Self-guided cycling in Chile’s Lake District

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION

Our self-guided bike trips in Chile's Lake District are designed with sustainability and respect for the environment. By utilizing bikes and minimizing reliance on vehicles, participants can enjoy a low-impact journey through the region’s stunning landscapes. The hotel we use in Puerto Varas is carbon neutral, and iss actively involved in various sustainability campaigns in the city. These include the eradication of plastic bags, promoting sustainable, human-scale real estate development, advocating for the preservation of Lake Llanquihue, and fostering fair trade by supporting artisan markets and encouraging local purchases.

Vegetarian and vegan food is available in all places, food is all local where possible and all guest houses and hotels we use recycle where possible.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

We emphasize Leave No Trace principles, asking all our travellers to avoid disturbing the natural environment and its delicate ecosystems. These trips offer more than just the chance to explore scenic trails—they provide an opportunity for personal discovery and environmental awareness. Along the way, riders can learn about the unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the Lake District through route notes and talking with local people. Optional walks with our local guide, a Mapuche provide an insight into Mapuche culture and living in harmony with the environment and help showcase the best of Chile's wonderful wildlife, whether flora or fauna. This encourages learning and a meaningful connection with the natural world, an understanding of the delicate ecosystems and some insight into how local organisations are conserving forests for future generations.

We have a guided walking day in a private reserve opening up educational trails, where an expert local mountain guide provides detailed information on the Alerce forests and conservation.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY

Our self-guided bike trips in Chile's Lake District are designed to connect travellers with the local culture and communities while exploring the stunning landscapes. Along the route, you stay in charming local guesthouses, where you will enjoy warm Chilean hospitality, home-cooked meals from local produce, and authentic insights into the region’s way of life. One guest house in particular has fabulous gardens aimed at pollinators, both bumble bees and hummingbirds. The friendly owners are always open to a chat. By using small locally owned and run accommodations and businesses, we ensure that the economic benefits of the self guided cycle trips stay within the community, supporting livelihoods and preserving traditions.

These self-guided adventures offer an opportunity to travel at your own pace, interact with people and learn about the history and culture of the Lake District. On guided walking and guided sea kayak days we use expert local guides who will give a great insight into the history and heritage of this part of Chile. You have the opportunity to visit the small communities of remote settlers, hear about thier way of life and join them for a meal.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY

Our local high mountain walking and cultural guide is an indigenous Mapuche woman. She gives a fascinating insight into her culture and history. We use a number of other local guides, female and male for sea kayak, mountaineering, walking and rafting. They are all invested in active and nature tourism.