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Chile Ride
Once-in-a-lifetime exploration of the stunning volcanoes and lakes region of Chile’s Patagonia.
About the Ride
TBA
Departs from Pucon, Chile
Join us for a cycling adventure to discover the Lake & Volcano District of Chile, a fascinating part of the country dominated by astonishing national parks, azure lakes, active volcanoes, and some of the best thermal waters in the world. Immerse yourself in world-class cycling on this point-to-point hotel-based event.
Event Details
Positive Planet Impact
Full Event Story
This Chile Lake District Cycling Tour is an Unforgettable Vacation Adventure
This charitable cycling adventure takes us to one of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world—Chile’s Lake District. Nestled between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, this spectacular region is a land of pristine lakes, ancient forests, and towering volcanoes. The area boasts a rich cultural heritage, blending indigenous Mapuche traditions with European influences from German and Swiss settlers who arrived in the 19th century. Their presence is reflected in the charming alpine-style architecture, hearty cuisine, and local customs found throughout the region.
Cycling Scenic Back Roads: Explore Chile’s Lakes and Volcanoes
Shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, the landscape is marked by dramatic snow-capped peaks, rolling green valleys, and shimmering glacial lakes. The iconic Osorno, Villarrica, and Calbuco volcanoes rise above the horizon, their near-perfect cones mirrored in the crystal-clear waters below. As we cycle through this remarkable terrain, we’ll pass through lush rainforests filled with ancient Araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees, ride along the shores of emerald-green lakes, and pedal past cascading waterfalls.
The Lake District is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering not only incredible cycling routes but also opportunities to witness diverse wildlife, from Andean condors soaring overhead to the playful pudú, one of the world’s smallest deer. The region’s mild climate and well-maintained roads make it an ideal destination for a cycling adventure.
What better way to experience this stunning part of the world than by bicycle? This journey offers an intimate way to explore Chile’s diverse ecosystems, rich cultural traditions, and unparalleled natural beauty—all from the saddle of your bike.
Itinerary Overview
Itinerary subject to change, your Ride Guide will include full details. Want to add more miles or shorten your ride? Full support is available.
Day 1
Arrival Day – Bike 28 miles , +2434 ft
Every day, your guides will offer a shorter option. If you’d like to cut out some climbing, let us know!
Today we meet in Pucon for check into our hotel and enjoy a local lunch all together. After lunch, we’ll have a bike fitting and then embark ona warm-up ride towards Huife Hot Springs for 22 miles arriving to enjoy a smoothing soak in a hot mineral bath. Once we relax for a while, we’ll take our bikes and cycle back this same road and see another perspective of Villarrica Volcano for 12 miles.
We’ll meet at the hotel around 8 pm and walk to a great Chilean local restaurant in town for welcome dinner.
Lodging at Hotel Casa Solaria – http://www.casasolaria.cl/en/
**Please see information on pre-trip arrival in Santiago, Chile below.
Day 2
Bike 40 miles, +3133 ft
We’ll cycle from outside of Pucón to our first stop at Curarrehue town. The first 22 miles are relatively flat and next to the beautiful Trancura River, with amazing views of 3 Volcanoes: Villarrica, Quetrupillan and Lanin.
Our last 12 mile section will be ascending to the border in Argentina by a brand-new asphalt and admiring look out points with beautiful small Lakes, waterfalls and getting to the foots of Lanin Volcano, one of the tallest of this area and that is shared by Chile and Argentina. We’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and then drive back to your Hotel in Pucon.
Lodging at Hotel Casa Solaria – http://www.casasolaria.cl/en/
Dinner will be on your own at any restaurant, walking distance from the hotel.
Day 3
Bike 40 miles, +3684 ft
Each day brings new beauty. Our day starts with a 90 minutes shuttle to the town of Panguipulli. Today we will ride the shores of Panguipulli Lake and with spectacular views of Mocho-Choshuenco Volcano on a very scenic and beautiful part of the 7 Lakes route. We’ll start with a fun descent with great views of Villarrica Volcano and turn right on the road that will lead us to the famous Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve.
Our ride will have short climbs, fun descents, low traffic, great asphalt and many lookout points for you to take pictures and admire the amazing Panguipulli Lake. After 34 miles we’ll meet at our lunch spot.
We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at Choshuenco town and then we’ll be able to cycle to our hotel located next to Pirihueico Lake on a bike lane that extends for 15 extra miles. Once at the hotel you can jump on the lake for a swim or relax at the Hotel, meeting at 8 pm for dinner.
