Your Next Adventure
Your Next Adventure
Chile Gravel & Lakes Bike Tour
DURATION
10 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
16 to 52 miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
3-Intermediate
STARTING FROM
$4995
SINGLES ADD FROM
$1,100
Trip Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with us on the Chile Gravel Bike Tour! This 10-day tour is ideal for intermediate and advanced cyclists. You explore the jaw-dropping Lakes and Volcanoes District in Chile's south and stay in amazing ecolodges and delightful hotels. The region is filled with crystal-clear lakes and awe-inspiring active volcanoes, with the majestic Andes mountains providing a stunning backdrop for your journey.
Travel through verdant rolling meadows and national parks, experiencing the richness of the region's biodiversity, and interacting with friendly locals who share their culture and traditions with you. You also have the opportunity to visit local ethnic communities and learn about their way of life.
During your journey, you witness active volcanoes, serene lakes, national parks, ravenous rivers, and hot springs. The tour starts at Chile's First Geopark, Kütralkura, and takes you through the Lonquimay Volcano and Malalcahuello National Reserve. The highlight of the trip is biking across Conguillío National Park, where you can admire stunning views of Llaima Volcano and many Andean lakes. The journey also takes you through indigenous Mapuche territory — with stops in Pucón and the Villarrica Volcano. You explore Villarrica National Park, located between the Quetrupillán and Rukapillan volcanoes. Along the way, you can visit local microbreweries and natural hot springs. You also stay at mountain lodges and hotels throughout your trip. Get ready for an experience that will leave you with lifelong memories!
Itinerary
From start to finish, check out the route.
DAY 1 - Arrival in Chile–Getting your bearings
Distance: Arrival day | Dreams Araucania Hotel
Start in Temuco, the capital city of Chile's Araucanía region. The city's central square, Plaza Aníbal Pinto, is adorned with imported palm trees and is quite magnificent. Consider arriving a night or two ahead in Temuco … or spend some time before the tour in Chile's capital city of Santiago, known for its wineries. Upon arrival in Temuco, you have the evening to yourself to explore the city and enjoy dinner at your leisure. The first thing included is your night at the hotel in Temuco.
Start in Temuco, the capital city of Chile's Araucanía region. The city's central square, Plaza Aníbal Pinto, is adorned with imported palm trees and is quite magnificent. Consider arriving a night or two ahead in Temuco … or spend some time before the tour in Chile's capital city of Santiago, known for its wineries. Upon arrival in Temuco, you have the evening to yourself to explore the city and enjoy dinner at your leisure. The first thing included is your night at the hotel in Temuco.
DAY 2 - Temuco–Malalcahuello National Reserve
Distance: 26 miles | Terrain: Intermediate (3,500' of climbing) | Corralco Mountain Resort
On the second day of your adventure, your leaders pick you up at Dreams Araucania Hotel in Temuco at 9:30 a.m. They make sure you are comfortable and ready for the day's activities before transferring you to Curacautin Village. Once there, you are fitted with top-of-the-line bikes that are perfectly suited to the terrain you cover. You embark on a 26-mile warm-up ride toward Malalcahuello National Reserve, making your way along an old railway that has since been converted into a bike trail. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is an excellent introduction to the natural beauty of the region. As you approach Malalcahuello village, you are struck by its beauty. It’s part of Chile's first UNESCO Geopark, Kuttralkura. This designation is a testament to the unique geological features of the area and the importance of preserving them for future generations. In the evening, you arrive at Corralco Mountain Resort, a luxurious and comfortable retreat where you receive orientation and a warm welcome dinner. You have the opportunity to relax, unwind, and prepare for the adventures that await you in the days ahead.
On the second day of your adventure, your leaders pick you up at Dreams Araucania Hotel in Temuco at 9:30 a.m. They make sure you are comfortable and ready for the day's activities before transferring you to Curacautin Village. Once there, you are fitted with top-of-the-line bikes that are perfectly suited to the terrain you cover. You embark on a 26-mile warm-up ride toward Malalcahuello National Reserve, making your way along an old railway that has since been converted into a bike trail. This trail offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is an excellent introduction to the natural beauty of the region. As you approach Malalcahuello village, you are struck by its beauty. It’s part of Chile's first UNESCO Geopark, Kuttralkura. This designation is a testament to the unique geological features of the area and the importance of preserving them for future generations. In the evening, you arrive at Corralco Mountain Resort, a luxurious and comfortable retreat where you receive orientation and a warm welcome dinner. You have the opportunity to relax, unwind, and prepare for the adventures that await you in the days ahead.
