Santiago and the Central Valley
Chile is a country sandwiched between the dramatic Andes and the Pacific Ocean, stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north, to Patagonia and Torres del Paine in the south. The best biking is along the Central coast region, where fertile valleys dotted with haciendas, pretty villages, and vineyards await. A mix of European and indigenous influences, not to mention stunning hotels and world-class wines, make Chile an exotic and rewarding destination.
Only Great Explorations:
Because of the distance we cover on this trip, and the fact that not all roads are suitable to bike, we have strategic shuttles, sometimes to the start of the ride, or from the end of the ride to the hotel. The drives are often through gorgeous scenery and allow you to reach must-see destinations. Our vehicles are typically Mercedes Sprinter vans.
Straight Talk
Santiago, Chile
Starting and End Location
Cirilo Armstrong, Valparaíso, Chile
Day 2-3
Matanzas, Chile
Day 4-5
Santa Cruz, Chile
Day 6-7
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Mar 20-27 | Mar 19-26 |
| Mar 27-Apr 3 | Mar 26-Apr 2 |
| Apr 3-10 | Apr 2-9 |
| Oct 30-Nov 6 | Oct 29-Nov 5 |
| Nov 6-13 | Nov 5-12 |
| Nov 13-20 | Nov 12-19 |
Trip can start any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Trip Size
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
TerrainModerate with some hills. Average elevation gains 500-750 m per day
CostLand Cost
US $4150
Includes 7B/2L/6D
Single Supplement
US $1050
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $380
Racing Bikes: US $480
E-Bikes*: US $560
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
Fly into Santiago. Most flights arrive early morning so you have time on arrival day to explore the city.
Santiago
Arrive to Santiago del Chile and transfer to our hotel. Take time to visit the historic center of Santiago including La Chascona, former home of Nobel Laureate poet Pablo Neruda. We will meet for a wine reception at 7 pm followed by dinner at a favourite restaurant.
Valparaiso
Let’s go biking! We will depart Santiago for the Casablanca valley. Our cycling route follows a quiet road through the Curacau valley, stopping for lunch along the route and the first of many wine tastings. Afterwards, we have a short transfer to the coastal city of Valparaiso, where artists such as Neruda have fallen for its unexpected charms. We will dine at a local spot that will be a trip favourite.
Distance: 50 km; 780 m gain or 90 km; 1,245 m gain
*Shuttle time is typically 45 mins to ride start and 40 mins from ride finish to Valparaiso
Valparaiso
Exploring the coast of Central Chile our ride will be through vineyard laden San Antonio valley to a beautiful secluded beach at Tunquen. We explore Valparaiso on a local walking tour; there will be time to visit the many galleries, museums, and cafes of Valparaiso. On this night you can choose between many amazing restaurants.
Distance: 25 km; 410 m gain or 65 km; 1.550 m gain
*Shuttle time is typically 25 mins to ride start and 50 mins from ride finish back to Valparaiso
Mantanzas
We head south today, starting with a transfer to the beginning of our ride along an undulating road to Mantanzas, located on the Pacific. We will stay at a wonderfully designed hotel by architects (and surfers) Felipe Wedeles and Jorge Manieu, who have created a hotel for like-minded souls sharing their passion for contemporary design (and great surf). Enjoy the afternoon on the beach and then enjoy chef Andres Tobar’s creations in the dining room with views that match the cuisine – splendid.
Distance: 66 km; 850 m gain
*Shuttle time is typically 1 hr 30 mins to ride start
Mantanzas
We stay in Matanzas two nights so you have a full day to enjoy a beach walk, some yoga (there is a beautiful studio just behind the hotel), or try your hand at surfing (there are rentals and instruction at the hotel). There is a mountain bike park close to the hotel, or alternatively you can ride an out & back along the coast. We will dine outside the hotel on this evening.
Distance: 45 km; 200 m gain or 66 km; 530 m gain or 84 km; 830 m gain
Santa Cruz
We begin the day with a short transfer and then cycle to the historic city of Santa Cruz. After lunch, visit the incredible museum here to learn about the history of this region before continuing on to Lapostolle Winery for a tour and tasting. We stay at the luxurious Noi Blend Colchagua hotel, a sublime property with swimming pool, hot tub, and lovely lounges.
Distance: 50 km; 350 m gain
*Shuttle time is typically 1 hr30 mins to ride start
Santa Cruz
We have a loop day today through some of the most gorgeous scenery in Chile, on a quiet gently rolling road through vineyards. There may be an opportunity to visit and taste at Vina Vik, the dream of Norwegian-Uruguayan billionaire Alexander Vik on a quest to make the best wine in South America (additional cost). CNN Traveler describes the winery as “combines an impact and panache worthy of a shrine to Bacchus with the contemplative nature of a Zen temple.” We finish our trip as we always do, with a memorable dinner and festivities. Salud!
Distance: 64 km; 400 m gain
*Shuttle time is typically 1 hr back from ride finish to hotel
Depart
An upscale 4-star boutique hotel situated on a quiet tree-lined street. Lovely light and airy rooms feature sash windows and large terraces. There is a leafy courtyard and the hotel is well located with shops and eateries within easy reach. A great hotel to begin your trip to Chile.
Embedded in one of the prettiest and most traditional streets in Valparaiso, upon the heart of Cerro Alegre, MM450 Boutique Hotel is surrounding by colonial houses from the early 19th century in all sorts of colors and shapes.
Designed hotel by architects (and surfers) Felipe Wedeles and Jorge Manieu, this beachside hotel boasts a wonderful setting and contemporary design (and great surf). The restaurant is renowned.
This former wine cellar and manor house from 1875 was designed with an eye to combining a blend of sophistication and the relaxed country life. It is achieved with the cozy ambiance of a country house, surrounded by vineyards, with a refreshing pool, gardens and large wine cellar.
“We enjoyed being in a different country, seeing new places, experiencing new food, meeting new people & we loved Javi, she is a sweet person, very helpful. She did a great job introducing us to Chilean food, we tried the authentic dishes. The meal in the fishing village Quintary was great to and super location, loved it.”
“We are so glad we went! The country is beautiful! And we got to experience so many regions. Cities, coastline, mountains and vineyards. And the local people are so nice!”
“The country exceeded our expectations. The wine country and the city of Santiago exceeded our expectations.”
