General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Pucon Chile Half-Iron Rss Feed  
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2008-05-13 7:23 AM

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Subject: Pucon Chile Half-Iron

I came across this today and can’t get the idea out of my head.  This might be a REALLY cool way to see South America.  Has anybody considered this event or know anything about it?  I wonder what the closest city to fly into would be.  I don’t really want to go with the canned package tour so I’m hunting around for information.  I would like to stay about one week to include the race day. 

Just a dream at the moment.

http://ironman.com/events/ironman70.3/pucon70.3

http://www.endurancesportstravel.com/imc_hotels_granhotel.asp?prova=chile

Donald



2008-05-13 10:50 AM
in reply to: #1398543

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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron

The most diificult part in Chile would be bike safety IMO. I see that they have prices for everything, but an extra $70/day per kid if you have one is sort of ridiculous for the hotel. Unless that includes some sort of day care.

 I do agree that it would be an awesome race to do.



Edited by aarondavidson 2008-05-13 10:51 AM
2008-05-13 11:51 AM
in reply to: #1398543

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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron
That's one of the races I put down to do in the next few years. I would love to go to Chile, so why not tri while I'm there!
2008-05-13 5:01 PM
in reply to: #1398543

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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron

I did the race this past January, wow, hard but fun time.

My suggestion is, go with EST, it was great! This is not an easy race to get to. The city of Pucon has an airport (if that's what you call it), I think I have a picture of the little shack that's the terminal. The problem is, there is limited flights into the airport during this time frame. I think they only have flights once or twice a week and that's it. EST booked me to the Temuco airport via Santiago which was an hour and half via private bus charter to Pucon. They booked the hotel as well, the race starts from the hotel's beach area. It's a one minute walk to transition area. You get breakfast and lunch. Plus they have the transportation back to Temuco for your flight home.

The city is really cool, it's like a mini ski resort area, lot's of sidewalk cafes and shops, very friendly.

Pre-race EST gets you out on the course to see what you expect.

The people in the group have many options and you can do whatever you want. We went out in small groups and big groups to dinners.

The night after the race, we went out for dinner. Some of us then went to the disco for the post race party. We got left the bar at 3:30 AM. We got up at 6:00 AM so we could go climb the local volcano, a tour that EST arranged. That was awesome, even the day after the race. After the climb, we got home went to dinner and then headed out to the thermal hot springs, that was at 10:30 PM, we go home at 2:00 AM. They had other activities you could choose from or just stick around the hotel. It was totally up to you. One of the days post race we did like a 30-35 mile leisure bike ride to a different city which was cool.

If you have specific question just ask.

That was my 3rd trip with them, I did IM Brazil and IM Switzerland with them as well.

You can booking everything yourself, but if this is your first time that might be a little difficult. For example, if you get a flgith to Temuco yourself, once you land you have to book your own transportation down to Pucon, and then make sure you have a ride back to the airport. The pros and most of the foreign athletes stay at this hotel. There are other smaller places as well as hostels.

Don't worry, I don't work for them or get a commission, I've just enjoyed my trips with them. We are planning a trip with them next year to one of the IM races.

=====
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Edited by trinick67 2008-05-13 5:19 PM
2008-05-13 5:03 PM
in reply to: #1398543

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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron
Same here. Its on my list for next year (hopefully).

2008-05-14 7:15 AM
in reply to: #1398543

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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron

Thanks a ton for the information!  I'm pretty excited about this race, we'll see if I can scrounge up the cash to make it happen.  Sounds REALLY cool...



2008-06-21 11:42 AM
in reply to: #1398543

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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron
I'm still interested in doing this race, but the airfare is OUTRAGEOUS!  $1300-$1600 to fly from  DC....
2008-09-19 6:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron
try Lanchile via Miami
2008-09-22 6:11 PM
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Subject: RE: Pucon Chile Half-Iron
Pucon was a nice place.  I was there about a yr ago.  Depending on how adventurous you are, you can always save money by flying into Santiago.  Then it's about an 8 hr bus trip to Pucon.  If you book through one of the major bus lines, they are pretty safe and comfortable.  I traveled for 4 months all around South America and enjoyed Chile the most.  I remember alot of dutch/German being spoken around Pucon.  I didn't do the race though as I traveled through about a month too early, but they had quite a few flyers advertising it everywhere.
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Pucon Chile Half-Iron Rss Feed