Chile Mountain Biking in the Lake District

Discover Chile's beautiful south

Have you looked out on the horizon to see a tremendous volcano in the distance, and then taken the afternoon to arrive at the foot of it? - You will. Have you stood half way up it and looked back to where you´ve come only to see the ocean in the distance? - You will. How would you like the satisfaction of bombing down it? - You will.

Biking amidst the Lakes. Biking along the shoreline of Lago Llanquihue. Biking along the Reloncavi Fiord. Hiking in Valdivian Rain Forest. Combined bike and hike trip to ancient Alerce Forest. Carefully selected overnights ranging from cozy mountain refuges to family operated middle range hotels.

Daily distances: between 20 and 70 kms depending upon the group. A group support vehicle allows those who wish to shorten distances where required.

Tour level: daily bike rides moderate to challenging for advanced cyclists and ambitious beginners. In the majority we will cycle along gravel roads and country lanes for which our quality mountain bikes are the perfect match. During two days we will ride tarmac roads. There is very little car traffic on any of the roads.

Conditions for participants: normal state of health and fitness. Qualified English speaking bike guides will bring you closer to the Chilean Lake District through their enthusiasm and knowledge.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

On the road

Day 1: Puerto Montt - Puerto Varas

Reception at the airport in Puerto Montt. Transfer to Puerto Varas. Mountain bikes provided for those who would like to limber up whilst various others in the group arrive through the day. Evening gathering to discuss our coming adventure over a complimentary welcome cocktail at the local Merlin Restaurant in Puerto Varas. Overnight: Hosteria Outsider or similar.

Day 2: Puerto Varas - Alerce Andino National Park

Drive south through the local capital and principal southern port: Puerto Montt. The route continues along the Carretera Austral next to the ocean. Hike in the National Park of Alerce Andino which makes up almost 40,000 hectares or (97,000 acres). It contains the largest surviving Valdivian Rainforest in the world with many native Alerce (giant coniferous) trees distantly related to the Redwoods of California. Standing amidst these tremendous trees is like standing in a cathedral larger than any you have previously known. Though it may seem like a strange juxtaposition, as a point of fact, if one were to count the rings of some of these trees one would find them to be much older than any Cathedral you know. Many are indeed much older than the Christian religion itself. The vegetation here is surprisingly dense and varied. The trail is well maintained. Return to Puerto Varas in the evening. Walking on our first day is designed to allow everyone to limber up for the coming days.

Hiking: about 12 km (8 miles)

A meeting on the way

Day 3: Puerto Varas - Volcan Osorno

Depart early from Puerto Varas by mountain bike along the shore of Lago Llanquihue. Snowcapped volcanoes of the Andes grow steadily larger as we ride along the lakeshore toward them. In Ensenada we hop aboard our accompanying vehicle and travel uphill to the Mountain Lodge on the slopes of Volcan Osorno. Lunch on the lower slopes of the Volcano itself. Afternoon hike on the surface of the Volcano's sculpted lava and snowfields. Overnight at 1,300 meters above sea level in a cozy mountain hut. With a bit of luck we'll enjoy a colorful sunset over Lake Llanquihue and Volcan Calbuco.

Biking: 45 - 65 km (accompanying vehicle at all times), Hiking: 5 - 8 km

Day 4: Volcan Osorno - Las Cascadas Waterfalls

Breathtaking morning views hiking downhill on the slopes of Volcan Osorno. Bike descent to the lake's edge. Continue along the shore of the Lago Llanquihue to the sleepy hamlet of Las Cascadas. Picnic on the lake's edge. Hike into a spectacular canyon with a waterfall. A deep lush gorge and light playing on the mist in the air makes for refreshing and spectacular finish today. Return by vehicle to Ensenada. Overnight in nice cabins on the waterfront.

Biking: 35 km (accompanying vehicle at all times), Hiking: 3 km

Day 5: Ensenada - Petrohue river - Ensenada

Drive or bike to Petrohue, visit the waterfalls, enjoy a short boatride and hike. Have a break from cycling for a white-water rafting trip on the Petrohue River. Picnic on the beach on the river. Overnight in nice cabins in Ensenada.

Day 6: Ensenada - Reloncavi Fiord on the Pacific Ocean - Puerto Varas

Cycle south to the Reloncavi Fiord on the Pacific Ocean. See the rustic farms of Northern Patagonia and distant ocean views from various high points en route. Dolphins can be seen on the final leg of the trip. In the afternoon stop at the hot-springs of Ralun for a relaxing soak to end an adventurous day cycling. Return in the late afternoon to Puerto Varas for overnight.

Biking: 45 km

Volcan Osorno

Day 7: Puerto Varas - Frutillar - Puerto Octay

Ride north along the shores of Lago Llanquihue in the footsteps of the German settlers of the 1850's. The small lakeside road winds along the hilly landscape offering fascinating views of various southern volcanoes. Swim at the sandy beach during a break en route. Our first destination is the beautiful summer town of Frutillar. Visit the open air Pioneer Village Museum. Have a hearty picnic. Continue along the lakeshore to Puerto Octay with its idyllic harbour and famous fishing opportunities. Return to Puerto Varas in the late afternoon by vehicle. Overnight at the Hosteria Outsider (or similar).

Biking distance between 35 and 60 kms

Day 8: Puerto Varas - Puerto Montt

You are transferred to Puerto Montt airport for your return flight.