Chile + Patagonia

On the Trail of Southern Giants: mountain bike tour Chile + Northern Patagonia

We’ve carefully crafted this mountain bike tour Chile to weave its way intricately into some of the most awe-inspiring, astonishing landscapes in the world. You’ll mountain bike on the lava fields of active volcanoes, through thick araucaria and bamboo forests of Chile and Northern Patagonia. Be prepared for lots of climbing, but the views are worth the effort. Trust us!

  • Skill level: Intermediate+
  • Fitness level: 6/7
  • 7 nights / 8 days
  • £3,150 / $4,253 / €3,780
  • Max. group size: 10

Photographers Dan Milner and Julián Manrique have captured the immense landscapes and diverse trails of our mountain bike tour Chile + Northern Patagonia.

“The scenery was epic and photos don’t do it justice. It really needs to be experienced. Our guides were great. Ernesto, Pancho and Orlando make a great team and kept everything running smoothly, really looking after us.” Cath M., Australia

Trip highlights

  • Learning about native Mapuche culture over a traditional dinner
  • Soaking in some of the world’s most picturesque hot springs
  • Sampling fine Chilean wines
  • Riding through ancient monkey puzzle (araucaría) forests
  • Marvelling at spectacular 360° views across multiple snow-capped volcanoes
  • Celebrating with a traditional asado dinner

Tour Dates 2023

  • 20 – 27 November (7 PLACES)
  • 28 Dec – 4 Jan

Tour dates 2024

  • 14 – 21 January
  • 25 Feb – 3 Mar
  • 25 Nov – 2 Dec

Private groups

Travelling as a group of friends or family? Contact us to create your own private trip.

Is this mountain bike tour Chile for you?

We want you to have the best experience in Chile, so it’s important to be sure that this is the perfect mountain bike adventure, with the right level of challenge, for you.

You’re an experienced mountain biker, riding at least twice a week through the season and comfortable on: long climbs on double track; steep, loose descents on volcanic ash; very rough, petrified lava trails; forested, rooty singletrack; muddy trails. Read more on our intermediate+ skill level.

Matt Hunter Joins us in Chile + N. Patagonia

Mountain Bike Tour Chile Itinerary

The flow of  your mountain bike tour Chile + Patagonia has been designed so that you experience the most enjoyable and picturesque mountain biking in the Lakes and Volcanoes region of Chile and northern Patagonia.

+Arrival in Chile + pre-trip acclimatisation

Before we kick off our mountain bike tour Chile and northern Patagonia, you should take a day or two to adjust to local time and recover from your travels, and allow for any flight or luggage delays.

You should fly into Temuco airport (ZCO) and then take one of the dedicated shuttles to Pucón, which takes 90 minutes. We will provide details of the transfer service when you book your place on the tour.

+Day 1 - El Cerduó trail

On the first day of your mountain bike tour Chile our local MTB guides will meet you at your hotel in Pucón at 10am, and help you build bikes, before loading up the van and driving 30 minutes to the head of our first trail in Chile: El Cerduó.

Once we arrive at the trail head, your guide will go through the all-important pre-trip briefing and answer any questions you have before you set off. This is the perfect ride to stretch travel-weary legs and to introduce you to some of the terrain that will be characteristic throughout this adventure.

From the beautiful waterfall at the trail head, we’ll ride on trails that look onto Villarrica, a beautiful, cone-shaped, very active volcano located at the northern end of the region. On the opposite horizon, Ruca Pillán (or Devil’s House in the Mapuche language) volcano dominates the skyline.

From just outside town, we’ll head up a dirt road to a glacial river, then we drop into a flowing 1.5km singletrack descent, that leads onto a gradual climb up to the Villarrica ski road and on up to the resort itself.

From this point you will have an incredible view of the Andes, the surrounding lakes and the astonishing volcanoes of the area. With a little good luck, we will see smoke coming out of the volcano.

With cameras running low on memory (already!), you will start the best descent in the area that weaves through forests of coigue (beech) trees and colihue (bamboo) trees before delivering you back to the valley floor and into Pucón.

We’ll return to our accommodation in town, get showered, then take a short drive to a local Mapuche community to learn a bit about this indigenous culture and share a delicious traditional meal with them round the fire.

Distance cycled: 22km (app. 3 hours)
Accommodation: Small hotel Pucón
Meals included: Dinner

+Day 2 - Volcán Villarrica - around the smoking dragon

Today we’ll have the pleasure of meeting members of the local mountain bike community and riding some of the trails they’ve built and maintained around Pucón.

We’ll start with a double track climb through local forests until we’re high above Pucón with a great view of Volcán Villarrica in the distance. We’ll climb alongside the river to a huge flow of petrified lava, the result of the 2015 eruption of Villarrica, which makes for some very exciting riding.

After our first run we’ll meet our driver who has kindly prepared a welcome snack for us, before tackling a shorter, but steeper climb to a more technical descent, which requires a lot of concentration – you’ll be grateful for the fuel!

These trails are very natural, having been walked and ridden in over time, and the Carrasco family ensure that the best lines are kept clear and well maintained.

We’ll return to our accommodation in town, get showered, then have some time in the afternoon to explore Pucón before dinner in one of our favourite local restaurants.

