We invite you to get on ride by a carefully designed route in order to maximize the opportunity to experience an intimate encounter with a well-preserved territory that has maintained its appearance from millions of years ago, offering a glimpse into past.
Bike by pristine scenarios characterized by nothofagus and monkey puzzles forests which share the territory with snow-capped volcanoes, lakes, and innumerable waterfalls, rivers and streams that will satisfy our thirst during these seven days cycling together.
Choose the trip modality that suits you best and embark on your perfect adventure with the help and care of our appacionate team!
Villarrica volcano, called Rukapillan in Mapuche language, which means «House of the Spirit», is one of approximately 15 volcanoes present along the Araucanía Andina region.
About Araucanía Andina
Araucanía refers to the ‘place inhabited by the Araucanos,’ the name by which Spanish colonizers designated the indigenous people now well-known as Mapuches. This name also pertains to a native conifer called Araucaria or Pewén (Araucaria araucana), which you may better recognize as the Monkey Puzzle tree. Its seed, the Piñón, has been a vital part of the Mapuche culture’s diet
This territory covers the section of the Andes mountain range in southern Chile’s Araucanía Region, located 700 km south of Santiago city, on the northern side of the Lake District. It is an extensive area characterized by hosting some of the most active volcanoes in the world. A significant portion of this remarkable territory is recognized as the Kütralkura Geopark by UNESCO
Araucaria forest.
- For the Fully Assisted and Semi-Assisted modalities we offer an All Inclusive guided tour. We will provide everything as soon as you set foot on Araucanía’s land, including your touring bike, all accommodation and all meals. For more information, please refer to the «Include» section.
- This trip spans 7 days of cycling, with daily distances ranging from 22 to 38 miles, primarily along cycle paths and low-traffic roads. The entire circuit covers a total of 221 miles, consisting of 161.8 miles on gravel roads, 44.7 miles on paved roads, and 14.5 miles on railway lines. We anticipate an average daily pedaling time of 5 hours
- The route passes through rugged terrain with dense vegetation. However, we will follow less steep roads and well-marked paths through the native forest. It primarily follows moderately graded gravel roads, gently ascending and descending across expansive valleys.
- Our journey will take us alongside picturesque rivers like Minetué, Maichin, Carilafquén, and the Cautín River. The only challenging part of the route is a brief ascent to the hill pass on the eastern ladern of Sollipulli volcano. Nevertheless, this segment is short, and we’ll have ample time to conquer it without any difficulties.
- The tour prioritizes secondary roads and pathways, often less traveled by cars due to their challenging access, ideal for fostering a closer connection with the natural environment, ensuring both safety and enjoyable rides with an intimate encounter with nature.
- In Coigüe, we are committed to training more local guides to enhance availability for upcoming seasons. Currently, our experienced guide, Nicolás, will lead the tour. Nico will share his passion for bike touring and deliver all his knowledge about the region while ensuring your well-being throughout your stay, from the initial meeting at Temuco airport to the farewell, at that same location.
Summary
- Activity: Bike Touring
- Number of participants: From 1 to 9 (depends on modality)
- Target Audience: Experienced Bike Touring Enthusiasts
- Season: From November to April
- Start location: Pucón city
- Finish location: Melipeuco
- Days riding: 7
- Total nights: 7
- Distance per day:
- Day 1: 26mi (42km)
- Day 2: 37mi (60km)
- Day 3: 27mi (44km)
- Day 4: 22mi (35km)
- Day 5: 40mi (64km)
- Day 6: 31mi (50km ) + 2.8mi of tunnel
- Day 7: 38mi (62km)
- Total distance: 221 miles (355 km)
About
Choosing your touring bike
- We are parnered with Touring Bike Rental & Workshop, based in Santiago, Chile.
- The touring bikes that this company rents as self-guided mode are the same ones offered for this tour.
- It owner, Carlos, is constantly incorporating, adjusting and upgrading hes gravel bikes in order diversifying the fleet so you could find the perfect one that suit your cycling style and preferences, according, of course, the characteristics of the cycling tour you have chosen.
