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Chile 2025
  • Janice Guimond
  • Janice Guimond

Chile 2025

South America, here I come! I'm excited to explore Northern Patagonia -- starting in Argentina and cycling over the pass and into Chile, touring the Lakes area and then onto Chiloe Island. Read more
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  • Trip start
    January 28, 2025
    Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    ExperiencePlus! is based in Fort Collins, CO

    Trip Description 😊

    January 28 in Mexico ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    After much research, I chose a cycle tour company I've never used before, because I liked the timing, route, and excellent office staff who were well-organized and full of information. Fingers are crossed that I chose well, and that the on-the-ground experience will be just as good.
    Here's the description of the tour: "Join us on our 10-day Bicycling Patagonia's Lakes District plus the Island of Chiloé from Argentina to Chile. We will cycle across the Continental Divide in the Andes, from Argentina into Chile experiencing the wild expanse of Patagonia's ever-changing landscape of pristine lakes, lush forests, conical volcanoes and snowcapped Andean peaks. Next, we explore Chiloé Island's tranquil fjords, wooden churches, pastoral landscapes and the rugged Pacific coastline. With its rich history and isolated location, Chiloé Island offers a cultural experience that is unique to Chile and the world."    Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    2My pod on the Dreamliner -- quite private & comfy
    Example of one of the meals -- took pics for Tom 😊1Casualty on Flight #2 🤨. AeroMexico wouldn't take responsibility, because it was still 'useable.'

    Getting There

    January 29 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Great trip description, right?! Now...the getting there. The flights in my preferred itinerary didn't line up well, so my journey was unorthodox. I left Phoenix on an 8pm flight to Mexico City, arriving at midnight (one hour time change) I spent a quick night at the Mexico City Marriott airport hotel, and flew the next day at 10am from Mexico City to Santiago, Chile. Gotta love the Dreamliner! Arrived at 9pm (three hour time difference), too late to continue on to Bariloche, Argentina. So, I spent the night in Santiago. Was hoping to spend a few hours in the morning exploring Santiago on foot, but that plan got thwarted by a few things and so was sort of a bust. From Santiago it was on to Bariloche, Argentina -- the final leg of my flight itinerary -- woohoo!Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Lago Nahuel Huapi
    These houses are all within a couple of blocks of each other......no two the sameBariloche is very hilly1Love the flowers!Swiss Chateau styleHouses smished between taller buildingsClose-up roadside flowersEclectic Bariloche!Eclectic Bariloche!2Cool mosaic in downtown1Without Tom, I had to have the customary first pint! 🍻

    Bariloche, Argentina

    January 30 in Argentina ⋅ 🌬 81 °F

    I wonder how many Little Switzerlands there are in the world. Bariloche claims that moniker too. So far I can't say it's as good as the Swiss Alps, but it is very scenic and beautiful. With a few hours of daylight before the 9pm sunset, I explored this town a bit. Just walking from my apartment a few blocks into town, I was struck by the eclectic mix of housing architecture. No two the same, and all sorts of different character. The town has a Swiss Chalet type of feel, but with lots of other styles (old & new) mixed in.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Another brilliant day along the shore of Lago Nahuel Huapi
    Loads of colorful murals in this town.Woohoo - made it to the top!Might have to try some of that Patagonia beer!😊🍻On the downhill, I stopped at Lago GutiérrezLago Gutiérrez - beautiful!Lago Gutiérrez - beautiful!Lago GutiérrezAnother mural on the returnCute Dutch windmill😊1Steep curvy street at the bike shop. So steep I had to walk the bike down!Impressive steepleMy route

    Bariloche Cycling (On my own)

    January 31 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 59 °F

    My tour officially starts tomorrow at 4pm, so I had one full free day today to explore. I chose to rent a bike and do a climb to the Bariloche Cerro Catedral (Cathedral Hill) ski area. Whew - challenging but beautiful. In total, I logged 27 miles and 2,700' of elevation. Beautiful sunny day. I was exhausted by the time I returned the rental bike!🚴‍♀️ Hired a $3 Uber to drive me the one mile uphill to my apartment 😊!Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Such a gorgeous waterfront
    Bariloche waterfront2Public beach with a view!1Lakeside totems1Love the beautiful colors2View from my room -- nice!View from my room - pinch me!1Scenic pool in the hotel3Fitness center with a view 😉

