Mountain bike adventure in the Lake District of Chile.
Designed for the energetic, this mountain bike adventure takes you through Chile’s varied landscapes.
We cycle through the Lake District and alongside fiords, through ancient forests and hike in rainforest. Much of the terrain is gravel road and country lanes, pretty much free of car traffic, on this challenging route designed for keen cyclists.
A day in the saddle is between 20 and 70 kms a day, depending on the group’s abilities and the terrain. There are some steep ascent and descents on volcanoes, guided all the way.
Also available as a 4, 5 or 6 day bike tour, daily departures.
Itinerary details
Day 1
Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas
You are met at the airport or your hotel in Puerto Montt and we drive you to Puerto Varas and your hotel. Mountain bikes provided for those who would like to limber up while other group members arrive during the day.
In the evening, we gather to discuss our coming adventure over a cocktail at a local restaurant in Puerto Varas.
Day 2
Puerto Varas - Alerce Andino National Park
We drive south through Perto Montt, the local capital and principal southern port of the region. We continues along the Carretera Austral next to the ocean before we arrive at the National Park Alerce Andino.
Alerce Andino Park is almost 40,000 hectares in size, making it the largest surviving Valdivian Rainforest in the world. Here survives many native Alerce trees – a giant coniferous tree distantly related to the redwoods of California. The largest are many centuries old.
We also pass through dense and varied vegetation on the trail before we return to Puerto Varas for the evening. (12 km, 8 miles trekking). (B,L)
Day 3
Puerto Varas - Volcano Osorno
We wake early and depart from Puerto Varas by mountain bike along the shore of Lago Llanquihue. The snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes grow steadily larger as we ride along the lakeshore towards them.
In Ensenada we hop board our support vehicle and travel uphill to the Mountain Lodge on the slopes of Volcan Osorno. After lunch on the lower slopes of the volcano, we spend the afternoon hiking on the surface of the volcano’s sculpted lava and snowfields.
We stay in a cozy mountain hut some 1,300 metres above seal level. With luck, we´ll enjoy a colourful sunset over Lake Llanquihue and Volcan Calbuco. Biking: 45-65 km, (support vehicle at all times), hiking: 5 - 8 km (B, L, D)
Day 4
Volcan Osorno - Las Cascadas Waterfalls
We are greeted by breathtaking morning views as we hike downhill on the slopes of Volcan Osorno to the edge of Lake Llanquihue.
After lunch, we bike or drive to the Ruca Chalhuafe Lodge, enjoying wonderful views of the Calbuco and Lake Llanquihue on the way. We enter the sleepy hamlet of Cascadas - and after lunch we hike to a spectacular canyon and its waterfall.
We return by support vehicle to Ensenada and overnight in cabins on the waterfront. Biking: 35 km, support vehicle at all times, hiking: 3 km, (B, L)
Day 5
Ensenada - Petrohue river - Ensenada
Depending on how we’re feeling, we can drive or cycle to Petrohue and visit the waterfalls there. It is a short boat ride then hike to the start to meet up with our rafts – then it is rapids all the way down to our beach lunch spot. We return to Ensenada and our cabins for the night. (B, L)
Day 6
Ensenada - Reloncavi Fiord on the Pacific Ocean - Puerto Varas
We will see the Pacific today as we cycle south to the Reloncavi Fiord. Our high points on the route afford us views of the largest ocean on the planet as we weave between the rustic farms of Northern Patagonia. It is possible to see dolphins on certain parts of the ride.
Late afternoon, we enjoy the hot springs of Ralun, relaxing after an adventurous day in the saddle. We then return to Puerto Varas and our hotel. Biking: 45 km (B, L)
Day 7
Puerto Varas - Frutillar - Puerto Octay
Today we cycle north along the shores of Lago Llanquihue in the footsteps of the German settlers of the 1850s. The small lakeside road winds along the hilly landscape offering fascinating views of the area’s southern volcanoes.
We can break off and swim in the lake at a sandy beach en route to our first stop, the beautiful summer town of Frutillar. We visit the open air Pioneer Village Museum. Hearty picnic lunch.
We continue along the lakeside to Puerto Octay – there is an idyllic harbour at this town, which is famous for its fishing. Late afternoon, we take the vehicle back to Puerto Varas and our accommodation. Biking: between 35 and 60 kms (B, L)
Day 8
Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt
We transfer you to Puerto Montt airport for your return flight. (B)
Trek around the entire Paine massif on our Paine Circuit or, to reach the really remote areas, our Paine W trek and kayak trip.
Check our group and tailor made options. And you can always contact the office with questions or for advice.
What’s included
Bikes, helmets and gloves, accommodation (single rooms only in Puerto Varas and Ensenada. Osorno Mountain Lodge offers triple or quadruple rooms.), English speaking guide, meals as indicated, support vehicle, white water rafting trip and equipment, excursions as listed, transfers
Not included
Domestic or international flights (please ask for prices), insurance, tips, meals not indicated, personal items, soft or alcoholic drinks
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