- All bikes offerd on the blog receive a complete overhaul before every cycling tour
- Bikes shuttles included
- Enter to our blog: Touring Bikes for your guided cycling adventure to check them out and choose your partner for your next adventure with us.
My check list
- Helmet (possible for rental)
- On pair of sneakers
- Two bike socks
- One pair warm socks
- First layer (for sleeping and be warm)
- Two cycling shorts
- One trekking pant (light and removable if possible)
- Two t-shirts with long sleevs if possible
- Warm jacket as second layer with cap(polar or feather)
- Raincut jacket as thierth layer with cap
- Warm hat
- One pair of cycling gloves
- Neck warmer
- Sandals
- Personal hygiene utensils
- microfiber towels
- Sun block
- Sun glasses
Note: This is the recommended equipment for each member of the group throughout the trip. Any other clothing that the cyclist wants to consider for the rest of the vacation or as spare clothes regarding day 4 and day 7 are excluded on this list.
Season
- During the winter, weather conditions can become challenging, featuring heavy rain, strong winds, and low temperatures. The snowfall in this season divides the route into three distinct areas, rendering it impossible to complete the tour. Therefore this tour is available from November to March, starting in late spring after the accumulated snow on the route has melted and extending into early autumn.
Accommodation
For guide tours we offer diverse options for overnight stays. You will enjoy pleasant accommodations at the luxurious Selina Plaza in Pucón and the Malalcahuello Hotspring & Spa, as well as the opportunity to connect and engage with the Catalan family, who warmly welcome you to their home. For a more intimate experience with nature, we offer camping at three carefully selected sites. One of these sites, the Conguillío campsite, provides warm showers and bathroom facilities.
According Self-guided mode, the traveler’s assistant will offer information and recommendations for campgrounds along the route and assist cyclist in making reservations at hostels or hotels if they are interested
The meeting
- On the day before your adventure begins, your guide or travel assistant* will meet you at Araucanía Airport**, which is located in Temuco, the captital city of the region. From there, it will take approximately 2 hours to drive to your hotel in Pucón, where your bikes will be waiting for you to inspect and adjust if necessary.
*According Self-guided mode
**To reach Temuco Airport, the most convenient option is to take a 1,5 hours flight from Santiago to Temuco. There are approximately 10 daily flights operating between these two cities, with LATAM being the most popular airline. You can check the costs and availability of flights by clicking here.
Tailored Bike Tours: Your Ride, your Style!
Self-Guided
Bike tours are tailored for self-sufficient travelers who relish exploring at their own pace. It’s ideal for those with some cycling experience and confidence in navigating routes independently, offering freedom and flexibility in terms of timing, pace, and route selection. Travelers can determine when and where they begin each day’s ride and make spontaneous route adjustments.
If you’re on a tighter budgetand prefer independent cycling, our Self-Guided mode is designed for independent adventurers. Accommodation, meals, and gear beyond the gravel bike, bike repair kit and saddlebags are not included, but helmets and camping gear are available for rent.
We provide cyclists with a comprehensive itinerary, maps, and route descriptions. These resources outline the planned route, points of interest, accommodation options, and dining choices.
For added peace of mind, cyclists have access to a support vehicle throughout the 7 days of riding if needed. The vehicle is also included for travellers transportation from Temuco airport to Pucón and from Melipeuco to the airport.
Semi-Assisted
For those who prefer pedaling in small groups of no more than 4 participants and carrying only essential items in their saddlebags, the Semi-Assisted mode is an excellent choice.
Limit the group size to ensure a more personalized experience and better interaction with the guide. Unlike the Full-Assited, in this option it´s not includded a support vehicle throughout the tour in order to increase the sense of freedom and independence. Instead, we provide:
- Passenger transfer from Temuco airport to Pucón and from Melipeuco to Temuco´s airport or Pucón.
- Transfer of equipment (spare clothes) and food from Pucón to Melipeuco planned for the fourth day.
