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Chile's Lakes & Volcanoes Bike Tour

  • Steaming volcano near Pucon Chile
  • Black sand beach Chile
  • Vine flowers of on tree Parque Futangue, Chile
  • Choshuenco volcano Chile
  • Restaurant at Parque Futangue Resort Chile
  • Seafood stew at Parque Futangue resort
  • Leafy forest near Lago Ranco, Chile
  • Wildflower and berries near Pucon Chile
  • Chile volcano with cyclists
  • Scenic mountains, Chile
  • Huilo-Huilo Falls, Chile
  • Snack time in Chile
  • Picture of Chile's Lakes & Volcanoes Bike Tour
  • Chile lake
  • Jump for joy by volcano, Chile
  • Hike at Volcan Villarrica, Chile
DURATION
8 Day(s)
DAILY BIKING
30 Miles
TRIP DIFFICULTY
3-Intermediate
REVIEWS
STARTING FROM
$4995
SINGLES ADD FROM
$1,100

Trip Overview

Discover some of the most outstanding cycling in South America on your bike tour in the gorgeous Lakes and Volcanoes District of southern Chile. You’ll enjoy the high-quality roads, sparkling lakes and idyllic meadows — with the dramatic backdrop of snow-covered volcanic peaks.

Then stay in amazing inns that showcase the local culture, history and natural treasures of the southern Andean foothills. This is the gateway to Patagonia. Our tour features rides along five of the major lakes in Chile — Lago Llanquihue, Lago Ranco, Lago Panguipulli, Lago Calafquén and Lago Villarrica … along with pristine rivers and spectacular waterfalls.

Taste authentic local fare from the southern Andes, like pastel de choclo, a sort of shepherd’s pie made with a corn topping. Sample splendid local wines, seafood, pastries, cheeses and other Chilean specialties.

The water is safe to drink, the inns are friendly and the biking is epic. And ask us about an optional 4- or 5-day extension to explore Patagonia’s famous wild country.

Itinerary

From start to finish, check out the route.

