WILD CHILE
March 6-16, 2026

DAY 1- Friday, March 6, 2026   Temuco (ZCO) - Malalcahuello, cycling warmup 16mi/1800’ 

You’ll be picked up at Temuco airport (ZCO) and transferred to Malalcahuello Hot Springs for a rejuvenating thermal bath and/or lunch.  Following a pre-tour briefing, bike setup and fittings, we’ll set out for a shakeout ride to Las Raices Pass. You’ll traverse a stunning Araucaria (monkey puzzle tree) forest before ascending the pass offering panoramic views of the Andes mountains and surrounding volcanic landscape. Following streams and fields of wildflowers, we’ll arrive at Corralco Lodge, a luxurious mountain resort set at the base of Lonquimay Volcano. Enjoy the pools and pristine alpine beauty before our welcome dinner.  (-/-/D)  (Corralco Lodge 2 nights)

Day 2 - Mar 7  Sierra Nevada loop – Liucura – Pino Hachado, cycling 36mi+14mi option/4600’ 

We transfer through Túnel Las Raíces, the longest tunnel in Chile (4,528 m) to the Sierra Nevada Range. Here you’ll cycle alongside the clear, turquoise waters of the Lonquimay River and enjoy breathtaking views of Volcán Lonquimay, an active stratovolcano.  We’ll bike through tribal lands of the Pewenches - "people of the pewen" (the Araucaria tree, or monkey puzzle tree) - whose culture and livelihood have historically revolved around this tree and its piñones seeds. You’ll have the (optional) challenge to climb Pino Hachado Pass, offering  breathtaking views of both sides of the Andes Mountains. Transfer to hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 3 - Mar 8   Malalcahuello Reserve to Pucon, hiking

Hike in the Malalcahuello National Reserve, learning about geology and ancient Araucaria trees. Then, we’ll drive to Pucón, a hub for adventure tourism in the Araucanía Region, where you’ll have time to explore the town . After lunch, we’ll visit Villarrica National Park for an interpretative hike near Villarrica Volcano, offering stunning views of Lakes Villarrica, Colico, Caburgua, and Calafquén, as well as the wild Trancura River with volcanoes Lanín and Lonquimay visible in the horizon. (B/-/-) (Hotel Casa Solaria 3 nights)

Day 4 - Mar 9   Pucon loop to Mahuil Malal Pass, cycling 43mi/3445’ 

We’ll cycle from Pucón - amidst fantastic views of Lake Villarrica and the imposing Villarrica Volcano - to Curarrehue, an authentic Mapuche village with local artisan shops.  Following the rapids of the beautiful Trancura River, you’ll enjoy amazing views of three Volcanoes. Passing waterfalls and placid lakes, we’ll approach the Argentinian border at the foothills of the Lanin Volcano. The landscape becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic as we ascend Mahuil Malal Pass amidst breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of the towering Andean Mountains. With condors soaring overhead and Andean foxes roadside, wildlife sightings abound. From the summit drive to Cocina Mapuche for a cooking class and prepared lunch of ancestral harvested Mapuche cuisine by famed local Chef Anita Epulefof. Transfer to hotel.  (B/L/-)

Day 5 - Mar 10  Pucon loop via Caburgua Lake & Huife Hot Springs, cycling 46mi/2950’
Cycling from Pucon, you’ll pass Ojos del Caburgua, a series of crystal-clear waterfalls and pools fed by underground springs. From here we’ll ride to the turquoise waters of Lake Caburgua at the foot of the Llaima Volcano. At Caburgua, we’ll follow the Trancura River, renowned for its white-water rafting. On most days you’ll witness smoke from the cone of the active Villarrica volcano as we cycle the rolling hills to the Huife Hot Spring Resort. Enjoy a soothing soak in a hot mineral bath, followed by a lunch of local caught trout or salmon. (B/L/-)

Day 6 - Mar 11   Pucon - Panguipulli – Huilo Huilo, cycling 50mi/3280’ 

Our route begins at Panguipulli, the "City of Roses". From here you’ll cycle the shores of Lake Panguipulli and Neltume, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Mocho-Choshuenco and Villarrica Volcanoes. Our ‘7 Lakes route’ follows dense native forests of coihue and lenga trees, with waterfalls dotting the roadside. After lunch at Choshuenco town you’ll cycle to the Salto Huilo Huilo Waterfall whose base is(easily accessible via a short trail. Then onto our hotel at the famed  Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve.  (B/L/D) (Hotel Nothofagus)

Day 7 - Mar 12  Panguipulli – Futangue, cycling 41mi + 34 optional/1560’ + 1460 optional 

From Nontuella, you’ll cycle to the shores of Lago Ranco, one of Chile's most picturesque lakes. Our route through dense forests and towering mountains continues to the  turquoise waters of beautiful Lake Maihue where we’ll enjoy lunch. From here we’ll cycle (or optionally transfer) through lush greenery of a temperate rainforest to Futangue Park where our hotel is nestled in the peaceful Riñinahue Valley  (B/L/-) (Futangue Hotel) 

Day 8 - Mar 13  Futangue – Puerto Octay - Frutillar – Llanquihue, cycling 59mi/1970’

From Lake Rupanco, we’ll cycle rolling terrain and scenic farmland  with views of Volcán Osorno and Cerro Puntiagudo dominating the horizon. You’ll visit the charming lakeside town of Puerto Octay, famed for its  German-inspired architecture and scenic volcano views.  Challenge yourself with a climb to the Rancho Espantapajaros Restaurant where you’ll enjoy a farm to table lunch surrounded by  views of Lake Llanquihue and Volcanoes Osorno, Puntiagudo and Calbuco. Afterwards, we’ll cycle rolling hills to the shores of Llanquihue Lake. Transfer to Puerto Varas, a beautiful lakeside colonial town  (B/L/-) (Hotel Cumbres - 3 nights)