- Route assistance vehicle in case of accidents or any other incidents during the 7 days of cycling. The vehicle can transport up to five passengers (including the driver), four bicycles, and all other equipment. It will be stationed in Pucón for the first three days and then relocate to Melipeuco starting from the fourth day in case rescue or assisted needed.
For the tour, you only need to bring your helmet (available for rental), personal hygiene items, and clothing, which you will carry in the two 20L saddlebags provided by us. Out of your clothes, these bags should contain your sleeping bag, mattress, a four-season tent for sharing, and a headlamp provided by us. During breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to prepare your own sandwiches for your box lunch during each day of cycling.
Additionally, your guide will carry an external battery for charging mobile devices, a first aid kit, a bike repair kit, stove, gas, cookware, and all the food needed to prepare delicious meals.
Full Assisted
If you are interested in traveling light and joining a group of 4 to 9 cyclists to reduce costs while enjoying the convenience of a support vehicle at all times, our Full Assisted service is an excellent choice. With this option, you can enjoy your adventure without the burden of carrying a full set of panniers. We provide the convenience of a van and trailer to transport your gear. You can focus solely on pedaling, carrying nothing more than essentials such as water, lunch, snacks, and warm clothing. We’ll take care of the rest!
We offer luggage transfer services, utilizing a designated vehicle to transport your belongings from one accommodation to another. This service allows you to enjoy your ride without the weight of heavy bags. Furthermore, for spending the night under the stars, our support vehicle will transport all camping equipment to the designated campsite. Our driver will assist in setting up camp and await your arrival with a delicious and restorative meal. Our selected campsites are strategically located near rivers or lakes, providing you with the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing baths at the end of your active day.
Price per rider
| Modality | USD |
|---|---|
| Self-Guide | $350 ($50 per day) |
| Full-Assisted | $1500 (from 4 to 9 riders) |
| Semi-Assisted | $2200 (from 1 to 3 riders) |
Itinerary
(For Full and Semi-Assisted modalities)
Day 0: The meeting
-Accomodation: Selina Plaza (or similar), Pucón
By the day before the adventure begins, your guide will pick you up at Araucanía airport located in Temuco. From there it takes 2 hours by car towards your hotel in Pucón passing by Villarrica town and bordering it namesake lake. At your hotel, your «partner» will be waiting for you to check it out and adjust it if needed.
For Semi-Assisted you can provide us with any items you would like to have available (such as clean clothes) for either the 4th or the last day of cycling. To facilitate this, a member of our team will transport them by car from Pucón to the accommodation planned for the third and final night at Catalan Guest House. At Catalan’s, we will replenish our meal supplies for the remainder of the tour and offer the opportunity to exchange your soiled clothes for clean ones.
Day 1: Pucón - Laguna el León
- Total distance: 25 miles (42km)
- Type of road:
- Gravel road: 18.6mi (30km)
- Paved road: 7.4mi (12km)
- Elevation difference: 450m
- Accomodation: Camping at León lagoon
Early morning and after having breakfast we will meet at your hotel to get on ride to our adventure! The first 12km will be by a pavment road, the rest of the way until the forth day, we will ride by gravel. We´ll take an alternative route to «Camino Internacional», which extend toward east alongside the north bank of Minetué river. The route here is flat and in excellent condition. For this day we highlight extensive green cattle fields, the Villarrica Volcano that will gradually say goodbye, the mighty but at the same time calm Minetué river and the opportunity to visit the Viewpoint of Laguna de León that we can visit by walking along an easy path of 1 km.
Day 2: Laguna El león - Villarrica National Reserve
- Total distance: 37 miles (60k)
- Type of road: Complity by gravel road.
- Elevation: 703m
- Accommodation: Camping
We will get deep into the valley of Maichín river heading north passing through Regigolil (k44). For this day we will pedal completely on gravel roads that will lead us through less inhabited places as we continue going north and gradually gaining height. After 55k we will arrive at Villarrica Natural Reserve. Nearby the entrance we will find a perfect SPOT for passing the night, by the side of Sollipulli river, at the foot of its namesake volcano.
