Distance
80.7 miles / 130kmm
Elevation Gain
5,347ft / 1,630m
Mirador Pucon to Curarrehue to Argentina Border
Mirador Pucon to Curarrehue to Argentina Border
#12 on our Great Rides list
Chile
Your ride begins near the bustling town of Pucón, which is well known as Chile’s outdoor activity mecca.
Location
Pucon, Araucania, Chile
Surface
Paved Road
Difficulty
Level 3
Traffic
Level 2
This ride takes you through the stunning Villarrica National Park where you will ride past expansive forests, glacial lakes, and the three looming stratovolcanoes in the Araucania region: Villarrica, Quetrupillán, and Lanín.
Enjoy the stunning scenery in the first half of the ride while you warm up for the real challenge, the 9-mile climb up to the border of Argentina via Mamuil-Mamal Pass. Your final ascent will reward you with breathtaking views of the famous Araucaria tree, Lago Quilleihue and the majestic Volcán Lanín, a dormant stratovolcano straddling the border of Argentina and Chile. Pucón is a town in central Chile’s Lake District, lying on Lake Villarrica overlooked by the snow-capped Villarrica volcano. An adventure tourism hub, it’s renowned for access to hiking trails, water sports, white-water rafting and kayaking as well as skiing and snowboarding. The surrounding terrain ranges from lakeside beaches to temperate rainforest. Natural hot springs are found in nearby forested valleys.
What you need to know
RIDE DETAILS
The ascent to the Argentine border is just over 9 miles long with an average grade of 6%. However, you will see grades of up to 13% along the way. Bring plenty of water and food for the climb as there are no reliable sources of supplies along the way. Unless you are legitimately traveling through the border and plan to stay in Argentina, do not attempt to cross the border. This could result in a sticky situation unless you have all the pertinent paperwork.
WEATHER
Weather can change rapidly and can be much colder at the top of the climb. Be prepared and bring layers, even if it seems warm when you start your ride, climbing 3500ft to the top of a mountain always warrants dramatic weather. Wind can be fierce near the top of the climb where it is more exposed. We recommend to use extreme caution when descending from the border as the wind can blow you right off the bike. Keep your areo bikes and deep dish wheels at home!
FUEL
Bathrooms can be found in the border control building just inside the entrance and are free of charge.
While you’re in town
Pucón is home to many beautiful shops with local jewelry, art, clothing, and other wares. You can also find outdoor clothing and gear shops such as Patagonia and Jack Wolfskin for your outdoor adventure needs.Stay at Hotel Antumalal on the outskirts of Pucón for quietude and spectacular views of Lago Villarrica. For a more local stay within walking distance to shops and restaurants, stay at Hotel Casa Solaria.
If more adventure and a test of fitness is your style, consider a guided hike to the top of the Villarrica Volcano. There are many outfitters in the town of Pucón that offer the hike.
Explore the region’s numerous natural hot springs, or “termas” in Spanish. Most are located within a short drive from Pucón.
Ready for this ride?
Book early and save. We reward our guests with lower pricing and more dates to choose from the earlier you book. Rest assured, once you book, your price is guaranteed.