The best gravel rides in Chile

Chile's incredibly diverse geography, stretching from the arid Atacama Desert to the glacial landscapes of Patagonia, offers an extensive network of unpaved roads, dirt paths, and remote trails. This varied terrain, including deserts, high mountains, fertile valleys, and a rugged coastline, is perfectly suited for gravel bikes, providing breathtaking and challenging rides through untouched wilderness.

The best time for gravel biking and other outdoor activities in Chile is generally during the Southern Hemisphere's summer months, from November to March. During this period, the weather is milder, and days are longer, offering ideal conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes.

Yes, Chile offers gravel biking routes for various ability levels. While many routes are challenging, there are options suitable for beginners. For example, the Villa O'Higgins loop from Villa O'Higgins is rated as easy and provides a good starting point for those new to gravel biking in the region.

Absolutely. Chile is renowned for its multi-day bikepacking adventures, especially along the legendary Carretera Austral in Patagonia. This route offers over 1,200 kilometers of diverse landscapes, from dense forests to rugged wilderness, making it an ideal destination for extended gravel biking trips.

Gravel biking in the Atacama Desert allows riders to explore stunning and otherworldly landscapes, including salt flats, volcanoes, geysers, and hot springs. Notable attractions like the Hidden Lagoons of Baltinache and Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) offer unique lunar-like depressions and rock formations, all under exceptionally clear skies perfect for stargazing.

Yes, the Lake and Volcano District in central-southern Chile is characterized by active volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, and ancient Araucaria forests. Gravel biking routes here weave through untamed landscapes and tranquil lakes, offering both beauty and challenging rides. Conguillío National Park, with its unique Araucaria trees and the Llaima Volcano, is a particular highlight.

Chile's gravel routes often pass by incredible natural and cultural landmarks. In the Atacama, you might encounter the Catarpe Valley Route or the Garganta del Diablo Canyon. Further south, you could experience the stunning views of Cerro Castillo and Carretera Austral Switchbacks. The region also features numerous mountain passes like Tapaaca Pass.

Yes, some routes in Chile's more verdant regions can lead to beautiful waterfalls. For instance, the Huilo-Huilo Waterfall – Neltume loop from Puerto Fuy is a challenging route that takes you past the impressive Huilo-Huilo Waterfall, offering a rewarding natural spectacle.

The gravel biking routes in Chile are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from more than 10 reviews. Many riders praise the diverse and breathtaking landscapes, from the arid deserts to the Patagonian wilderness, and the extensive network of unpaved roads that offer true adventure.

While the guide focuses on broader regional experiences, you can find circular routes in central Chile. For example, the View of Gran Torre Santiago – Bench in the Park loop from Los Leones offers a moderate circular ride, providing a taste of gravel biking closer to urban areas with scenic views.

Chile offers a wide range of difficulty levels for gravel biking. Out of the 29 routes available, 2 are easy, 10 are moderate, and 17 are classified as difficult. This means there are options for every skill level, from leisurely rides to challenging multi-day expeditions across rugged terrain.

Absolutely. Chile's landscape is dominated by the Andes mountains, offering spectacular mountain views on many gravel routes. The Mall Grandos – View of the Mountains loop from Coyhaique is a prime example, providing scenic mountain vistas around the Coyhaique area in Patagonia.