Chile’s Lakes & Chiloé: A Culinary E-Bike Tour

Day 1: Arrival in Puerto Varas

Arrive at Puerto Montt Airport, where you’ll meet your guide and transfer to Puerto Varas, located on the shores of Lake Llanquihue. After settling in, take a short guided walk through town, known for its German-influenced wooden architecture, waterfront setting, and views of Osorno Volcano. You’ll get an introduction to the region’s history, influenced by European settlement and the surrounding lakes and farmland. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner at Espacio Patagón, hosted by Chef Cristóbal Donoso, offering an introduction to the flavors and culinary traditions of southern Chile. The experience focuses on carefully selected ingredients and a personalized approach to regional cuisine, paired with Chilean wines and served in a relaxed, welcoming setting. (D)

Day 2: Puerto Varas - Pumalín National Park
30 mi / 48 km | 4 mi / 6 km

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a scenic flight over volcanoes, fjords, and remote coastline to Chaitén, the gateway to Pumalín Douglas Tompkins National Park. On arrival, begin riding through the Amarillo sector, following quiet roads into one of Chile’s most protected and untouched landscapes. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, surrounded by native forest and mountain views. Continue on foot along Darwin’s Frog Trail - a wonderful introduction to the region’s temperate rainforest, known for its dense vegetation and unique biodiversity. In the late afternoon, arrive at your lodge overlooking Fjord Largo, where you can relax and take in the scenery. (Please note - E-bikes are not available for this portion of the tour. Riding is on standard mountain bikes with a support vehicle or the option to travel by vehicle and enjoy scenic stops along the route.) (B, L, D)

Day 3: Pumalín National Park
3 mi / 5 km

Set out on a guided hike to the summit of Chaitén Volcano, following well-defined trails through a dramatic volcanic landscape. The route climbs to approximately 3,280 ft (1,000 m) and is considered moderate to challenging, with rewarding views over the surrounding forest and coast. In the afternoon, continue with a walk along the Alerce Trail, where ancient trees, some over 2,000 years old, offer a striking contrast to the volcanic terrain and highlight the ecological significance of the park. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Pumalín - Puerto Varas

Enjoy a relaxed morning around Fjord Largo, with time to take in the stunning landscapes before returning to Chaitén for your flight back to Puerto Varas. The afternoon is at your leisure. In the evening, join a hosted dinner with local sommelier Magda Saleh, where wine and food take center stage. The experience offers a more in-depth look at Chilean wines alongside regional dishes, presented in a personal, home setting. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Puerto Varas
33 mi / 52 km | 4 mi / 7 km

Today you can choose between two full-day experiences:

Option A: Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park & Petrohué Falls
Ride along the shores of Lake Llanquihue on quiet roads, with views of Osorno Volcano rising above the landscape. Continuing into Vicente Pérez Rosales National Park, the route follows a mix of lakeside and forested terrain. From there, hike the El Solitario Trail, a moderate route that passes through native forest and across volcanic terrain. After the hike, continue to Lake Todos los Santos, where a short boat ride brings you to a secluded lakeside home. Here, enjoy a locally prepared lunch featuring fresh ingredients and regional dishes in a quiet, natural setting. On the return journey, stop at the Petrohué Falls, one of the park’s most recognized landmarks. (B, L, D)

Option B: Sea Kayaking in Reloncaví Fjord
Travel toward Ensenada, following the shoreline of Lake Llanquihue before reaching the Reloncaví Fjord. After a briefing and equipment fitting, begin a guided sea kayaking excursion, paddling through calm, protected waters surrounded by forested slopes and volcano views. Midway through the journey, land on a quiet stretch of shoreline for a home-hosted lunch. The meal features traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients, offering a more personal connection to the region’s food culture and coastal way of life. In the afternoon, continue kayaking through the fjord before returning by vehicle to Puerto Varas. (Optional experience; additional cost. Minimum participants required.) (B, L, D)

Day 6: Puerto Varas - Frutillar - Puerto Octay - Puerto Varas
28 mi / 45 km

Cycle from Puerto Varas to Frutillar through a landscape of open pasture, small farms, and sweeping views of the region’s volcanoes. The route offers a quieter side of the Lake District, with a chance to experience the agricultural character of the area as you ride. In Frutillar, stop for a tasting of local cheese and wine – an introduction to the region’s food culture and its European influences. You’ll also have time to relax at Cancagua Retreat before continuing the day’s culinary experiences. Later, transfer to Puerto Octay to visit a local farm and kitchen, where the focus turns to the ingredients and traditions behind southern Chilean cooking. Gather fresh produce and other local ingredients before joining a hands-on cooking experience that highlights seasonal flavors and regional techniques. This is not simply a meal but a deeper look at how food connects to the landscape, farming traditions, and everyday life in the Lake District. Return to Puerto Varas in the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Puerto Varas - Chiloé Island
50 mi / 80 km

Following breakfast, you'll transfer to the ferry terminal and cross the Chacao Channel, arriving on Chiloé Island. From here, begin riding along the Caulín coastal route, following quiet roads that wind through open shoreline, small fishing communities, and views out over the Pacific. At Puñihuil, board a small boat for a guided excursion to see Humboldt and Magellanic penguins, one of the few places where both species can be observed together in their natural habitat. The surrounding coastal landscape adds to the sense of remoteness and biodiversity that defines this part of Chiloé. Continue riding inland to a local home, where the day shifts to one of the island’s most important culinary traditions. Here, you’ll experience curanto, a traditional meal prepared in a pit lined with hot stones and layered with seafood, meats, potatoes, and vegetables. More than just a meal, curanto reflects the island’s connection to land, sea, and community, and is typically shared in a communal setting. In the late afternoon, transfer to Castro and check into your hotel, a traditional palafito. Built in the traditional Chiloé style, these houses sit on stilts above the water. (B, L)

Day 8: Chiloé National Park
16 mi / 25 km

Ride through the rural landscapes of Chiloé toward Cucao, following quiet roads that pass farmland, small homes, and stretches of open coastline. From Cucao, continue on foot to the Muelle de las Almas, a striking viewpoint set high above the Pacific Ocean. The walk leads through coastal terrain before reaching the wooden dock, known in local mythology as a place connected to the island’s spiritual traditions. Afterward, spend time exploring Chiloé National Park, with short walks through temperate rainforest. Lunch is hosted in a traditional Chilote home, offering a more intimate and personal culinary experience. The meal is presented as a multi-course tasting menu - typically around 12 courses - featuring locally sourced ingredients, including products grown on-site and from nearby producers, prepared with a focus on regional flavors, sustainability, and long-standing traditions. (B, L)

Day 9: Departure from Chiloé

Transfer to Castro or Puerto Montt Airport for departure. (B)