DAY 1 - Arrival Day
Distance: 28, 41 or 53 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Petrohue Lodge
Our local staff meets you at Cumbres Hotel in Puerto Varas at 9 a.m. where you are fitted with your bike. Then start off the tour with one of the most astounding rides — along Lake Llanquihue (pronounced yon-kee-way). Keep a lookout for the perfect cone of the snowy Osorno Volcano as you cycle to Ensenada for our lunch stop. Pedal or van into Vincente Perez Rosales National Park (Chile’s oldest) and on to Petruehue Falls, then either hop in the van or cycle through the park and on to our hotel. Check in and enjoy the lakefront views, a dip in the pool, or just relax. Then gather for our welcome dinner.
DAY 2 - Lake Llanquihue
Distance: 22 or 40 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Parque Futangue Hotel & Spa
After a tasty breakfast, start biking from your hotel alongside the lovely clear waters of Lake Llanquihue. Travel by villages with a striking German heritage, since the first non-indigenous settlers here came from Germany in the late 1800s. Look for vistas of four neighboring volcanoes. Stop in Puerto Octay for lunch at a restaurant famous for its unique combination of indigenous and German food. Next, continue cycling to Frutillar, one of the most picturesque villages in southern Chile. Then relax as we shuttle you two hours to your hotel on Lago Ranco. There, nestled in a 25,000-acre private conservation land trust, you are treated to two nights at this lovely lodge and spa — beginning with a delicious dinner.
DAY 3 - Lago Ranco
Distance: 32 or 40 miles | Terrain: Easier to advanced (50% easier, 40% intermediate, 10% advanced) | Parque Futangue Hotel & Spa
After a breakfast buffet, continue riding on Chile’s scenic route called Red Interlagos. Today, it takes you along Lago Ranco, which is surrounded by stunning mountains, green fields full of grazing animals and a recently paved roadway. Cycle toward the village of Futrono — and consider an option to challenge your legs on some steep sections. Or opt to ride the van to the next rolling section. Stop at the beach in Futrono and have lunch at a local restaurant with great views of the lake and islands. Shuttle back to the hotel and enjoy the spa, hike in the hotel’s preserve, or relax until dinner. Your guides can also arrange with the preserve for activities like a guided hike to see the endangered Darwin’s frogs, fly fishing or horseback riding for an additional fee. You can even borrow mountain bikes for a ride to several waterfalls.
DAY 4 - Lake Panguipulli
Distance: 28 or 40 miles | Terrain: Easier to intermediate (75% easier, 25% intermediate)| Nothofagus Hotel & Spa
After breakfast, shuttle two hours to enjoy a gorgeous section of Chile’s Seven-Lakes Route. Thrill to the vistas along Lake Panguipulli (pronounced pan-ghea-poo-ee) with stunning views of the snow-capped Choshuenco Volcano and up to four other volcanoes. Pedal by the beach of Lake Panguipulli, which means Land of Lions. Continue riding to the village of Choshuenco, where we gather for lunch. Bike another 14 miles with some challenging hills, or opt for a van ride to our hotel in the Huilo-Huilo Biological Reserve. Stay at the unique Nothofagus Hotel, named after the family of southern beech trees that you can find in the ancient temperate rain forest surrounding your hotel. The reserve contains nearly 250 km of roads and trails that allow you to discover pristine streams, waterfalls and lakes. Meet for a delicious dinner at the hotel.
DAY 5 - Scenic lagoons, mighty waterfalls and views of snow-capped volcanoes!
Distance: 25-mile optional ride: Intermediate | Nothofagus Hotel & Spa
Take a break from biking and explore the magnificent Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve and the surrounding area. Choose from two complimentary hikes: the Magnetic Stones Trail (3-hour hike, medium terrain) or the Canopy Village (2-hour walk, easy terrain). Other day excursions can be arranged for a minimum of four people. Area highlights include a preserved forest, scenic lagoons, mighty waterfalls and views of snow-capped volcanoes. There are also nature walks to learn about local plants, birds, geology and wildlife. Try the canopy zipline tour and zoom 50 to 80 feet above the forest floor and traverse hanging bridges. Or choose whitewater rafting on the clear waters of the lower Fuy River, which is mostly a class 3 wave train. For about $20, you can ride a cable car to the top of a mountain for a grand view. The group visits the Huilo Huilo Waterfalls and has lunch at a local microbrewery. Or opt for a 25-mile bike ride. Later, relax at the hotel and spa and get ready for dinner at the hotel.
DAY 6 - Mapuche territory
Distance: 32 or 50 miles | Terrain: Easier to Intermediate | Casa Solaria Hotel
After breakfast, start cycling from the hotel toward Lake Calafquén. Stop for lunch at mile 32 and then have the option to ride to the next lake basin and spin through the village of Choshuenco to Coñaripe. You ride through Mapuche territory, land of the largest indigenous ethnic group in Chile. They fought the Spanish conquistadors for over 300 years and were never defeated by outsiders. Then hop in the van for a 90-minute drive to Chile’s outdoor adventure town, Pucón. Look for stellar views of the snowy and steaming Villarrica Volcano. Take the evening to stroll around Pucón to visit the many shops, bars and restaurants. Then choose from several great options for dinner on your own.
DAY 7 - Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin
Distance: 28 or 41 miles | Terrain: Easier to Advanced (50% easier, 30% intermediate, 20% advanced) | Casa Solaria Hotel
After a tasty breakfast, cycle toward Curarrehue, a small Mapuche village located near the Argentina border. Ride alongside the Trancura River enjoying views of three volcanoes: Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin. The first 28 miles of the route are generally flat with a few rolling hills — just enough to warm up your legs. But after the lunch stop at a local restaurant, the road climbs steeply for 8 miles on a good road surface through Villarrica National park. The road flattens for the final miles on the way to the Argentina Customs and border with close views of Lanin Volcano, the tallest mountain in the Lake & Volcano District. You can choose to skip the climbing after lunch and shuttle to the calmer section. You can ride back down some of the hill or shuttle back in the van. Return to Pucón for our farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
DAY 8 - Departure Day
After breakfast, shuttle 30 minutes out of town to Villarrica National Park. Get fit with adjustable hiking poles and prepare for a lovely hike to see some side craters called “parasitic craters” on the flanks of the Villarrica Volcano. Walk through ancient forest, pass small creeks and marvel at the majesty of the volcano above you. See where lahars have roared down the mountain decades ago. Reach panoramic viewpoints and enjoy glimpses of other volcanoes, including Llaima and Sollipulli. Continue to the parasitic craters, which are now being covered by vegetation. Return following a canyon loop to our starting point, for a total of about 4 to 5 miles of hiking (approx. 3 hours). Shuttle back to the hotel to shower and check out. Enjoy a box lunch as we drive you two hours to the Temuco airport. There, we say farewell as you leave for flights to Santiago or elsewhere between 4 and 7 p.m.

