Chile Northern Lake District: Cycling Journey

Early morning and after having breakfast we will meet at your hotel to get on ride to our adventure! The first 12km will be by a pavment road, the rest of the way until the forth day, we will ride by gravel. We´ll take an alternative route to «Camino Internacional», which extend toward east alongside the north bank of Minetué river. The route here is flat and in excellent condition. For this day we highlight extensive green cattle fields, the Villarrica Volcano that will gradually say goodbye, the mighty but at the same time calm Minetué river and the opportunity to visit the Viewpoint of Laguna de León that we can visit by walking along an easy path of 1 km.

Villarrica volcano, called Rukapillan in Mapuche language, which means «House of the Spirit», is one of approximately 15 volcanoes present along the Araucanía Andina region.

• Total distance: 25 miles (42km)
• Type of road:
  • Gravel road: 18.6mi (30km)
  • Paved road: 7.4mi (12km)
• Elevation difference: 450m
• Accommodation: Camping at León lagoon

We will get deep into the valley of Maichín river heading north passing through Regigolil (k44). For this day we will pedal completely on gravel roads that will lead us through less inhabited places as we continue going north and gradually gaining height. After 55k we will arrive at Villarrica Natural Reserve. Nearby the entrance we will find a perfect SPOT for passing the night, by the side of Sollipulli river, at the foot of its namesake volcano.

• Total distance: 37 miles (60k)
• Type of road: Completely by gravel road.
• Elevation: 703m
• Accommodation: Camping

By the morning we will continue cycling uphill but this time on steeper terrain. It’s considered 6k until the hillpath. There will be no rush to make this section which perhaps, is the most demanded of the seven days. Good thing is that the rest of the route is downhill. This road communicate people to the north of the country, nevertheless it is not possible to access by a car (even 4×4) that needs to take a different way to go northern, so we can expect to find these natural corners with very little human presence.
Once we have surrounded the Sollipulli volcano by its eastern side, we will arrive at the Catalán guest house, where we can take a hot water shower to then have a delicious dinner before going to bed for recharging energies.

• Total distance: 27 miles (35 km)
• Type of road: Completely by gravel road.
• Elevation difference: 440 m
• Accommodation: Catalán guest house (Melipeuco sector)

This day is mainly gaining altitude gradually by a very friendly pavement road until the south entrance of Conguillío National Park. At the park the road becomes gravel and goes by a desert field, a dump (escorial) from the Llaima volcano. Among the main attractions we will meet Laguna Verde and Laguna Arcoiris before we arrive at Los Ñirres campsite at the shoreline of Conguillío lake. Equipped with bathrooms, showers, and food facilities, this place is perfect for spending the night surrounded by monkey puzzles and Coigüe trees.

• Total distance: 22 miles (35 km)
• Type of road:
  • Gravel: 15.8mi (25km)
  • Paved: 6.2mi (10km)
• Elevation difference: 440 m
• Accommodation: Camping at the park

In the morning we will make a moderate ascent for about 5 kilometers until we leave the Park. Then the journey is several kilometers downhill until Cautín River. Afterwards we will pedal east through this valley by the old trans-Andean railway that has been adapted for the use of cyclists, therefore this bikeway section of 12km that goes hidden from cars, by dence forest, ravines and two tunnels, does not exceed a 4% gradient. Once we arrive to Malalcahuello town, we’ll take a road towards south and pedal the last 2.5k of the jurney until the arrival at Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa. Opportunity to let yourself get pampered by it pleasant and exquisite offer.

• Total distance: 40 miles (64 km)
• Type of road:
  • Gravel: 9.4mi (15km)
  • Paved: 21.1mi (34km)
  • Old railway: 9.3 (15km)
• Elevation difference: 800 m
• Accommodation: Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa.

After a pleasant night at the Malalcahuello Thermal Hotel & Spa, we’ll embark on our journey toward Las Raíces tunnel. This tunnel, measuring 4,528 meters in length, held the distinction of being the longest railway tunnel in Latin America in its time. While it has since been adapted for car traffic, it remains inaccessible to cyclists. Therefore, an assistant will be waiting to guide us through the tunnel safely with our bikes by car.

Our cycling adventure continues for approximately 8 kilometers along the old railway line, which has been paved and tailored for cyclists. Following this, we’ll transition onto a gravel road that leads to Lake Galletué, the origin of the Biobio River, which flows through and demarcates the central and southern regions of Chile.

• Total distance: 31 miles (50 km) + 2.8 of tunnel
• Type of road:
  • Gravel: 34.8mi (22.6km)
  • Old railway: 5.2mi (8.3 km)
• Elevation difference: 1482 feet (422 m)
• Accommodation: Camping

In the morning, we will take the gravel road leading to Icalma Lake. During this stretch, we will have the opportunity to admire the expansive high plateau landscape, which extends into Argentina, letting us note that we are on the other side of the Andes range. After passing the picturesque Icalma Lake, we will ascend for a couple of kilometers before descending back to Catalán, either via a secondary road or by taking the main highway. To bid farewell, we will enjoy a traditional Chilean barbecue at the Catalán Guesthouse on our last night.

• Total distance: 38 miles (62 km)
• Type of road:
  • Gravel: 28mi (45km)
  • Paved: 10mi (17km)
• Elevation difference: 900 m
• Accommodation: Catalán Guest house

After breakfast, your guide will transport you to Temuco airport by vehicle, marking the conclusion of our services.