12-day Extreme mountain biking tour of the Puna de Atacama, Chile

Join Philippe, your certified mountain bike expert, as he leads you on this wild, challenging and fun 12-day extreme mountain biking tour of the Puna de Atacama, Chile, a truly stunning and unique area of wildly diverse landscape and scenery, from rich red arid plains to salt flats and tranquil lakes.

Andes

12 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

Very high

Highlights

* Mountain bike around the remote, desolate landscape of Puna de Atacama

* See the incredible salt flats and huge stretches of red, arid plains

* Ascent to the summit of the mighty Cerro San Francisco

* Spend a day biking by the shores of the Pacific Ocean

Description

I will guide you on this truly epic and awesome 12-day extreme mountain biking tour of the Puna de Atacama, Chile, where we will traverse around this remote and amazing region full of humongous and desolate red arid plains, towering and majestic mountains, and oasis-like tranquil lakes and lagoons, all via the unique method of mountain biking.

The Puna de Atacama is a dry, high plateau nestled within the Andes of Northern Chile. The landscape, scenery and terrain is often described as surreal, as there is very little flora or fauna around, adding to the sense of otherworldliness.

We meet on the first day at Desierto de Atacama Airport in the Northern Chilean city of Copiapo, where all relevant safety and general information and gear will be dispensed.

From there we head off in to the wild frontier of Puna de Atacama, with the high altitude meaning conditions are often difficult, with the first 8 days of the trip involving gradually acclimatizing to the conditions as we increase the height we will be mountain biking on.

There will be 10 days overall of mountain biking and in-built rest, as we discover and explore the myriad of exquisite and exotic sights, with one whole day set aside for tackling the awe-inspiring summit of Cerro San Francisco (6018m).

There is also one relaxing and refreshing day set aside to bike ride on the shores of the Pacific Ocean, a great change from the moon-like landscape and terrain we have been exposed to.

We finish after 12 days by heading back to Copiapo, tired and happy at having explored one of the most unique locations in South America.

This is a one-of-a-kind trip in which you will experience the raw natural beauty of this stunning region – book now so you don’t miss out!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Transport during the trip

- Luggage transfer

- Permit and entrance fees

Itinerary

Day 1 to 10: Meet, bike, rest

Meet on the first day in Copiapo, then head to Puna de Atacama where we will mountain bike and rest every day.

Day 11: Ascend Cerro San Francisco

Day 12: Bike by the ocean, swim

Spend the day biking by the Pacific Ocean, head back to Copiapo and finish trip.

Details

More info

There is neither drinking water or water for showers from Day 1 to Day 9. All the consummate water is transported in the vehicles of assistance. It is thus very precious and serves only for the daily hydration and the meals.

From December till March, the temperatures oscillate in the day between -8 ° and 18°C. At night at 5000m, the temperature can fall below -10°C

Please bring with you:

Warm shoes for the MTB (we advise you flat pedals except for the ardent supporters of the automatic pedal )
Over shoes goretex for the MTB
Warm hiking shoes (walking ascent)
Very warm socks
Warm tights
Pants or overall Goretex (walking ascent)
Several 1st and 2nd layers
Very warm jacket (ex: R3 Patagonia)
Down jacket
Windstopper with hood
Jacket of protection Goretex
Polar cowl or cap
Sunglasses high protection
Skin high protective cream

Meeting point

Copiapo, Chile

About the guide

Philippe

I organize and lead original mountain biking adventures around the world. Join me if you are looking to have fun and challenge yourself as you explore some new places on two wheels!

I look forward to getting to know you!

Languages

French | English

Request more information

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