What style of biking vacation is this? +

The SINGLE-TRACK TOUR is almost exclusively singletrack along with double track, and a few paved roads, solely for connecting trails. We have designed the itinerary to provide as much downhill riding as possible.

The BACKROADS TOUR is a combination of paved, gravel, and old forest roads. This trip is more a cycle-style trip on a mountain bike, due to the gravel and forest roads. On this trip you will quite literally bike from the border of Chile/Argentina (in the Andes mountain range) to the Pacific Ocean. This trip is stress/hassle free, since it's guided, and all your luggage is being shuttled from location to location by the Pedal Chile Team.

The HOT SPRING BIKE TOUR is our most relaxing tour. This biking style vaction features about 50-60 miles of single-track riding over four days. The route feature mostly singletrack riding. This trip is designed for people that love hot springs, and would love to start their day with some mountain biking. This trip is about total relaxation after the bike ride, and the Pedal Chile Team will take you to the best beaches, restaurants, and microbreweries along the way.

Are Chile’s seasons reversed, since they are in the southern hemisphere? +

Yes. The summer months in Chile are opposite of those in the USA, Canada, and Europe. The summer months here are November - March. Which means that when it’s cold and snowy in the U.S with short days, it’s warm and sunny with long days here in Chile!

What does all inclusive include? +

All-inclusive really means all-expenses and services associated with your bike vacation: This includes: All transportation (excluding flights), meals, snacks, hydration drinks (check out our blog on best drinks to rehydrate..you will be surprised), non-alcoholic beverages (some Chilean beers and wine, but not all), are included. Permits, park fees, licenses, hot spring fees, boat shuttle fees, Chilean BBQ entry fees, reservations, guides, 1st aid station, & all lodging also included. Trip price does not include souvenirs (or other gifts), airfare, and/or lodging prior to your start or after your end time.

Also, the full-suspension Giant Trance 2 (27.5) is included for use with all our tours, except for our E-MTB tour. The E-BIKE tour includes the use of the Trek Rail 7 E-mtb.

What is the weather like? +

All our trips take you from the Pacific Coast all the way into the interior of the Andes mountain range. Because of the variety of geography we will experience different types of climate.

Generally, we can expect temperatures to be between 60-85 degrees. Also, since we will be in a temperate rainforest, we can expect the chance of rain. It will be dry season, yet the possibility of rain is never out of question.

Approximately 150 miles north of San Francisco is the Northern Hemisphere latitude equivalent to Valdivia, just a little fun fact.

For a month in-depth look at the climate of Chile, Read our post about the climate of Chile, including the northern Patagonia region.

What kind of lodging will we be staying in? +

This trip is all about combining great rides with great stays. This MTB vacation has a mix of traditional luxurious hotels in the city, along with the most unique lodging experience you will ever experience in Huilo-Huilo (for the single-track & hot springs tours.

Nothing compliments a great day of riding, like a great night of sleeping.

What time zone is Chile in? +

Chile has 3 separate time zones. All our trips* takes place in the American/Santiago Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of the Eastern Daylight Time.

Even though Valdivia, Chile is 5129 miles from Atlanta, only one hour (2hours part of the year) separates the two countries. This relatively minor shift allows for minimal jetlag, both in Chile and upon your return.

• The only exception is our e-mtb tour which takes place in two time zones, since this tour is in both Argentina and Chile's Patagonia.

For an in-depth look at time zone specifics in Patagonia, check out our article - -- "Time Zones of The Patagonia"

What level of skill and fitness should I be at? +

For the BACKROADS tour an average level of fitness is required. Even though this trip has a total net elevation loss of 3600 feet, you will still be climbing hills and will be averaging 26 miles per day of cycling.

Our e-MTB Tour requires minimal fitness and an average level of mountain bike skills. 4: https://www.pedalchile.com/blog/patagonia-time-zones

For the SINGLE-TRACK tour an intermediate level of riding ability, an above-average level of fitness. We will be riding in every terrain possible: active volcano, mountain, forest, and temperate rain forest, often on the same trail. We seek to provide, as much downhill as possible, yet will be climbing sections that we are unable to access with our vehicles. With that being said, a higher level of skill is necessary compared to fitness level.

For the HOT SPRINGs tour an average level of fitness and intermediate riding skill is required. Two of the four rides are enduro type rides. The volcano ride is pure downhill. The single-track in the reserve is mostly downhill as well.

I don’t bike ride but my spouse/partner does, may I go along too? +

Of course, and at a big discount. $2910 - 3295 USD per companion. That includes the same meals, hot spring fees, and lodging. The price range is based on what tour the non-companion rider is going on.

Do I need a tourist visa? +

U.S. Residents will receive a 90-day tourist visa upon arrival and is free. However, citizens of Australia and New Zealand will be charged USD 160 upon arrival for tourism in Chile.

Chile doesn’t require any special or additional vaccination(s) for entry.

If your a U.S. citizen check out the United States Department of State page about international travel to Chile.

where exactly is "The Patagonia" ?

The short answer is in the southern parts of both Argentina and Chile. If you're looking for a more in-depth response, check out our article, "where is Patagonia?"

Who will be my guides? +

The Pedal Chile guide team consists of native Chileans, Americans, and guides from Europe. We strive for a 4:1 ratio of guests to guides.

How much should I tip the guides? +

Tipping is not expected on this trip. We take pride in providing you with the best possible experience, and don’t expect to be compensated additionally for doing what we said we would do. Expecting a tip is in our view a hidden cost, which goes against the values of Pedal Chile.

What does intermediate level of skill even mean? +

We define intermediate as someone comfortable riding on a wide variety of terrain and conditions. You feel comfortable on a bike, with turning, breaking, shifting, pedaling, all mostly instinctual, with the ability to ride small drops, and steep sections.

When is the summer solstice in Valdivia? +

December 22 with sunset at around 9:30 pm. Mucho Sol !

Is Chile a safe country? +

Chile is widely considered the safest country in all of South America. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI), Chile ranks number 27 (2018-2019 rankings) in the entire world. Chile ranks ahead of such countries as: The United States, UK, France, Italy, Spain, and Costa Rica.

For more infomation---read our article on "How Safe is Patagonia"

This article breaks down both Chile and Argentina's Patagonia.

What clothes/gear/items should I bring? +

Please see the [item page][9].

What airport do I fly into? +

You need to arrive in Valdivia, Chile. The airport code for the Valdivia airport is ZAL/SCVD. The only exception is for the E-BIKE TOUR. With this vacation, you will fly into San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina (Airport Code: IATA: BRC). [9]: /items-to-bring

Can I drink the Tap Water in Patagonia? +

The general answer is yes...but for a complete answer read our article entitled "Can I drink the Tap Water in Patagonia?"

Why is patagonia called "the Patagonia"? +

This answer requires more than a paragraph response....check out our blog on "The Place-Name of Patagonia"