and volcano district

Courtesy BikeToursDirect

Groups can bike past live volcanoes during the day and relax in natural hot springs in the evening on BikeToursDirect’s new “Chile’s Lake and Volcano District” itinerary. The Chilean trip is the tour operator’s first South American bicycle tour.

Cyclists will follow well-paved back roads past clear-water lakes, rolling meadows and live volcanoes. The itinerary appeals to nature lovers by going through national parks and protected wilderness areas to see beautiful mountain landscape and endemic birds.

Stops along the route include culturally significant villages, natural hot springs and thermal spas. Participants can immerse themselves in Chilean cuisine by sampling the region’s wine, fresh produce and South Pacific seafood.

Since the North American winter coincides with South America’s summer, the trip allows groups to escape the cold weather. The eight-day guided tour runs Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, 2012, as well as March 9, 2013.

For more information, visit www.biketoursdirect.com.