This is one of the biggest challenges we organize through the year, the personal mtn biking challenge of 35 miles of pure Andes mountains, 8.858 feet above sea level.
A 6 -7 hour challenge on a bike – for the average cyclist.
Cost usd $60 per person – minimum 10 people.

GENERAL DESCRIPCION
Every year the mountain crossing Ruta del Condor becomes a personal challenge for most cyclists. It is not a race, just a challenge. Grado Sur started organizing our challenge for people who want to ride with a group, with certain logistics inlcuded and the transportation. We try to give all riders the best scenario possible so everybody’s only worry is to peddal and to complete the distance. Though 35 miles does not seem like much, remember the altitude and the climb. For most people this is one of the toughest activities we organize thoughout the year.

WHAT IS INCLUDED WITH THE TRIP
This activity can vary in number of cyclists from 10 to 30, being this one our largest number we take.
We offer transport for people and their bicycles. We start in Santiago and drive all the way to Cajón del Maipo where riding starts. Then, transportation moves to the other end of the trail in La Ermita, where vehicles and trailers meet the group and drives everybody back to Santiago.
Along the 35 mile-stretch of mountain trails we have guides on bicycles (and if needed a wheeler or a motorcycle)
All the guides carry 2-wave VHF radios that communicate with each other and with the cars in case of emergency.
In spite of all preparations we highly suggest people prepare themselves for the challenge well. (See list of WHAT TO BRING at the end of page)
Besides, we always explore the trail or collect information first hand from locals to ensure the pass is open and no surprises.

WHEN & WHERE WE MEET
7:00am Grado Sur Office. Pucara 4313 A Nuñoa Santiago.
Riding starts around 9:30 in Cajón del Maipo
According to previous trips challenge ends by 7pm. However we know that some riders finish earlier, so we always have b2 trips back to Santiago.

THE TRAIL – LA RUTA DEL CONDOR
We can define these 35 miles of mountain trail as technically gentle, but very demanding physically. An average cyclist should cover the whole distance in about 6 hours, plus one hour that we use to rest eat and enjoy the area. Besides, we also use this time to oput the group back together and check on everybody because this is also the turning point of the trip.
Also, some people spend time looking for condors (always one or two in site) admire the high Andes or simply take some good pictures for posterity. Important is to mention that this is a group activity of a very isolated road, so keeping the group as a team is key for a good experience and good results.

Group starts cycling from 4.758 feet of altitude and after 4 hours of hard climbing we reach the 8.858 feet, gaining a total of 4.100 feet in just 17 miles.

From here on, the road changes the inclination with some very welcomed downhills, but still two 3-mile climbs before we start the final descend. We descend about 4.731 feet in about 15 miles. We highly suggest extreme caution coming down because of the steep of the cliffs, the rocky terrain and the exhaustion of most cyclists after a tough climb.

The Ending
Once we finish going down, we meet at La Ermita (a well-known place and easy to find) right at the police mountain-control. Here – at a local kiosk – cyclists can chill, enjoy some drinks and food while waiting for the other participants.
As more cyclist arrive we board vehicles and drive back at the meeting point where everything started in the morning.

WHAT TO BRING
– Bicycles in perfect shape (especially tyres, gears and brakes)
– Minimum 3 liters of water
– Lunch (a good sandwich, cold pasta – cereal bars – fruits)
– An extra first layer to change into when we stop for lunch.
– Wind stopper (cold wind over the 6.000 feet)
– Spare inner tube (26 27,5 o 29)
– Tool kit and portable pump