    Tour Day #1 😊

    February 1 in Argentina ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Checked out of my apartment in the trees, to move to the waterfront for Day 1 of the tour. Had time for a lakeshore walk and a couple of reps in the fitness center, before the tour festivities began. Another beautiful day! Bicycle fitting, welcome drink, meet & greet, and overview. There are 14 riders and four guides...so fun to join a great group. Did a history walk in the city center, followed by an excellent dinner.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    1Breakfast view from Alma Suites Hotel
    Bikes loaded & ready to rollExperiencePlus! uses this unique chalk arrow method to mark the route. I love it!Pretty golf course view along the route, even despite the clouds2Too many lake photos? 😉1My bike 😊Scenic overlookRiding up the chairlift with Pato1View from atop Cerro CampanarioLlao Llao (pronounced Yao Yao) Hotel.2'Sort of' view from my room (with a bit of angling! 😉)Today's route. 33 miles and about 3,000' of elevationDining Room view from the Llao Llao ResortView from front steps of the Llao Llao Resort.23D Video of our route"The sea was angry that day, my friend!"😉

    Tour Day 2: Barilouche to Circuito Chico

    February 2 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    Our first cycling day of the tour - yay! It was cooler today, and very windy which made for an 'exciting' ride. We started out with a shuttle up to the ski area I cycled to on Friday, and started the ride with an exhilarating downhill. Fun! We then cycled west to one of the most popular destinations of the region, a lake and forest-filled recreational playground. Most of my fellow riders are on road bikes (only 4 of us have eBikes), so there are some strong cyclists in the group. After lunch, we cycled to the base of Cerro Campanario, where we took chairlifts up the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of Bariloche – apparently this is often called one of the top ten views in the world. The strong wind and some clouds tempered the experience somewhat, but it was still definitely beautiful. We then cycled to the iconic Llao Llao Resort, and ended the night with dinner at a little family owned craft brewery in the woods 🍻😊.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    1Walk to the Ferry Terminal
    Llao Llao Resort from the waterSome historic Dutch boat 🤷‍♀️😉Our ferryOur ferry docked at hiking starting point2Me! 😊The Dutch boat coming in to dock as wellJamie, Mike, Rebecca, Doug, MikiPato, Terri, & JayRisa & RobertBob, Denise, & Marisa1Miki & MeLove the color of the waterMe, Rebecca & Mike near the end of our hikeNational Park signHappy Birthday, Jamie 🥳🎂Ferry route23D Video of our hike3From my little bathroom window 😊

    Tour Day 3: Villa La Angostura

    February 3 in Argentina ⋅ ☁️ 50 °F

    Today was a hiking day! We began with a pretty ferry ride on Lake Nahuel Huapi, to the Quetrihué Peninsula. From there, we hiked a 7.5 mile wooded path through Arrayanes National Park (with some of the most pristine myrtle in South America). We ended up in the cute little tourist town of Villa La Angostura where we spent the night in a small quaint inn.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Miki - cool rock
    More lake views😊1Welcome to Chile!1Fabulous colorful lunch at the top of the pass (Dinah & Matias)These trees were decimated by volcanic ash in 2011. Ghostly.The route, at least as far as I got (33 miles)

    Tour Day 4 - Crossing the Andes to Chile

    February 4 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 46 °F

    We set out on a 50+ mile ride, crossing the Andes and the border into Chile. Interestingly. We had a border process departing Argentina (which was rather bit chaotic, as they have everyone exit their vehicles), then 24 miles later the Chilean border control. The section in between (no man's land) is national park managed by the two countries. I made it over the Andes, but not to the Chilean border on my bike 😟. See next post.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    I wasn't happy, but smiled for the photo
    1Waiting at the hospitalGood grief!The worst is covered upBloody mess. Finally took my shredded jacket off1OMG - It's a bad gash.

    Tour Day 4 - The Crash

    February 4 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 77 °F

    We were briefed that the descent into Chile was on a rough road. I was watching carefully for potholes, but must have let my guard down. I was enjoying a fun section of descent, when I hit a pothole that I did not see, and flew off my bike. I landed on the road on my forearms and thighs. My head hit and shattered the helmet, but other than a bump on the left side of my face/forehead and a small scratch, my face and head were unscathed. The rest of me -- a different story. I suffered a deep gash to my right forearm, along with cuts to my arms. fingers, legs, and road rash on both thighs. My jacket was shredded. The guides were able to fast track me into Chile, and took me to the equivalent of Urgent Care in a small town 30 minutes away. There, they cleaned my wounds but sent me via ambulance to a hospital an hour further. There, I spent 8+ hours in various processes, awaiting a surgeon for stitches to my right arm. By the time I got to that guy at 3am, he determined that I also have a fracture to my right elbow. So, he couldn't do the stitches until they fix the elbow. Aarrrgh. I spent the night in the pre-surgery 'hall,' a common room with 8 beds that made it virtually impossible to sleep. WARNING: Last picture is gross!Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler

