Mountain Biking in Puerto Varas

Puerto Varas isn’t known for its mountain biking—at least not yet. The charming town sits on the shores of the second largest lake in Chile, Lago Llanquihue, and visitors are more likely to be found exploring the beaches or kayaking than they are to be pedaling. Yet talk to anyone with a bike and you’ll find that the scene is growing fast. With designated bike lanes, an increasingly young, active population and tons of varied terrain, Puerto Varas has all the ingredients it needs to become a bike town; the only thing missing is the bikers.  

Bike to Beer

Puerto Varas was settled in the mid 1800s by German colonists. As such, it features strong influences in architecture, cuisine and, best of all, beer. Local riders have capitalized on this, creating a “bike to beer” route, which links breweries along the shores of the lake via bike paths and back roads, allowing riders to stop periodically and “hydrate.” 

The route is decidedly more focused on sightseeing than exercise, so you can leave the spandex at home. But do come prepared for a unique cultural mash up; in no other place on the planet can you speak Spanish while sampling German brews and riding beneath a volcano. Everyone knows that bikes and beer were made for each other, so why not try both and see a new place in the process?

Town Trails

If you’re looking for a true workout on some deviously technical jungle trails, talk to the fine folks at the local guide service, La Comarca Puelo, about their training loop. At just around five kilometers long, the twisty trail dishes up a surprisingly demanding ride in a compact package. You’ll find off-camber drops, hand-built bridges and slippery roots to test your skills. It may not be high-speed riding, but it’s fun and definitely not for the faint of heart. 

This trail is part of a larger effort to build a bike-friendly neighborhood and attract recreation, so it may have even more features to explore in the near future. We caught a peek of some North-Shore-esque models of skinnies and big berms— so don’t be surprised if you find these woods have more to offer by the time you get here. 

Volcan Osorno

Almost every view around Puerto Varas is dominated by the strikingly symmetrical Volcan Osorno, and with the help of a guide you can explore it by bike— just don’t expect an easy day. Due to deep sand and ash from past eruptions, volcano riding demands a strong Zen mindset and some advanced skills; it’s part cyclocross and part surfing, all unique and all worth it.

The top of the trail gives a stellar vantage of the snowy summit, and the tortured landscape makes for a spicy, ripping descent. Sure, you’ll curse the sand on the way up, but on the way down it elevates the sensation of biking to something comparable to deep powder skiing. Trust me when I say you’ll want another lap by the time you get back to the parking lot. The trail itself is fairly remote, so definitely bring your first aid gear and be prepared for variable weather. 

While it may not be an exclusive destination, or worth the trouble to fly your bike down just yet, Puerto Varas has a fast-growing bike scene powered by some passionate locals—not to mention some truly unique and enjoyable trails. So if you’re tired of lolling on the beach or looking at the German architecture, rent a bike and check it out. You won’t be disappointed.