Bicycle Routes in South America

by World Traveller
Bike adventure travel photo. Bike tourists  ride on the "road of death"  downhill track  in Bolivia. In the background sky circles a condor over the scene.

If you’re planning a bicycle trip, you can begin your exploration with Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia, which all boast bike-friendly infrastructure. Bolivia is also home to the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas, Death Road, and Colombia’s many bike-friendly regions are great places to start. Argentina is another country to visit – with the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas! Argentine cycling tours are popular, and Chile is a great place to explore the country by bike.

Death Road is a mountain bike route in Bolivia

If you love cycling, you may have heard of Death Road, a renowned mountain biking route in Bolivia. The name does not refer to the number of cyclists who died on the road, but rather to the number of cyclists who were killed in its construction. War prisoners from Paraguay built the road, also known as La Carretera de los Yungas. This road is difficult to reach by car, but can be reached by bus.

In the late 1990s, this road was the only vehicular access to the Amazon region. Fortunately, a new road was built and safer, but the infamous Death Road still remains. Biker thrill-seekers travel to Bolivia to ride the Death Road, and the ride is not for the faint-hearted. It is an unforgettable experience. Here are some tips to make your Death Road biking trip as safe as possible:

Colombia is a bike-friendly country

Bicycle touring in Colombia can be safe if you follow these tips. First, make sure to check the traffic situation before you leave. Colombian drivers are used to cyclists and usually give them enough space to pass safely. Also, consider using a spot tracking device to send your location to your friends or family. Also, make sure to lock up your bike, particularly if it has valuables. Once you are settled in, you can then start your cycling tour.

Cycling in Colombia is simple and cheap. You don’t need to worry about getting lost or missing a bus stop. The entire country is connected by the Pan-American Highway, which makes it easy to get around. You can also rent a bicycle for about $30 and stay in hostels along the way. It’s a great way to experience the Colombian culture. The Colombian government has taken steps to make cycling easier and safer for the general public.

Chile is a great place to start

If you’ve never cycled in Chile before, there are plenty of reasons to get on your bike and start exploring. This stunning South American country is home to diverse landscapes and climates, including deserts, vineyards, and soaring peaks. You can even enjoy some warm weather winter cycling here. Here are some of the best bike routes in Chile. You’ll be amazed at the number of bike trails you can find here.

Starting in Coyhaique, you can begin your adventure on the southern half of the Carretera Austral. It’s 100 kilometers of pavement, then changes to a gravel road a few km south of Villa Cerro Castillo. You’ll pass through river valleys, forests, and other beautiful scenery along the way. The road also gets better as you head northwards, so bring your sunscreen!

Argentina is the highest point in the world outside of the Himalayas

The highest mountain in South America outside of the Himalayas is located in Western Argentina near the Chilean border. At 6,962 meters high, Aconcagua is the highest point in South America. The peak is part of the Seven Summits and is considered an expedition mountaineering peak. While it is not technically difficult, it requires extensive mountaineering experience and the ability to camp in cold weather.

The 6759-meter-high Cerro Bonete is an extinct volcano. Millions of years of volcanic activity have created huge rhyodacite towers close to the summit. It is home to a 2 km long lake and a 6km-diameter crater. Tourists may choose to take a hiking tour in the area to see the stunning views and to explore the mountain’s rugged landscape.

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