    Tour Day 5 - Surgery 🥴

    February 5 in Chile ⋅ ☁️ 55 °F

    I will update post-surgery. Asking for thoughts and prayers that I don't get some infection or worse. Pato has assured me that Doctors in Chile are very good, so I am optimistic for a positive outcome. I will be moved to a normal hospital room post-surgery, but still hold out little hope for a good night's sleep. We'll see how today goes.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler

    Tour Day 5 - Post Surgery

    February 5 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 70 °F

    Well, it's done. A great feeling to have the gaping gash closed up. They said it was a complicated wound, so the handiwork will be interesting to see later on. Not quite sure what's up with the elbow. Initially the X-ray tech said no fractures or debris, but when the ER doctor cleaned it last night and felt around, he felt debris and an elbow fracture. Today they did a scan to see more, and after surgery told me it wasn't a fracture but a scrape -- whatever that is. They also pulled out bits of clothing and debris. In any case, they casted the elbow as they would for a fracture. I have a hard cast from mid upper arm to wrist -- so I can barely touch my face with my right hand. Between that and my left arm & hand bundled up, it's cumbersome at best. I am unable to plan whether I can rejoin the tour until I know when I will be discharged. If not tomorrow, then I will be out of luck given the logistics of the group.🥴 It would be a long shot anyway, as I am quite limited with my c current bandages etc. and also will need some follow-up care. Therefore, I may sort out how to get home early.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler

    Tour Day 6, Hospital Day 3

    February 6 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 50 °F

    I can definitely say this hospital stay has been an experience. It has been a rollercoaster of opinions and feedback as to how long I need to stay here. Because my forearm gaping wound was open for long, the risk of infection is great.Therefore, their protocol is to keep patients like me in the hospital so that they can administer intravenous antibiotics for seventy two hours.
    The Doctor has agreed to let me go in just a bit sooner than that and has promised.I will be released tomorrow by noon. He also told me that they will remove this hard cast.Oh my gosh, that better happen as it would be awesome. I have re-booked flights to fly back Friday/Saturday. That will be an adventure too. This is crazy but the hospital has had no running water since for several hours!    Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Gross!
    Ick!1Re-bandaged and dressed for departure

    Tour Day 7, Hospital Day 4

    February 7 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Wow - when I woke up, still no running water in the hospital. I just think that's crazy! Finally at 8am it was back on. The Traumatologist came by around 9am and removed my dressings. Ick, but nice to get clean bandages. Finally my IV was taken out, and I was freed to go pay my bill. I have medical travel insurance and should get reimbursed, but I was surprised at the bill. Three nights in hospital, surgery to fix my right arm, and all the prescription drugs they sent with me -- $1,800. I suppose those bare bones amenities contribute to the low cost. They provide no toilet paper, no towels, no toothbrush/toothpaste. Patients are expected to bring their own. The staff was kind and helpful but it was just sort of bizarro world. I was released as promised at noon, with paperwork and drugs. Woohoo! Transferred 90 minutes by car to the Puerto Montt airport, where I began the three-flight journey home.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Pablo sent me this pic of my helmet. Saved me from worse injury for sure!
    My right arm today (Wednesday). Looking 'good'?🥴My right arm today. Looking 'good'?🥴My black eye continues to evolveThe group sent me this pic on Sunday. Made my day!😊

    Recovery Update: One week Post-Op

    February 12 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 52 °F

    So good to be home! My long travels from Puerto Montt to Phoenix went well. I took advantage of the wheelchair assistance provided by the airlines, which was a huge help. Arrived home late Saturday a.m. and went straight to bed! Sunday was Urgent Care for dressing changes, today PCP for the same (they say my wounds are looking good) and to set up wound care, and tomorrow I see an Orthopedic at Mayo. In the meantime, my body hurts of course, but I think it's tolerable. Worse is the nausea/upset stomach that I am having due to the antibiotics. It's hammered me. I have felt miserable and haven't been able to eat much of anything for several days, and that is no good for promoting healing. It takes me about an hour to down a piece of toast and some yogurt. Of course, infection would be a major deal, so this is a conundrum. I have to hammer through at least a few more days of this. I'll post another update after Ortho tomorrow, assuming I make it. Tom has been wonderful, driving me. I could perhaps drive if I could sit up straight, but I need to be mostly horizontal when in the car. My propensity for motion sickness doesn't help matters. Thanks, everyone for your thoughts and prayers. This too shall pass, and I know there are people way worse off.Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler

