Chile is increasingly recognized as one of the great cycling destinations — a country-length spine of mountains, volcanoes, and coastline connected by roads that range from smooth highway to gravel tracks through uninhabited wilderness. The Carretera Austral is the headline route, but the cycling extends from the Atacama Desert to Tierra del Fuego.
Carretera Austral
The classic Chilean bike tour. 1,240 kilometers of gravel and pavement from Puerto Montt to Villa O'Higgins through temperate rainforest, past glaciers, along fjords, and over mountain passes. Most cyclists take 3-6 weeks. Prevailing winds blow from the south, so northbound riders have headwinds — many start from Villa O'Higgins and ride north. Wild camping is tolerated almost everywhere along the route. Ferry crossings are part of the adventure.
The road surface varies from smooth asphalt (northern sections) to rough gravel with washboard corrugation (southern sections). A touring bike with 40mm+ tires handles most conditions. Gravel bikes work well. Road bikes do not belong here.
Ruta de la Araucania
A circuit through the Lake District connecting Pucon, the Seven Lakes district, and volcanic national parks. Paved and gravel roads through araucaria forests with volcanoes visible throughout. Less remote than the Carretera Austral but equally scenic. 5-10 days for a comfortable loop.
Atacama Cycling
San Pedro de Atacama is a surprisingly good cycling base. Valle de la Luna is a flat 15-kilometer ride from town on a paved road. The Salar de Atacama is reachable by bike, though the distances are long and the altitude (2,400m+) makes everything harder. Bike rental in San Pedro costs $10-15 per day. Bring more water than you think you need.
Gravel Biking
Chile's secondary road network is predominantly gravel, which has made it a natural destination for the gravel bike movement. Popular gravel routes include:
- Paso Agua Negra: A cross-border route from the Elqui Valley to Argentina over a 4,780m pass. Extreme altitude, no services, extraordinary desert scenery.
- Ruta del Vino by bike: Loop through the Colchagua Valley vineyards on quiet gravel roads. Flat to gently rolling. Combine with wine tastings (designated riding).
- Coastal routes: Gravel tracks connect fishing villages along the coast between Valparaiso and Pichilemu. Ocean views, empty roads, and small-town hospitality.
Mountain Biking
Pucon is Chile's mountain biking hub — trails through araucaria forests, along lake shores, and down volcanic slopes. Bike parks with lift access operate in summer. Santiago has growing trail networks in the precordillera above the city — Cerro Manquehue, Parque Mahuida, and La Dehesa trails are accessible by metro + short ride.
Practical Information
Bike rental: Available in San Pedro, Pucon, Puerto Varas, and Santiago. Quality varies — inspect brakes and tires before riding. Touring bikes are harder to find; bring your own for multi-week trips.
Bike transport: Domestic airlines accept boxed bikes ($30-50 each way). Long-distance buses usually have luggage holds large enough for a boxed or bagged bike.
Road safety: Chilean drivers are generally respectful of cyclists, especially on rural roads. The Pan-American Highway (Ruta 5) has heavy truck traffic and is not enjoyable to ride. Shoulder widths vary. Reflective gear and lights are essential.
Best time: November through March for the Carretera Austral and Lake District. Year-round for the Atacama (though summer midday heat is punishing). Central coast and wine regions work October through April.