DAY 3 - Kütralkura Geopark & Christmas Crater
Distance: 22 miles | Terrain: Intermediate to Advanced (3,700' of climbing) | Corralco Mountain Resort
On Day 3 of your trip, you ride toward Christmas Crater, which is the most significant geosite in Kütralkura Geopark. It is a parasitic crater of the Lonquimay volcano, created during the eruption of 1988. As you ride toward it, you experience a drastic change in the landscape … from the forests of Araucania trees (monkey puzzle trees) to the moon-like volcanic lava fields. You have a picnic lunch by Laguna Escorial, a volcanic lake formed by the lava flows of Christmas Crater. Later, you head back to your lodge to relax. You cover 35 km (22 miles) on your bike, which should take you approximately 3 to 4 hours. There is no driving in the van on this day. In the evening, you explore Malalcahuello Village and have dinner at a local restaurant together.
On Day 3 of your trip, you ride toward Christmas Crater, which is the most significant geosite in Kütralkura Geopark. It is a parasitic crater of the Lonquimay volcano, created during the eruption of 1988. As you ride toward it, you experience a drastic change in the landscape … from the forests of Araucania trees (monkey puzzle trees) to the moon-like volcanic lava fields. You have a picnic lunch by Laguna Escorial, a volcanic lake formed by the lava flows of Christmas Crater. Later, you head back to your lodge to relax. You cover 35 km (22 miles) on your bike, which should take you approximately 3 to 4 hours. There is no driving in the van on this day. In the evening, you explore Malalcahuello Village and have dinner at a local restaurant together.
DAY 4 - Kütralkura Geopark, Lonquimay Village
Distance: 28 miles | Terrain: Intermediate (2,400' of climbing) | Corralco Mountain Resort
Today you start from the lodge, biking on asphalt for 3 miles and onto an old gravel mountain road called "Cuesta las Raices." Here, you hit the dirt and continue biking for another 14 miles. This mountain pass is surrounded by monkey-puzzle trees and with amazing views over Lonquimay Volcano. It is the heart of the Pewenche, one of the first nations of this part of Chile. You arrive at Lonquimay village and visit its famous brewery, where you eat lunch. In the afternoon, resume biking on another bike lane that was once part of the railroad … until you stop by the Las Raices tunnel, the longest in the region. Then shuttle 30 minutes back to the resort for dinner together.
Today you start from the lodge, biking on asphalt for 3 miles and onto an old gravel mountain road called "Cuesta las Raices." Here, you hit the dirt and continue biking for another 14 miles. This mountain pass is surrounded by monkey-puzzle trees and with amazing views over Lonquimay Volcano. It is the heart of the Pewenche, one of the first nations of this part of Chile. You arrive at Lonquimay village and visit its famous brewery, where you eat lunch. In the afternoon, resume biking on another bike lane that was once part of the railroad … until you stop by the Las Raices tunnel, the longest in the region. Then shuttle 30 minutes back to the resort for dinner together.
DAY 5 - Conguillío National Park Ride
Distance: 32 miles | Terrain: Intermediate (3,500' of climbing) | La Baita Ecolodge
Hop in the shuttle from Malalcahuello to Curacautín for about 1 hour. Then, start biking from the city's main square towards Conguillío National Park and Llaima Volcano. This national park crossing is one of the most popular rides of the trip. Its scenery has inspired a BBC documentary series called Walking with Dinosaurs. The first 13 miles are done on asphalt, and then you switch to 19 miles of dirt and gravel … all the way until you arrive at the lodge. You pedal alongside four beautiful volcanic lakes — Captrén, Conguillío, Arcoiris and Verde. Your lodge, La Baita, is Chile's first ecolodge, with many awards for sustainability. Tonight, you eat dinner together at the lodge.
Hop in the shuttle from Malalcahuello to Curacautín for about 1 hour. Then, start biking from the city's main square towards Conguillío National Park and Llaima Volcano. This national park crossing is one of the most popular rides of the trip. Its scenery has inspired a BBC documentary series called Walking with Dinosaurs. The first 13 miles are done on asphalt, and then you switch to 19 miles of dirt and gravel … all the way until you arrive at the lodge. You pedal alongside four beautiful volcanic lakes — Captrén, Conguillío, Arcoiris and Verde. Your lodge, La Baita, is Chile's first ecolodge, with many awards for sustainability. Tonight, you eat dinner together at the lodge.