    Orthopedic Visit

    February 13 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 59 °F

    Made it to Mayo & back -- yay. The Orthopedic doctor thinks it's all soft tissue issues. There is a little chip of bone, but he is not concerned about that. I don't have a fracture that requires a plate & screws, cast, etc. Whew. Possible ligament issue at my left thumb, but he can't tell for sure until my abrasions heal. He thinks I have miraculously escaped something terrible happening! I could have severed a nerve or tendon, or broken a bone requiring fixation. Wow -- I guess I am lucky! He will take the stitches out in a week, and I am to take it easy with my left hand for a while. I am to continue with the antibiotics a bit longer. Ugh, but I will hammer through. Actually, I am wearing a motion sickness patch behind my ear, and that has helped ease the nausea somewhat. Can't wait to be feeling good again! Ironically, some of the abrasions have been quite painful all of a sudden. Hopefully they will heal soon. 🙏🤞Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler

    The Saga Continues...

    February 20 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 54 °F

    Well, it's been a week since my last post, and you would think I would be much improved. Unfortunately, I have been hammered with this upset stomach issue, which has not abated after completing the oral antibiotics almost a week ago. I am SO frustrated...and weak from not being able to eat. I saw my PCP today and am awaiting results from a number of tests. I had a blood draw and an infection test, a CT scan of my abdomen, and while there a CT scan of my head just to be sure there's nothing going on due to hitting my head on the pavement. My PCP thinks I may have a stress ulcer and has prescribed me some medication for that. I'm not too optimistic about this diagnosis, but at this point I will try about anything. It's a good thing I was a bit overweight at the start of all this, or I would be withering away. I've lost about 10 lbs in two weeks -- not a healthy way to go about it. I am taking probiotics to get my gut bacteria back in order. The road rash on my legs is healing well. My arms are still painful, but I saw a wound specialist on Monday and he says they look great (ha!). He took my stitches out, and I will see him again next week to ensure the healing continues to go well. So far, no sign of infection. Yay. It's funny the things we take for granted. It now takes me about two hours to shower, including re-dressing my wounds. I am so grateful to Tom for driving me around to appointments, etc. He does so without complaint, whereas I would be crabby to have to do that 🙂. I so look forward to getting my appetite back, and then my energy. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement. 🤗Read more

  • Janice GuimondChile 2025Traveler
    Dinah sent this pic of the Osorno volcano, which I didn't get to see.
    My left hand is still in a bad way 🥴So this is 'looking good'?! 🥴 How did I screw up both sides of my hand?!

    Hallelujah!!

    February 22 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 46 °F

    OMG. My Primary Care doctor was right!
    On Thursday night, I was in deep despair. Two weeks of feeling sick, weak, and miserable had done me in. I showered, looked at my messed-up and aching body, and cried. Then, I pulled myself together. I took the first dose of the stress ulcer medication and went to bed. I slept fitfully, with strange dreams and new but manageable pain in my abdomen. Then, when I woke up on Friday, it was the first time in two weeks that I didn't feel crappy! I carefully got out of bed to see if I was dreaming. Not 100%, but a huge improvement. I managed to eat a piece of toast and a yogurt without incident. What a miracle!! I am SO happy and grateful!! I carefully managed through the day, ever hopeful that this new feeling was a turning point. By evening, I even had a food craving (for some popcorn, which Tom promptly made for me 😉). I am SO grateful for this diagnosis & treatment, and for being free of the upset stomach and getting my appetite back. The medication seems to make me a bit head-achy, but I will take that vs. what I've been dealing with. As for my series of tests, so far I've received a negative (yay) for the Pylori Urea Breath Test (used to detect bacterium that can cause stomach ulcers and gastritis). Blood tests show some high readings (WBC, Platelets, etc.) but mostly because of my trauma. Still waiting to hear about CT scan results -- next week I suspect. In any case, I was finally feeling good enough yesterday to get after some overdue administrative tasks. I have medical and trip interruption claims to file. The only silver lining to all of this is that I should get a bunch of money back 🤞. I'd rather have had the experience, but such is life. My many thanks for the well-wishes and positive thoughts. I know I still have much healing to do, but I finally feel like I can get busy doing just that!Read more

    Trip end
    February 8, 2025
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