MOUNTAIN BIKING IN SANTIAGO

Unflagging pedaling. Up and down, maybe even a fall. Who cares? Keep on exploring those fascinating Santiago valleys that offer so many mountain bike circuits.

Exciting ascents and descents on two wheels, through beautiful Santiago valleys and mountains. That is what this sport offers. More than a sport, it is the path to exciting adventures.

Santiago offers a series of ideal pedaling routes, such as:

-Río Clarillo National Reserve

Whose beautiful trails are used by all those who appreciate trekking and cycling. It is 45 kilometers from Santiago, in the area of Pirque.

-Fundo Yerba Loca Nature Sanctuary

It presents clearly defined trails, surrounded by small, low forests and high mountains that host a great variety of birds. There are many routes, such as the one that leaves Villa Paulina for the mountains of La Paloma and El Altar, ideal for walkers and cyclists. It is located 25 kilometers from Santiago, on the road to Farallones.

-Aculeo Lagoon

Located 68 kilometers from Santiago, this beautiful area has around 40 kilometers of trail that is perfect for pedaling.

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN PUCON

Pedalling amongst the mountains and in the countryside, bordering lakes and rivers; pedalling in the magnificent natural areas of Pucon, where there is more than one route, more than one dusty track of fun and thrill that will test the skill and strength of the men and women riding on their powerful aluminium horses.

Bikers can go along these routes by themselves or in the company of a guide, across a simple or a difficult circuit; you choose the alternative that best suits you from the succulent biking menu of Pucon, which has the following circuits amongst its thrilling offers:

• Eyes of Caburgua: the circuit is 25 kilometres long and is completed in approximately 4 hours. It starts at an inner road off Caburgua Beach that leads to several springs (such as Eyes of Caburgua) and to the Carieufu Cascade; the entire route is surrounded by profuse vegetation. It is advisable to hire the services of a guide.



• Paillaco: it is a route 30 kilometres long that differentiates from the previous because it starts at the Hamlet of Paillaco. Bikers will enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the zone, especially the splendid vista of the Caburgua Lake.



• San Luis Bridge: it is a 27-kilometre long circuit that allows going alongside the Trancura River, enjoying several lagoons on the way, as well as the Mariman Cascade and the Thermal Baths of Menetue. The route runs through the international road up to the San Luis Bridge, in the Town of Catripulli.



• Jump of the Clear: it is a peculiar and little known 6-kilometre long circuit mixing trekking with mountain biking, for the last kilometre of the ride can only be made on foot due to the dense and mountainous terrain.
  The journey starts in Pucon, following the cycleway in a south - east direction, and then continues along a dirt road that leads to the sector of Los Calabozos and to Los Guindos Ranch. Bikers must walk up to the cascade from here.
  Beyond the physical weariness, bikers will feel comforted by the surrounding setting, in which not only dense forests of coihues and guales, along with likens and mosses, are dominant, but there is also the beautiful view of the Villarrica Lake and the homonymous Volcano. It is necessary to ride in the company of a professional guide.



• Quillelhue Lagoon: it is an enduring route that consists on riding along 80 kilometres of pure adrenaline in two days. The excursion starts at the Lanin Volcano, in the Villarrica National Park, and continues across a dirt road bound for the other bank of the Trancura River.
  The circuit presents a 15-kilometre section downhill, a true challenge for sportspeople daring enough. On the other hand, bikers can spend the night in the zone of Curarrehue, in the middle of the route, at inns, rustic cabins and camping areas.

Travellers will find specialised guides and firms offering biking programs; however, it is advisable to check the shape of the bike, to use a safety helmet, and to wear flashy items of clothing in order to be easily identified.