Chile Lakes & Volcanoes E-Bike Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Temuco
Day 2: Temuco – Curacautín - Malalcahuello, 26 mi (42 km)
Day 3: Malalcahuello – Andes Climb – Malalcahuello, 52 mi (84 km)
Day 4: Malalcahuello – Pucón, 6 mi (10 km)
Day 5: Lake Caburgua and Pucón Hot Springs, 30 mi (48 km)
Day 6: Pucón – 7-Lakes Route – Panguipulli, 32 mi (52 km)
Day 7: Panguipulli – Lake Ranco – Futangue Reserve, 30 mi (48 km)
Day 8: Futangue Reserve – German Settlers Route – Puerto Varas, 50 mi (80 km)
Day 9: Puerto Varas – Ensenada – Petrohué – Puerto Varas, 40 mi (64 km)
Day 10: Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt Airport

Day 1: Arrival in Temuco 
Arrive independently in Temuco, the gateway to Chile’s Araucanía Region and homeland of the Mapuche people. The city sits near fertile valleys shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Check into your hotel and get a good night's rest before your adventure begins the following morning.

Sample accommodations: Best Western Ferrat Temuco or Dreams Hotel Temuco

Day 2: Temuco – Curacautín – Malalcahuello, 26 mi (42 km)
Begin with a 60-minute transfer to Curacautín, located inside the Kütralkura UNESCO Geopark – Chile’s first geopark, named “stone fire” in Mapuzungun to reflect its volcanic origins. Your warm-up ride winds through the Araucarias Biosphere Reserve, home to thousand-year-old araucaria (monkey puzzle) trees that are considered sacred by the Mapuche. Much of today's route offers views of Lonquimay Volcano, which last erupted in 1988–90 and formed the Navidad Crater. The route continues all the way to tonight's lodging – a mountain lodge at the base of the Andes with a spa, heated pool, and unobstructed views of the Lonquimay Volcano. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodations: Corralco Hotel & Thermal Spa

Day 3: Malalcahuello – Andes Climb – Malalcahuello, 52 mi (84 km)
Start the day by shuttling through Las Raíces Tunnel, one of the longest mountain tunnels in South America at 2.8 miles (4.5 km). Emerging on the eastern side, begin your ride deeper into the Pewenche Indigenous territory. Follow the Lonquimay River through volcanic valleys before beginning the long, steady ascent to Pino Hachado Pass (6,181 ft) on the Chile–Argentina border. This pass has been an ancient trans-Andean route used for trade between Indigenous groups long before modern roads existed. Enjoy expansive views of the high Andes before returning to the hotel. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodations: Corralco Hotel & Thermal Spa

Day 4: Malalcahuello – Pucón, 6 mi (10 km) hike
After breakfast, you head out from the hotel for a morning hike. The trail has a few steeper sections but is generally comfortable. Known as Sierra Coloradito, or the “Little Red Mountain Range,” the hike leads to a scenic viewpoint with views of four volcanoes: Lonquimay, Llaima, Sierra Nevada, and Villarrica. The route is quiet and beautiful, winding through an ancient forest of araucaria trees, some more than 2,000 years old. You return along the same trail and head back to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, you travel to Pucón, about a three-hour drive away. Pucón is the main adventure hub of the Lake and Volcano District. From your hotel, you can enjoy views of Lake Villarrica. The evening is free to explore the town, and your guides are happy to suggest good places to eat or shop. (B, L)

Special Note: Tomorrow, there is an optional activity available, walking to the top of the Villarrica Volcano. Please see the description in Day 5 below. If you choose to do this walk, you will not participate in the Day 5 bike activity or hot springs. Upon arrival in Pucon in the late afternoon, you must get fitted to your boots, crampons, and equipment with the local outfitter. This hike has a 6 am departure. The hotel will make a cold breakfast before your early departure.

Sample accommodations: Hotel Antumalal

Day 5: Lake Caburgua and Pucón Hot Springs, 30 mi (48 km)
Ride through farmland dotted with native coigüe and raulí trees as you follow the road to Lake Caburgua. This region is known for geothermal activity fed by the Villarrica volcanic system, which heats the numerous hot springs that Pucón is famous for. Along the way, it’s often possible to see steam or a light plume rising from Villarrica’s crater. After lunch and a restorative soak in the hot springs, return to Pucón by van. (B, L)

Optional Activity: Villarrica Volcano Hike, 6 mi (10 km), appx 8 hours
Climbing the Villarrica Volcano is an unforgettable adventure, combining a physical challenge with impressive natural beauty. Being at the top of an active volcano is an incredible feeling of accomplishment,
knowing that you have conquered this giant of nature. While physically demanding, the climb does not require technical mountaineering skills, making it accessible to those with a good level of fitness. This is a fully guided activity that provides all the equipment, such as crampons, ice axes, and helmets, as well as expert guidance on safety and technique provided by accredited professional guides (guide-to-client ratio 1-3). The ascent involves walking through volcanic rock, snowfields, and glaciers, requiring you to adapt to different terrains and conditions.

