Self-Guided Llanquihue Lake Road Bike Tour

This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, cycling around the stunning Llanquihue Lake with breathtaking views of majestic volcanoes. The gently rolling hills and charming colonial towns beckon you to discover the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Lake and Volcano District.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Puerto Varas

Finish

Puerto Varas

Level

easy to moderate

Avg. Daily Distance

50 km / 31 mi

Cycling Days

4

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 10

Fly-In

Puerto Montt (PMC)

Fly-Out

Puerto Montt (PMC)

Highlights

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Scenic ride along the lake’s shores

Experience the beauty of the lake’s shores with a cycling route that combines gentle climbs and stunning vistas.

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Stunning Views of Osorno Volcano

Take in the majestic landscapes surrounding the iconic Osorno Volcano, a highlight of the region.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1Puerto VarasCumbres Puerto Varas
DAY 2FrutillarHotel Casa AyacaraB30 km / 19 micycling
DAY 3Las CascadasPosada Del ColonoB65 km / 40 micycling
DAY 4PetrohuePetrohue LodgeB35 km / 22 micycling
DAY 5Puerto VarasCumbres Puerto VarasB70 km / 43 micycling
DAY 6DepartureB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Puerto Varas

Upon landing at Puerto Montt Airport, you can easily catch a comfortable transfer to the charming town of Puerto Varas, just a scenic 20-minute drive away. The transfer costs CLP 5,000 (approximately USD 3) per person.

Once you arrive, check in to your hotel at your convenience. In the evening, a local guide will meet you there to deliver your bikes and provide essential information for your adventure. You'll receive emergency contacts, valuable tips, and everything you need to set out on your self-guided tour around the stunning Lake Llanquihue.

Meals:
Accommodation: Cumbres Puerto Varas
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Day 2: Frutillar

Your first ride takes you along the picturesque west side of Lake Llanquihue, where the journey begins with two gentle climbs, allowing you to ease into the adventure while soaking in the breathtaking views. Arriving in the charming town of Frutillar Bajo, renowned for its rich German heritage, you'll discover the world-famous Teatro del Lago, a stunning theater perched over the water.

After an inspiring ride, relax at a welcoming and comfortable hotel. Be sure to indulge in the town's delightful cafés, where you can savor delicious pastries that are simply unmissable!

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 30 km / 19 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Casa Ayacara
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Day 3: Las Cascadas

Today’s adventure takes you along the scenic northern and eastern shores of Lake Llanquihue. Before arriving in the charming town of Puerto Octay, we recommend stopping for a delightful lunch at the popular Espantapájaros Restaurant. Afterward, continue your journey to Puerto Octay, where you can explore one of the town's renowned colonial-style churches, a beautiful reflection of the region’s rich architectural heritage.

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 65 km / 40 mi
Accommodation: Posada Del Colono
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Day 4: Petrohue

Today set out on a scenic journey around the iconic Osorno Volcano, cycling through captivating landscapes until you reach the beautiful Petrohué Lodge and the tranquil Todos los Santos Lake. This stunning area invites you to enjoy peaceful hikes and explore the world-famous Petrohué Waterfalls (not included), offering a perfect blend of adventure and nature's beauty. Prepare for an unforgettable experience in one of Chile's most breathtaking regions!

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 35 km / 22 mi
Accommodation: Petrohue Lodge
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Day 5: Puerto Varas

Today marks the longest ride of your journey, but rest assured, it’s mostly a gentle downhill route. As you glide along, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Llanquihue’s stunning landscapes. Before reaching the lively town of Puerto Varas, you may want to visit a delightful local farm, where you can discover the traditional process of making manjar—Chilean caramel (optional, not included). It’s a perfect way to add a touch of sweetness to this incredible day!

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Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 70 km / 43 mi
Accommodation: Cumbres Puerto Varas
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Day 6: Departure

Enjoy your final morning in Puerto Varas, where you can take a moment to shop for last-minute souvenirs from the region. For a hassle-free trip to the airport, you can easily book a cab at the time of check-in, ensuring a smooth and comfortable end to your unforgettable journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Single Supplement

From US $520

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $325



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.


Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

Bike Image

Specialzed Diverge Elite E5 or similar

road

Included in your trip price

Weather

Generally, the weather in this area is very similar to Northern California, especially the coast side. Late October and November (springtime in the southern hemisphere) present milder temperatures 10ºC to 25ºC (50°F to 77°F) with some scattered rain (likewise during our Fall, march, and April). During December you can start feeling the beginning of the summer with temperatures around 10ºC to 27ºC (50°F to 81°F). In January and February temperatures range between 15ºC and 35ºC (60°F/95°F). Remember that you are visiting the Lake & Volcano district, so always expect some rain!

January

Best

February

Best

March

Good

April

Offseason

May

Offseason

June

Offseason

July

Offseason

August

Offseason

September

Offseason

October

Mixed

November

Good

December

Good

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Is proof of travel insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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