Ebike tours in Chile

Estancias and Ebikes Tour Patagonia

Bicycle tours with electric bikes in Chile

 

Estancias & Ebikes in Patagonia

Estancias and Ebikes Tour Patagonia
Estancias and Ebikes Tour Patagonia. Copyright: OutdoorsTV/Chile Nativo

I just returned from an epic bike tour in southern Chile: Estancias & Ebikes in Patagonia.

I was invited to test a new e-mtb tour with one of our key partners in Patagonia. After two years of planning and designing the perfect bicycle tour in Patagonia, we finally were able to put it to a test.

One of the biggest challenges of cycling in Patagonia is the weather, especially considering the windy conditions that can at times reach up to 60 mph gusts in the summer months (mid-December to early March). We made several previous attempts and learnt our lessons the hard way. So, along with my friend Gonzalo “Pampa” Fuenzalida, an expert outfitter in Patagonia, having studied every corner of the map and knowing the key vendors throughout Ultima Esperanza province, (as well as my expertise in bicycle tourism), we were eager to finally hit the backroads on brand new electric hard-tail mountain bikes.

Estancias and Ebikes Tour Patagonia
Cristian and Gonzalo in Patagonia. Copyright: OutdoorsTV/Chile Nativo

The plan was to put together a bike tour that not only will include the amazing landscapes of Patagonia, but also the fantastic cultural aspects of its many Estancias, which are the cattle ranches that still operate in the surroundings of Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park. Gonzalo has been working with the “estancieros” (ranch owners) to become a tourist attraction without losing their cultural roots, and he certainly did a wonderful job.

In 2001, Gonzalo started his company focusing on his #1 passion, horseback riding, and this ebike tour follows the same routes made by horseback. Even the first European explorers such as Lady Florence Dixie and William Greenwood rode in awe of the wilderness of Patagonia, so there is a strong historical heritage on every pedal stroke we took.

During 7 days, we ebiked 215km (133 miles) and stayed in comfortable Estancia guest houses, all simple and very cozy, located in front of jaw-opening natural settings. This well-supported and guided bicycle tour included a private chef that cooked all our meals and snacks. I didn’t feel guilty about all those extra calories, as biking on ebikes is still an active sport; you need to push through and get your heartbeat going since this pedal-assisted bikes will only work if you keep pedaling.

Estancias and Ebikes Tour Patagonia
Estancias and Ebikes Tour Patagonia. Copyright: OutdoorsTV/Chile Nativo

Bicycle Tourism, the smart way

The one thing I love the most about bicycle tourism is that I consider it the smart way to travel and discover a new (or already familiar) destination. While travelling on your saddle, you can cover long distances (between 40km and 100km per day) and take-in all the elements that are surrounding you. You can enjoy the views, hear the sound of nature (animals, wind, rivers, bugs, etc.) and smell all the aromas (good and bad alike). You are completely immersed in the landscape, and only after you experience an adventure like this, you realize how much you miss out when you are in a car or van.

The most fabulous part? You start your morning by biking from one hotel to the next one, and as such you can stay active all day. That way, in the evening you can eat amazing local food and indulge in local wine and beer to your heart’s content, turning your weight watch app on airplane mode with the knowledge that you’ll burn off all those hard-earned calories with tomorrow’s ride.

Ebikes in Chile
Cristian and Gonzalo testing gravel ebikes in Chile.

The magic of pedal-assisted electric bikes

All things considered, I’m a pretty average cycling enthusiast, I’m in my mid-forties, I don’t train, and you will never see me taking part in a bike race. That said, I genuinely love biking and try to do it as much as possible. I feel so lucky that biking tours are part of my job, and I take each and every opportunity to get on a bike.

In 2018 I started experimenting with electric bikes. It was with my friend Gonzalo that we took a self-guided bicycle tour in Italy, with the twist of including ebikes as part of the experience. That trip really blew my mind. I couldn’t believe how pedal-assisted bikes worked. You sweat and your heart beat faster, but on the hills or windy sections, you just press the button to sport or turbo mode and you are flying uphill at 25 or 30km/h.

You can keep all the fun and take the pain you put into your body out of this equation of happiness – no more pain or suffering and just fun and joyous biking. I used to take painkillers and muscle rub cream for my knees after every ride. I was sore, tired and happy with a feeling of accomplishment at the end of the day, and now with the ebikes I’m still so very happy but can forget about my aching joints. The Estancias and Ebike tour in Patagonia was no exception; just as much fun, and without the pain.

