Bike Hike Lake & Volcano

Bike and Hike tour in Chile’s Lake & Volcano District. Explore the fascinating Chile’s Lake and Volcano District. Hiking and Cycling Chile’s southern backroads is the ultimate green tour. This well supported tour has been especially made for intermediate and advanced road cyclists and hikers.

Bike Hike Tour Chile

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*Click on Day Title to see the itinerary.

• Day 1 Santiago (SCL) – Temuco (ZCO) – Malalcahuello (Warm up ride)

  Our local staff will meet you at Temuco Airport and transfer you to a small quaint mountain village called Malalcahuello, where a soothing SPA awaits us at our hotel.  Your guides will assist you to assemble and fit your bike and then take a short warm-up ride.  In the evening, we’ll have an orientation and briefing session before our Welcome Dinner together.

  Accommodation at CORRALCO HOTEL & SPA, 4*

  Meals: Welcome Dinner

  Bike traveled distance: 20 km / 12 miles

  Time cycling: 1 hour

• Day 2 Kutralkura Geopark and The Andes Climb (Second Ride)

  Today  the van will take us to the Sierra Nevada Range right through the tunnel Las Raíces, the longest tunnel in Chile (4,5 km or 2,8 miles). Here we’ll set off on our second ride, traveling alongside the Lonquimay River by an almost flat valley; this section features the Kutralkura Geopark and one of the smoothest roads. We’ll bike the Geopark territory through the lands of different Pewenches communities, ascending the international path Pino Hachado until reaching the Customs. The road is quite rolling with several flat sections and a few small climbs. If you want to pedal up some serious grades, it is possible to extend the route on 22 km (13.6 miles) more, until the peak altitude of 1.884 meters (6.181 feet above sea level). Once you reach the border line with Argentina you can enjoy breathtaking scenery of the Andes. Later we’ll get in the van and drive back to our hotel.

  Accommodation at CORRALCO HOTEL & SPA, 4 *  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch and Dinner

  Bike traveled distance: 36 miles // 58 km + 14 miles // 22 km  

  Time cycling: 3,5 hours approx., with an optional additional 1,5 hour

  Time driving in the van: before riding, 30min / after riding, 90min to hotel

• Day 3 Hiking Day – Lonquimay Volcano – Pucon

  Let’s Hike in Kutralkura, Chile’s First Geopark

  Today  we start hiking from the hotel. We’ll hike towards Cerro Coloradito (redish hill), a natural view point of 4 volcanoes: Lonquimay, Llaima, Sierra Nevada and Villarrica. The hike is quite fun, with fantastic views and almost no other people in the trails. We’ll be surrounded by an ancient forest of araucaria trees, some of them dating over 2.000 years old. After the hike, we’ll drive to Pucon, the Capital of Adventure Travel in Chile. Upon arriving to Pucon, we’ll do the mountain gear fitting for the volcano climb next day. Evening at leisure. Ask our guides about shopping and dinning in town.

  Accommodation at MARTINA DE GOÑI HOTEL, 3 *  

  Meals: Breakfast, and Picnic Lunch

  Time hiking: 3 to 5 hours

• Day 4 Hiking Day – Villarrica Volcano Climb

  Today you will have to be ready at 6:30am and if the weather conditions are favorable, we’ll start driving to the Ski Resort located at the base of the volcano at 1.400 meters. Ascending the active Villarrica Volcano is without a doubt a once in a lifetime experience, the climb is not technical, but you need to be in good shape to reach the summit.

  Once we arrive at the parking lot we can take the chairlift that will take us to the higher part of the ski resort at 1.800 m., saving us almost 1 hour of climbing. From the top of the lift we begin ascending the slopes of the volcano, stopping briefly every 30 minutes, having a longer break to eat our food when we are half way to the crater. If we find hard snow or ice we’ll put on the crampons and use the piolets and after 4 or 5  hours we’ll reach the live crater at 2847 meters above sea level. The views from the top are absolutely mind-blowing, overlooking five lakes and several volcanoes in the distance such as Llaima and Lanín. The descent is quite fun, especially when we can slide down the snow on our rear ends. We’ll return to the vehicles around 5 pm and immediately head off to Pucón, where we hand back the gear. Free night to explore Pucon and eat out.  Ask our guides for tips about shopping and dinning.

  Accommodation at MARTINA DE GOÑI HOTEL, 3 *

  Meals: Breakfast, and Picnic Lunch.

  Time hiking: 6 to 8 hours

• Day 5 Pucon’s Hot Springs Loop Ride (Third Ride)

  We’ll cycle from our hotel to Lake Caburgua and then towards Pucon’s famous Hot Springs. The ride today is a combination of rolling hills with several short climbs at the second half of the road. Throughout today’s ride our guide will help us identify several species of birds and trees as we cycle next to beautiful farms and enjoy views of the Villarrica volcano. With a little good luck, we will see smoke coming out of this active volcano. After cycling the rolling and sometimes hilly road to the hot springs, we will enjoy lunch and then a soothing soak in a hot mineral bath. Later we’ll take a short ride in the vans back to our hotel in Pucón, or you can ride in your bike if you want. Finally, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner in a very special place with your local team of guides.