Day 3: Villarrica National Reserve - Catalán
- Total distance: 27 miles (35 km)
- Type of road: Complity by gravel road.
- Elevation difference: 440 m
- Accommodation: Catalán guest house (Melipeuco sector)
By the morning we will continue cycling uphill but this time on steeper terrain. It’s considered 6k until the hillpath. There will be no rush to make this section which perhaps, is the most demanded of the seven days. Good thing is that the rest of the route is downhill. This road communicate people to the north of the country, nevertheless it is not possible to access by a car (even 4×4) that needs to take a different way to go northern, so we can expect to find these natural corners with very little human presence.
Once we have surrounded the Sollipulli volcano by its eastern side, we will arrive at the Catalán guest house, where we can take a hot water shower to then have a delicious dinner before going to bed for recharging energies.
Day 4: Catalán - Conguillío National Park
- Total distance: 22 miles (35 km)
- Type of road:
- Gravel: 15.8mi (25km)
- Paved: 6.2mi (10km)
- Elevation difference: 440 m
- Accommodation: Camping at the park
This day is mainly gaining altitude gradually by a very friendly pavement road until the south entrance of Conguillío National Park. At the park the road becomes gravel and goes by a desert field, a dump (escorial) from the Llaima volcano. Among the main attractions we will meet Laguna Verde and Laguna Arcoiris before we arrive at Los Ñirres campsite at the shoreline of Conguillío lake. Equipped with bathrooms, showers, and food facilities, this place is perfect for spending the night surrounded by monkey puzzels and Coigüe trees.
Day 5: Conguillío National Park - Malalcahuello
- Total distance: 40 miles (64 km)
- Type of road:
- Gravel: 9.4mi (15km)
- Paved: 21.1mi (34km)
- Old railway: 9.3 (15km)
- Elevation difference: 800 m
- Accommodation: Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa.
In the morning we will make a moderate ascent for about 5 kilometers until we leave the Park. Then the journey is several kilometers downhill until Cautín River. Afterwards we will pedal east through this valley by the old trans-Andean railway that has been adapted for the use of cyclists, therefore this bikeway section of 12km that goes hidden from cars, by dence forest, ravines and two tunnels, does not exceed a 4% gradient. Once we arrive to Malalcahuello town, we’ll take a road towards south and pedal the last 2.5k of the jurney until the arrival at Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa. Opportunity to let yourself get pampered by it pleasant and exquisite offer.
Day 6: Malalcahuello - Galletué
- Total distance: 31 miles (50 km) + 2.8 of tunnel
- Type of road:
- Gravel: 34.8mi (22.6km)
- Old railway: 5.2mi (8.3 km)
- Elevation difference: 1482 feet (422 m)
- Accommodation: Camping
After a pleasant night at the Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa, we’ll embark on our journey toward Las Raíces tunnel. This tunnel, measuring 4,528 meters in length, held the distinction of being the longest railway tunnel in Latin America in its time. While it has since been adapted for car traffic, it remains inaccessible to cyclists. Therefore, an assistant will be waiting to guide us through the tunnel safely with our bikes by car.
Our cycling adventure continues for approximately 8 kilometers along the old railway line, which has been paved and tailored for cyclists. Following this, we’ll transition onto a gravel road that leads to Lake Galletué, the origin of the Biobio River, which flows through and demarcates the central and southern regions of Chile
Day 7: Galletué - Catalán
- Total distance: 38 miles (62 km)
- Type of road:
- Gravel: 28mi (45km)
- Paved: 10mi (17km)
- Elevation difference: 900 m
- Accommodation: Catalán Guest house
In the morning, we will take the gravel road leading to Icalma Lake. During this stretch, we will have the opportunity to admire the expansive high plateau landscape, which extends into Argentina, letting us note that we are on the other side of the Andes range. After passing the picturesque Icalma Lake, we will ascend for a couple of kilometers before descending back to Catalán, either via a secondary road or by taking the main highway. To bid farewell, we will enjoy a traditional Chilean barbecue at the Catalán Guesthouse on our last night.
