Bike rental in Malalcahuello
In short: In Malalcahuello you can rent mountain bikes and e-bikes at Isoterma Cero, on route CH-181 at the turnoff to Lonquimay volcano; some lodgings, such as Suizandina, also offer bikes or guided rides. The most popular route is the Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path: about 12 km on the old branch railway, easy, free and with no permit needed.
Key facts: bike rental in Malalcahuello
| Where to rent | Isoterma Cero (route CH-181, turnoff to Lonquimay volcano) and local lodgings |
|---|---|
| Types of bike | Mountain bikes and electric bikes (e-bikes) |
| Booking | Online at isotermacero.cl (10% off when booking online, according to their website) |
| Main route | Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path: about 12 km, easy, free |
| Other routes | Malalcahuello Reserve, Navidad Crater and roads toward Curacautín and Lonquimay |
| Best time | December to April |
| What to bring | Helmet, gloves, windbreaker, water and snacks |
Information checked in October 2026. Opening hours, access and prices may change: confirm them before you travel.
Malalcahuello is one of the best places in the Araucanía Andina to explore by bike: it has an easy bike path on an old branch railway, mountain roads next to Lonquimay volcano and bike rental right in the village.
Where to rent bikes
| Place | What it offers | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Isoterma Cero | Mountain bike and e-bike rental; in winter, ski and mountain gear. Operating in Malalcahuello since 2012 | Route CH-181, turnoff to Lonquimay volcano · isotermacero.cl |
| Suizandina | Lodge with mountain bike routes, horseback riding and hiking; ask whether bikes are available | International road km 83 · suizandina.com |
| Other lodgings and guides | Several hotels and operators between Curacautín and Malalcahuello offer bikes or guided rides | See the tour operators |
Tip: book your bike before you arrive in January and February, and ask whether the rental includes a helmet.
Routes to ride from Malalcahuello
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | What you'll see |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path | About 12 km each way | Easy | Old branch line, two railway tunnels, forest and lava fields; free |
| Malalcahuello National Reserve | Varies | Moderate | Dirt roads among araucarias, with Lonquimay volcano in the background |
| Toward Navidad Crater | Varies | Moderate to hard | Sand and lava from the 1988 eruption; ideal by e-bike |
| Malalcahuello–Curacautín | About 30 km | Moderate | Forests, rivers and open countryside on back roads |
Before you set off
- Gear: helmet, gloves, glasses, windbreaker and a waterproof layer: the weather changes fast near the volcanoes.
- Water and food: there is almost nowhere to buy anything outside the village.
- Signal: coverage is limited in the reserve; download the map before you go.
- Respect: use only authorized roads and take your trash with you.
Frequently asked questions about bike rental in Malalcahuello
Where can you rent bikes in Malalcahuello?
At Isoterma Cero, on route CH-181 at the turnoff to Lonquimay volcano, which rents mountain bikes and e-bikes. Some lodgings, such as Suizandina, also offer bikes or guided rides: check availability before you go.
Are there e-bikes in Malalcahuello?
Yes. Isoterma Cero rents electric mountain bikes, handy for riding up toward Navidad Crater or doing the bike path there and back without getting tired.
How long is the Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path?
About 12 km between the old Manzanar and Malalcahuello stations, with a gentle slope and two railway tunnels. It is free and needs no permit. See the Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path.
Is the bike path suitable for children?
Yes. It is easy and needs no mountain biking skills; just keep in mind that from Manzanar to Malalcahuello it climbs gently but steadily.
When is the best time to rent a bike in Malalcahuello?
December to April, when the roads are dry. In high season (January and February), book ahead.
More to see nearby: Manzanar–Malalcahuello bike path · Mountain biking in Malalcahuello · Things to do in Malalcahuello · The Araucanía Andina by bike
Updated on October 12, 2026