Gravel Bike Tour Chile: Chelenko Backroads

Itinerary Details

1. Day 1Balmaceda & Cerro Castillo National Park

   Your journey begins with a scenic transfer from Coyhaique to Balmaceda Airport, where the group meets before heading to the starting point of our ride. Set off into the stunning landscapes of Cerro Castillo National Park, cycling past Laguna Chiguay, an ideal spot for a picnic, before taking on the climb to Portezuelo Ibáñez.

   At the top, breathtaking views reward the effort. A thrilling descent follows, passing the Ibáñez River viewpoint and the winding curves of the legendary “Cuesta del Diablo.” The day ends in Villa Cerro Castillo, a charming village set beneath its iconic mountain.

   • 34.8 miles
   • Refugio Cerro Castillo
   • Lunch and Dinner

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     Head to Cerro Castillo National Park

     Discover this beautiful part of the world

2. Day 2Las Ardillas backroad and Chelenko Ferry Crossing

   Today’s ride follows the Route of Las Ardillas (Squirrels Route), a remote gravel road winding through lush forests and vast valleys, offering jaw-dropping views of Cerro Castillo and Lago Tamango. A stop at the thundering Río Ibáñez waterfall is a must before you reach Puerto Ibáñez. From here, board a ferry for a stunning evening journey across General Carrera lake, arriving in the small border town of Chile Chico.

   • 29.8 miles
   • Hostería de la Patagonia
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Gravel Bike Tour Chile

     Ride the Route of Las Ardillas (Squirrels Route)

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     Cycle Camaraderie

     Enjoy cycling with (new) friends

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     Cycle Tour Chile

     Take the road to Chile Chico

3. Day 3Jeinemeni National Reserve

   You'll leave Chile Chico behind, pedalling deep into the Jeinimeni Valley, a hidden gem of Patagonia. Over 50 km of riding leads you to the Emerald Lagoon, where you'll trade bikes for hiking boots to explore the surreal landscapes of Lago Verde. Expect towering cliffs, vibrant turquoise waters, and absolute solitude. You'll return to Chile Chico to rest up for the next leg of the journey.

   • 36 miles
   • Hostería de la Patagonia
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Jeinimeni National Reserve

     Discover this hidden gem on day 3

4. Day 4Las Llaves Pass the Ultimate Challenge

   After a short transfer from Chile Chico to Puerto Fachinal, begin today’s ride along a remote Patagonian road that leads toward the legendary Carretera Austral. This 67 km stage is one of the most demanding—and rewarding—of the journey. You'll take on the iconic Las Llaves Pass, a relentless sequence of three major climbs and continuous ups and downs, where the road is carved into dramatic rock cliffs above the deep blue waters of Lake General Carrera. Rugged canyons, vast landscapes, and the ever-present Patagonian wind make this a true test of endurance.The route rolls and rises all the way toward the lakeside village of Puerto Guadal, where the effort of the day meets one of the most spectacular settings in Patagonia with a final transfer to Bahía Catalina, where you'll overnight near the water’s edge.

   • 45.4 miles
   • Pared Sur Camp
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Experience the Tranquility

     Adventure bike tour through Chile

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     Example lodgings: Pared Sur Camp

     Stay in wonderful locations with a friendly welcome and comfy bed

5. Day 5Exploradores Valley

   Begin with a scenic transfer along the Carretera Austral, stopping at the powerful meeting point of the Baker River and Lake General Carrera, and enjoying sweeping views of Chelenko Lake and the Northern Icefields. In Puerto Río Tranquilo, start the ride into the lush Exploradores Valley, passing Lago Tranquilo, Cascada La Nutria, and Lago Bayo along this remote and beautiful route.
   

   At Exploradores Park, leave the bikes for a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the impressive Exploradores Glacier—an unforgettable highlight of the day. We then return by vehicle support to Puerto Río Tranquilo for the evening.
   
   
   

   • 32.3 miles
   • Hotel El Puesto
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Ride to Exploradores Valley

     Exceptional views await on tour

6. Day 6Hidden Roads to Puerto Sánchez

   You'll begin the day exploring the iconic Marble Chapels by kayak, gliding through their sculpted formations on the turquoise waters of Lake General Carrera. From Bahía Murta, ride one of Patagonia’s hidden gems, a remote and little-known backroad to Puerto Sánchez. Along the way, you'll take on the demanding Cuesta La Candonga, rewarded with sweeping lake views and a true sense of discovery far from the usual routes. After the ride, return by vehicle to Villa Cerro Castillo, following the Ibáñez River through stunning Patagonian scenery.

   The journey concludes with a warm, traditional Patagonian dinner—celebrating an unforgettable adventure.
   
   

   • 17.4 miles
   • Refugio Cerro Castillo
   • Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

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     Spectacular Sights

     Savour the last day of your cycle tour

7. Day 7Departure

   After breakfast, a morning transfer takes you to Balmaceda Airport, marking the end of an unforgettable 7-day cycling journey through the remote landscapes of Chilean Patagonia—far beyond the beaten paths. Flights can be scheduled from midday onwards.

   • Breakfast