Ebikes in Italy
Gonzalo and Cristian in Italy, first time on ebikes.

Ebike tours in Chile

At Amity Tours we are convinced electric bikes will bring in more and more people into bicycle tourism. Knowing that a pedal-assisted bicycle is available on all our tours will take away all your fears. You’ll definitely won’t be at the tail of the group, and those hilly roads will not be an excuse to skip the “book now” button. That’s why we have partnered with Specialized bicycles and now we offer the most modern bike fleet for your next bike tour in Chile, with both analog and electric bike options.

Check out our curated bicycle tours in Chile here (including the one in Patagonia): https://www.amity-tours.com/tours/bike-tours/

See you on the road !!

More sustainability in the Lake and Volcano District of Chile

In Amity Tours, not only we operate every year unforgettable adventure experiences in Chile, but we also work as consultant in the local tourism industry. Today, we are currently transferring knowledge to micro and small tour operators all around the Scenic Route in the Lake and Volcano District.

 

 

scenic route lake volcano district chile

 

The Lake and Volcano Scenic Route, Chile

 

Under the name “The Lake and Volcano District Scenic Route”, we do understand a tourist product that articulates attractions and experiences with a component of scenic beauty in southern Chile. The government of Chile has been developing the Interlagos Network for 20 years. It has six circuits and more than 2,000 km of roads that transport visitors along a spectacular geography. Shaped by the force of volcanism, bathed by large lakes, upholstered by the green of the oldest forests on the planet and inhabited by ancestral cultures. This network of roads has generated connectivity between potential poles of tourist development and other consolidated in the regions of La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos. The First Scenic Route of Chile, has a unique layout, unmissable for lovers of pristine nature andadventure travellers.

Amity Tours is working hard to help reaching the ambition vision of this project. “To be the best positioned scenic route of Chile in the national and international market as a singular and sustainable experience that allows the encounter with the Mapuche, colony and criolla cultures and the unique nature of La Araucanía, Los Ríos and Los Lagos.”

At the moment, we are transferring our knowledge to micro and small local tour operators to help generate more sustainable tourism in the destination. An important part of the content we obtained from the useful workshops ATTA has been providing us until today.

 

Step-by-Step to a sustainable tourism destination

 

First of all, we were updating the database of the micro and small local tour operators forming part of the Scenic Route. Then, we offered all of them free courses separated by environments: Water – Mountains – Conventional tourism and focusing in sustainable tour operating.

Out of the tour operators who were participating in these first courses, we formed a “Club of Experiences”. The members are getting more classes for free. So they get prepared for the important Virtual Business Roundtable we are organizing on March 2021.

The three webinars will address the following topics:

  • Preparation of Commercial Actions. Here we will talk about the different formats to approach the B2B channel. With emphasis on the virtual business conference that we will have at the end of March.
  • Preparation of Commercial Material. Here we will dive into the Manuals and Tariffs that are presented at a business conference.
  • Preparation of the Commercial Pitch. Here we will talk about what a pitch is. How it should be built and used.  Of course depending on the format of the meeting and who we have in front of in a business conference.

 

 

 

Virtual Business roundtable  

 

The final objective of these courses is to bring local operators closer to the B2B channel. That is why we are organizing the First Business Roundtable of the Lakes & Volcanoes Scenic Route. It will be held in March, between Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 2021, in a 100% online format through the Eventtia platform.

We want to bring the local operators together. As well as to transfer them valuable knowledge. That is how we want to promote our unique destination in a sustainable way.

At the same time we continue working on our zero waste concept, attending different courses and forming part of local zero waste communities. We are dreaming of a “Zero Waste Scenic Route”.

 

Stay tuned!

 

 

Experiences about traveling to Chile during COVID-19

amity protocols covid

Here we are sharing a report about traveling from Europe to Chile during COVID-19 pandemic.

Beginning of November 2020 our Key Account Manager, Angela and her 2-years old daughter, travelled back from Switzerland (Angela´s birth country) to her home in southern Chile. A lot of uncertainties accompanied the travel plans. This because traveling restrictions changed frequently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this blog we would like to share some recommendations, that should help organizing your next trip to Chile.

The most important fact first: The whole trip turned out to be completely stress free and almost more pleasant than before the pandemic! All the staff at the airports, the flight attendants and immigration officers were extremely friendly, helpful and happy to be able to attend tourists again. The fact, that less people are traveling at the moment makes the whole atmosphere at the airport and the planes more peaceful.

