Description
Our signature tour, (TOUR NOT AVAILABLE) this seven-day cycling adventure begins with an airport transfer from Temuco (ZCO) to the lakeside city of Pucón and progresses south over seven days to Puerto Varas. We’ll average 50 to 70 miles daily along wide open roads amidst the splendor of the Andes Mountains and the beauty of Northern Patagonia’s scenic lakes region. Each day’s ride will include mechanical and sag support, ride leaders with local knowledge, and on-the-road catered lunches and ride fuel. A variety of side excursions and once in a lifetime photo opportunities will complement the many challenging profiles of each days ride.
People and Language
Chile is a Spanish-speaking country and you should try and learn a few basic words and phrases ahead of your trip. There are some iPhone and Android translation apps that you might find useful as well. Our staff is at the very least able to speak basic Spanish, and one staff member is completely fluent in Spanish to help get through difficult conversations. Most people in restaurants, shops, etc. speak some English.
The people of Southern Chile are very friendly and are very happy to have you as guests in their country. Please (“por favor”) and thank you (“muchas gracias”) are always welcome by merchants and vendors.
Landscape
We think you’ll find that the Lakes Region compares very well to the Northeast US as it’s at similar, though Southern latitudes. Small cities are on the volcanic lakes which are mostly surrounded by rolling farmland. The Andes Mountains are always in view to the west with several volcanoes obvious throughout the tour. There are numerable scenic pull-offs for photos and refueling. We’ll visit volcanic lakes, thermal spas, lakeside resort towns, and will sample everything in between on our week-long adventure on bicycles.
Weather
November is mid-spring in Southern Chile and you can expect average high temps in the 60s and 70s, and in the 40s at night. Bring clothing for the extremes. The sun is particularly bright during sunny days in the Southern Hemisphere and you should be prepared to use sunscreen daily. You should also be prepared for rainy days, though the weather is fairly predictable with the nearby Pacific Ocean weather being tempered by the Andes Mountains just miles to the west.
Culture
You’ll find that Southern Chile is very modern and particularly oriented toward tourists and tourism. The infrastructure, hotels, and restaurants are very contemporary and built around the tourism industry in general. The entire region was settled by Germans in the late 1800s and you’ll find German-inspired buildings, food, roads, and place names.
Restaurants and cafes all cater to foreign travelers with common dishes & drinks, though with unique Chilean flavors and choices. Tipping is recommended between 10-20% (sometimes it’s included in the bill, so look closely at the bill).
Shops generally line most of the city streets that we’ll visit, and you’ll find very favorable prices on most items. Though you’ll find many familiar brands and shops, you’ll encounter many locally-made products and fares unique to Southern Chile.
Itinerary
Departures 2019
- February 22nd to March 2nd (Temuco to Puerto Varas)
- March 3rd to March 11th (Puerto Varas to Temuco)
DAY 1
PUCON > PUCON
32 miles // 1654 ft.
Welcome to Southern Chile & Northern Patagonia! We’ll make a short bike fitting then shake off the travel legs and climb to Termas de Huife (Huife Hot Springs) and the Rio (river) Liacura Valley at the base of Volcano Villarica and continue to Saltos Pocolpen (Pocolpen Falls) for your first photo opportunity! We’ll load the bikes up and travel back to Pucon for our kick-off dinner and views of the sunset on Lago Villarica.
Included Meals: Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 2
PUCON > PUCON
29 miles // 1386 ft.
After breakfast, we’ll ride up to Lago Caburga, and enjoy lunch on the shores of the lake, then descend back to scenic Pucón. In the afternoon, we’ll drive up to Los Ojos del Caburgua (The Eyes of Caburga Falls). Get some rest! Tomorrow is our first day on the road!
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 3
PUCON > PANGUIPULLI
65 miles // 4500 ft.