  Accommodation at MARTINA DE GOÑI HOTEL, 3 *  
  

  Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner

  Bike traveled distance = 34 miles // 54 km (we can extend this ride another 22 miles //35 km if you want to ride back to Pucón)

  Time cycling: 3 hours approx.

  Time driving in the van: 40 min from Hot Springs to hotel in Pucón.

• Day 6 Pucon – Temuco Airport (ZCO)

  Sadly, it’s time to say good-bye to the beautiful Lake & Volcano District of Chile.  After breakfast, we’ll ride in vans to the Airport to catch your flight back to Santiago. It’s been a trip you will always remember!

  End of services.

  Meals: Breakfast

  Please Book your domestic flights not before 10am 

• + MORE INFO

  ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

  Road cycling, hiking, volcano climbing and hot springs

   DATES

  From October 2018 until April 2019, and October 2019 to April 2020

  DIFFICULTY

  Intermediate biker: You’re active on your days off, and recreational biking may even be your weekend sport of choice. You love to ride, and it shows in your endurance and strength. Our intermediate bike tours offer a steady but active pace, with opportunities to push yourself. Expect some challenging climbs, with great descents over rolling terrain. Average distance per day: 40-50 miles / 65-80 km.

  Intermediate hiker: A reasonable level of fitness is required, as these hiking trips can require sustained endurance levels, hills and longer days. These tours are intended for active people who are comfortable participating in up to 6 hours of hiking per day. These tours may include hiking on difficult terrain, sometimes steep and/or uneven trails, with obstacles such as wet logs, branches and muddy areas.  All our guided hiking tours include natural interpretation and focus on the history, volcanology and the native flora and fauna of the wilderness areas.

  PACKING TIPS

  Tips for cycling

  We advise you to bring clothing for warm and cold weather; also including helmet and cap, brightly colored cycling jerseys, arm and leg warmers, base layers, windbreaker, booties, gloves, two pairs of sneakers, a waterproof jacket and any other waterproof item, sunglasses, bathing suit and sandals. Don’t forget your camera!

  Tips for hiking

  Clothing: Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt. Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts. Medium-weight sweater or jacket of synthetic fabric, such as fleece. Gore-Tex wind parka for rainy weather. Full-length pants, preferably of quick-drying synthetic fabric. Hiking shorts, preferably of quick-drying synthetic fabric.  Pile/fleece pants, ideal for relaxing time after hiking.

  Accessories: Sun hat with wide brim, preferably with a chin strap to keep it from blowing off. Bandanna. It will keep your neck from getting sunburned and can double as a hand towel. Wool or pile hat or ski cap. Gloves or mittens (wool or pile).

  Foot wear: Sturdy, properly fitting footwear can make your trip much more pleasurable. If you’re buying new boots for this trip, please break them in beforehand by wearing them as often as possible before the trip. Medium-weight, all leather, sturdy trekking boots with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your trekking boots should be well broken in, and suitable for prolonged walking on sandy and rocky terrain. Running shoes are NOT appropriate for this trip. Medium weight synthetic socks (we recommend Thorlo® Lt. Trekking). Athletic socks (synthetic for easy washing and drying) that are suitable for the shoes you’ll be wearing while in towns. Inner socks (synthetic) that can be washed and dried quickly.

  VISAS

  Visa to enter Chile: No advance Visa application is needed for entry into Chile. Australian and Mexican citizens entering Chile for tourism purposes will be charged a $160.00 processing fee payable on arrival. Cash and credit card accepted. USA, Canada and New Zealand citizens no longer need to pay the reciprocity fee ($160.00)to enter Chile. A valid passport is required  travelling as a tourist for 90 days.

  HOTELS

  As indicated in the program or similar

  FOOD

  Food in Chile is great and healthy. Likewise, it is one of the highlights of this tour. Great wine, fresh and flavorsome produce, seafood and all kinds of meat (beef, pork, chicken, lamb and wild boar) will be part of the daily menus. We are prepared to cater vegetarian, pescaterian and gluten free food, however if you are vegan you may have to be flexible because in Chile we have very limited vegan options. Unfortunately, kosher food is not available.

  VEHICLES

  Modern Mercedes Benz Sprinter or van according to group size, air-conditioned

  ITINERARY MODIFICATIONS

  Slight itinerary modifications might occur due to weather and or road conditions, or force majeur.

  WEATHER NOTES

  We suggest visiting the web for current conditions in Chile and doing your own research on this topic.

  www.meteochile.cl/reg09.html and www.meteochile.cl/reg10.html                  or www.accuweather.com

  Generally the weather in this area is very similar to Northern California, specially the coast side. Late October and November (spring time in the southern hemisphere) present milder temperatures 10ºC to 25ºC (50°F to 77°F) with some scattered rain (likewise during our Fall, March and April). During December you can start feeling the beginning of the summer with temperatures around 10ºC to 27ºC (50°F to 81°F).

