Plan your trip

What you need

Just a few things, and they all matter. If they aren't met, we can't hand over the bike.

• Know how to ride a mountain bike.The e-Bike helps on the climbs. Getting down gravel, in the wind, is still up to you.
• Be old enough.12 for rentals; 16 for tours. Always with their parents, who sign for them.
• Your insurance.Everyone brings their own. We need it before we can hand over the bike, not to request a date.
• A size that fits you.We have S, M and L. Tell us everyone's height when you request a date.
• Up to 120 kg.Including whatever you carry on the bike, panniers too. Tell us everyone's weight when you request a date.

Before you set off, we get you ready.

We welcome you and show you how important it is to look after yourself and your e-Bike for a good, safe ride; we check your details, you sign the risk acceptance form and read the cyclist's code. We tell you about the route, the terrain and the day's weather. We fit the bike to you, check the gear together and you take a test ride in the street. Only then, off you go.

How we look after every ride

The battery

One charge lasts between 40 and 70 km.

It depends on the weather, the terrain, the wind, the rain, the temperature, the weight and how much you use the assist. With a headwind and a load, you get less.

For multi-day tours on the Carretera Austral we have a very limited stock of spare batteries to take with you. That's why no e-Bike stage goes over 70 km and the battery is charged every night. The charger goes with you.

Use it when you need the push: on climbs and in the wind. On the flat, with little or no assist (you'll find you don't need it), you go further.

Where you charge

On the trips you sleep in SURí micro-refuges, farmhouses, hostels or campsites. The e-Bike charges every night at the main house of wherever you're sleeping.

The micro-refuges don't have 220 V: they have LED light and USB charging for your phone. The family's house does have 220 V, and that's also where the bathroom, shower and kitchen are.

What to bring

Luggage and accessories

Your luggage, heading north, we arrange for you. The cost depends on the volume and the dates: we quote it with you.

Panniers and a trailer for small children, on request. Also quoted separately.

On the crossing, passport, warm clothes, water and food always stay with you. The rest of your luggage travels separately.

The cyclist's code

Look after yourself, the people traveling with you and our Patagonia. Take nothing but photos and leave nothing but your e-Bike's tracks.

You read it before you set off and sign it with the risk acknowledgment form. Riding in remote areas carries risks: if you don't have the experience, the preparation or the fitness, don't take the risk.

1. Stay in controlYou're responsible for not hitting objects or people. Take climbs and descents with extra care.
2. Know your limitsRide within what you know. Start slowly, avoid extreme maneuvers, go easy and enjoy the view.
3. Protect yourself and your e-BikeAlways wear all your protective gear. Don't submerge the motor in water: it stops working.
4. Check your e-Bike before you set offGet to know its components and how it works before you ride.
5. Carry your load carefullyLearn to load it, carry it and unload it safely. Ask if you need help.
6. Check the weather and the terrainConditions change all the time. Plan your day around what's coming.
7. Follow the signsStay on the road and watch for changes in the terrain, so you don't get lost or run off it.
8. Stay visible and with your group
9. Look out for othersShare the road with walkers and vehicles, with common sense, communication and courtesy.
10. Pitch inIf you have or see an incident, always help.

Weather, signal and cash

The weather. The riding season is November to April. The wind is in charge and the day can change in minutes: we check the forecast every morning and, if it isn't safe, we change the route or the ride.

The signal. There isn't any on long stretches. Before you set off, we save the emergency numbers on your phone. And if we're slow to reply, it's not a lack of interest: it's Patagonia.

Cash. There are few ATMs along the route: bring Chilean pesos.

Getting there

You reach Villa O'Higgins along the Carretera Austral, by bus or by vehicle, or by small plane from Coyhaique. We explain it in detail at suripatagonia.com.

How to get to Villa O'Higgins ↗

Questions