Distance cycled: 15km (app. 3 hours)
Accommodation: Small hotel Pucón
Meals included: B, L, D

+Day 3 - Villarrica National Park Crossing the Transvolcanic Trail

Today we will drive 15km to Palguín Bajo, where you will start mountain biking the road that leads us up the Palguín valley through the heart of the Villarrica National Park. The views of scenic waterfalls formed by basaltic rock, and majestic snow-capped volcanoes such as Quetrupillan and Rucapillan will ensure that your camera in never away for long.

On this ride the vegetation changes from raulí (Nothofagus alpina) and hualle (Nothofagus oblicua) forests to araucarías as we ascend to Chinay, the highest point of the day at 1,250 metres above sea level. After a morning of mind-blowing vistas and climbing we will arrive at the Pichi Llancahue Glacier trail, where we’ll have lunch amongst the impressive araucaría, which are native to Chile.

Once we are suitably fed and watered we’ll bike the trail that leads to a phenomenal glacier which is completely covered by the volcanic ashes of Villarrica. We’ll then ride a short section of trail made up of ‘aa’ lava, covered in soft green mosses to experience this impressive natural wonder first-hand.

From the head of the glacier we will (depending on snow cover) descend a 10km trail that will lead us directly to the most picturesque geothermic hot springs in Chile. There are 16 thermal pools, set sympathetically into the natural surroundings of waterfalls, native trees and ferns. The pools are strategically placed to make sure you never feel overcrowded, and you can relax your muscles in blissfully hot water.

After an hour or so of soaking, we’ll have dinner in a local restaurant on the way to our comfortable lakeside hotel at Huilo Huilo biological reserve, where we’ll enjoy the next three nights.

Distance cycled: 45km (app. 6 hours)
Accommodation: Lakeside hotel Puerto Fuy
Meals included: B, L

+Day 4 - 'Mini' Trans-Andes Challenge

After a good night’s sleep in our cosy hotel, we’ll tackle part of a multi-day mountain biking route called the ‘Trans-Andes Challenge’. We start this amazing ride directly from the reserve, leaving our hotel behind and navigating our way along riverside singletrack to a beautiful waterfall.

We’ll then embark on a long forested climb that will see us cresting a treetop viewing platform, enabling us to survey our accommodation and the lake it is situated on, across to Mocho-Choshuenco volcano and Argentina in the distance.

From the viewing platform we will start a descent that will see us riding three of the ’Trans-Andes Challenge’ special stages. These are some of the most grin-inducing trails you you’ll ever ride!

Mountain biking heaven is made from trails like this, and one of our guides, Pancho, had a hand in making them.

Distance cycled: 30km (app. 5 hours)
Accommodation: Lakeside hotel Puerto Fuy
Meals included: B, L

+Day 5 - Huilo Huilo to Volcán Mocho-Choshuenco

Today we’ll start with a shuttle to climb from Huilo Huilo on a steep, steady 7km double track climb, through the native forest until we get to the upper section of the adjacent National Reserve of Mocho-Choshuenco.

From there, we’ll pedal until the road ends at a plateau at around 1,800m, where we’ll have a rest to take in the magnificent panorama overlooking massive volcanoes such as Chosheunco (2,415m), Quetrupillan (2,376), Lanin (3,710m) and Villarrica (2,847m), all the way to Argentina.

You’ll do a bit of ‘free riding’ on the loose volcanic soil, which will take us to some an amazing descent, which locals call the ‘Enduro Special’, all the way to lunch.

We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch before embarking on a further steady climb to the ski resort, where we start our descent on the Pudú trail down the valley that links Mocho and Choshuenco volcanoes, back to our lakeside hotel.

Dinner tonight will be in our lovely hotel on the shores of the lake in Puerto Fuy, as we watch the sun set behind the volcanoes.

Distance cycled: 35km (app. 5 hours)
Accommodation: Lakeside hotel Puerto Fuy
Meals included: B, L

+Day 6 - Local guides' secrets around Neltume

Today we depart from Huilo Huilo, but not before we have one last ride in this beautiful bio-reserve.

We start with a short shuttle, then start pedalling to complete the climb to the top of the Cerro Fuy trail.

After a photo stop we’ll start our new descent, on glorious, fast flowing trails through the forest above the small village of Neltume. We then get into our incredible singletrack descent to Salto el Puma.

We’ll have lunch before we leave Huilo Huilo, then drive around 3 hours to our next accommodation in Las Cascadas, where we’ll have a great meal and a very comfortable night’s stay with another beautiful lake view.

Distance cycled: 25km (app. 5 hours)
Accommodation: Small hotel Las Cascadas
Meals included: B, L

+Day 7 - Desolation Trail and Volcán Osorno

For your final day in the Lake & Volcanoes region of Chile and Northern Patagonia you will embark on a flow and fun-filled finale that is challenging, but worth every ounce of effort. Today you’ll be ‘volcano surfing’ on the ash that was blown from the eruption of Volcán Calbuco.

The descent is fast, flowing and technical in places, but after six days of riding and expert tuition from your guide, you will be perfectly tooled up to deal with this trail.

The icing on the cake is the last part of the ride, an exciting singletrack trail that peels downwards and opens up into the best descent of the trip.