Our trip

We traveled with a private car to the airport to avoid using public transportation. While the baggage drop-off they already asked for our health declaration form for Chile. We boarded our plane in Zurich, had to change flight at Amsterdam and enjoyed then a direct flight to Santiago de Chile. Adults have to wear face masks all over the trip, while kids up to 10 years (depending on the airline) do not have to use them. Upon arrival to Santiago de Chile, we had to pass by a control station of the National Health Department. At that point, they measured our temperature. Here we had to informe, where we are going to pass the 14-day quarantine. This is not mandatory any more (for most travelers), showing a negative PCR test. (More details about the actual travel documents entering Chile at the end of this blog)

Passing this first control we continued to the  immigration control and the baggage claim before passing the agriculture and livestock service (SAG) as usual.

Recommendations

Before you travel to the airport you should know the exact hour you should arrive. It is also good to know what to bring and what to leave at home. Everything begins with how you feel; if you have a fever, or minor complaints such as the common cold, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat or a mild cough, you should stay at home. Your health and that of your fellow travellers is what is considered to be the most important thing during this pandemic. That is why most airports/airlines require a health declaration form.

Icon mask man

Prepare your flight:

  • Check-in online or via the application of your airline (Many airlines allow you to check in online, which means one less interaction. Then all you have to do is drop off your baggage in the departure hall)
  • Bring enough face masks (you should change them at least every 3 hours or whenever they get humid)
  • Carry your own hand sanitiser with you in your hand baggage. The capacity of the hand sanitizer container cannot exceed 100ml.
  • Check if you need a health declaration form for the departure, transit and final destination
  • Of course you will have to bring all mandatory documents (passport, visa if required and all documents required from your transit and final destination – Check all the travel documents entering Chile here)
  • If possible go to the airport alone and/or in a private transportation
  • Get to the airport with enough time (follow the recommendations of the airport and airline you are travelling with)

icon Hand sanitizer

At the airports

Most of the restaurants and shops are open so you will always find something to refresh, eat or shop at the airports.

Throughout the flight

At the moment most of the planes are not fully booked. This allows the airlines to separate passengers from each others and give them more space. During our flight to Santiago de Chile with KLM, we could use a whole row of three seats, which allowed us stretch our legs throughout the whole flight.

Food is served almost as usual, only the snacks between the main dishes are served in plastic bags.

The airlines recommend to stay on your seat whenever possible. Whenever you need assistant, you can call the flight attendants, they will be happy helping you with your issues.

Aircraft are equipped with HEPA filters in their cabins, which remove 99.97% of particles and bacteria, including the Sars-CoV-2 virus. Moreover, the air inside an aircraft is completely renewed every 2 to 3 minutes. The airflow drags the particles from above to foot level (vertically), further lowering their concentration and preventing the air from mixing across the rows. That is why physical distancing is not decisive within the air cabins, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

All these measures, together with proper and mandatory use of face masks, make the cabins as sanitary as an operating room. (source: Santiago Nuevo Pudahuel Airport)

Nuevo Pudahuel Logo

Travel documents to enter Chile

These are the actual required travel documents for non-residents entering Chile:

  • Negative PCR test performed 72 hours before travelling. In flights with intermediate stops, this is considered from the last boarding.
  • Fill out the Traveler’s Affidavit electronically, and up to 48 hours before boarding at www.c19.cl
  • Health insurance that covers medical treatment for COVID-19 during your stay, with a minimum coverage of USD$30,000.

Between November 23th and December 7th anybody arriving from countries with community transmission of COVID-19 must go under a 14-day mandatory quarantine, even if you have a PCR (-).

Check the updated information: OMS Weekly epidemiological update

Here you can find the official recommendations about traveling to Chile this 2020.

Find out detailed information about the reopening and the Step-by-Step plan of our government.

All information without guarantee. Changes at short notice possible

Ready to talk about your travel plans? Contact us and we will be happy sharing our knowledge with you!

Hiking in Chile early bird discount up to 300 USD

Hiking Tour Patagonia Experience Torres del Paine Chile

Hiking in Chile 2016-2017

Hiking in Chile Early Bird discount up to 300 USD.