Day 9 - Mar 14 - Puerto Varas loop via Ensenada – Ralún, cycling 46mi/2790 

Cycling the shores of Lake Llanquihue (Chile’s second-largest), you’ll approach the perfect cone of the Osorno Volcano whose snow-capped peak appears to rise directly out of the water.  After lunch at Ensenada, our route follows a more rugged and lush landscape as we approach the Reloncaví Estuary, where the waters of the Petrohué River meet the Pacific Ocean. You’ll ride through temperate rainforests with views of rushing rivers, dense forests and small farms. At Ralún town, transfer to Puerto Varas (B/L/-)

Day 10 - Mar 15 - Puerto Varas loop via Puerto Octay - Las Cascadas, cycling 43mi/1800’
Cycling from Puerto Octay town, our route hugs the eastern shore of Lake Llanquihue, passing rolling green hills and rural villages. As you approach Las Cascadas, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with steeper inclines and dense forests. This section of the Llanquihue Lake Route, considered the most beautiful route of the region, brings us close to Osorno Volcano as you enter the Vicente Perez Rosales National Park, Chile's oldest national park. Here we’ll climb for seven miles, then hike a short distance to the dramatic Petrohue Falls. Witnessing this powerful, stunning 170’ high waterfall set in a lush forest framed by emerald-green waters and volcanic rock, is an unforgettable experience. Transfer to Puerto Varas for farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 11 - Monday, March 16, 2026  Departure

Group transfer from Puerto Varas to Puerto Montt El Tepual Airport (PMC) 

Fly to Santiago or Puerto Natales Airport in southern Patagonia to join optional
Torres Del Paine  seven day trekking adventure (B/-/-)

Joining the ride 

“Request to participate" by clicking the link “Go on this ride!” or make further inquiries by contacting the ride leader, Bruce Rayvid. Upon acceptance you will be asked to sign a waiver and pay the People Cycling registration fee, The deposit will be paid directly to  Ecotours Chile (EC) after ride confirmation and minimum riders reached.. 

Payments
The total eleven (11) day tour cost per person is  $3,990  based on two persons sharing a room. Ecotours Chile (EC) requires a minimum of ten participants for the ride. Singles are welcome at a surcharge of approximately $1,090 per room (limited to 2 singles). If you do not have a riding partner, we will do our best to connect participants as roommates.  A deposit of $1000 is required on booking with the balance due 90 days prior to the tour.  

Cancellations
Refunds of deposits and payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recovered. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made when the replacement has paid their fees. If the canceling participant can't be replaced there will be no refund. Ecotours Chile (EC) refund schedule: over 90 days: total refund less admin fee of $150 PP, under 90 days: 100% cancellation fee. Refund calculations are based on the principle that a canceling participant will not increase the cost for others. All cancellations are subject to an administrative fee of $150, which EC will deduct from the deposit. If a participant that is sharing a room cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the supplement for a private room of the roommate remaining on the tour. The People Cycling ride registration and membership fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is canceled. You are highly encouraged to purchase trip cancellation, medical and travel insurance. The itinerary and menus are subject to change depending on availability and size of group. 

Tour includes: 

• 11 days, 10  nights accommodations in 3-5 * hotels 

• Mentioned meals on itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

• Private transportation and luggage transfer on comfortable vans, Mercedes Benz Sprinter

• Light snacks, fruit, energy bars, water and electrolyte powder in the van for the rides

• Cooking class of traditional Mapuche cuisine by Chef Anita Epulef

• Entrance fee at Huife Hot Springs, and all activities according to the itinerary.

• English speaking cycling guide

• Basic spare parts and inner tubes 

• Emergency vehicle support and luggage transfer 

• TCX or GPX files for each day’s route, Map of the area 

• Not included: flights, bike hire, medical/travel insurance, taxis, tips/gratuities, pre/post tour accommodations, laundry, alcohol, anything not mentioned in the ride description or included list above, 

Weather
With an average daytime temperature of 74, Lakes and Volcano district is mild and perfect for cycling. Occasional rain in the mountains is always a possibility; participants should be prepared to ride regardless of weather.  For riding, we recommend layers to start rides in the morning, and peel off in the afternoon. Anticipate eight hours of sunshine daily with moderate UV levels. 

Bike Rentals
Road bike   Giant Contend 18-speed Road Bike or similar, ALUXX-Grade Aluminum frame

$ 290 Shimano Tiagra, Crankset (50/34) and cassette (11-34)

Hybrid bikes   Kona Dew 6061 Aluminum Butted, 

$ 290 Shimano Altus, Triple Crankset (48/38/28) and 8 speed cassette (11-34)

E-bikes     Oxford Freeway E-touring bikes

$ 320 and 500Wh battery 

All rentals include a helmet and saddle bag repair kit with extra tubes and levers

Arrivals, pre and post tour options:

The tour starts with a morning transfer from Temuco Airport (ZCO) to Malalcahuello at 11:50am. It is highly recommended that you fly into Santiago (SCL) at least a day in advance and take the 10:30am flight to Temuco (ZCO) on March 6th. We are happy to assist  in the booking of a hotel (approx $125) within walking distance from Metropolitan Park from where you can hike to Santiago’s highpoint for a panoramic city view.. With the subway close, you can easily explore downtown. Santiago airport (ZCO)  transfers to/from hotel  are approx $30.  The tour ends with a morning transfer to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC).  From there you can fly to Santiago or to Puerto Natales Airport in southern Patagonia to join us for an optional seven (7) day trekking adventure in Torres del Paine National Park.

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