A mountain bike journey through Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia offers an unforgettable experience, combining rugged landscapes, high-altitude deserts, dramatic mountain ranges, and cultural richness. The trip will take you through some of the most scenic and diverse environments in South America, from the Atacama Desert and the Andes mountains to the salt flats of Uyuni and the vineyards of Mendoza. The below suggested 15-day itinerary will allow you to explore these three countries by mountain bike.

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, Chile

Arrival: Arrive in Santiago, the capital of Chile, and take the opportunity to rest and prepare your mountain bike (rent a high-quality bike if you haven’t brought your own).

Evening: Explore the city by foot, visit Cerro San Cristóbal for great views, and enjoy some Chilean cuisine, such as empanadas or mote con huesillos.

Day 2: Santiago to Valle de Elqui (Valley of Elqui)

Drive: Take a bus or drive to Valle de Elqui (around 6-7 hours), a beautiful valley known for its vineyards and stargazing opportunities.

Bike Ride: Once there, explore the valley by bike. Ride through the valley’s scenic roads, passing through small villages, vineyards, and orchards.

Evening: Enjoy the tranquility of this region, famous for its pisco (a Chilean spirit), and sample local food.

Day 3-4: Valle de Elqui to San Pedro de Atacama

Drive: Head north to San Pedro de Atacama (around 9-10 hours by car), the gateway to the Atacama Desert.

Bike Ride (Day 3): On arrival, take a relaxing ride around the village of San Pedro and along the edge of the Salar de Atacama. This is a great opportunity to acclimatize to the altitude.

Day 4: Plan a longer ride into the Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon) with its surreal landscape of rock formations, salt pans, and dunes. You can also explore the Laguna Chaxa area, where flamingos congregate in the desert.

Day 5: San Pedro de Atacama to Uyuni, Bolivia

Morning: Begin the journey towards Uyuni in Bolivia, but keep in mind that you may need to rent a vehicle for the cross-border section due to the distance and difficulty.

Afternoon: After crossing the Hito Cajón border (Chile-Bolivia), head to Uyuni (approximately 10-12 hours, crossing rough terrain). You can either do this in stages with rest stops or by traveling directly to Uyuni.

Evening: Arrive in Uyuni and relax for the night.

Day 6-7: Uyuni and Salar de Uyuni

Day 6:

Morning: Begin with an early morning ride to Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats), the largest in the world. This landscape is perfect for cycling, with vast, flat terrain. You can ride across the salt flats to reach Incahuasi Island for incredible views.

Afternoon: Explore nearby Laguna Colorada, known for its red-colored waters, and Laguna Verde at the foot of Volcán Licancabur. Be ready for high-altitude riding, so take it slow and hydrate well.

Day 7: Spend another day exploring the Eduardo Avaroa National Park by bike. Visit the Sol de Mañana geysers, Laguna Verde, and Laguna Colorada. Some of these rides are challenging but offer stunning rewards.

Day 8: Uyuni to Potosí

Drive: Head toward Potosí, Bolivia (around 6-7 hours). You can take your bike in a 4×4 vehicle to make the trip more manageable.

Afternoon: Once in Potosí, explore the town’s Cerro Rico (the famous silver mountain) or the Casa de la Moneda, which was once the colonial mint.

Evening: Rest in Potosí and prepare for the next day’s ride.

Day 9-10: Potosí to Sucre

Day 9:

Morning: Begin your bike ride from Potosí to Sucre (around 6-7 hours). This will take you through beautiful mountain passes and valleys. Expect rough roads, but the ride offers amazing landscapes and remote Andean villages.

Afternoon: Arrive in Sucre, Bolivia’s constitutional capital, known for its beautiful colonial architecture. Spend the evening exploring the charming town.

Day 10: Enjoy a day off in Sucre to rest and recover. Explore the town’s historic center and visit the Museo de Arte Indígena to learn about the region’s culture.

Day 11: Sucre to Tarija

Drive: Take a rest day or transfer to Tarija (around 6-7 hours by car), a smaller, more tranquil city located in the Tarija Valley, famous for its vineyards and wine production.

Evening: Relax and explore Tarija’s lively atmosphere. Enjoy some local wines and traditional Bolivian food like empanadas or locro (a hearty stew).

Day 12: Tarija to Salta, Argentina

Morning: Cross the border into Argentina (about 3-4 hours) and head to Salta, Argentina’s northernmost major city.

Afternoon: Explore the city, famous for its colonial architecture. Visit the Catedral de Salta, Museo de Arqueología de Alta Montaña, and the Plaza 9 de Julio.

Evening: Enjoy an Argentine asado (barbecue) and explore the lively streets of Salta.

Day 13-14: Salta to Mendoza

Day 13:

Morning: Depart early for Mendoza (around 10 hours), Argentina’s renowned wine region, located at the foot of the Andes Mountains.

Afternoon: Arrive and enjoy a relaxing evening in Mendoza. This city is famous for its Malbec wine, so a wine-tasting tour is highly recommended.

Day 14: Take a bike ride through the Mendoza Wine Region, visiting vineyards and enjoying the stunning mountain views. Many vineyards offer bike tours through the vineyards, allowing you to taste the best local wines.

Day 15: Mendoza to Santiago, Chile

Drive: Head back to Santiago (around 6-7 hours by car), crossing the Andes via the Paso Los Libertadores.

Evening: Arrive in Santiago, return your bike (if rented), and take a moment to reflect on your incredible journey through Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia.