Across Andes 2026

Across Andes is an unsupported ultra-distance gravel event set in the volcanic heartland of southern Chile, running from November 22 to 27, 2026. The 2026 edition is branded the Volcano Edition, and the name earns its keep: the 800-kilometre route through the Araucanía region crosses eight volcanoes and seven lakes along the Interlagos network, a corridor also known as the Lakes and Volcanoes Route. Starting and finishing in Pucón — easily reached from Temuco airport and sitting in the shadow of Volcán Villarrica — the course is split roughly 70% gravel and 30% paved road, accumulating more than 12,000 metres of elevation gain across five days and 130 hours of racing time. Riders can enter solo or as a pair; entry is capped at 300 places and allocated by lottery. The terrain is genuinely varied: fast-rolling gravel roads give way without warning to loose volcanic-soil climbs, sandy pistes, and river crossings that test tyres and nerves in equal measure. Temperatures swing dramatically between warm dry days and near-freezing nights at altitude, and rain and wind can appear at any moment in Patagonian summer. The event follows the same self-supported principles as major international races — no outside assistance, no team vehicles, no pre-arranged support — making equipment selection and resupply planning a critical part of preparation. The race traces routes used for centuries by the indigenous Mapuche (Baqueano) peoples, and the connection to the cultural and natural heritage of the region is one of the things that makes Across Andes unusual among South American ultra events. A GPS tracker and emergency insurance are mandatory. Recommended setup is a gravel bike with 40c or wider tyres and bikepacking bags.