Chile Biking

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:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
Incredible hotel properties with a variety of distinctive unique estancias, and inns.
Rides you will never forget, through vineyards, valleys and along the coast.
Wine tasting at renowned vineyards including Vik and Lapostolle.
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

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

Location

Santiago

Santiago, Chile

Starting and End Location

Valparaiso

Cirilo Armstrong, Valparaíso, Chile

Day 2-3

Matanzas

Matanzas, Chile

Day 4-5

Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, Chile

Day 6-7

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
7 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2022

Oct 29–Nov 5
Nov 5-12
Nov 12-19
Nov 19-26

2023

Oct 28–Nov 4
Nov 4-11
Nov 11-18
Nov 18-25

Trip can start any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

8 days / 7 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Santiago de Chile

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate

TERRAIN

Moderate with some hills. Average elevation gains 500-750m per day

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,950 pp* (assuming 8 pax)
Includes 7B/2L/6D

Single Supplement:
US $990

Bike Rentals

Hybrid or Racing Bikes: US$325

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.

*6-7 pax: add US $400 pp
*4-5 pax: add US $800 pp

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
Incredible hotel properties with a variety of distinctive unique estancias, and inns.
A ride you will never forget: each of the rides will be memorable, through vineyards, valleys and along the coast.
Guided & informative walking tour in Valparaiso
Wine tasting at renowned vineyards including Vik and Lapostolle.
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Day 1

Arrival

Fly into Santiago. Most flights arrive early morning so you have time on arrival day to explore the city.

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.

Day 2

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.
Ride Distance: up to 55 km

Day 3

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.
Ride Distance: up to 55 km

Day 4

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.
Ride Distance: up to 66 km

Day 5

On the luxe trip, 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.
Ride Distance: up to 40 km

Day 6

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.
Ride Distance: 50 or 85 km

Day 7

We have a loop day today through some of the most gorgeous scenery in Chile, on a quiet gently rolling road through vineyards. We enjoy a special tour and tasting at Vina Vik, the dream of Norwegian-Uruguayan billionaire Alexander Vik on a quest to make the best wine in South America. 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!
Ride Distance: 40 or 65 km

Day 8

Depart – we will transfer back to Santiago with drop-offs at the airport by 11:30 am and in the city should you have a late international flight; you can leave your luggage and explore more of Santiago until ready to depart (most international flights depart late in the day).

The Aubrey, Santiago de Chile

Set in a restored mansion of a Chilean railroad tycoon, this chic boutique hotel boasts charming, contemporary rooms. There is a piano bar with patio seating and a lounge area and an outdoor pool with a sundeck.

Hotel Cirilo Armstrong, Valparaiso

Nestled between buildings on a hillside overlooking the Bay of Valparaiso, this contemporary boutique hotel features a laid-back cafe with eclectic artwork, cozy lounge, with library and wood-burning stove.

Hotel Surazo, Matanzas

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.

Noi Blend, Santa Cruz

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.

Trip Reviews

Karen M. – Aurora, Ontario

January 16, 2019

“The country exceeded our expectations. The wine country and the city of Santiago exceeded our expectations.”

Annie R. – Westfield, New Jersey

January 16, 2019

“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!”

Fiona M. – St. Augustine, Florida

January 14, 2019

“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.”

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