Lodging at Hotel Nothofagus at Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve – https://huilohuilo.com/en/where-to-stay/hotels/nothofagus/
Day 4
Bike 40 miles, +3202 ft
After breakfast and saying goodbye to Huilo Huilo reserve, we’ll drive 2 hrs to the town of Futrono, where we’ll start our beautiful ride round the shores of Lake Ranco and towards Maihue Lake. This road was paved just few years ago and we’ll be able to admire on its splendor passing by small towns as Dollinco, Futrono and Llifen, with views of the Huapi Island and many green lands that is used for agriculture and cattle rising.
We’ll stop for lunch at a great local restaurant at Maihue Lake after 32 miles. After lunch, we’ll continue cycling towards the spectacular Futangue lodge with its incredible views across to mountain ranges and waterfalls. After 36 miles we’ll arrive to the lodge.
We recommend to let know your guides in advance if you would like to schedule a massage at the spa. Tonight, you will have free time to enjoy dinner at the restaurant of Futangue lodge at a time that works for you.
Lodging at Hotel & SPA Futangue – https://parquefutangue.com/en/
Day 5
Bike 58 miles, +3110 ft
After breakfast, we’ll drive 1 hour towards Lake Rupanco view point and bike 31 miles to the German style town of Puerto Octay on a beautiful road with stunning views of Osorno Volcano. In order to earn our special lunch, we’ll challenge ourselves with a progressive climb of 4.3 miles to Rancho Espantapajaros restaurant which has jaw dropping views of Lake Llanquihue and Volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo and Calbuco.
After lunch, we’ll tackle the second part of the ride that consist of 30 miles on rolling hills and a couple of steep but short climbs; ending by the shores of Llanquihue Lake.
Upon arrival to Llanquihue town, we’ll drive 15 minutes to Puerto Varas and stay overnight in Puerto Varas.
Lodging at Pettra Puerto Varas – https://wyndhampettra.com/wyndham-puerto-varas-pettra/
Day 6
Bike 57 miles, +3375 ft
In the morning, we’ll start cycling from the Hotel exploring the shores of beautiful Lake Llanquihue where we will approach the Osorno Volcano with its perfect cone. As we cycle along the lake, the snow-capped volcano appears to rise directly out of the water and we will have wonderful views of it during much of the day. We’ll pass through the village of Ensenada, and enjoy a delicious lunch, cycling our first 25 miles of the day by a new bike lane.
Our last 31 miles will be done towards Ralún and Cochamo towns, by a beautiful rolling hill road with great asphalt and few vehicles. Our ride will end at Cochamo town where we’ll shuttle back to Puerto Varas.
Tonight, we’ll enjoy a special farewell dinner.
Lodging at Pettra Puerto Varas – https://wyndhampettra.com/wyndham-puerto-varas-pettra/
Day 7
Departure
Sadly, it’s time to say good-bye to the beautiful Lake & Volcano District of Chile. After breakfast, you can return to Puerto Montt airport to return home or to extend your trip to spectacular Patagonia. It’s been a trip you will always remember!
Photo Gallery
FAQs and More Info
Arrival & Departure
Most flights from the US arrive early in the morning in Santiago, Chile (SCL). You will need to arrive at Temuco Airport (ZCO) on the first day (January 5th). We recommend booking the LATAM flight departing 11:50 AM from SCL, arriving 1:15 PM at ZCO. (If you are arriving a day early, please meet at our first hotel in Pucon by 2 PM on January 5.)
From the Temuco airport, you can book a shared shuttle to Pucon to our first night’s hotel. It is 14.000 CLP (18 USD) one way from Temuco Airport to Pucon (book here: https://transaraucania.cl/). A private transfer costs 120.000 CLP (140 USD).
Departing Puerto Montt after the event: On the last day, for the return flight from Puerto Montt to Santiago, you can book any flight after breakfast. You can always ask for a taxi in the hotel, it is only a 20-minute drive. Most flights back to the US from Santiago depart in the late evening.
Pro tip: To save money, we highly recommend buying your plane tickets from the US (or elsewhere) round-trip to Santiago (SCL) and then purchasing one-way tickets on LATAM Airlines for the internal flights – SCL to Temuco (ZCO) leg and then Puerto Montt (PMZ) to SCL.
If you wish to extend your stay to visit Torres del Paine, the Atacama Desert or any other locations, our local guide can help arrange your travel.
What is included? Not included?
Included:
- Local guides
- Lodging at 4*, 5* hotels and inns
- Vehicle support and bike support
- Plenty of snacks and sustenance along the route
- Meals as specified in itinerary (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Tips at restaurants for lunch and dinners
- Entrance fee at Huife Hot Springs, and all activities according to the itinerary
Not Included:
- Flights
- Hotel single supplement: $690 for the 6-night trip (For solo travelers. If we cannot pair you with another traveler, this fee will apply.)