Hiking in Chile Early Bird discount up to 300 USD
Hiking in Chile, Kutralkura Geopark

If you are one to get connected with nature through hiking experiences you must visit Chile and try what Amity Tours had prepared for the coming 2016-2017 season. Imagine yourself hiking through ancient forests, desert trails, glaciers, lakes, rivers and volcanoes. You will be able to discover amazing places, getting the chance to learn about ancient cultures and about flora and fauna native species.  You will discover Chile with an experience that will surprise you day by day. Chile is home to some of the most impressive sights in the Southern Hemisphere and to some of the world’s most classic trekking routes.Continue reading

„Raftig alto“ – Im Adrenalin Rausch den kristallklaren Strom hinunter! Rio Trancura -Februar 2015

Mein erstes Raftingerlebnis hatte ich heute – auf dem Rio Trancura, der in der Nähe der kleinen Stadt Pucon liegt. Die erste Entscheidung, die ich zu Fällen hatte, war: alto oder bajo. Blauäugig und unbedacht entschied ich mich nach dem Motto „Ganz oder gar nicht“ – für das Rafting „alto“ auf dem Rio Trancura, mit Stromschnellen der Klasse 4.

Um 14.00 Uhr wurde ich, bewaffnet mit Handtuch, Badesachen und Kleidung zum Wechseln, abgeholt. Gemeinsam mit fünf anderen Teilnehmern, zwei Guides und dem Raft im Schlepptau ging es aus der Stadt Richtung Fluss.
Auf der Fahrt dorthin hatte ich Zeit darüber nachzudenken, was ich da bloß für eine Entscheidung getroffen hatte. Ich bin eigentlich eher der vorsichtige Typ und setzte auf Sicherheit und die Vorstellung in einem Fluss mit Stromschnellen aus einem Boot geschmissen zu werden machte mir dann doch etwas Angst – aber ich war nunmal auf dem Weg und musste da durch!

Beim Fluss angekommen wurden wir mit Neoprenanzug, speziellen Schuhen und Helm ausgestattet. Dort gab es Umkleidemöglichkeiten und so machten wir uns für den Trip startklar. Nachdem alle in ihren Neoprenanzügen steckten, wurden wir mit dem Transporter noch weiter den Fluss aufwärts gebracht – dann waren wir endlich an unserem Startpunkt angelangt.
Durch die Bäume schimmerte schon das klare, blau-grüne Wasser des Rio Trancura. Ausgerüstet mit Schwimmweste und Helm stiegen wir hinab zum Ufer. Dort gab es zu meiner Beruhigung noch eine Sicherheitseinweisung. Der eine Guide sollte uns mit seinem Kajak begleiten, um zur Not die Verlorengegangenen wieder einzusammeln.

Dann ging es auch schon samt Raft ins Wasser. Wir bekamen noch schnell Instruktionen in die Befehle („left forwards“, „right forwards“, „stopp“, „down“ und „paddle backwards“), die der Guide zum Paddeln gab. Diese trainierten wir im ersten, noch ruhigen Teil des Flusses, um ein Gefühl für das Team zu bekommen – dadurch fühlte ich mich nun sehr gut vorbereitet, die ersten Stromschnellen zu meistern. Die Vorfreude auf diese stieg nun mehr und mehr – und dann kam die erste „rapid“ – es war eine von den „seichteren“. Das Team passierte sie ohne Probleme, mit unglaublich viel Freude und steigendem Adrenalinspiegel.

Dann kam die zweite „rapid“, die es in sich hatte. Wir wurden einen Wasserfall hinuntergeworfen. Das Wasser spritzte von allen Seiten – das Boot wurde von den Wellen hin und hergeworfen – wir bekamen eine starke Schräglage – und dann waren wir durch. Einfach ein unglaubliches Gefühl. Trotzallem hatte ich nicht das Gefühl eines Kontrollverlustes, weil der Teamgeist der Gruppe mit jeder Herausforderung stärker wurde.
Die Intensität nahm immer mehr zu und die Stimmung im Raft war fantastisch!
Nach einer besonders harten „rapid“, waren wir alle glückserfüllt und gaben uns ein „High-Five“ mit den Paddeln. Ich wurde fast aus dem Raft gerissen – doch meine Angst davor rauszufallen war total verflogen, ich freute mich nur auf die Ansprüche die die nächste Schnelle an uns stellen sollte.