We have our second night in our fabulous lakeside hotel, where we will enjoy a traditional farewell barbecue dinner (asado) with all our fellow riders and the local staff.

Distance cycled: 35km (app. 5 hours)
Accommodation: Small hotel Las Cascadas
Meals included: B, L, D

+Day 8 - Departure

Sadly, it’s time to say goodbye to Chile and to friends old and new. We’ll transfer you to Puerto Montt airport for around 11am so that you can catch your flight back to Santiago, or continue your travels in Chile.

Meals included: Breakfast

Please note: Our mountain bike tour Chile is a living thing, being influenced by multiple factors such as changing weather conditions, group riding abilities, trail damage, to name a few. Your local guides are experts in guiding mountain bikers in Chile and will be continually assessing these factors and making tweaks to the itinerary where necessary to ensure that every member of the group has the best possible experience.

+Tour Price

Mountain bike Tour Chile Northern Patagonia Price

£3,150 GBP/ $4,253 USD/ €3,780 EUR per person (ex. flights, based on two sharing a room)

Price includes:

  • Services of fully-qualified, English speaking expert mountain bike guides for the duration of the trip
  • 7 nights’ accommodation in Lakes and Volcanoes region
  • 7 breakfasts, 6 packed lunches, 3 dinners
  • National park and hot spring entrance fees
  • All transport and luggage transfer (on land) required as part of the itinerary
  • Pick-up in Pucón on day 1 and and drop off at Puerto Montt airport on day 8 of tour (specified times apply)
  • Global Rescue emergency evacuation services

Price excludes:

  • International and domestic flights
  • Travel and activity insurance
  • Chilean visas (if required)
  • Evening meals on days 3, 4, 5 and 6 – you should budget around $40USD per day
  • Tips in restaurants and hotels
  • Bike rental – we can arrange bike rental at a cost of £665/ $898/ €798
  • Single supplement:* £680 / $918 / €816
  • Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
  • Laundry
  • Personal safety and cycling equipment
  • Any other items not mentioned as included

*Single supplement is only applicable if you are travelling solo and do not wish to share a room with another rider of the same sex. If you’re happy to do that, you need not add the supplement.

H+I Adventures is bonded by the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust Limited (ABTOT), so you can be sure that when you book with us your money will be safe.


+Skill + fitness level required

Does this sound like you? Your vacation time is precious and we want to be absolutely sure that you’re making the most of it, by finding the perfect adventure for you. Be honest with yourself, if this adventure isn’t right for you, we have other tours that may well be a better fit for your mountain biking experience and ability.

Please note: The skill level required reflects an overall rating for the trails on the trip but you should expect to find sections and obstacles that push your ability levels.

Skill level: Intermediate+

  • You are generally comfortable riding most types of terrain in different conditions: singletrack, double track, muddy, dry, loose, bedrock…
  • You can brake, use gears and corner instinctively
  • You’ll have a go on moderate technical features, such as small rock gardens, small drops and steeper sections, but may get off and walk certain technical features
  • You mountain bike two or three times a week throughout your biking season
  • And the ‘+’ part of ‘Intermediate+’ means that you will be aiming to tackle more of those moderate technical features

Fitness level: 6/7

  • You have an excellent level of bike fitness, exercising four or five times every week throughout the year, for at least an hour at a time
  • You are comfortable mountain biking up to six hours a day at a moderate pace, with snack and photo stops, for four or more consecutive days
  • You can tackle several serious climbs a day, up to 600 metres each

Typical trails you’ll be riding

  • Double track: undulating and sometimes very steep forest roads made up of hard-packed dirt, and loose tracks with golf ball- to fist-sized rocks
  • Singletrack: purpose-built and natural singletrack, at times very loose, with golf ball- to head-sized rocks, roots, volcanic ash and petrified lava (smooth and rough) sections
  • Forest trails: dirt tracks crossed with roots and sometimes very narrow through the trees
  • Trail surfaces on our mountain bike tour Chile and Patagonia may be dry and sandy, for example on volcanic ash, or muddy, depending on the weather, and you will encounter river crossings


+Arrival + Departure Details

Your mountain bike tour Chile starts in Pucón, the adventure hub of the Lakes and Volcanoes District of Chile.

You should arrive in Pucón at least one day before the start date of your mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia to allow yourself time to recover from your journey and adjust to local time, so that you’re ready to commence your trip early on day 1.

We recommend staying at Hotel Casa Solaria in Pucón, just a short walk lots of restaurants, bars and shops.

On day 1 of your adventure with us, your guides will meet you at your hotel at 10am.

On the final day of your adventure we will aim to arrive at Puerto Montt airport by 11am to catch your onward flights.

If you wish to spend extra time in Chile, we have this handy guide to spending 24 hours in Santiago.

+Travelling to Chile

Chile’s primary airport for international travel is Aeropuerto Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL) in Santiago, and there are many airlines flying to Santiago from Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

From Santiago you can then take an internal flight to Temuco, and then one of the official airport transfers with TransAraucania to Pucón (app. 90 minutes).

In Chile, domestic flights are operated by 3 local airline companies: Latam, Sky Airline and JetSmart.

Travellers from North American/Canada may be able to catch your onward flight from Santiago the same evening, but if you are travelling from Europe/ Australasia you will need to book a night in a hotel in Santiago to catch your connecting flight the following day.

