Villa O'Higgins · Paso Mayer · Lago Christie
Ruta Mayer and Lago Christie
ChileSupported · 4x4 and e-Bike
- Duration
- 1 daywith a support vehicle
- Distance
- 52.7 kmup by 4x4, back by e-Bike
- Price
- fromCLP $140,000per person · minimum 4
- Effort
- Medium-high
We'll confirm availability by WhatsApp or email.
A day for looking, more than for suffering.
You go up by 4x4 along the settlers' route and ride back, downhill. A way to see the Ruta Mayer without pedaling up it, in a group or as a family, with different paces.
At a glance
Ruta Mayer and Lago Christie is a full day from Villa O'Higgins: you go up by 4x4 along the settlers' road, to the north, to the Lago Christie lookout, and ride back by e-Bike on the X-905, downhill. It's 52.7 km with 288 m of elevation change. It's supported: you go with a support vehicle and, if you ask, with a local guide.
Updated October 2026 · ridingSURí, Villa O'Higgins
- Duration
- Full day
- Distance
- 52.7 km
- Elevation change
- 288 m
- Format
- Supported; local guide on request, extra
- Group
- Minimum 4 people
- Age
- From 16, with their parents
- Season
- November to April
The trip
Up by 4x4, down by e-Bike.
You leave Villa O'Higgins heading north, on the road to Paso Mayer. After the farm lunch, the e-Bikes come off the vehicle and you ride back.
Stretch 1The settlers' routeVilla O'Higgins → Lago Christie, by 4x4
You leave Villa O'Higgins heading north, on the road to Paso Mayer. On the way: Father Ronchi's first church, Laguna La Clara and the suspension bridge over the Río Mayer.
- By 4x4
Stretch 2Lago ChristieLookout, Salto Pérez and the lake
On foot you reach the Lago Christie lookout and Salto Pérez, in the valley where the Mayer and the Carreras meet. If the lake allows, you go out by launch to visit a settler at the far end of the lake.
- On foot
- By launch, if the lake allows
Stretch 3Back, downhillLago Christie → Villa O'Higgins, by e-Bike
After the farm lunch, the e-Bikes come off the vehicle. You ride back to Villa O'Higgins on the X-905, downhill, past rivers and waterfalls: about 4 hours by e-Bike.
- E-Bike · about 4 hours
From cyclist to cyclistLayers, a rain jacket and water. Out here the weather changes fast.
Is it for me?
What the day asks of you.
Looking for a long physical challenge? See the Carretera Austral Sur. Only have a few hours? See the rentals.
You do the climb by 4x4. The way back is gravel and downhill, about 4 hours by e-Bike.
- You want to see the settlers' road without pedaling up it.
- You're traveling in a group or as a family, with different paces.
- You know how to ride a mountain bike: the way back is gravel and downhill.
- You're 16 or older; minors with their parents.
What's included
What the day includes.
Includes
- E-Bike and safety gear: helmet, gloves, glasses and pads
- 4x4 vehicle to the lake
- Snacks and farm lunch
- Support on the route
Not included
Transfer from where you're staying. The local guide, if you want one, is paid separately: we arrange it.
Quoted on request: accessories, experiences, transfers and special logistics.
Price
What it costs.
From
CLP $140,000
Per person. It runs with a minimum of 4 people.
Includes the vehicle, lunch and the e-Bike; the local guide is extra. We'll confirm the date by WhatsApp or email.
Questions
What people ask us before they come.
Question not here? Message us on WhatsApp: we answer ourselves, from Villa O'Higgins.
Is it hard?
You do the climb in a 4x4. On the e-Bike you come back downhill on gravel, about 4 hours: you need to know how to ride a mountain bike.
Can children come?
From age 16, with their parents.
Do I need a guide?
No: you go with a support vehicle. If you'd like someone local to tell you about the route, we add a local guide. It's paid separately and we arrange it.
Can I go alone or as a couple?
It runs with a minimum of 4 people. If there are fewer of you, write to us: we'll let you know if a group comes together for your date.
What if the lake won't let the boat out?
The boat trip is called off: it depends on the weather.
What if it rains or it's very windy?
We check the forecast every morning. If it isn't safe, we change the route or the date.
What if the bike breaks down?
You carry a repair kit and we have a support vehicle with us.
What if I get hurt?
You activate your travel and health insurance. We give you the information and phone support to contact health services.
What should I bring?
Layers, a rain jacket and water. Out here the weather changes fast.
Do I need insurance?
Yes: everyone brings their own travel and health insurance. We need it before we can hand over the bike.
What if I cancel?
Same as the self-guided tours: to confirm, we ask for a 35% deposit. If you cancel more than 30 days ahead, we refund everything. Between 30 and 15 days before, we keep the deposit. With less than 15 days, there's no refund.
Shall we go to Lago Christie?
La Ruta del SURí
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