8-Day Supported Gravel Ride in Northern Patagonia, Chile
Winding gravel, active volcanoes, and ancient forests: Welcome to Patagonia off the beaten path!
Location:
La Araucanía Region, Northern Patagonia, Chile | Fly in/out of Temuco Airport – Aeródromo La Araucanía - ZCO
2026 Dates:
November 29, 2026 – December 6, 2026
January 3, 2027 – January 10, 2027
January 24, 2027 – January 31, 2027
February 28, 2027 – March 7, 2027
Cost:
$1,85 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. This trip is guided by experienced bike travelers and closely supported by the local communities you'll move through. Prepare to experience travel at a human scale and a slow, steady pace to truly immerse ourselves in the landscape and connect with local people.
Highlights
Day 1: A 12 km (7.5 mi) shakedown ride along a scenic railroad-turned-gravel path (featuring a few short tunnels) to the mountain town of Malalcahuello. Along the way, you will stop for a unique vegetarian-friendly lunch at a French restaurant run by a local family.
Day 2: A technical 36 km (22.4 mi) ride around the base of the active Lonquimay Volcano, navigating quiet, rugged gravel roads through ancient Araucaria forests and striking lava fields.
Day 3: A 39 km (24 mi) ride through a narrow valley surrounded by towering peaks. This ride includes 25 km (15.5 mi) of gravel and a final 14 km (8.7 mi) paved stretch into Lonquimay, with support vehicles available to transport you over two challenging early climbs if preferred.
Day 4: A gradual 33 km (20.5 mi) climb along the valley floor to the Mapuche community of Quinquén. Here, you will take part in an extraordinary cultural experience, share traditional foods and Mate, and go on a guide-led educational hike to learn about their 2,500-year-old relationship with the Araucaria tree.
Day 5: A demanding 44 km (27 mi) ride through loose volcanic sand and open, unshaded terrain in the China Muerta National Reserve, featuring a detour to view the site of a massive 2008 Llaima Volcano lava flow.
Day 6: A well-earned rest day in Melipeuco with the option to relax by the spring-fed river or head out for a guided 12 km (7.5 mi) round-trip hike on the Sierra Nevada Trail for stunning viewpoints of the park.
Day 7: A final 46 km (28.5 mi) ride tracing Sollipulli Volcano along a rugged cowboy route (La Ruta del Baqueano), culminating in a relaxing soak in the natural, riverside hot springs of Río Blanco.
Day 8: A panoramic drive along Lago Caburga to the lakeside town of Villarrica for a farewell lunch overlooking the water and an opportunity to shop for handmade local crafts before heading back to Temuco.
Specialized Gear & Keepsakes Included:
You will ride customized Satiro Hybrid Silene gravel bikes equipped with Shimano hydraulic brakes, purpose-built to handle the region's volcanic sand and loose gravel.
Every rider receives a reflective, breathable athletic windbreaker handcrafted by ContraLuz, an independent maker based in Santiago.
Total Mileage:
155 miles (250 km)
Transportation Included?
Yes throughout the trip duration.
Tendency for Break
Yes, especially for water and meals.
Duration:
8 Days/7 Nights
Strenuous Level:
Moderate to Demanding
Pace:
Steady, slow-travel focus to connect with the 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 7 nights of lodging listed in the itinerary.
All meals from Day 1 lunch through Day 8 lunch, excluding breakfast on Day 1 and dinner on Day 8. (Simple, fresh picnic-style trail lunches featuring high-quality meats, cheeses, and sandwiches are served on riding days.
Scheduled van transportation, trailhead transfers, luggage transfers between accommodations, and optional van support over the steep climbs on Day 3.
Park fees for all visited national parks and reserves, as well as the Río Blanco hot springs entrance fee.
Experienced local guides carrying a Garmin InReach satellite communicator at all times.
Guide carries a camera and GoPro to capture your riding photos and videos.
What's Not Included:
Domestic and international airfare.
Airport transfers on Day 0 (arrival day) in Temuco.
Hotel accommodations before or after the official trip dates.
Alcohol with meals, extra snacks, and personal spending money.
Travel insurance (highly recommended).
Cancellation Policy:
Route Adjustments First: If unexpected natural events (such as forest fires) occur, the guides will prioritize adjusting the route to an alternate path that captures the same spirit, beauty, and sense of adventure to avoid canceling the trip.
Refund Policy: If a natural event makes any route adjustments impossible and a cancellation becomes absolutely necessary, refunds will be issued.
Meet your guide
George & Lea
Founders of Chilco Bike Expedition
Their journey into professional guiding began with two remarkable solo trips in the summer of 2023, when both independently set out to cycle across Europe to Istanbul. George started his ride in Amsterdam, while Lea began hers in Rome. After pedaling thousands of kilometers, they finally crossed paths in the coastal city of Izmir, Turkey. They instantly bonded over their shared love for bike touring and traveling at a slow, deliberate pace that allows riders to truly take in the landscape and connect with local communities. The inspiration to share this lifestyle with others came from their own families. After returning from Turkey, both of their mothers asked when they would be taken on a similar cycling adventure. In response, George and Lea organized a month-long bike trip around Ireland and Scotland with their moms in the summer of 2025. Guiding their families through that journey sparked a new, profound passion for teaching others the "strange art" of bike touring and bikepacking, which led directly to the creation of Chilco Bike Expeditions. Today, they design and lead trips guided by the same philosophy: moving off the beaten path at a human scale, supported by the local communities they ride through
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