Here are some handy tips and video on how to pack your bike for travel.

Visas

No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. South American counties and EU member countries don’t need a Visa for Chile, and there is no reciprocity fee.

Australian and New Zealand citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $160.00US processing fee payable on arrival. Cash and credit card accepted.

US and Canada citizens no longer need to pay the reciprocity fee to enter Chile. A valid USA or Canada passport is required travelling as a tourist for 90 days.

Upon entering the country, visitors receive a 90-day tourist visa that can be extended for another 90 days.

+Preparing yourself + your bike for the trip

Please read the full kit list before you start packing for your mountain bike tour Chile, so that you have everything you need!

Our mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia is for intermediate+ mountain bikers with level 6 fitness (please also bear in mind that this is the Andes, so terrain can be steep, with some exposure and altitude up to 2,500m)

The ideal bike for mountain bike tour Chile is a good quality full-suspension mountain bike with around 140mm – 150mm of travel.

To get the most out of your mountain bike tour Chile you should do plenty of training in advance of your tour, and we have put together this great training plan to help you on your way.

It is essential that, if you’re bringing your own bike, you ensure that it has been professionally serviced, including all suspension and brakes, before the trip.

+Your mountain bike guides in Chile

Our local mountain bike guides in Chile are of the very highest standard. They are qualified in first-aid, and have the knowledge and experience to lead a group safely in these very remote, wild and beautiful parts of Chile and Northern Patagonia.

Our guides have years of experience in the saddle on the Chilean trails and will be able to enhance your adventure with facts and fables on local history, flora and fauna. They’re genuinely nice people and will do their best to make sure that everyone in the group has a great time.

+Accommodation + Food

The majority of accommodation that we  use on
 this mountain biking and hiking adventure in Chile is family-owned and operated guest houses, lodges and small hotels. We have researched these areas extensively to select the most comfortable accommodation in the region, and have planned the itinerary accordingly.

The food you’ll enjoy in Chile and Northern Patagonia is locally-sourced and home-made, and includes favourites such as lamb, wild boar, venison, salmon, avocados, artichokes, and plenty of cake!

+Health + Safety

  • Currently, no vaccines or medical examinations are required for entering Chile
  • The water in Chile is generally safe for consumption, however, it’s recommended that you drink bottled water for the first few days
  • Public hospitals and emergency services are required to attend to any person in need of emergency assistance. The country features high-quality medical centers, clinics and hospitals, especially in bigger cities like Temuco, Puerto Montt and Santiago
  • In the event of an earthquake or strong tremor, remain calm and follow the instructions of your guide or driver. People in Chile are used to natural disasters and know how to behave and what to expect in each situation, so stick with your guiding team and do as they say.

You should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.

Your health and safety is on tour our top priority so when you travel with us you also have the peace of mind knowing that you will be covered by Global Rescue emergency medical and evacuation services.

You should always consult your own doctor or physician before travelling to new countries to seek their advice on matters concerning your health abroad.

+Currency + Foreign Exchange

The currency is Chile is the peso, with bills of 1,000, 2,000, 50,000, 10,000 and 20,000 pesos. Most international credit cards are accepted, but we would recommend having a cash backup of 10,000 pesos on hand at all times.

Tipping

We suggest a tip of 5%-10% of the cost of your tour could be paid to your guiding team, if you feel that they have provided an excellent experience and service on your mountain bike tour Chile with us.

+Holiday Insurance

You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. In this policy you must include cover for mountain biking and we recommend that you take out a policy which covers cancellation and baggage.

We work closely with WorldNomads whose policies are specially designed for mountain bike holidays and you can arrange your insurance cover directly with them.

Please note: Our mountain bike tour Chile is a living thing, being influenced by multiple factors such as changing weather conditions, group riding abilities, trail damage, to name a few. Your local guides are experts in guiding mountain bikers in Chile and will be continually assessing these factors and making tweaks to the itinerary where necessary to ensure that every member of the group has the best possible experience.

Mountain Bike Tour Chile reviews

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Chile + Patagonia mountain bike tour
Average rating:  
 26 reviews
 by Kat Hyland
Fantastic experience!

We really don’t have enough good things to say about our Chile trip. This was our first group tour and we were nervous going into it. Luckily, those nerves quickly dissipated.

Ours was a small group of various levels both fitness and skill level, but this was never an issue. Pancho and Daniel were excellent guides and were able to provide different lines for different skill levels. My boyfriend and I were really pleasantly surprised at how much steep, technical trail was available to us to ride as that’s our preferred riding. This was different terrain than we are used to, so it was great to ride trail that was so unique to us.

The amount of pedaling each day was perfect. It wasn’t so much that we were totally exhausted by the end of the day, but enough to feel like we were getting a work out in every day with some good steep climbs many of the days. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous. We really fell in love with this region.

The accommodations were fantastic. We got to stay in some really unique and beautiful spots, some the likes of which I don’t think we’ll ever find again.

The guides and other support crew (Juan and Lionel) were incredibly well organized and always cheerful and helpful and really rounded out already awesome riding to a perfect trip! Maybe the best part for us was that they fed us so well. My boyfriend and I are both vegan and we ate like royalty. Every day was fresh, delicious vegan options (which is not always easy to come by traveling abroad).

