Cycling in South America
For cyclists, South America is the ultimate proving ground. The Andes offer some of the longest, highest paved climbs on the planet, gravel adventurers have the endless Carretera Austral, and downhill thrill-seekers have Bolivia’s notorious Death Road. Whether you dream of grinding up a 4,000-meter pass under your own power or bombing down a jungle-fringed descent, the continent delivers riding at a scale that’s hard to find anywhere else.
The variety is what keeps riders coming back. In Colombia’s coffee region you climb through emerald hills on the same roads that produced a generation of Grand Tour champions. In the Atacama you pedal across a Mars-like desert under impossibly clear skies. In Patagonia and the Argentine Lake District, forested valleys and glacial lakes make for gentler, restorative days in the saddle. Options span guided road tours, self-supported bikepacking, and lift-served downhill adventures.
Two factors shape every ride here: altitude and logistics. Much of the best cycling happens above 3,000 meters, where thin air punishes the unacclimatized, so build in time to adjust before big efforts. Distances between services can be enormous on remote routes like the Carretera Austral, demanding careful planning of food, water, and spares. Traffic and road quality vary widely, and a guided operator can be worth it on the more committing routes for support vehicles and local knowledge.
Where to Cycle in South America#
Death Road (Yungas Road), Bolivia The world’s most famous downhill ride drops some 3,500 vertical meters from a chilly Andean pass above La Paz into steamy Amazonian jungle. Once the deadliest road on Earth, it’s now a purpose-built mountain-bike descent along cliff edges with heart-stopping views. Operators supply full-suspension bikes, guides, and support vehicles for the day-long plunge. Choose a reputable company with good equipment - the exposure here is very real.
Colombian Coffee Region Climbs, Colombia The steep, green hills of the Eje Cafetero are hallowed ground for road cyclists, the training terrain that produced Colombia’s climbing legends. Endless switchbacks wind past coffee fincas and wax-palm valleys around Salento, Manizales, and the fearsome Alto de Letras, one of the longest paved climbs anywhere. The riding is hard but the scenery and coffee-town hospitality make every meter worth it. Come reasonably fit and prepared to climb.
Carretera Austral by Bike, Chile Chile’s Route 7 is a bucket-list bikepacking route, more than a thousand kilometers of gravel and pavement through raw Patagonian wilderness. Riders pass glaciers, fjords, and temperate rainforest, ferrying across gaps and camping in near-solitude. Self-sufficiency is essential, as services are sparse and weather is fierce. Ride it in the austral summer and carry plenty of spares. It ranks among the great cycle tours on Earth.
Atacama Desert, Chile Cycling out of San Pedro de Atacama means riding through the driest desert on the planet, past salt flats, flamingo lagoons, and the surreal Valle de la Luna. The high altitude and thin, dry air make even moderate distances demanding, but the clarity of light and emptiness of the landscape are extraordinary. Early starts beat the heat and afternoon winds. Carry far more water than you think you’ll need.
Argentine Lake District, Argentina Around Bariloche and the Seven Lakes Route, cyclists enjoy some of the continent’s most beautiful and forgiving riding, on paved roads winding between glacial lakes and araucaria forest. Day loops like the Circuito Chico are gentle enough for casual riders, while longer tours link a string of lakeside towns. Craft breweries and chocolate shops make excellent rest stops. Late spring through early autumn offers the best weather.
Mendoza Wine Country, Argentina Pedaling between bodegas in Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo is one of the most relaxed cycling experiences in South America, on flat roads lined with vineyards beneath the snow-capped Andes. Bike rentals and self-guided wine loops make it easy to string together tastings at your own pace. It’s more about the ride between glasses than athletic ambition. Book a designated driver back if the flights get generous.
Sacred Valley, Peru Cycling through the Sacred Valley of the Incas combines high-Andean scenery with a rolling ride past terraced hillsides, Inca ruins, and Quechua villages. Guided descents from high passes like Abra Malaga let riders enjoy long downhills without the brutal climbs, while fitter cyclists tackle the ascents. Markets at Pisac and the fortress at Ollantaytambo make natural stops. Acclimatize in Cusco first before any serious riding.
Cordillera Blanca, Peru Based around Huaraz, the Cordillera Blanca offers the highest and most spectacular mountain biking in Peru, amid glaciated peaks and turquoise alpine lakes. Routes climb over passes above 4,500 meters, rewarding the effort with descents through stark, dramatic high country. This is serious altitude riding for the well-acclimatized and experienced. Guided trips handle logistics and shuttle the toughest climbs.
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia Riding a bike across the world’s largest salt flat is a surreal, dreamlike experience, a flat white infinity stretching to the horizon under a huge sky. The salt is hard-packed and rideable in the dry season, though there’s no shade and few reference points. Most riders join supported trips that carry water, food, and a vehicle. The isolation and scale make it unforgettable, but preparation is everything.
Villa de Leyva and Boyaca, Colombia The high plateau of Boyaca around colonial Villa de Leyva offers gorgeous road cycling through farmland, lakes, and mountain passes at breathable moderate altitude. Quiet roads, welcoming villages, and steady climbs make it a favorite for touring cyclists. The colonial architecture and cool highland climate add to the appeal. It’s a less-crowded alternative to the busier coffee-region routes.
Cotopaxi and the Avenue of Volcanoes, Ecuador South of Quito, cyclists ride the Avenue of Volcanoes past the perfect cone of Cotopaxi and a string of snow-capped giants. Guided downhill trips descend from high on Cotopaxi’s flanks across paramo grassland, offering big vistas without the grind. Fitter riders can tackle the climbs between volcanoes. The high altitude means acclimatizing in Quito beforehand is wise.
Quebrada de Humahuaca, Argentina In Argentina’s colorful northwest, cyclists ride through a UNESCO-listed canyon of banded rock past Andean villages like Purmamarca and Tilcara. The high-desert scenery of multicolored hills and cactus is stunning, though the altitude and heat demand respect. Roads are generally good, and colonial towns provide welcome rest stops. It pairs beautifully with the region’s wine country around Cafayate.