On the following day, after breakfast, your guide will transport you to Temuco airport by vehicle, marking the conclusion of our services.
Note: The itinerary may vary according to weather conditions or other eventualities, always in favor of the trip and the safety of its participants.
What´s Provided
Below, you’ll find a concise summary of what’s included and what’s not, presented in the following tables. The specific inclusions or exclusions depend on the tour modality that piques your interest
Semi-Assisted
Included
- Bilingual Guide ESP-ING
- Gravel touring bike
- Two 20L saddlebags Ortlieb Classic Roller
- All meals*
- Breakfast, box lunch and dinners
- Chilean barbecue for last night as ferwell
- All accommodations
- Three nights Camping
- Tent (for single or two travelers)
- Cooking equipment
- Warm and cleen sleeping bag
- Light and packeable airt mat
- Headlamp
- One night in Selina Paza, Pucón
- Two nights in Catalán´s guesthouse (Melipeuco)
- One night in Malalcahuello Hostping and Spa
- Three nights Camping
- Transport
- From Temuco´s airport to Pucón
- From Melipeuco to airport or Pucón
- Luggade transport from Pucón to Melipeuco (by third day)
- Safty
- Support vehicle as emergency assistance
- First aid kit
- Bike repair kit
Not Included**
- Personal clothes
- Accident insurance
- Helmet (available for rental)
*Consider dietary restrictions and preferences of participants
**These items apply to all modalities. Any gear or bike equipment not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section, such as bike mirrors, handlebar bags, cycling gloves, or any other items are also not included.
Full-Assisted
Included
- Bilingual Guide ESP-ING
- Gravel touring bike
- Assistant as support driver, camp setup and cook
- Two 20L saddlebags Ortlieb Classic Roller
- All meals*
- Breakfast, box lunch and dinners
- Chilean barbecue for last night as ferwell
- All accomodation
- Three nights Camping
- Tent (for single or two travelers)
- Cooking equipment
- Warm and cleen sleeping bag
- Light and packeable airt mat
- Headlamp
- One night in Selina Paza, Pucón
- Two nights in Catalán´s guesthouse (Melipeuco)
- One night in Malalcahuello Hostping and Spa
- Three nights Camping
- Transport
- From Temuco´s airport to Pucón
- From Melipeuco to airport or Pucón
- Luggage transport from an accommodation to the next one
- Safty
- SAG Support**
- First aid kit
- Bike repair kit
Not Included***
- Personal clothes
- Accident insurance
- Helmet (available for rental)
*Consider dietary restrictions and preferences of participants.
**Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles can assist with mechanical issues, first aid, or transport for tired cyclists during each day of cycling. SAG support increase participants’ confidence in the tour.
***These items apply to all modalities. Any gear or bike equipment not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section, such as bike mirrors, handlebar bags, cycling gloves, or any other items are also not included.
Self-Guided
Included
- Detailed Briefing*
- Gravel touring bike
- Two 20L saddlebags Ortlieb Classic Roller
- Transport
- From Temuco´s airport to Pucón
- From Melipeuco to airport or Pucón
- Safty**
- 24/7 Support
- Support vehicle
- Bike repair kit
Not Included***
- Personal clothes
- Accident insurance
- Helmet (available for rental)
*Briefing before the tour begins, explaining the route, safety guidelines, and emergency procedures. Support and Gear (SAG) vehicles can assist with mechanical issues, first aid, or transport for tired cyclists during each day of cycling. SAG support increase participants’ confidence in the tour .
**Offer 24/7 support for assistance with route guidance, emergencies, or any issues participants may encounter. For emergency support a vehicle will be available if travelers need rescue. Assistance will arrive at your point without exceed 3 hours from departure.
***These items apply to all modalities. Any gear or bike equipment not mentioned in the ‘Included’ section, such as bike mirrors, handlebar bags, cycling gloves, or any other items are also not included.