Can’t say enough good things about this trip!

 by Dean
Great Overall Trip

Ernesto is a very skilled rider and he is knowledgeable about the geography and natural elements.



The riding is a good mix of terrain and some of the climbs and descents are quite challenging without being overwhelming.



The volcanoes, trails, accommodations, scenery, riding, and leadership from Ernesto and the team make for a great overall trip.

 by Rob
Chile MTB Adventure 2022

Which much anticipation after a two year Covid delay, our crew just wrapped up our Chile MTB tour with H+I and I have to say, it was worth the wait! Our trip was full of adventure, incredible riding, views that I will remember forever and a cultural experience that helps reset the soul(and unwind the mind).

Riding volcanoes is hard and very technical, so be prepared to be on your toes and come back a stronger rider! The mileage on this trip was a bit lower than we were expecting, but still enough to satisfy and the downhill rides and surrounding views more than made up for it.

I would highly recommend this trip and if you go, you will be supported by fantastic guides! Ernesto is truly a professional and an exceptional rider. Very patient, supportive, friendly and funny. Pancho is one of the most optimistic, friendly, caring and genuine people I've met- and a great guide! Juan is the icing on the cake 🙂 This crew will not disappoint and neither will the accommodations, food and wine.

I've now done two trips with H+I(Chile and Spain) and cannot wait to plan out #3!!

 by Fil Nikic
Chile FTW

Chile as a destination is very welcoming. From Santiago to Puerto Montt has amazing people that are welcoming.



The tour was organized with great detail, even before you pay, H+I team take the time to speak with you and explain the tour. From there on, they are in touch with you regularly which is amazing customer service.



Ernesto and his team organized the trip really well. They were conscious of the overall skill level of riders and the trails while can be difficult at times, it wasn’t something that a beginner/intermediate rider couldn’t handle. Hotels were nice as was the food everywhere we went.



Great team of riders and truly an experience where you will make friends for life. I would strongly recommend Chile, Ernesto and H+I and look forward to my next trip with them!

 by Francisco Machado (Portugal)
Up to the expectations

Amazing adventure with stunning views, lots of adrenaline shots and surprising rides.



These tracks pushed me technically, which made me gain confidence as the ride progressed. This is a physical demanding trip, so be sure you have the right fitness level. By the end of the ride, I was a much better rider (and a very happy person!).



The only downside was the short-than-expected mileage. This trip would gain a lot with some more XC-style connections between places.



Overall, a must-do experience!

 by David McDowell
Chile wasn't chilly!

Chile was really fun and completely different terrain from anywhere else I've ridden so far. I'm on a quest to MTB on all 7 continents and this trip made #5!

Ernesto was a great guide, good attitude, and obviously solid rider. My takeaway from this trip was improved riding of drops, by a lot. I was already working on the technique and now I'll go bigger at home. The terrain will keep you own your toes. Crashing on the lava rocks would rip your skin up for certain but the thrill of succeeding in those tight places was great!

Pay attention to the fitness rating... the climbing here was brutal but mileage was shorter than other trips. The views of the volcanos were amazing!

 by Bryn Sisk
This trip is AMAZE-BALLS!

Chile has always been on my bucket list of "must travel to places." So when my friend Catherine called and told me about the H+I opportunity it took me less than 2 seconds to reply with a loud and high-pitched YES YES YEEESSSS! I loved everything about this adventure. The guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The accommodations were fabulous as was the food and wine. But what really took my breath away was the terrain! This riding isn't for the faint of heart. You've got a little bit of everything that Chile can "dish" out - steep drops, lava flows, fun flowing downhill, bike parks, roots, rocks, sand and lots of climbing. For advanced mountain bikers this trip is a dream come true!

Bryn Sisk

Steamboat Springs, CO - USA

 by CathMcKenzie
Loved Chile

This trip was amazing and completely as good as your Yukon tour. Everyone on the tour was lovely and good mt bikers, making everyday a fun adventure.



The scenery was epic and photos don't do it justice. It really needs to be experienced. You can understand why the native people feel such a close connection with their land.

Our guides were great. Ernesto, Pancho and Orlando make a great team and kept everthing running smoothly, really looking after us.

There is nothing Pancho can't do (all offers to entice him away from Chile were refused). Ernesto took us on some awesome and beautiful trails, making us 'earn our descents'. Yes lots of climbing, not my favourite. He reminded me of my coach and his 'the only way to improve your climbing is to climb'. Fortunately the scenery was so awesome it distracts you and photo breaks were mandatory. The trails were challenging and the descents lots of fun. I opted for bike hire and was quite impressed with the GT. Nice little bike that climbed well and easily handled the descents. Not too different from my Scott Spark. Good choice there Ernesto.



Accommodation was very good. Our guides helped with translations and made sure requests were actioned. Huilo Huilo was my favourite, unique and beautiful. Breakfast here was amazing.



The additional activities were interresting and an important part of the whole experience. The hot springs were my favourite, particularly after hike a bike day. That day we really earnt our descents.



I'm a vegetarian and was wondering how that would go. I shouldn't have worried, the food was great. I think I ate better than everyone else. Ernesto and Pancho checked with me on what I could and couldn't eat and then provided me with the yummiest food.