  In January and February temperatures range between 15ºC and 35ºC (60°F / 95°F). Remember that you are visiting the Lake & Volcano district, so always expect some rain!

  In this part of Chile there are no insects or animals that represent a threat to human beings.

  AIRLINE INFORMATION

  We highly recommend getting the Chile Airpass ticket with Lan Airlines, which includes the international flight from your country to Santiago (Chile) and the domestic flights Santiago(SCL)- Temuco(ZCO) / Temuco(ZCO)-Santiago(SCL). This Airpass is definitely less expensive than buying the flights separately and what’s more important it is very flexible if there are some unexpected last minute changes. Lan Airlines Airpass can be purchased at any IATA travel agent.

  We are happy to help you find and book your domestic flights, without extra cost.-

  The international terminal at SCL is located in the same building than the domestic terminal.

  Note: The local flights in Chile have a luggage allowance of 23kg. You will need to pay excess if your baggage exceeds this. There is an allowance for cycling equipment charged at 3kg (approx $5 per kg).

  INSURANCE

  Any policy you purchase should, at the very least, cover trip cancellation, loss of baggage, accident/life coverage, travel delays, and non-refundable airline tickets.

  Carriers for travel insurance include World Nomads, Travel Guard and Travelex. You may also consider insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation. Search the web to find the best deal that suits your needs – read the fine print –

  ROAD SAFETY

  Besides your own on-road safety gear (helmet, rear-view mirrors, bright colored jerseys and gloves) we provide a support vehicle that drives at the rear of the group with a road-sign that alert other drivers the presence of bike riders on the road. Drivers in Chile are used to bicycles on the road, so they shouldn’t bother you while riding. All our staff communicates by radio at all times.

  90 MINUTES RIDING WAIT POLICY

  In order to ensure that the timing and logistics of the rides and tour go more smoothly, please be informed that from the time that it takes for the first rider to complete a ride, the transportation vehicles will wait a maximum of 90 minutes for the remaining cyclists to finish riding. After this point, the riders yet to reach the finish line will have to get into the vans and be transported in the vehicles to reunite with the group.

  BICYCLE CHOICE

  If you bring your own bike, make sure they have tires of at least 28 cm size. Although the road surfaces are normally in fine shape, one never knows what condition they will be in after the winter. Pack your bike well in a cardboard box that we can easily dismantle for its transportation during the tour. Standard size bike hard-cases are welcomed.

  NON STANDARD WHEELS

  If your wheel size is different than 700, you MUST bring your own parts (tires, tubes and spokes). Likewise, if your wheels have any special features make sure you bring your own special spokes.

  BIKE FRIDAY

  If your bike is like one of the Bike Friday models, please make sure you bring enough bike parts (especially: tires, tubes and spokes), as in Chile there are no places where you can purchase any part for that kind of bike.

  BIKE HIRE US$ 100,00

  Our company counts with great rental bikes: Cannondale Caad8-5  105 Alloy- 2014 road bike or similar.

  Cannondale Caad8-5  105 Alloy – Road Bike

  

  Kona Dew

  

  If you rent one of our great bikes, feel free to bring your own pedals, seat and seat post (27,2 mm).

  Helmets & Pedals

  Most riders choose to bring their own helmets, but if you prefer, we have a small number of helmets available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.  Please let us know in advance if you’d like to use one.  All our bikes are equipped with Wellgo pedals and toeclips.  We will be happy to substitute any pedals you choose to bring.  Amity Tours also has a small number of Shimano SPD and SPD-SL pedals, available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.  Please let us know in advance if you prefer to use them.

  ALTITUDE SICKNESS

  There is nothing to be worrying about altitude sickness. We will never get higher than 9,340 feet

  CURRENCY

  In Chile, the local currency is called “Peso”.

  The current exchange rate is $1 USD = $650 Chilean Pesos (CLP).

  Travel checks are not convenient because only few places accept them and the exchange rate is 10% lower than dollar bills. Most credit cards are accepted at shops, restaurants and hotels. The most common cards are Master Card, Visa and Dinners Club. American Express is less commonly accepted that the others. There is no need to bring a large amount of cash; there are ATMs almost everywhere we go on the tour. The maximum amount of money that you can withdraw per day is equivalent to $360.000 CLP.

  For up to date information we suggest you visit the website www.xe.com/ucc/

  Gratuity: In Chile the gratuity for hospitality services is normally 10% of the bill. People usually tip in restaurants, hotels and the local staff of guides. You shouldn’t tip taxi drivers, baggage carriers and bar tenders, they do not expect any tips. At the end of the trip gratuity for the crew for a job well done is highly appreciated. We encourage you to use your discretion and tip according to the caliber of service you receive. As a guideline, the industry standard is $80 dollars per person, per guide.

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