Chile is a great place for cycling. In addition to getting a lot of exercise, you can enjoy the country at your own pace and easily leave the tourist trail. The logistics of bicycling in Chile are relatively simple, too.

Bicycles can be rented in any touristy Chilean town or main city, and they can also be carried on buses, trains, planes and boats. This makes it easy to take in the diversity of Chile’s landscapes while cycling.

You should use a bike with wide tires, for gripping steep or unpaved roads, and you should carry a lot of water. A mounted mirror on your bicycle can help you see cars on narrow roads, and Chilean law (as well as common sense) requires that you wear a helmet. It is a good idea to stay off the roads after dark, and morning is often the best time to bike ride in Chile, since the heat and wind will usually not have kicked up yet. Finally, while most Chilean towns have a bike shop, it’s still smart to carry spare bicycle parts and tools.