I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to mt bike in Chile.



Thank you H+I Team for an awesome experience.

 by Hal
Amazing Experience

It's hard to describe how awesome this tour was. It started with the interaction with H+I. Victoria was excellent in helping us through our research, questions, and booking. What you see through the website is very accurate from the skill levels, trip details, and pack list necessities, through the reviews. Ernesto and Pancho were not only first class guides, they were true ambassadors for their beautiful country. Beyond being consummate professionals they made our experience feel unique. Combined with a great group of people that bonded well, our entire experience was incredible. Finally, the tour route allows you to experience parts of Chile that are simply breathtaking. The logistics and accommodations were well thought out and first class. Special thanks to Orlando our driver who kept us safe and saved us from many kms of ascents. Don't worry, you will still get to experience plenty of up.



Thank you again to the H+I team for everything!

 by Harvey
Great Trip

Just returned from Chile + Patagonia trip with Ernesto and his crews. Thank you Catherine, Ernesto, Juan, Peter Juan and everyone involved. Such a professional team. We didn’t tast a bad beer or dodgy red wine in the whole trip. Fabulous accomodations and greater transfers with your excellent drivers. Oh! the mountain biking was pretty good too! I was constantly trying to get the drivers to get further up the volcanos but when they ran out of road we did have to peddle. For those of you strange people that like climbing don’t be concerned, you will get enough. The downhills are fantastic, so diverse and all fun.

Thank you again .

Can’t wait for our next adventure!

 by David
Amazing

MTB in beautiful Chile is a unique experience. Points that stand out include the stunning landscapes, unbelievable variations in riding terrain (from volcanic screed, alpine grasslands, ancient fern/pine forests to dense lush temperate forests) and amazing MTB trails, both in terms of variation and duration.



Food and accommodation was great and the Chileans know how to make their beer and wine!



Ernesto and his team where fabulous and where always ahead of the curve to ensure a seamless experience. MTB in Chile is an experience that will never be forgotten. Highly recommended!

 by Simon
Awesome

Incredible trip. Spectacular scenery. Top notch guides. Great variety and technically challenging. And total professionalism/attention to detail in terms of organisation. Thanks!

 by Scott
Awesome

Wow what a trip. stunning scenery and trails that really tested our downhill skills. More volcanoes than you can poke a stick at, tricky loose lava fields then down into thick forests of growth, roots and river crossings. Torres Del Paine was the highlight, riding past herds of guanacos under the towers and glaciers. Ernesto and Pancho were great guides in lakes and volcanoes as was Juan in Patagonia.

Highly recommend this trip.

 by Beth
Incredible, tear-inducing Chile!

Total VIP trails. Would not be able to find these trails with any other operator or on your own, I am convinced of it. Honestly feel like I've just ridden some of the best trails of my life!



Thank you so much to everyone! I feel sad it is all over so soon and would love to go back and ride it all over again.

 by SHEILA MCDOWALL
MTB Chile

Fantastic trip. Very well organised. Guides were very experienced about the trails and a wiz on the mechanics, helpful in all ways and enjoyable company.



We had amazing weather which totally enhanced the scenery



Terrain was challenging at times on slippery volcanic ash and also some decent pushing of bikes. That said it was still a great experience. Thanks for all the hard work that goes into organising a trip like this

 by Cindy Bowick
Chile Extraordinario

So many things to say about this fantastic country and H+I Adventure...Chile is an amazingly beautiful place, from the ever changing landscape to the oh so lovely people. Ernesto, Pancho and Orlando were absolutely wonderful; knowledgeable, funny and FUN!

Although this ride is only rated intermediate plus, you should be confident and prepared to ride every kind of single track from volcanic rock and ash, to rooty, rocky, steep and twisting single track. There is some good steep climbing too. You should be an accomplished mountain biker bottom line. That said, you will have amazing terrain and views upon views.

I can’t say enough about how great Ernesto and Pancho were as guides. Orlando is a great transport driver and took wonderful care of us. The accommodations are very nice. As for the Patagonia portion, Claire and Pablo were equally as fantastic as guides and the EcoCamp was amazing. The trip has changed now to full on mountain biking all the way through Patagonia so I must go back for an encore! If you have solid riding skills don’t miss this tour. Marvilloso Chile! Thank you H+I for another great adventure!

 by Susanne
Magical Chile

I'd like to share a few of our stunning, hilarious, unforgettable moments experienced in Chile this November.



We found ourselves searching our way uphill between petrified lava and roots, while watching snow covered volcanos, then crossing a creek of freshly molten water, then joking about likey and unlikely events and experiencing unlikely ones right afterwards, then racing down a lava field, soon following lines among rock formations and soon enjoying a flowy animal path in midst of ancient trees. Ernesto and Pancho love their home country and made us feel the same by taking us by the hand not only for riding but also for showing us nice places for a break or a stay, their favorite local dishes or a little adventure path next to our lodge located at the shore of a lake, sounding like the sea.



Arrived at EcoCamp at Torres del Paine national park, Claire and Pablo introduced us to their way of enjoying the marvellous nature and the vibe of patagonia, hiking or kayaking, always with a mate tea and some calm - magic.