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.

Start End Cost Availability
Nov 23, 2024 Nov 30, 2024 $4995.00 Available! Reserve Reserve
Dec 25, 2024 Jan 01, 2025 $4995.00 Available! Reserve Reserve

What’s Included

7 nights’ lodging, 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners (1 dinner on your own in Pucón), 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. 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.

Start: Nov 23, 2024
End: Nov 30, 2024
Cost: $4995.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve
Start: Dec 25, 2024
End: Jan 01, 2025
Cost: $4995.00
Availability: Available!
Reserve

What’s Included

7 nights’ lodging, 7 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 6 dinners (1 dinner on your own in Pucón), 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. Airfare is not included.

Inns

Where you stay along the way.

Petrohue Lodge
Petrohue Lodge is nestled between the snow-capped Osorno Volcano and the shores of lovely Todos los Santos lake. This secluded, luxury hotel offers Patagonian landscape views and features 2 swimming pools. Each room includes a balcony and private bathroom.
Parque Futangue Hotel & Spa
The hotel at Parque Futangue has delightful accommodations, a stellar restaurant and access to a spa, indoor/outdoor pool … and an amazing private reserve full of hiking trails, lagoons and conserved land.
Nothofagus Hotel & Spa
Located in the extensive biological reserve of Huilo Huilo, Nothofagus Hotel and Spa brings you nature-inspired design and whimsical accents. You’ll have access to a variety of hikes and activities around the reserve.
Casa Solaria Hotel
This lovely small hotel is across from a park and an easy walk to all of the attractions in Pucón. Lovely decorations feature natural materials in this hotel constructed partially from materials salvaged from a building on the same site.

Guests say …

Quotes from guests about this tour:


" Worth every penny"
— Marvin S.

"This tour was amazing. The leader's knowledge and level of fitness in cycling were top-notch, and their level of understanding of the region and ability to translate and explain to us was perfect. The bikes and the food were great, and the routes were beautiful."
— Janine D.

"Great staff and support. Very well organized and great inns."
— David F.

Gallery

Images from this tour. Click each to see it larger.

Steaming volcano near Pucon Chile Black sand beach Chile Vine flowers of on tree Parque Futangue, Chile Choshuenco volcano Chile Restaurant at Parque Futangue Resort Chile Seafood stew at Parque Futangue resort Leafy forest near Lago Ranco, Chile Wildflower and berries near Pucon Chile Chile volcano with cyclists Scenic mountains, Chile Huilo-Huilo Falls, Chile Snack time in Chile Picture of Chile's Lakes & Volcanoes Bike Tour Chile lake Jump for joy by volcano, Chile Hike at Volcan Villarrica, Chile