Description

This tour takes us to Farellones, a small ski resort in the heart of the Andes and less than an hour drive from Santiago. In winter, this village becomes quite crowded and the rest of the year is a placid mountain place to visit. Our aim is to bike our way up the steep mountain road that takes from Santiago to Farellones. This is a difficult ride, suitable only for trained bikers as we will climb 1.110m (3.600feet) in only 16km (10miles). Along the route, we will enjoy wonderful landscapes, native flora and the sight of condors flying high above. On our way, we will stop to enjoy an abundant picnic-lunch. Our support vehicle will be always behind us, in case we need it.

  • This route can be done from October to April
  • Biker level: avid
  • Departure time: 9am
  • 2 hour on private vehicle
  • 6 hours by bike, 16km, 1.100m ascent
  • Picnic lunch, snacks

Trip Length

  • 8 hours.

Highlights

  • Small groups, usually 4 people and no bigger than 10
  • Secluded mountain valley in the Andes
  • Impressive mountains over 15.000feet
  • Native flora and fauna

Departure Location

We will pick you up in your hotel to drive in our pick-up truck to the beginning of a winding road on the way to Farellones. We will reach “Curva 1 (there are 40 switchbacks), where we will pedal about 11.2miles on a paved and hilly road, to reach “The Lookout”, right at the end of the little town.

If you are 3 or less passengers, to reach the departure point at “Curva 1”  we will use our pick-up truck. For 4 or more passengers, we will use our van.

Clothing & Gear

  • We suggest bringing padded cycling shorts, bike jersey, sun glasses, bike gloves, lip protector, sunscreen (50SPF) and bandana. Depending on the weather, wind jackets, tights, cycling shoe covers, gloves and a fleece hat may be necessary.

Itinerary

  • 9:00am: We will pick you up from your hotel
  • 17:30: Departure to your hotel
  • 18:30: Arrival at your hotel

Check the map of the route here

Pricing

  • 2 -4 passengers:                       CHP 95.000.- per person
  • 5 or more passengers:            CHP 80.000.- per person

CHP conversor to USD 

Price Includes

  • Bike
  • Helmet
  • Bilingual guide
  • Granola or chocolate bar
  • Filtered water (please do bring your own recyclable bottle. BikeTours does not provide plastic single -use bottles)
  • Picnic lunch
  • Transportation to and from your hotel (check restrictions in “Departure Location”)

Price does not include

  • Insurance
  • Gratuities for guide (s)
  • Items of personal nature
  • Any item not mentioned on the program

Meeting Point

Gallery

Reviews

“Memories and friendships to last” What a truly exceptional experience...demanding exercise, history lessons, beautiful countryside, delicious food, and incredible people. Who could ask for anything more. When I first booked the tour on-line I was a little concerned that Andres would be out of the country and unable to accompany us, but he assured me that he had arranged for an exceptional guide and assistant...and he did. My sister and I enjoyed every moment of our time with Carola and Gabriel. They took turns riding along with us and driving the support vehicle so we could always go at our pace. Carola's knowledge was seemingly endless and she was willing to speak to us in Spanish to help us practice until the topic got too complex or we got too tired and then she seamlessly shifted to English. I would not have made it to Farellones without the Gabriel riding along with me, providing encouragement without ever pushing. On the Andes to Ocean tour, our cycling included one day of gentle riding through neighborhoods, government districts and parks within the City of Santiago, a grueling day climbing the 40 curves (switchbacks) on the road to Farellones, a day of gentle rolling hills in the white wine country of Casablanca Valley, and a day of up and down winding roads of Leyda Valley. Our guides were incredibly attentive and willing to modify anything and everything to suit out interests and desires -- modifying food and drink selections each day based on our preferences, taking us on shopping excursions, etc. They made picnic lunches seem elegant, and the homemade food prepared by one of the daughters of Andres and Ines was outstanding -- absolutely the best spinach pie I have ever had! The cycling was great but only part of the overall experience. When we walked the streets of Valparaiso and ate a barbecue dinner and shopped for traditional clay pottery in Pomaire, it felt as if we were spending time with friends, not just guides. I would highly recommend Paseos en Bicicleta and I hope to return someday soon to join them for another tour...this time to Patagonia!

Nadia R. Ithaca, New York.