Chile Lakes + Volcanoes Bike Tour

Meet your guides in downtown Pucón where it’s hard to notice anything but the beautiful snow-capped Villarrica volcano. Begin with a bike fitting and safety briefing before our first spin towards Lake Caburgua. Like an amazing illusion, Villarrica is a constant companion on our ride through rural Chilean landscapes lined with farmhouses and evergreen forests. We’re headed for Huife hot springs—the geothermal waters are a soothing soak for sore legs after a morning full of climbing. After lunch, a transfer takes us to our first exceptional hotel in Chile’s Lake District. Settle in before a dinner designed from ingredients straight out of the hotel’s organic vegetable garden.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Pucón, Huife
Accomplished: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 2,712 feet / 827 meters
Longer Option: 39 miles / 63 km, elevation gain: 3,475 feet / 1,059 meters
Accommodations: Rakau Lodge

A short transfer takes us to this morning’s ride: start pedaling from the outskirts of peaceful Catripulli and proceed up to the town of Curarrehue where Villarrica feels close enough to touch. If you’re keen for a challenge, keep riding all the way to the Chile-Argentina border—it will provide more context for our afternoon with a Mapuche chief. The Mapuche are an indigenous people to parts of Patagonia, and their deep connection to these Andean forests have informed their culinary culture: learn about traditional Mapuche foods and the cooking rituals that have endured for millennia. This afternoon, opt for more miles or hop in the van and head to the hotel, where you can soak in the hot tub, treat yourself to a massage, or sip a Chilean vintage before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Catripulli, Curarrehue, Rucananco
Accomplished: 24 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 984 feet / 300 meters
Longer Option: 54 miles / 87 km, elevation gain: 4,943 feet / 1,507 meters
Accommodations: Rakau Lodge

This morning we’ll transfer to Lake Panguipulli to cycle one of the most scenic routes in Chile. Follow the glassy lakefront, then enjoy the rush of a descent while fixing your gaze on the glacial peaks of Choshuenco volcano. Break for lunch in the misty village of Choshuenco in the Andean foothills, then transfer to our next hotel located inside the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve. Tonight’s dinner feels like finding your place at the table inside a warm and cozy treehouse.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Panguipulli, Choshuenco, Huilo Huilo
Accomplished: 24 miles / 39 km, elevation gain: 1,843 feet / 562 meters
Longer Option: 42 miles / 68 km, elevation gain: 4,186 feet / 1,276 meters
Accommodations: Nawelpi Lodge or Hotel Nothofagus

The natural splendor of Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve awaits us: this protected part of the Patagonian jungle is home to dozens of bird species, endemic plant life, and an ecosystem all its own. We’ll see it for ourselves as we hit the trail and hike to Huilo Huilo Falls. Lunch in the field is a national dish—empanadas. This afternoon, enjoy one of the many activities available at Huilo Huilo, like rafting the rapids of the Llanquihue River, zip lining through the forest canopy, or soaking in a remote private hot spring accessible only by boat. Back at the hotel, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish: listen to the murmurings of the Fuy River, have a casual meal at the brewery, or dine at your choice of onsite restaurants.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Huilo Huilo
Accomplished: 2-3 hours hiking
Accommodations: Nawelpi Lodge or Hotel Nothofagus

Today begins with a transfer from the Araucanía region to the gates of Patagonia. Arrive in the port town of Puerto Octay in time for lunch, then start cycling from the shores of Lake Llanquihe—or for a more leisurely ride, pick up the route from Las Cascadas. Either way, it’s a day full of scenery that includes surprising German architecture and beautiful bodies of water, all presided over by the snowy pinnacle of the Osorno volcano. After checking into our sleek sustainable hotel, regather for a lesson on making Chile’s national drink—the Pisco Sour—before settling in for dinner overlooking Lake Llanquihue.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Puerto Octay, Las Cascadas, Ensenada
Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 1,444 feet / 440 meters
Longer Option: 45 miles / 72 km, elevation gain: 2,726 feet / 830 meters
Accommodations: Hotel AWA

Our last day of cycling truly hammers home why this region of Chile is known as the Lakes and Volcanoes District. After breakfast, ride right from the hotel towards Petrohué Falls, tucked into Osorno’s foothills. The approach is unspeakably beautiful with the volcano’s conical peak appearing to rise directly out of Lake Llanquihue. Pedal past the villages of Ensenada and through Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, home to the lava-etched Petrohué Falls. Here, we’ll hop off our bikes and walk up the Petrohué River’s basalt banks to the waterfalls at its source. After our moment of zen (and plenty of photos), ride to the town of Petrohue for lunch in the dining room of a historic lodge. Choose to pedal the rest of the way back to AWA, or catch a lift in the van and rest up for this evening’s festive farewell dinner.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Villa las Cascadas, Petrohué Falls, Petrohue
Accomplished: 20 miles / 32 km, elevation gain: 1,118 feet / 341 meters
Longer Option: 40 miles / 64 km, elevation gain: 1,814 feet / 553 meters
Accommodations: Hotel AWA

Sadly, our week of cycling has come to an end and it’s time to bid the Lakes and Volcano District farewell. After breakfast, your guides will transfer you to the Puerto Montt Airport to catch your flight back to Santiago—or wherever your next destination may be.

Meals: Breakfast