Später paddelten wir ans Ufer, kurz vor einem sehr engen und steinigem Wasserfall. Dort wurden wir aufgefordert das Raft zu verlassen. Mit dem Raft sei diese Stelle nicht zu passieren, so wurde uns gesagt– ob das stimmt weiß ich nicht. Aber nach einem kurzen Aufstieg am Uferrand stand ich plötzlich auf einer Klippe, direkt neben dem Wasserfall, den ich eben noch von oben gesehen hatte. In dem Moment als ich da oben stand, war mir klar: Wir sollten springen. Mit Blick auf die nahen Steine im Wasser- direkt hinter diesem Wasserfall, war dies ein atemberaubender Ort. Aber mit meiner Höhenangst war ich ziemlich überrumpelt von der Situation. Damit hatte ich nicht gerechnet – doch ohne viel nachzudenken, bin ich gesprungen!
Das Eintauchen ins Wasser, während du die verschiedenen Strömungen um dich herum spürst…und das Auftauchen und Realisieren was man grade getan hatte – der reinste Adrenalinrausch!
Ich schwamm zum Raft und dann ging es auch schon weiter, wir passierten noch zwei atemberaubende „rapids“ bevor wir langsam Richtung Zielpunkt glitten. Alle waren in Hochstimmung als wir ankamen – von Freude erfüllt über das was wir grade erlebt hatten.
Am Zielpunkt wurden wir mit Keksen und Saft empfangen, um unsere Energie wieder aufzuladen und in trockene Kleidung zu schlüpfen! Dann war das Rafting auch schon vorbei. Während der Rückfahrt nach Pucon wurden noch viel über andere interessante Rafting Erlebnisse gesprochen, die die anderen Gruppenmitglieder bereits erlebt hatten. Super zufrieden kamen wir alle wieder im Ort an.

Die Gefühle die mich auf diesem Trip erfüllten sind schwer in Worte zu fassen, aber das Adrenalin das durch die Adern fließt – die Aufregung vor jeder intensiven Stromschnelle – das will ich jedenfalls wiederholen!

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Confirmed Departure Chile 8 days Bike and Hike Tour October and December 2014

bike tour chile

Discover the Lake & Volcano District hiking and cycling Chile’s southern backroads. Explore this fascinating part of the country dominated by clear-water lakes and amazing live volcanoes. Together with friendly locals, you will pedal alongside the Andes mountains, green rolling meadows and through national parks, climb an active volcano, visit local ethnic villages and relax in soothing natural hot springs.

Confirmed Departure: Chile 8 days Bike and Hike Tour, October and December 2014.

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We Invite You To Travel Across Chile, All At Once Or In Severall Stages, But Always Riding A Bike

You can travel Chile in many ways, starting out in the Atacama Desert and finishing an epic journey in Patagonia. Or you can begin your trip in Easter Island, then indulge yourself while wine tasting in Colchagua wine valley and finally climb the great Andes Mountain Range.

Depending on the route you choose, it will always be best to do it on a bike tour and, of course, with Amity Tours.

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Words From Our Friends

This month (Mar ’14) we biked Chile’s lake and volcano district with Amity Tours. Amity provided good organization and infrastructure, knowledgeable and competent guiding, excellent choice of routes, restaurants and hotels; our eight day tour was well-planned and well-executed. Our guide David, a transplanted Belgian, is an expert outdoorsman, guiding whitewater raft and kayak trips and volcano climbs in addition to bicycle tours. Learning that he also serves as a volunteer fireman gave us additional sense of security. Driver Bernardo is very safe and conscientious. In addition, he puts on an impressive spread for the tour’s picnic lunches. Rest assured–the company and its staff are first rate.

And Chile is a fantastic biking destination. We knew near nothing about the country before our trip–and now are raving about it. Santiago is a bike mad city, with extensive urban bike paths and commuter and pleasure bikers everywhere. The city is comparable to one in Western Europe. In both the capital and the countryside, motor vehicle traffic is remarkably respectful of bikers. The scenery, cuisine and accommodations in Chile’s lake and volcano district are world-class. And the roads are fantastic for biking–well-paved, good mix of grades, and at least during our trip, almost devoid of cars and trucks. On some days it seemed the roads we rode were a giant bicycle amusement park and we were on a fantastic bike roller-coaster. It’s a good place to see and a great place to bike. Do it!

Brian Smith, Williamson NY.

