8-Day Supported Gravel Ride: Volcanoes & Araucarias (Northern Patagonia)
8 days and 7 nights cycling on gravel paths in La Araucanía Region of Northern Patagonia, exploring volcanoes, ancient ecology, and the people who inhabit it along an improved and extended Monkey Puzzle Trail.
Location:
Chile, La Araucanía Region with the nearest airport being Temuco Airport (Aeródromo La Araucanía – ZCO)
2026 Dates:
Sun Nov 29 2026 17:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Cost:
$1,600.00 per person
Overview
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Chile's La Araucanía Region in Northern Patagonia, cycling winding gravel paths through ancient Araucaria forests along an improved version of the famous Monkey Puzzle Tree Trail. A special part of this journey is a cultural experience with the indigenous Mapuche people, who have called this land home for over 2,500 years. You will share in some of their traditions, stories, and way of life while surrounded by snow-capped volcanoes and landscapes dating back to the Jurassic Period, embracing a rare living culture and the stunning natural beauty of the land
.
Highlights
Day 1: Warm up with a 12 km (7.5 mi) shakedown ride along a railroad-turned-gravel path to Malalcahuello, stopping for a vegetarian-friendly French lunch.
Day 2: Ride 36 km (22.4 mi) on technical gravel paths around the base of the Lonquimay Volcano, taking in lava flows and ancient Araucaria forests.
Day 3: Pedal 39 km (24 mi) through a tight valley along the Bio Bio River, with an option to vehicle-transport over two challenging climbs.
Day 4: Ride 33 km (20.5 mi) along the valley floor to the Mapuche community of Quinquén to enjoy a cultural program with local hosts, share food and Mate, and go on a educational hike.
Day 5: Tackle a demanding 44 km (27 mi) ride through loose volcanic sand and limited shade in China Muerta National Reserve, visiting a 2008 Llaima Volcano lava flow.
Day 6: Enjoy a rest day or take a guided 12 km (7.5 mi) hike on the Sierra Nevada Trail in Conguillío National Park.
Day 7: Complete a final 46 km (28.5 mi) ride tracing Sollipulli Volcano along La Ruta del Baqueano, ending with a relaxing soak in natural hot springs at Río Blanco.
Day 8: Travel to the lakeside town of Villarrica for lunch and craft shopping before heading back to Temuco.
Meet your guide
George & Lea
Chilco Bike Expedition
Owners & Founders of Chilco Bike Exploration
Total Mileage:
Approximately 250 km (155 mi) | Daily Riding Mileage: Average of ~35 km (~21.7 mi) across the 6 days of active cycling (ranging from a 12 km warm-up on Day 1 to a 46 km ride on Day 7)
Transportation Included?
Yes! Includes transportation to/from Temuco Airport.
Tendency for Break
Yes for water and meals.
Duration:
$1,600.00
Strenuous Level:
Moderate to Demanding
Pace:
Steady with a focus on traveling slowly enough to truly connect with the surrounding landscape.
Max Group Size:
5 Bikers
Minimum Age:
N/A
Experienced Needed?
Basic bike riding experience and confidence with bike handling are recommended. Advanced technical skills are not required, but riders should be comfortable dealing with mixed terrains like gravel, loose volcanic sand, and long downhills.
This experience is perfect for:
Active individuals who are comfortable on a bicycle and have a passion for stunning volcanic landscapes, ancient ecology, and immersive indigenous cultural experiences.
What's Included:
All scheduled transportation during the trip, including hotel pickup on Day 1, van transfers to trailheads, luggage transfers between accommodations, and group transport back to Temuco Airport, Temuco, or Villarrica on Day 8. Optional transport is also available over the two steep climbs on Day 3
What's Not Included:
Airport transfers on the day of arrival in Temuco (Day 0). Travelers can arrange their own arrival transport via local shuttle services (like TransAraucania for ~$8.50–$10), registered taxis, or Uber.
Cancellation Policy:
Refunds will be issued if unexpected natural events (such as forest fires) make route changes impossible and cancelations absolutely necessary.
Trip Partnership:
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