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TRIP OVERVIEW
Bike through a side of Patagonia most travelers never experience
SCENIC VOLCANOES
Explore Chile’s La Araucanía Region in Northern Patagonia by bike, following winding gravel roads through ancient Araucaria forests along an improved version of the famous Monkey Puzzle Tree Trail. Along the way, spend time with the Indigenous Mapuche community of Quinquén, who have inhabited this land for more than 2,500 years, sharing in their traditions, stories, and local foods against a landscape of snow-capped active volcanoes and terrain dating back to the Jurassic Period. Guided by experienced bike travelers George and Lea, the journey moves at a slow, steady pace, with complete van support, custom-built gravel bikes, and luggage transfers allowing you to focus on the landscape and host communities without carrying heavy gear.
Navigate around active volcanoes, including Lonquimay, Llaima, and Sollipulli.
ARAUCARIA FOREST
Ride among the regions most ancient landscapes.
FULLY SUPPORTED
Enjoy full van support, luggage transfers, and customized Satiro gravel bikes built for volcanic terrain.
LOCAL CONNECTION
Participate in a guide-led cultural exchange with the indigenous Mapuche community of Quinquén.
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MEET YOUR GUIDE
HEAR IT FROM THE GUIDE
Lea & George
Bike travelers passionate about slow travel, local connection, and seeing a place at a human scale.
Chile
Homebase:
IS THIS TRIP RIGHT FOR YOU?
EXPERIENCE
Comfortable riding gravel for severel hours over mutiple days.
FITNESS
Expect consecutive active days and sustained climbs.
TERRAIN
Gravel roads, variable surfaces, and significant elevation climb.
DIFFICULTY:
Challenging
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WHAT'S INCLUDED
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
WHAT'S INCLUDED
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
7 nights of lodging
All meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 8 lunch
Picnic-style trail lunches on riding days
Customized Satiro Hybrid Silene gravel bike
ContraLuz reflective athletic windbreaker
Van support, trailhead transfers & luggage transfers
Optional van support for Day 3 climbs
National park, reserve & Río Blanco hot springs entrance fees
Experienced local guides with Garmin InReach
Guide-captured photography & video
Domestic & international airfare
Day 0 airport transfers in Temuco
Pre- or post-trip accommodations
Alcohol, extra snacks & personal expenses
Travel insurance
TRANSPORTATION
Scheduled transportation and transfers
WHAT TO PACK
What to bring
and rental options
ACCOMODATIONS
Where you'll stay
FOOD
What's included
WEATHER
Seasonal conditions and what to expect
INSURANCE
Required and recommendations
SH*T HAPPENS
Here's what to know
Cancellation Policy
Life happens! We get it. Here is a clear overview of our cancellation policy, travel insurance requirements, and how we handle changes due to weather or other unexpected circumstances.
Travel Insurance
Changes & Weather
DAY BY DAY
TRIP ITINERARY
Day 1 | Shakedown Ride to Malalcahuello
Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km) Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Malalcahuello Lodge / Inn
Begin with a 12 km shakedown ride along a scenic converted railroad path featuring short tunnels and gentle gravel. Stop for a vegetarian-friendly lunch at a French restaurant run by a local family before continuing to the mountain town of Malalcahuello.
NOTES: Day 1 breakfast is not included. Bike fitting and safety checks occur before departure.
Day 2 | Lonquimay Volcano Loop & Lava Fields
Distance: 22.4 miles (36 km) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Malalcahuello Lodge / Inn
A technical 36 km ride circling the base of active Lonquimay Volcano. Navigate quiet gravel roads through ancient Araucaria forests and dark lava fields formed by past eruptions.
NOTES: Terrain includes loose volcanic gravel requiring attentive bike handling.
Day 3 | Valley Ride to Lonquimay
Distance: 24 miles (39 km) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lonquimay Lodge / Inn
Ride 39 km through a narrow valley framed by towering peaks. Covers 25 km of gravel followed by a final 14 km paved stretch into Lonquimay.
NOTES: Support vehicles are available to carry riders over two challenging early climbs if preferred.
Day 4 | Mapuche Cultural Exchange in Quinquén
Distance: 20.5 miles (33 km) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Quinquén Community Lodging
Take on a gradual 33 km climb along the valley floor to the Mapuche community of Quinquén. Participate in a cultural exchange, share traditional foods and Mate, and take a guide-led hike learning about the community's 2,500-year relationship with the Araucaria forest.
Day 5 | China Muerta Reserve & Llaima Lava Flow
Distance: 27 miles (44 km) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Melipeuco Lodge / Inn
A demanding 44 km ride across loose volcanic sand and open, unshaded terrain in China Muerta National Reserve. Includes a detour to view the site of the massive 2008 Llaima Volcano lava flow.
NOTES: Unshaded riding day; carry adequate hydration and sun protection.
Day 6 | Melipeuco Rest Day & Sierra Nevada Hike
Distance: 0 miles riding (Optional 7.5 miles / 12 km hiking) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Melipeuco Lodge / Inn
Rest day in Melipeuco. Relax by the spring-fed river or join an optional guided 12 km round-trip hike on the Sierra Nevada Trail for panoramic park viewpoints.
Day 7 | Cowboy Route & Río Blanco Hot Springs
Distance: 28.5 miles (46 km) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Río Blanco Hot Springs Lodge
Complete a final 46 km ride tracing Sollipulli Volcano along a rugged cowboy route (La Ruta del Baqueano). Finish with a relaxing soak in the natural, riverside thermal hot springs of Río Blanco.
NOTES: Hot springs entrance fees are fully included.
Day 8 | Lago Caburga Drive & Farewell in Villarrica
Distance: 0 miles riding (Vehicle Transfer) Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a panoramic drive along Lago Caburga to Villarrica for a farewell lunch overlooking the lake and time to browse local crafts before transferring back to Temuco Airport.