MOUNTAIN BIKE ON THE ALTIPLANO

I/ INTRODUCTION:

Mountain-biking is more and more popular all around the world. In this program we invite you to live an unforgettable experience enjoying the pleasures of mountain-biking in the beautiful landscapes of the Andes Mountain Range. Adapted for everybody, this expedition combines cycling, trekking and overland in the nicest national parks of the high plateau. The quiet rhythm of mountain biking, allows us to enjoy the landscapes, the fauna, the flora and the dozens of Aymará villages all along the journey. Chile offers many other alternatives for mountain bike lovers. Thanks to our partner´s logistics and operation bases located all over the country ,EXPLORINGCHILE  can provide the trip you are looking for in the place you want to experience. Just bike, we´ll take care about the rest.

II/ DAY BY DAY:

DAY 1: IQUIQUE (IN) - CHUSMIZA
Reception in Iquique. Transfer to Chusmiza (3200m). On the way, visit of Humberstone Ghost town (former sodium nitrate mine) and excursion to the “Giant of Atacama” (geoglyphs). Arrival in Chusmiza and camp close to the hot springs. (L,D)

DAY 2: CHUSMIZA - COLCHANE - ENQUELGA
We drive up the altiplano. A succession of coloured mountains receive us, before reaching Colchane, Isluga, on the Bolivian border and in the Isluga national park. We set our camp at Enquelga thermal baths (3800m) at the base of Isluga Volcano (5530m). (B,L,D)

DAY 3: ENQUELGA - AGUAS CALIENTES (35 km)
Beginning of the ride. We take our mountain-bikes and leave Enquelga to reach Aguas Calientes thermal baths, crossing Isluga National Park from South to North. We set our camp near the thermal baths and relax in the warm water (3800m). (B,L,D)

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - SURIRE SALT LAKE (35 km)
Ride to reach Surire National Park. We follow the Bolivian border straight to the North and finally reach the marvellous Surire Salt Lake. We set our camp near the thermal baths (4200m). (B,L,D)

DAY 5: SURIRE SALT LAKE - LAUCA RIVER (50 km)
We continue northbound towards Lauca river where we set our camp. (B,L,D)

MOUNTAIN BIKE ON THE ALTIPLANO (2)

DAY 6: LAUCA RIVER - GUALLATIRE (30 km)
The ride continues along the river in the Vicuña national park. We cross the river several times before arriving in Guallatire, a village located at the feet of Guallatire volcano. Camp (4200m). (B,L,D)

DAY 7: GUALLATIRE - CHURIGUAYA (35 km)
We leave Guallatire and enter one of the nicest national parks in Chile: Lauca national park, that has been classified as a world biosphere reserve by UNESCO. We set our camp in Churiguaya. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: CHURIGUAYA - LAKE CHUNGARA – COTACOTANI - JURASI HOT SPRINGS (40 km)
The ride continues to lake Chungará, surely one of the most beautiful regions of Chile. Arrival at Lake Chungará, the highest one in the world. The deep blue lake offers a fantastic view on Parinacota (6342m) and Sajama (6520m) volcanoes. Then we ride along Cotacotani lagoons. Camp at Jurasi hot springs. (B,L,D)

DAY 9: JURASI HOT SPRINGS - ARICA
Transfer by vehicle to Arica. We cross Lauca national park from East to West and visit the villages of Parinacota, Putre and the Copaquilla fortress. We see the strange candelabrus cactus and the geoglyphs of the Lluta valley. Arrival at Arica. Transfer to the hotel. (part of this road may be done on the bike). (B,L)

DAY 10: ARICA (OUT)
Transfer to the airport. END OF SERVICES. (B) 

III/ OTHER INFORMATION:

A logistic team carries the equipment and luggage.

Also available: Mountain biking programs in other areas of Chile... Ask us for further information.

If you bring your own bike:you will have a  discount USD 100/pers.