The Summit: Reaching the summit at over 9,000 feet (2,847 meters above sea level) reveals a 360-degree panorama of the surrounding landscape. You will see a tapestry of turquoise lakes, lush forests, and other majestic volcanoes. The highlight is peering into the active crater, where you can witness the inner workings of the volcano, with plumes of smoke and potentially even glimpses of incandescent lava.

The Descent: Fun and fast. The descent is often a highlight, as you can slide down the snowy slopes on sleds or with your waterproof pants, making it an exciting and rapid return trip.

*Notes: There is an additional cost for this activity. Please see pricing (minimum 2 people)

Sample accommodations: Hotel Antumalal

Day 6: Pucón – 7-Lakes Route – Panguipulli, 32 mi (52 km)
Ride the 7-Lakes Route, one of southern Chile’s signature scenic roads. This area lies within the ancient Mapuche territory known as Foye Mapu, or “Land of the Sacred Tree.” The route offers continual views of Villarrica Volcano and crosses terrain shaped by repeated glaciations, which carved out the deep lakes of the region. Stop near Lake Calafquén for lunch with a local Mapuche family, learning about their traditions, food heritage, and modern stewardship of ancestral lands. Continue cycling to Panguipulli, a lakeshore town framed by forests and volcanoes. In the evening, enjoy a traditional BBQ Asado dinner. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodations: Casa Panguipulli

Day 7: Panguipulli – Lake Ranco – Futangue Reserve, 30 mi (48 km)
Transfer to Futrono (appx 1.5 hrs), then begin riding toward Lake Ranco, one of Chile’s largest natural lakes. Its shoreline is lined with dairy farms established during the 19th-century colonization period, while the surrounding hills remain covered by remnants of Valdivian temperate rainforest, one of the world’s rarest forest ecosystems. End your ride at Futangue Private Reserve, known for its pristine rivers, waterfalls, and an extensive network of trails leading into untouched Andean foothills. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodations: Hotel and Reserve Futangue

Day 8: Futangue Reserve – German Settlers Route – Puerto Varas, 50 mi (80 km)
After a transfer south (appx 2.5 hrs), begin cycling through villages shaped by German immigration in the mid-1800s, when Chile invited European settlers to develop the southern territories. Their architectural influence remains visible today in wooden farmhouses, churches, and bakeries. Ride toward Lake Llanquihue, formed by a glacial retreat roughly 12,000 years ago. The perfectly symmetrical Osorno Volcano dominates the landscape, often compared to Japan’s Mount Fuji. Enjoy a German-Chilean buffet lunch before continuing to Frutillar, notable for its lakeside Teatro del Lago, and finally shuttle to Puerto Varas. (B, L)

Sample accommodations: Wyndham Pettra Puerto Varas

Day 9: Puerto Varas – Ensenada – Petrohué Falls – Puerto Varas, 40 mi (64 km)
Ride along the southern shore of Lake Llanquihue beneath the imposing presence of Osorno Volcano and the older Calbuco Volcano, which erupted as recently as 2015. Enter Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, established in 1926 and Chile’s oldest protected area. Visit the famous Petrohué Falls, where turquoise water from Lake Todos los Santos rushes over lava flows created by the ancient eruptions of Osorno. This contrast of bright water on dark basalt is one of the Lake District’s most iconic landscapes. Return to Puerto Varas for a farewell dinner at a lakeside restaurant. (B, L, D)

Sample accommodations: Wyndham Pettra Puerto Varas

Day 10: Puerto Varas – Puerto Montt Airport 
After breakfast, take a 40-minute transfer to Puerto Montt Airport (PMC). Flights should be booked departing Puerto Montt between 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm. (B)

The hotels are high-quality lodges and boutique properties that reflect the character of Chile’s Lake & Volcano District. Most offer 4-star to 4-plus-star comfort, emphasizing natural settings, panoramic views, and access to outdoor activities. Common features include spa facilities, heated pools, and wellness amenities. Many are set within or near protected natural areas, providing direct access to forests, lakes, and volcano viewpoints.

Bicycles

E-Bike Hybrid: Specialized Vado SL 4.0

• Saddle: Rivo Sport, steel rails
• Seat Post: Specialized 6061 alloy, 2-bolt clamp, 0 mm setback, 30.9 mm
• Handlebars: Specialized alloy, 15° backsweep, 46 mm rise, 31.8 mm
• Stem: Specialized Flowset, 3D-forged alloy, 20° rise, 31.8 mm
• Brakes: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc, 180 mm Centerlock
• Battery: Specialized U2-530, alloy casing, 530 Wh
• Motor: Specialized 2.0E, 50 Nm torque, 250 W
• Tires: Pathfinder Sport Reflect, 650Bx2.3

E-bike Road/Gravel: Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon

• Frame: FACT 11r carbon frame, front/rear thru-axles
• Saddle: Body Geometry Power Sport
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 810 hydraulic disc
• Derailleur: Shimano RX812 GX, 11-speed
• Tires: Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready, 700x38c
• Battery: Specialized SL1-320, fully integrated, 320 Wh
• Motor: Specialized SL 1.1 lightweight motor