Thanks to the four of you, H+I and our little group for being part of this adventure! I will keep the shared moments in best memory. Ya los extraños!

 by Jennifer M
Chile + Patagonia

The tour was fantastic. We loved it. We could tell that there was a lot of love and care that went into the details. We got out of the trip everything plus more than we expected.

We can't wait for another chance to take a trip with H+I. You are a great organization, with the perfect amount of adventure, flexibility, physical challenges, and accomodations. It was perfect!

 by DD
Chilled in Chile

Rad times with the raddest of people! Had the best time reconnecting with my Tribe family and welcoming some new members. From the anti grip of Santiago to the loam of Chilean Beech forests, the trails where amazing. I still can't quite comprehend that I rode my bike beneath an active volcano. Thanks to DJ Juan, Johno and the rad Chilean support crew for making the experience a truly memorable one. Can't thank you enough. HOLA!!

 by robert
Chile adventure

What to say? I had been hankering for adventure for some time and my imagination had been stoked many years earlier by Bruce Chatwin's 'In Patagonia' so when I learned of this trip it seemed meant to be. I was hugely impressed by the logistical support provided by H+I. It was clear that everything had been tried and tested beforehand. The guides were friendly and helpful, the atmosphere relaxed.



Climbs were challenging but a matter for everyone to ride at their own pace with someone always at the back to ensure no one gets left behind. Descents were wicked and again we were left to go as fast or slow as our skills and nerves allowed. Scenery was amazing and we had regular stops to enjoy it and the food that had been carefully prepared and transported to mountain tops and forest clearings. The trip was a blast, the riding was amazing and the company was great. Chapeau to H+I

 by oralwizard
2 Adventures packaged as 1

This is truly a multisport adventure. It starts with 7 days of incredible mountain biking covering just about every terrain imaginable. The riding is challenging but safe and rewarding. It is an amazing experience to get to 'ski' with your bike down the lava ash slope of a volcano, hustle down the TransAndes Enduro course, cruise over a 250 foot swinging suspension bridge and soak in natural thermal pools after a hard day of riding.



And when you think the riding can't be topped H+I finishes the trip in spectacular Chilean Patagonia where you get to experience the picturesque Torres de Paine National Park. The hiking, while rigorous, is rewarding in every aspect. The views are everything one can imagine and the accomodations at Ecocamp will not dissapoint. Tip; The Yogadome is crazy cool!



The service provided by H+I is first class all the way. They make sure everything is running smoothly from bike maintenance and hotel accomodations, meals, Pisco sours and even take care of your precious bike while you are enjoying the one of a kind excursion to Patagonia. I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it.

 by Fainting Goat
Had a blast

Fantastic trip, expertly organised, and we rode some truly amazing singletrack.
Don’t get me wrong, the climbs in Chile are hard. Much harder than the Nepal trip I did with H+I in 2015, but as Chance says below, the views you are awarded with when you get to the top are truly beautiful. I think we saw seven volcanoes on this trip – including one that was steadily smoking.



But it’s not all about the climbing. Rode enduro tracks, sweet singletrack, loam, roots, lava flows, sand, mud, forest tracks, drops, jumps, the full spectrum of possible trail conditions. And Patagonia really is something else – more amazing scenery – and you even get to live in a hobbit house!



When you arrive and head down to Temuco – check out Beermania. Had a total blast there – some sore heads on the transfer to Pucon the next day 🙂
Fabulous trip, definitely highly recommended.

 by Chance Bex
Life is Limitless with H+I

I define my own physical and mental Survival as me being pushed to the limit of what I never thought or imagined I could accomplish in this life.
I embarked on my second H+I tour in 6 months this time to the Chilean Volcano and lakes region. Everything was handled seamlessly by the H+I staff from the pickup on day one to the accomadations and meals provided. Bikes were built and the guides were very knowledeable and friendly.



I looked high above my current location on the steep climb and thought I was physically and mentally defeated but at that very moment our second guide came up to me and said he would match each and every pedal stroke with me until we arrived to the top and that we start each ride as a team and group and we Finish each ride in the same manner. I will never forget what the feeling is like when your on your bike at the top of the world with the most magnificent and peaceful view you could ever imagine and you yourself supplied the power to overcome your own personel beetle with survival.



Thank you once again H+I for teaching me more about myself and also the world we live in and never stop believing, living or dreaming. Stop making excuses and go and attack the world on your terms from atop your bicycle and you will never regret the feeling.

 by Michelle
Adventure Riding++

The behind the scenes research that went into organizing this tour was evident with approaches taken to access the rides and the comfortable accommodations. This trip would have been next to impossible for us to organize on our own.

The local guides were very knowledgable and accommodating too. Ernesto, our Chilean guide, is an expert mountain biker, but also passionate about the flora and fauna in the Chilean countryside. He took the time to explain the significance of the Araucaria trees and even showed off a "baby" Goliath bird eater spider on his arm...creepy but cool!

We also spent an evening experiencing an traditional Mapuche meal and welcoming ceremony. With elements of adventure, ecotourism and cultural tourism, I thought H+I delivered an exceptional experience.

