Exploring South America by bike offers an exhilarating way to experience the continent’s diverse landscapes. Cycling tours provide an immersive adventure through lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and vibrant cities. This article highlights the best cycling tours to explore in South America, catering to both seasoned cyclists and beginners. Cycling tours in South America promise unforgettable journeys.
Best Cycling Tours to Explore in Argentina
Argentina boasts stunning routes for cycling enthusiasts. The Andean foothills offer challenging paths with breathtaking views. Start your tour in Mendoza, renowned for its wine country and spectacular scenery. Cycling through vineyards and olive groves provides a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Further south, the Lake District offers a mix of paved and gravel roads, perfect for adventurous cyclists. Navigate around crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped peaks, experiencing the serene beauty of Patagonia.
Argentina’s Route 40 is another iconic path. Spanning over 5,000 kilometers, it runs parallel to the Andes, presenting diverse landscapes from deserts to glaciers. Cyclists can embark on shorter segments, such as the stretch from San Carlos de Bariloche to El Calafate. This route features rugged terrain, pristine lakes, and the famous Perito Moreno Glacier. Each segment of Route 40 offers a different challenge and a unique perspective on Argentina’s vast beauty.
Cycling Adventures in Chile
Chile’s diverse geography makes it a top destination for cycling tours. The Atacama Desert in the north provides a surreal landscape for cyclists. Ride through the driest desert on earth, witnessing salt flats, geysers, and ancient petroglyphs. The high altitude and arid climate present a unique challenge, rewarding cyclists with otherworldly scenery.
Patagonia, shared by Chile and Argentina, offers some of the most picturesque routes. The Carretera Austral, or Southern Highway, stretches over 1,200 kilometers through Chilean Patagonia. Cyclists traverse dense forests, fjords, and glaciers. The route is a mix of paved and gravel roads, winding through remote and pristine areas. The Torres del Paine National Park, accessible from the Carretera Austral, provides additional trails. Cyclists can explore the park’s dramatic landscapes, including granite towers, turquoise lakes, and vast grasslands.
Peruvian Cycling Tours
Peru’s rich history and diverse landscapes make it a captivating destination for cycling tours. The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers routes through ancient ruins and traditional villages. Start in Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, and cycle through the valley, visiting sites like Pisac and Ollantaytambo. The terrain varies from gentle slopes to steep climbs, providing a mix of challenges.
The famous Inca Trail, primarily a trekking route, also accommodates cyclists on specific segments. Permits are required, and the path presents a tough challenge due to its steep and rugged terrain. The reward is cycling through breathtaking scenery, including cloud forests and high-altitude passes, culminating at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu.
The Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest canyons, offers another thrilling route. Cyclists can explore the canyon’s rugged terrain, encounter traditional Andean communities, and witness the majestic Andean condor in flight. The combination of cultural immersion and natural beauty makes this route a must-visit for adventurous cyclists.
Cycling Routes in Brazil
Brazil’s vast and varied landscape offers numerous cycling opportunities. The Estrada Real, or Royal Road, is a historic route that connects several states. Originally used for transporting gold and diamonds during the colonial era, it now provides a scenic path through lush forests, colonial towns, and rolling hills. Cyclists can start in Ouro Preto, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and follow the route to Paraty on the coast.
The Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia offers another exciting cycling destination. The park features dramatic landscapes, including plateaus, caves, and waterfalls. Cyclists can explore trails that wind through the park’s diverse terrain, encountering stunning viewpoints and pristine natural pools.
Brazil’s southern region, particularly the state of Santa Catarina, offers coastal cycling routes with spectacular ocean views. The Rota das Baleias, or Whale Route, follows the coastline, providing opportunities to see southern right whales during migration season. The route combines coastal beauty with charming fishing villages and pristine beaches.
Exploring Colombia by Bike
Colombia’s vibrant culture and diverse landscapes make it a thrilling destination for cycling tours. The Coffee Triangle, known for its lush coffee plantations, offers scenic routes through verdant hills and valleys. Cyclists can explore traditional coffee farms, taste freshly brewed coffee, and enjoy panoramic views of the Andean mountains.
The Tatacoa Desert in southern Colombia provides a stark contrast with its arid landscape and unique rock formations. Cycling through the desert offers an otherworldly experience, with dramatic sunsets and star-filled nights. The Magdalena River Valley, Colombia’s longest river, offers routes through historic towns and lush countryside, providing a blend of cultural and natural attractions.
Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, hosts the weekly Ciclovía, where major streets are closed to motor vehicles and open to cyclists and pedestrians. This event promotes cycling and allows participants to explore the city in a fun and healthy way. Cyclists can enjoy Bogotá’s vibrant neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sites.
Cycling Through Ecuador’s Diverse Landscapes
Ecuador offers diverse cycling routes that traverse its dramatic landscapes. The Avenue of the Volcanoes, running along the spine of the Andes, is a popular route. Cyclists can explore routes that pass by towering volcanoes, including Cotopaxi and Chimborazo. The terrain varies from high-altitude plains to lush valleys, providing a mix of challenges.
The Amazon Rainforest offers a unique cycling experience. Cyclists can explore trails that wind through the dense jungle, encountering diverse wildlife and indigenous communities. The combination of adventure and cultural immersion makes this route an unforgettable experience.
Ecuador’s coastal region provides additional cycling opportunities. The Ruta del Sol, or Route of the Sun, follows the Pacific coastline, offering scenic views of beaches, cliffs, and fishing villages. Cyclists can enjoy the coastal breeze and explore charming towns along the route.