DAY 6 - Hike in Conguillío National Park
Distance: Hike 7.4 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | La Baita Ecolodge
After breakfast at La Baita Lodge, enjoy a refreshing hike in Kütralkura — Chile's First Geopark. You have a short drive followed by hiking along the Sierra Nevada Trail, which is surrounded by native trees, including ancient monkey-puzzle trees. As you hike, keep an eye and ear alert for the many endemic birds … meaning they may only be found in a few local places … such as the chucao tapaculo, the Magellanic woodpecker (which grow to 18”), and the famous and huge Andean condor. The trail includes three viewpoints, and you visit all of them. Each one offers different angles to take in the views of the Conguillío Lake, Llaima, and Sierra Nevada volcanoes. After spending some time eating your picnic lunch, taking pictures, and enjoying the breathtaking view, you hike back to the bottom of the trail and visit Playa Linda (pretty beach).Later, you head back to your ecolodge, relax, and then have dinner together. It's a great day filled with adventure and stunning views!
After breakfast at La Baita Lodge, enjoy a refreshing hike in Kütralkura — Chile's First Geopark. You have a short drive followed by hiking along the Sierra Nevada Trail, which is surrounded by native trees, including ancient monkey-puzzle trees. As you hike, keep an eye and ear alert for the many endemic birds … meaning they may only be found in a few local places … such as the chucao tapaculo, the Magellanic woodpecker (which grow to 18”), and the famous and huge Andean condor. The trail includes three viewpoints, and you visit all of them. Each one offers different angles to take in the views of the Conguillío Lake, Llaima, and Sierra Nevada volcanoes. After spending some time eating your picnic lunch, taking pictures, and enjoying the breathtaking view, you hike back to the bottom of the trail and visit Playa Linda (pretty beach).Later, you head back to your ecolodge, relax, and then have dinner together. It's a great day filled with adventure and stunning views!
DAY 7 - Conguillío NP – Villarrica – Pucón
Distance: 51.5 miles | Terrain: Intermediate (3,100' of paved climbing) | Casa Solaria Hotel
Today is a special day as you embark on another adventure on two wheels! Start off with a drive for approximately 1.5 hours to reach the quaint village of Las Hortencias. Once there, you start your biking adventure on asphalt roads and cover a total distance of 51 miles. Along the way, you visit the picturesque Villarrica Lake and its city, and then ride alongside the foothills of the magnificent Villarrica Volcano until you reach Pucón — known as the adventure capital of Chile. The evening is free for you to explore Pucón as you wish with dinner on your own.
Today is a special day as you embark on another adventure on two wheels! Start off with a drive for approximately 1.5 hours to reach the quaint village of Las Hortencias. Once there, you start your biking adventure on asphalt roads and cover a total distance of 51 miles. Along the way, you visit the picturesque Villarrica Lake and its city, and then ride alongside the foothills of the magnificent Villarrica Volcano until you reach Pucón — known as the adventure capital of Chile. The evening is free for you to explore Pucón as you wish with dinner on your own.
DAY 8 - The Transvolcanic Crossing
Distance: 25 miles | Terrain: Advanced (4,600' of climbing) | Casa Solaria Hotel
Today, you embark on a 26-mile mixed surface route starting from Pucón. The route includes a combination of gravel, asphalt, and dirt roads. You start by following the renowned Trancura River until you arrive at the village of Palguin. From there, you start your ascent toward the entrance of Villarrica National Park, where you will encounter a mix of gravel and dirt roads. During this part of the journey, you are completely surrounded by a native forest situated between the Villarrica and Quetrupillán volcanoes. As you reach the end of the 12-mile climb, you transition into a double track trail that leads to the rest of the park's boundaries and then your descent. Finally, you visit the marvelous Geométricas Hot Springs. This location provides an ideal blend of simple design, naturally heated waters, and a stunning environment. You then shuttle two hours back to the hotel and have the evening at leisure to explore Pucón. Dinner is on your own.
