Cycling in Chile
Including Atacama Desert High Plateau, Cajón del Maipo Andean Climb, and Carretera Austral (Northern Section). On the map.
The vibe
Cycling through this country is a test of endurance against dramatic, shifting terrain that ranges from arid northern deserts to lush, rain-soaked southern forests. Summer is the prime time to ride, as the harsh winds and winter snows make the southern routes nearly impassable during the off-season. You will largely be sharing narrow, winding roads with heavy transport, making this a serious expedition for experienced riders rather than a casual holiday.
Atacama Desert High Plateau
Antofagasta Region
Tackle otherworldly high-altitude gravel roads passing salt flats, towering volcanoes, and geysers across the driest desert on earth. This remote region offers vast horizons and demanding terrain for adventurous bikepackers and gravel riders.
Access. Fly into Calama Airport (CJC), base out of San Pedro de Atacama for rentals, guides, and acclimatization rides.
Notes. Extreme altitude up to 4,500m, high UV exposure, and scarce water sources require careful planning and support.
Cajón del Maipo Andean Climb
Santiago Metropolitan Region
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Climb high into the towering Andes directly from the edge of Santiago on iconic paved mountain passes flanked by dramatic river gorges. This is the premier road-cycling training ground for local climbers seeking high-altitude challenges.
Access. Start directly from Santiago by bike or take transport up into the canyon to San José de Maipo.
Notes. Heavy weekend tourist traffic in lower sections; high altitude and steep grades demand good climbing legs.
Carretera Austral (Northern Section)
Región de Los Lagos
gavin_62 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Journey along the legendary Ruta 7 through untouched Patagonian wilderness, dense hanging glaciers, and deep fjords. This route is a bucket-list classic for self-supported bike-touring and gravel cyclists seeking raw adventure.
Access. Fly into Puerto Montt to begin the northern ferry and road connections into Hornopirén and Chaitén.
Notes. Gravel surfaces can be loose and washboarded; rain gear is mandatory year-round.
Carretera Austral (Southern Section: Coyhaique to Villa O'Higgins)
Aysen del General Carlos Ibanez del Campo Region
OutCrow / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Pedal past turquoise rivers, ancient larch forests, and the imposing Northern Patagonian Ice Field on undulating gravel roads. This demanding southern stretch rewards intrepid riders with some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.
Access. Fly into Coyhaique (Balmaceda Airport - BBA) to access the central and southern sectors.
Notes. Very remote stretches requiring panniers or bikepacking bags with self-sufficiency in food and repair gear.
Casablanca Valley and Valparaíso Hills
Valparaiso Region
Steve Morgan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Spin through rolling wine country between Santiago and the coast, tackling scenic coastal climbs and vineyard gravel tracks. The colorful, hilly streets of Valparaíso also offer a legendary urban mountain biking backdrop.
Access. Fly into Santiago International Airport (SCL) and take a 1.5-hour bus or rental car to Casablanca or Valparaíso.
Notes. Coastal fog (Camanchaca) can make mornings cool and damp; watch for wine-tourist traffic on weekends.
Chiloé Island Coastal Roads
Los Lagos Region
Michelle Maria / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Explore rolling green hills, UNESCO wooden churches, and rugged Pacific coastlines on quiet pastoral backroads and island ferries. Chiloé offers a unique cultural cycling experience with mild maritime weather.
Access. Take a ferry from Pargua (south of Puerto Montt) to Chacao on Chiloé Island; buses readily accept bikes.
Notes. Paved roads mix frequently with packed earth and gravel; frequent coastal mists and rain.
Elqui Valley
Coquimbo Region
René Bongard / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Cycle through arid Andean foothills, lush vineyards, and pisco distilleries under some of the clearest night skies in the world. The winding paved roads provide a scenic, moderate-difficulty experience for road cyclists looking for unique cultural landscapes.
Access. Base yourself in Vicuña or Pisco Elqui; bike rentals available in La Serena.
Notes. Year-round riding, though summer afternoons can be very hot.
Farellones and Valle Nevado
Santiago Metropolitan Region
Peretz Partensky from San Francisco, USA / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The legendary climb to the ski resorts above Santiago is a rite of passage for Chilean road cyclists, featuring dozens of switchbacks and massive elevation gain. It offers a grueling, high-altitude challenge with panoramic views of the Andes.
Access. Start from Santiago; shuttle services available for those wanting to descend.
Notes. Strictly for experienced road cyclists due to steep gradients and heavy traffic on weekends.
Nevados de Chillán Mountain Bike Park
Nuble Region
Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Ride world-class volcanic ash descents and ancient lenga forest singletracks at Chile's premier alpine mountain biking destination. Lift-accessed downhill and extensive backcountry trails cater to all levels of aggressive mountain bikers.
Access. Fly into Concepción (CCP) or Santiago, then rent a car or take a bus to Chillán and up to the mountain resort.
Notes. Open primarily during the southern summer (December to March); full protective gear recommended.
Parral and Linares Foothills
Maule Region
Anibal Aguillon Salazar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The rural interior of the Maule region offers a vast network of quiet gravel roads cutting through forests and agricultural heartlands. It is a premier destination for gravel enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path exploration away from coastal crowds.
Access. Accessible via train or bus from Santiago to Linares; self-supported touring is common.
Notes. Best in spring and autumn; traffic is minimal on rural gravel tracks.
Pucón and Villarrica Lake District
Araucania Region
AndyiH / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Ride through lush temperate rainforests, around pristine glacial lakes, and up volcanic slopes in Chile's adventure capital. The scenic paved roads and volcanic gravel tracks make this a premier destination for road cyclists and gravel enthusiasts alike.
Access. Accessible via Temuco Airport (ZCO) with a 1.5-hour shuttle or bus to Pucón, where numerous bike shops offer rentals and route advice.
Notes. Best ridden from November to March; expect occasional heavy traffic on the main highway during peak summer months.
Puerto Varas and Lake Llanquihue Loop
Los Lagos Region
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Circumnavigate massive Lake Llanquihue with snow-capped Osorno Volcano as your constant backdrop on rolling paved and well-maintained gravel roads. The Germanic heritage towns provide incredible culinary stops along classic touring routes.
Access. Fly into Puerto Montt Airport (PMC) and take a short taxi or shuttle to Puerto Varas.
Notes. Winds off the lake can be fierce; weather is changeable even in summer.
Torres del Paine National Park
Magallanes and Chilean Antarctica Region
Cayetano Roso / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
While famous for hiking, the gravel roads surrounding the park offer world-class bike-touring through dramatic Patagonian steppe and glacier views. This region is a bucket-list destination for long-distance cyclists traversing the deep south of Chile.
Access. Access via Puerto Natales; bike rentals and guided logistics available in town.
Notes. Best from December to March; high winds are a constant challenge.
Valdivia Coastal and Rainforest Routes
Los Ríos
Charlie danvers / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Cruise along historic riverside roads and through the Valdivian Temperate Rainforest out to coastal Spanish colonial forts. The gentle terrain combined with scenic ferry crossings makes it an ideal destination for relaxed bike touring and gravel exploring.
Access. Fly into Valdivia Airport (ZAL) with direct access to city bike rental shops and river boat services.
Notes. High annual rainfall means riders should always carry waterproof gear regardless of the season.