Chile’s Lakes & Chiloé: A Culinary E-Bike Tour

Overview

Experience southern Chile through its landscapes and its cuisine on this guided e-bike and hiking tour. Cycle along Lake Llanquihue beneath snow-capped volcanoes, follow quiet rural roads through farmland and forest, and explore the coastal terrain of Chiloé Island. Food is central to the journey, with meals highlighting the ingredients and traditions of the region. You’ll share meals in private homes and on working farms, offering a deeper connection to local culture. Visits include Petrohué Falls, sections of the Route of the Parks of Patagonia, and Puñihuil’s unique penguin colonies. The tour utilizes e-bikes for cycling and includes hiking opportunities. Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Varas, with a guided walk and a welcome dinner hosted by Chef Cristóbal Donoso, introducing regional flavors and culinary traditions. Day 2: Transfer to Chaitén for a scenic flight, followed by riding through Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. E-bikes are not available for this portion, using standard mountain bikes with a support vehicle or option to travel by vehicle. Day 3: Guided hike to the summit of Chaitén Volcano and a walk along the Alerce Trail to see ancient trees. Day 4: Return flight to Puerto Varas, with an afternoon at leisure and a hosted dinner with local sommelier Magda Saleh focusing on Chilean wines and regional dishes. Day 5: Offers two full-day options: A) Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park & Petrohué Falls with cycling, hiking, and a boat ride for a lakeside lunch. B) Sea Kayaking in Reloncaví Fjord with a home-hosted lunch (optional, additional cost). Day 6: Cycle from Puerto Varas to Frutillar and Puerto Octay, including a local cheese and wine tasting, a visit to a local farm and kitchen for a hands-on cooking experience. Day 7: Transfer to Chiloé Island, cycling along the Caulín coastal route, a boat excursion to see penguins at Puñihuil, and experiencing a traditional curanto meal in a local home. Day 8: Ride through rural Chiloé to Cucao, hike to the Muelle de las Almas, explore Chiloé National Park, and enjoy a multi-course tasting menu in a traditional Chilote home. Day 9: Departure from Chiloé. Accommodations include Hotel Cabana del Lago or Hotel Pettra in Puerto Varas, Lodge Caleta Gonzalo in Pumalín National Park (no single occupancy), and Palafito 1326 in Castro, Chiloé. Bikes offered include Giant Talon E+ 3 29 (E-bike Mountain), Trek XM700 (E-bike Hybrid), and Trek Marlin 5 (Mountain Bike, not electric). Included services: 8 nights accommodation, daily breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners, electric mountain bike with helmet, all guided excursions and activities, entrance fees, professional naturalist guide, luggage transfers, private ground transportation, domestic flight to Pumalín, local taxes, and carbon offset. The tour is moderately active, suited for travelers with a good level of fitness. Cycling involves paved roads and gravel, with rolling hills and gradual ascents. Hiking routes are on natural, uneven trails. Luggage is limited to 33lbs/15kg per person for the domestic flight. Getting there: Fly into Santiago (SCL), then to Puerto Montt (PMC). A private transfer to Puerto Varas is provided. Tour ends on Chiloé Island, with options to depart from Castro (MHC) or Puerto Montt (PMC).

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included