Today, you embark on a 26-mile mixed surface route starting from Pucón. The route includes a combination of gravel, asphalt, and dirt roads. You start by following the renowned Trancura River until you arrive at the village of Palguin. From there, you start your ascent toward the entrance of Villarrica National Park, where you will encounter a mix of gravel and dirt roads. During this part of the journey, you are completely surrounded by a native forest situated between the Villarrica and Quetrupillán volcanoes. As you reach the end of the 12-mile climb, you transition into a double track trail that leads to the rest of the park's boundaries and then your descent. Finally, you visit the marvelous Geométricas Hot Springs. This location provides an ideal blend of simple design, naturally heated waters, and a stunning environment. You then shuttle two hours back to the hotel and have the evening at leisure to explore Pucón. Dinner is on your own.
DAY 9 - Villarrica Volcano & Mapuche Culture
Distance: 16 miles | Terrain: Advanced (4,200' of climbing) | Casa Solaria Hotel
Every day of this tour brings new beautiful landscapes, and today is no exception. On the final day of your biking adventure, you ride to one of Chile's most iconic and active volcanoes, Rucapillan. You begin your journey from the hotel and ride towards the Villarrica Volcano, which is located at the base of Rucapillan. From the ski resort at the base of the volcano, you are able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andes, the surrounding lakes, and the stunning volcanoes in the area. You have lunch at the volcanic caves before heading back to downtown to unwind. At night, you enjoy a farewell dinner with a Mapuche family.
Every day of this tour brings new beautiful landscapes, and today is no exception. On the final day of your biking adventure, you ride to one of Chile's most iconic and active volcanoes, Rucapillan. You begin your journey from the hotel and ride towards the Villarrica Volcano, which is located at the base of Rucapillan. From the ski resort at the base of the volcano, you are able to witness the breathtaking beauty of the Andes, the surrounding lakes, and the stunning volcanoes in the area. You have lunch at the volcanic caves before heading back to downtown to unwind. At night, you enjoy a farewell dinner with a Mapuche family.
DAY 10 - Pucón to Temuco’s Airport
After enjoying the beautiful Lakes & Volcanoes District of Chile, it's time to say farewell. Following breakfast, we offer a 90-minute shuttle to Temuco Airport, where you board your flight home or wherever your next adventure takes you. It should be an unforgettable trip!
Map
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
9 nights lodging, 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners (3 dinners on your own). Bicycle and helmet (step-through bikes are not available on this tour; upgraded road bikes and e-bikes available for a fee), shuttles between hotels and from last hotel to Temuco Airport at one time... We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus the use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Dates & Pricing
Prices are per person based on double occupancy (2 people in one room). Single supplement for private room is listed at the top of this page. A deposit of $500 holds your reservation for most tours. For weekend tours, the deposit is $300.
What’s Included
9 nights lodging, 9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners (3 dinners on your own). Bicycle and helmet (step-through bikes are not available on this tour; upgraded road bikes and e-bikes available for a fee), shuttles between hotels and from last hotel to Temuco Airport at one time... We also include detailed maps and itineraries, experienced guides, full van support — plus the use of a bike and helmet. Airfare is not included.
Inns
Where you stay along the way.
Dreams Temuco Hotel
A modern hotel that boasts a sleek and stylish glass exterior and is situated on a lively street that is always bustling with activity. Hotel Dream is near two of the most popular attractions in the area, namely Cerro Ñielol and Isla Cautín Park. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for visitors who want to explore the city on foot, visit its various museums, and indulge in the culinary delights of the local restaurants.
Corralco Mountain Resort
Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa is located in the heart of the Malalcahuello National Reserve, at the base of the majestic Lonquimay volcano. The hotel is surrounded by ancient araucaria forests, offering breathtaking views of the volcano and the Araucaria forest. A peaceful and comfortable ambiance surrounds you, providing a serene escape.
La Baita Conguillío
La Baita Conguillío is situated in the center of Conguillío National Park, surrounded by breathtaking scenery with the impressive Llaima Volcano serving as a stunning backdrop. The lodge's atmosphere reflects the sustainable practices that each team member strives to achieve.
Casa Solaria Hotel
The Hotel Casa Solaria Pucon is located near the city center of Pucón, a town in the Lake District of central Chile. The town overlooks Lake Villarrica, which is surrounded by the snow-capped Villarrica volcano. The hotel offers a beautiful setting with a terrace, and if you are lucky, we may get to enjoy live performances.
Gallery
Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.
v1.3.30