35 miles // 2225 ft
We’ll load your gear into the vans after breakfast at the hotel and depart on a bicycle along volcanic Lake Villarica toward the small, lakeside city of Villarica. From Villarica we climb out of the lake valley toward the resort town of Licán Ray on the shores of Lago Calafquen. Enjoy the views of Volcano Villarica as we round the lake and ride west toward the City of Panguipulli on Lago Lafquen. Two ride length options are available.
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 4
PANGUIPULLI > LLIFEN
85 miles // 4000 ft.
60 miles // 2600 ft
50 miles // 2400 ft
28 miles // 1450 ft
Rolling countryside and farmland await as we depart from Panguipulli. We’ll follow Rio San Pedro for much of the morning before a lunch on the road near Lago Ranco in the heart of the Lakes Region. We’ll arrive on the west end of the lake and the small village of Llifen. There are 4 start/finish options for this long day
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 5
LLIFEN > TERMAS DE PUYEHUE
54 miles // 5929 ft
35 miles // 2200 ft
It’s a rest day, of sorts, today as we contemplate the climb up Osorno Volcano tomorrow… Two ride options are available to us today as we continue our bicycle journey southward. Choose one or both rides. The short option is an absolutely beautiful ride along Lago Ranco to our lunch stop at the City of Lago Ranco. The second ride is definitely for the more adventurous amongst us as we will tackle the epic climb to the Argentinian border.
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 6
LAGO PUYEHUE > OSORNO VOLCANO
72 miles // 6688 ft
46 miles // 5392 ft.
24 miles // 4595 ft.
It’s a big day for us on the bike…the ascent of Volcano Osorno awaits! There are 3 ride options from which to choose today. We make our way south with the Andes Mountains to our left and the waters of Lago Lliancuhue to our right. Climb from the lake through the rainforest to the volcanic, open landscape that is Volcano Osorno reminiscent of Mont Ventoux in France – the fabled moonscape climb often featured in the Tour de France. Steep, switchbacks to 20% grade near the top bring us to the small ski area base lodge and the snow-capped Osorno just steps away. Enjoy the views! We shuttle back down the lake and ride back to the hotel to enjoy local cuisine and drink as we retell our epic day among friends!
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 7
ENSENADA > PUERTO VARAS
40 miles // 2100 ft.
Friday is a promenade along the blue waters of Lago Lliancahue with several opportunities along the lake for photos of Volcano Osorno in the background. 19th Century German colonization is apparent in the architecture of Puerto Varas – this small Northern Patagonia city on the lake! Enjoy the shops and restaurants, the waterfront, and the warm hospitality of Southern Chile!
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch – Dinner
DAY 8
PUERTO VARAS > FRUTILLAR
30 miles // 2000 ft.
Our final day of the Tour includes a casual ride along the lake to the German-settled lakeside city of Frutillar. We’ll enjoy breakfast in Puerto Varas then transport just north to the City of Lliancahue and the rolling countryside to Frutillar and the wonderful scenery that
includes the scenic veranda at the Teatro del Lago (Theater on the Lake). We’ll grab lunch or a coffee in Frutillar and then head back to Puerto Varas to conclude your Tour! We’ll pack up your bikes and luggage and transport you to the nearby Puerto Montt airport for your trip home!
Included Meals: Breakfast – Picnic Lunch
Pricing
- CHP 1.865.000.- per person double occupancy / Please add CHP 360.000 for single occupancy
- Minimum 6 passengers
CHP conversion to USD
- Tour Deposit: $500 (US) deposit per person is due 90 days prior to Tour departure date
- Refund according to our policies
- Private Tours/Training Camps – Please contact us for pricing.
INCLUDES
- Bike
- Accommodations
- Meals according to Itinerary
- Tour-provided shuttle to/from airport
- Mechanical and van support
- Local tour ride leaders
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare to and from the official Tour arrival & departure airports
- Helmet, water bottle, specific pedals or saddles
- Lodging before and after the Tour
- Unscheduled Tour meals
- Side excursions & ancillary amenities
- Personal items purchased during the Tour
- Travel/trip insurance (mandatory)
- Gratuities for guides
Meeting Point
Gallery
