Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
WHAT ARE THE BEST CYCLING TOURS IN SOUTH AMERICA?
Looking to ride beyond borders? South America offers some of the world’s most breathtaking cycling tours—each rich in culture, challenge, and scenery. This article highlights the best guided and self-supported routes across the continent, with tips on elevation, terrain, and travel planning. Whether you're craving mountain passes, jungle roads, or coastal vistas, this is your ultimate South American cycling bucket list.
Iconic Andean cycling adventures
Climbing the Andes on two wheels
The Andes—the world’s longest mountain range—offers some of the most dramatic and rewarding cycling in South America. From Colombia to Chile, Andean routes combine steep climbs, high-altitude passes, and stunning scenery. Cyclists who crave elevation will find their paradise here.
One of the most iconic rides is the La Paz to Coroico route in Bolivia, also known as the “Death Road.” With 3,500m of descent over 64 km, it’s both thrilling and scenic. Meanwhile, the Carretera Austral in Chile delivers nearly 1,200 km of gravel riding through Patagonia’s glacial valleys and remote forests.
Best high-altitude cycling routes
For serious climbers, Colombia’s Alto de Letras is a must-do. At 80 km and over 3,500 meters of ascent, it’s one of the longest continuous climbs on Earth. Peru’s Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu route offers cultural stops and breathtaking climbs above 3,000m.
Alto de Letras – Colombia
Carretera Austral – Chile
La Paz to Coroico – Bolivia
Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu – Peru
Ruta de los Volcanes – Ecuador
These tours blend challenging gradients with cultural immersion, making them ideal for adventure cyclists and climbers alike.
Coastal and jungle cycling tours
From Amazon trails to Pacific roads
If high-altitude riding isn’t your style, South America also delivers lush jungle and stunning coastlines ideal for moderate to challenging cycling. In Brazil, cyclists can ride along the Costa Verde—an ocean-hugging route from Rio de Janeiro to Paraty filled with Atlantic forest views, colonial towns, and beachside climbs.
For an entirely different vibe, ride through the Ecuadorian Amazon on jungle roads leading to hot springs, waterfalls, and indigenous villages. This tropical adventure is less about speed and more about discovery.
Multi-day tours in unique ecosystems
One standout option is the Trans-Ecuador Mountain Bike Route, which combines cloud forests, volcano trails, and Andean villages over 850+ km of mixed terrain. Further south, Argentina’s Ruta de los Siete Lagos (Seven Lakes Route) offers smooth tarmac through glacial landscapes and national parks.
Costa Verde Coastal Route – Brazil
Amazon Jungle Trail – Ecuador
Trans-Ecuador MTB Route – Ecuador
Ruta de los Siete Lagos – Argentina
Iquitos to Nauta Jungle Ride – Peru
These tours offer a rich mix of terrain and biodiversity, perfect for cyclists who want more than just elevation—they want exploration.
Practical tips and tour planning
How to choose and prepare for your tour
Before booking a tour, assess your fitness level, preferred terrain, and climate tolerance. Tours in the Andes often require altitude acclimatization, while jungle rides may involve heat, humidity, and unexpected rain. Research tour operators who specialize in cycling—many offer support vehicles, bilingual guides, and gear transport.
Visas, vaccines, and insurance should also be on your checklist. Some regions recommend yellow fever or dengue protection. Travel insurance that covers cycling-specific activities is a must, especially in remote areas.
Gear, safety, and seasonal timing
Bring a well-serviced gravel or touring bike with wide-range gearing. Expect mixed surfaces—tarmac, gravel, and dirt—so puncture-resistant tires and a good saddle make a big difference. For safety, use a GPS tracker and share your route with contacts back home.
Best months: April–October for Andes, May–September for Patagonia
Altitude prep: train at elevation or arrive early to acclimatize
Tour operators: check reviews and local support
Don’t forget travel insurance and local SIM card
Hydration is key in high-altitude or tropical rides
Planning well is what separates a life-changing ride from a logistical nightmare. Do your homework, and South America will reward you in spades.
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