There was a lot up uphill climbs on roads, but you were rewarded with incredible downhill, single track descents, satisfying the adventure part of the experience. Well done!

 by Dan
Instant Classic

After pedaling across a lava field and some dandy single track, our guide Ernesto asks “how about a little extension to give us some more trail?” - and off we tumble into a twisty rooty wonderland over rickety bridges and around flow-rific switchbacks through a forest of araucaria trees that hasn’t changed since the dinosaurs. And that is just day-1!



There isn’t a down day in the itinerary. Other highlights include the two-hour downhill on day-5 at Huilo-Huilo (after lunch at a high pass with volcanos at every corner of the compass rose) and paddling among the ice at Lago Grey & Grey Glacier with Torres del Paine and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field looming above. Last but not least, never would have expected to stumble across such a tasty local brewery as Cerveceria Artesanal Petermann.



The secret of MTB in Chile is out. Do it!

 by Carl
Incredible!

Wow, just wow. What can I say...

Volcanos - check


Llamas - check


Condors - check


Pumas - check


Torres del Paine - check


Calving Glaciers - check


Patagonian Supermoon - check


and that's just the condensed list! Not to mention slaying awesome Chilean singletrack through lava fields, bamboo forests, down ash covered volcanos and everything between. Just book it, you couldn't be in better hands than H+I!

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for mountain bike tour Chile

  • Q. How many people will be in the group?

We only run small group adventures to ensure that everyone has the best experience possible, and there will generally be between eight and 10 people in each group. The minimum number of people we require to run our mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia is six.

  • Q. What’s the age range of people who come on this holiday?

Our mountain bike tour Chile caters for a wide age range; typically between 30- and 60-years-old. As long as you have a high level of physical fitness and good bike-handling skills you will enjoy this mountain bike tour no matter what your age.

  • Q. What style of mountain biking vacation is it?

This mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia is a guided mountain biking tour, ideal for intermediate+ mountain bikers with level 6 fitness. Riding here, amongst active volcanoes, lava fields, and bamboo forests you’ll experience some long, tough climbs and descents, as well as some lovely flowing singletrack and double track.

  • Q. How far will we be mountain biking each day?

The distances we cover each day on our mountain bike tour Chile and Patagonia range from 20km to 45km, in accordance with the technical difficulty of the trails and height gain/ loss on each stage. Each evening your guide will chat with you about the following day’s mountain biking and give you an idea of the sorts of trails you can look forward to. If there’s anything you feel anxious about, your guides will be happy to discuss it with you.

  • Q. Do we have to carry all our gear with us?

No, you only need to carry a 20 litre day pack with you whilst riding. We have a support vehicle and driver who will transfer your luggage to your next accommodation each day, and have it ready and waiting for your arrival.

  • Q. What if I come across a section of trail I can’t ride?

Your guide will be very happy to give you some bike skills training during your trip to help improve your confidence and your enjoyment of your mountain bike tour Chile. If there is a section that you would prefer not to ride, then you can simply hop off your bike and walk. You won’t be the only one to walk certain sections and it’s not a competition in biking ability; it’s a mountain biking adventure!

  • Q. Who will be guiding us?

Your mountain bike guides are local to Chile and experienced professionals who have a real passion for mountain biking and for the outstanding, diverse landscapes of Chile. Your safety is their number one priority, closely followed by your enjoyment of the tour. They will always be on-hand to answer any questions or requests you may have throughout your trip. Meet your mountain bike guide in Chile.

  • Q. What sort of accommodation will we be staying in?

On this mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia you will be staying in a range of accommodation, including small, family-owned lodges and hotels. This will give you a flavour of real life in these areas,

  • Q. Which meals are included in the tour price?

7 breakfasts, 6 picnic/packed lunches, and 3 dinners are included in the price of your mountain bike tour Chile.

  • Q. What type of mountain bike is best for the trip?

A good quality full suspension mountain bike with 150mm travel will be ideal for this mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia. The terrain you will be riding is rough in places and you will feel more comfortable on a full suspension bike.

  • Q. What about tourist visas, how do I get those?

No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. South American countries and EU member countries don’t need a Visa for Chile, and there is no reciprocity fee.

Australian and New Zealand citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $160.00US processing fee payable on arrival. Cash and credit card accepted.

  • Q. What will the weather be like in Chile and Patagonia?

Generally the weather in the Lakes and Volcanoes area is very similar to Northern California, particularly the coast side. In November (spring time) temperatures range from 50°F – 77°F/ 10°C – 25°C, with some scattered rain. During December you can start feeling the beginning of the summer with temperatures around 50°F – 81°F/ 10°C – 27°C. In January and February temperatures range between 60°F – 95°F/ 16°C – 35°C. Remember that you are visiting the Lake and Volcano district, so always expect some rain when on our mountain bike tour Chile!

  • Q. What clothes and kit should I bring?

You should expect changes in weather and temperatures, so you must make sure that you have plenty of layers of breathable clothing and waterproof layers to ensure that you are always warm and dry. Read the full kit list to find out what you need to pack for your mountain bike tour Chile and Northern Patagonia.

  • Q. Can I bring a drone with me?

Unfortunately not. We are working hard to provide each and every customer who rides with us an unparalleled mountain bike experience in every destination we ride. This takes years of experience, riding and planning to get right, and a drone adds a very real danger to the group’s riding experience and health & safety.

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Mountain bike tour Chile our guide Ernesto

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