Road Cycling Chile: The Lakes and Volcanoes Route

This 11-day road cycling tour follows the Lakes and Volcano District south from Pucón to Puerto Varas, tracing glacial lakes, thermal hot springs and one of South America's great volcanic landscapes. A rest day deep in a private rainforest reserve gives tired legs a break along the way.

The tour begins with two days based in Pucón, warming up on farm roads and a thermal spring detour before the signature challenge: an 18 km climb through Villarrica National Park to the Argentine border, with three volcanoes in view from the saddle. The route then drops south along Chile's Seven Lake Route, a run of glacial lakes and forested highways. Van transfers bypass a few congested stretches so the riding stays on the best roads. A final climb leads into the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, where hand-carved lodges of native wood and stone sit inside untouched Valdivian rainforest.

The second half turns quieter, with Lake Ranco's smooth back roads, a long out-and-back to Lake Maihue through native forest, and the German Settlers Route. There, nineteenth-century farmhouses give way to the first full view of Osorno Volcano across Lake Llanquihue. The tour finishes at Petrohue Falls, where a glacial river drops over dark volcanic basalt, with a farewell dinner on the lake. Accommodation is a mix of boutique town hotels and lakeside properties, averaging about 3.5 stars.

Highlights

• Climb 18 km through Villarrica National Park to the Argentine border, with three volcanoes in view
• Soak in the riverside thermal pools at Huife Hot Springs
• Ride Chile's Seven Lake Route past glacial lakes and a ridgeline view of five volcanoes
• Rest day in the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve, staying in lodges built from native wood and stone
• Ride the German Settlers Route to the shore of Lake Llanquihue, with Osorno Volcano ahead
• Finish at Petrohue Falls in Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park

Surface and terrain
Almost entirely paved, with one brief gravel stretch near Lake Caburgua. Roads are generally well maintained, favouring quiet back roads and regional highways. Terrain is hilly, with several climbs over 1,200 m and a toughest day of 101 km with 1,609 m. Average climbing is 1,062 m/day.

Weather
Lake District weather is best in the southern summer (November to March). Departures run in January and March to April. Rain and rapid changes are possible at any time, so layers and a good waterproof jacket are essential.

Suitable for
Rated "Endurance". Suited to riders with solid road fitness, comfortable with four to six hours in the saddle on consecutive days. Previous multi-day or sustained climbing experience helps. The van can shorten the toughest stretches. Group size 4-12, minimum age 18.