- Bike rental (see below for rental information)
- On your own dinners (as specified above)
- Travel/supplemental medical insurance (required for international trips)
- Pre- and post-trip hotels
- Incidentals and alcohol
- Additional services (like massages)
- Gratuities for guides
Bike Rental
Bike Rental: $220
(If you choose to bring your own bike, please bring any spare components you might need (derailleur, etc.)
Road Bikes
Giant Contend 18-speed Road Bike or similar, ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame, Shimano Tiagra, Crankset (50/34) and cassette (11-34)
Hybrid Bike:
Kona Dew 6061 Aluminum Butted, Shimano Altus, Triple Crankset (48/38/28) and 8 speed cassette (11-34)
E-bikes rentals are available, Oxford Freeway – https://www.oxfordstore.cl/bicicleta-electrica-aro-27-5-freeway-grafito.html
Accommodations & Single Supplements
This is an all-hotel, double occupancy trip. You can see the hotels in the itinerary descriptions above. A single supplement is available for $690 if you prefer your own room and there is availability at the hotels (please inquire after you register). If you sign up as a solo traveler, we will do our best to pair you with a roommate of the same gender. If we cannot find a roommate, then you will be charged a single supplement fee of $690.
What are the travel documents/passports required?
You will need a valid U.S. or E.U. passport (valid for at least 3 months or you can be denied entry). If you are a passport holder from another country, please check your country’s regulations.
U.S. citizens do not need a tourist visa.
Is my U.S. medical insurance valid while traveling outside the U.S.? Should I get travel insurance?
Travel/supplemental medical insurance on international Climate Ride trips is required. Many domestic health insurance companies do not provide coverage outside of the United States, and before leaving for the event, travelers should speak with their healthcare providers to determine if they will be covered. Several private insurance companies offer short-term travel/medical insurance. Check out Allianz Travel Insurance, World Nomads, or other comparable companies.
Remember, travel insurance can only cover expenses you have paid for (flights, additional hotels, etc). It cannot cover your fundraising. Be sure to read the fine print on the travel insurance that you buy.
Should I extend my stay?
We think so! There is a lot to explore in Chile. We’ll have suggestions after you register and our local guide can help arrange your travel.
Fundraising and Transfer Deadlines | Important Dates
This is a special Climate Ride Funders Trip and the proceeds directly support Climate Ride’s work (no grantee selection for this event). Your fundraising will benefit the programs and efforts of Climate Ride including our community scholarships for young sustainability leaders. Funders trips also help to underwrite the Green Fondo events so that we can deliver 100% of proceeds to our grants program. You are helping us grow the organization to become an advocacy powerhouse that engages people in the world of active environmental philanthropy and sustainable solutions.
Important Deadlines:
| $500 to be raised by: | 9/4/2025 |
| $2,300 to be raised by: | 10/6/2025 |
| $4,600 to be raised by: | 11/5/2025 |
| Transfer Deadline*: | No transfers allowed (see note below) |
*Transfer Deadline: There are no transfers for this event. Donations are non-refundable. Cancellations must take place 100 days before the event start date.
Note: If you’d like to register after a fundraising deadline, don’t worry, we’re here to help you get up to speed!
I’m looking for a unique chile vacation that involves a cycling tour through Patagonia and nearby regions. I’d love to explore scenic routes and back roads, rather than just main highways. Is there a trip like this, maybe even one that functions as a charity ride contributing to a good cause, offering a different kind of world trip experience?
Yes! This is the trip for you! Climate Ride Chile – Lakes & Volcanoes District is exactly the type of cycling tour experience you’re describing. This multi-day bike ride in Chile takes you through Northern Patagonia’s breathtaking Lake and Volcano District, offering an incredible way to explore this part of the world. It’s specifically designed as a charity ride, where your participation raises vital funds for the Climate Ride movement. You’ll pedal along stunning scenic routes, often on paved roads that showcase the dramatic landscapes of volcanoes, pristine lakes, and lush forests – giving you that feeling of discovery you can only get from exploring back roads. While challenging, it’s a fully supported ride focused on experiencing the culture and natural beauty of Chile, making it a truly memorable event focused on adventure and positive impact.
Bike safety
Bike safety is our top priority. All participants must follow bicycle rules of the road and state laws. Wearing approved bicycle helmets (a proper safety helmet that is less than 3 years old) is mandatory at all times while cycling. Our support crew provides guidance, SAG (Support and Gear), and reinforces bike safety tips throughout the event for comprehensive bicycle safety. Please see our Safety Page for more information.
More Questions?
Be sure to review our general FAQ and policies or contact us!