Meine Besteigung des aktivsten Vulkans Chiles – Der Vulkan Villarrica

Der schneebedeckte Krater des  Vulkans Villarrica, welcher sich in der Region Araucanía befindet, schimmert 2847 Meter über der Stadt Pucón. Aus seinem Schlund steigt weißer Rauch empor und in seinem tiefsten Inneren brodelt heiße Lava. Der Vulkan Villarrica zählt zu den zehn aktivsten Vulkanen der Welt.
Dieser Vulkan ist schon aus der Ferne beeindruckend, aber noch spektakulärer ist der Blick in die Tiefe des Vulkans und die Aussicht ganz oben auf dem Kraterrand! Die Besteigung des Vulkans ist ein ein einmaliges Erlebnis und ein absolutes Muss für jeden, der das wunderschöne Städtchen Pucón besucht!
Wir- Amity Tours- ermöglichen Ihnen dieses einzigartige Erlebnis!Continue reading

Confirmed Departure Chile 8 Days Bike Tour, March 7-14, 2014.

Discover The Lake and Volcano District on our Chile 8 Days Bike Tour. This awesome tour takes you to the most charming little villages in the south of Chile. You will ride alongside amazing lakes, rivers and mountains all around you. With an average distance of 50-80 km per ride, you will explore the south of Chile the best way you can….on a Cannondale Road Bike. You will ride among the most beautiful landscapes and discover that there is an active volcano in just about every corner. This 8 days bike tour is an experience you will never forget.
Check out pictures from our latest bike tour! Chile Bike Tour 2014
Some of the highlights of our Chile 8 Days Bike Tour

• Accommodation at 3 *, 4 *and 5 * Hotels
• Professional guide with you at all times
• SAG Wagon for every ride
• Rides can be extended
• Meals at local family owned restaurants, always with the best Chilean Wines.
• Ride Chile´s Seven Lakes Route
• 7 rides in 8 days!
Dates:
Mar. 7st- 14th, 2014

Hiking trails around Pucon – The lake & volcano district

Pucon is one of Chile´s most beautiful tour destinations and the capital of adventure tourism. Surrounded by Mountains, Lakes and active Volcanoes, you will find the most amazing Hiking Trails in the beautiful national parks nearby.

One of these amazing Hiking Trails is at El Cañi Sanctuary. This ancient araucaria forest (monkey puzzle tree) with its beautiful Hiking Trails enables you to expand awareness wide enough to begin to sense mysterious echoes coming down from past millennia. The sanctuary sits at one of the highest elevations in an active volcanic landscape. You can combine this hiking with a visit to the nearby natural hot springs!

Another great Hiking Trail is in the Villarrica Volcano, located in Villarrica National Park. If you are coming to the town of Pucon, you cannot miss out on climbing this beautiful perfect cone shape volcano. The hike up can be a challenge but once you get to the top….you will be amazed by all the beauty and the power of an active crater. At an elevation of 2,847 meters, this active volcano offers great hiking in the winter time where you will find yourself in the middle of powder snow, and in the summer time surrounded by panoramic views of the lakes and other volcanoes.

From the West side of Villarrica Volcano we take you to the East side of this beautiful National Park, heading to its unique glacier. This beautiful Hiking Trail starts with an amazing Araucaria forest. The Hiking Trail continues to the Pichi Llancahue Glacier, finding yourself surrounded by volcanoes! Everywhere you look, there is a volcano! The Quetrupillan Volcano, Lanin Volcano and right behind the glacier, the majestic Villarrica Volcano. It’s not just these amazing volcanoes on sight, the beauty surrounding us, mountains covered with snow on one side, and rocky mountains on the other side, is something you will treasure. After hiking, we usually visit the Geometricas hot springs, our favorite hot springs in Chile!

Another amazing Hiking Trail has to be in Conguillio National Park, one of the most attractive and outstanding parks of the Lake & Volcano District and the first Geopark in Chile. While you visit the park you will witness how the Llaima volcano has permanently shaped the landscape of the area with its eruptions and you’ll have the fantastic opportunity to walk on the lava flows that once came from the heart of the Earth. We’ll also visit the Truful-Truful Canyon and its waterfalls and the pristine Arco Iris (Rainbow) Lake with its clear waters that reflect stunning colors. In this excursion, we hike along the Sierra Nevada trail (3 ½ hours round trip) surrounded by native trees, including ancient monkey-puzzle trees or araucarias and Nothofagus. This hiking trail is one of our favorite ones.

Southeast of Lake Villarrica you will find one of Chile’s most beautiful National Parks, the Huerquehue National Park, located at the foothills of the Andes, 35 km (22 miles) from Pucón. This Hiking Trail starts easy but after a short distance the trail becomes more demanding and sometimes steeper, but is still considered a relatively easy hiking level. Once you get to the first lookout point you will be stunned by the views of the Villarrica Volcano and Tinquilco Lake. Once you reach 1.000 meters above sea level you begin to see the first araucarias trees. Soon we will walk through a mixed forest with many of these trees, considered to be a living fossil and a national monument for their exceptional characteristics. After hiking, we can visit the fantastic Huife Hot Springs and relax in its soothing thermal waters.

These hiking trails are just a few in this beautiful country. For more details, check out the day to day itinerary: HIKING NATIONAL PARKS AROUND PUCON 8 DAYS

 

 

Amity Tours Chile Celebrates 10 Years !

In August 13th, 2003, my father Alejandro Levy, founded Amity Tours, a family-owned and operated tour company, established in the South of Chile.

Looking back in these 10 years, my heart starts to beat faster, I remember with fondness almost every moment. I only have words and feelings of gratitude to my father Alejandro. He didn’t teach me about business or tourism, he never lectured me about my behavior, he only taught me how to be a good man, and he did it with his example, even today.

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First time Asian clients on one of our 12 days Bike Tour!

January 2013 went by quickly. The beginning of the year brought along our first group of friends from Thailand! We had the pleasure to take our first time clients on our Chile- Argentina 12 Days Bike Tour. Our clients arrived in Santiago, and after a couple of days, they were back on a plane to come even more south to our favorite little touristy city of Pucon. The tour started and our clients were on their bikes and when they weren´t riding, they were hiking some of Chile´s and Argentina´s most beautiful National Parks. In 12 days, they were able to see these two beautiful countries, experience a different culture and accomplish the most amazing bike rides they could have imagined!Continue reading

Highlights of Amity Tours Chile

Southern routes to the most unique, beautiful and comfortable Hotels the South of Chile has to offer.

Whether on a Ski Tour, Bike Tour, Fly Fishing or Hiking Tour with Amity. We will take you down the most beautiful breathtaking routes you could ever dream of.

For several years now, we have been surprising and fulfilling every aspect of a good Bike Tour our clients had before getting here.  We have done this by finding the most beautiful routes in Chile and taking them there on their bikes and after a day of beautiful scenery, rewarding them with comfort and hospitality.Continue reading

Chile Ranked #1 by Adventure Tourism Development Index 2012

We, Chilean people usually say ¨Pucha que es linda mi tierra¨ which means: ¨Damn, my land is beautiful! Often foreigners who hear us believe that we are just saying that due to high doses of Chilean wine glasses.
Well now, we are not the only ones who think our country is beautiful and the closest thing to paradise where you can develop tourism associated with natural and cultural resources.Continue reading

A Story For Tomorrow – Chile Video

Take five minutes of your time, relax, and take a look at this amazing video of Chile, from North to South, you can get a glimpse of what a nice Country Chile is. We are waiting for you with open arms!

8 Days of Road Cycling in The Lake & Volcano District of Chile & Argentina

Summer time is passing by way too fast and before you know it, your cycling days will soon be over in the northern hemisphere.  If you didn´t get to cycle this summer or you didn´t get enough, planning a trip to Chile is something you should be thinking about.  Our cycling season starts in October, the beginning of spring time here in Chile.

This year´s 8 days cycling tour is just what you are looking for. You will have the chance to discover The Lake and Volcano District in Chile and Argentina in just 8 days on your bike!

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Mapuche Culture in The Lake and Volcano District

In most of our hiking tours, we get to experience and see how the Mapuche live and who they are.  The Mapuche are the indigenous people of south-central Chile and southwestern Argentina.  They share a common social, religious and economic structure as well as their own language called Mapundungun. This group of people makes up about 4% of the Chilean population and they are particularly concentrated in the Araucania Region, the place where most of our Bike Tours, Hiking Tours and Ski tours in Chile take place.

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Visiting Attractions with Amity Tours Chile: Lakes

Villarrica Lake

The Villarrica Lake is one of the most amazing lakes you will see on our Road Cycling Tours and from the top of a volcano in our Ski Tours.  It is so big that when you are on the shore whether it’s in Villarrica or in the Pucon side, it looks like the ocean.

This beautiful lake is also known as Mallolafquen in Mapuche language (the indigenous people of the area) and in its pre-historic days it was a ¨creataceous lake¨.

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