ATACAMA BIKING: REWILD YOUR MIND

Journey Beyond the Boundaries of the Self.

An immersive cycling experience across the Atacama Desert to reconnect with yourself through the power of the landscape and the awareness.

October 25 – November 8, 2025

Description

Two souls. One vision. One desert.

Some journeys are not taken to see new places, but to stop running away from oneself.
This journey was born from the encounter between two profoundly different yet perfectly complementary souls: that of Willy Mulonia, explorer of external deserts, and that of Andrea Bariselli, explorer of internal deserts. On the one hand, there is the experience of fatigue and freedom; on the other, there is the depth of the mind, emotions, and transformation.

Together, they imagined a journey in which body, mind, and spirit meet among the driest sands and clearest skies on the planet. The Atacama Rewild Experience is a journey for the few. Not because it is elitist, but because it requires openness, listening, and courage. It is not about performance, but about presence. It is not about discovery, but about revelation.

The Atacama is not to be crossed. It is to be listened to. It is to be become.

The Atacama Desert in Chile is not just a place. It is a suspended moment in time. It is a silence that speaks. It is a landscape that seems to come from another planet but which, in truth, brings you home.
Here, everything is reduced to the essentials. No distractions. No unnecessary noise. Just you, your bike, your breath, and the deep echo of the earth.
In the desert, you learn to slow down. To see what you usually ignore. To feel fatigued as a form of meditation. To recognize beauty in a stone, in a line on the horizon, in a pause.
It is in this context that the proposal becomes complete: not just a physical journey, but an inner journey. Not just sweat, but meaning. Not just spectacular places, but opportunities for change.

A Journey in Six Steps (Thalea Method)

The journey will be marked by six transformative phases inspired by the Thalea Method, which combines neuroscience, mindfulness, and natural immersion in a unique experiential proposal. These stages are not an addition to the journey: they are the journey. Each day will be an opportunity to cross a different threshold.

1. Stimulation
To begin is to awaken the senses. In the vastness of the desert, we rediscover the pleasure of seeing with our eyes and observing with our hearts, of listening intently, of touching with attention. The first few days will be dedicated to opening your body and mind to the present, letting nature teach you its rhythm.

2. Acceptance
Nothing is under control in the desert. And this is its strength. Here we learn to welcome whatever comes our way: fatigue, wind, silence, emotions. Recognizing what is there, without resisting, is the first act of freedom.

3. Regeneration
Once we let go of control, space opens up. Space inside. This is where we begin to free ourselves from superfluous, recurring thoughts, judgments, and tensions. In simplicity, we rediscover energy. The body becomes lighter. So does the mind.

4. Intuition
When the noise fades away, something speaks. It is an inner voice that is often forgotten but always present. In this phase, journaling, guided reflections, and moments of conscious solitude become tools for encountering ourselves with new eyes.

5. Recharge
This is the moment when the desert, after emptying us, gives us back to ourselves. Through beauty, light, movement. Every step, every pedal stroke becomes an act of grounding. And the body, now aware, absorbs strength from the earth and the sky.

6. Change
A journey worth taking never ends. It transforms into a new direction, a daily gesture, a concrete choice. The last part of our journey will be dedicated to integration, to defining a personal action plan: a new way of being in the world.

What you will experience

— Guided mindfulness sessions with Andrea Bariselli, to reconnect with yourself.
— Cycling routes through breathtaking landscapes, led by Willy Mulonia.
— Nights at high altitude under starry skies, where silence is absolute and regenerating.
— Talking circles and symbolic rituals to give deeper meaning to the journey.

Who you are after this journey
You are not a spectator.
You are not a tourist.
You are someone who has walked through themselves.
Who has learned to be.
Who has discovered that emptiness is not a lack, but space for something new.
You will return differently.
Not better, not worse. But more real.

An invitation
This is not a trip for those looking only for spectacular views.
It is a journey for those who are ready to strip away the superfluous, to remain in silence, to listen.
It is a rite of passage for those who feel it is time to change.
And have the courage to start with themselves.

Cancellation policy

Refund and cancellation

Where, for whatever reason, one person is obliged to withdraw, the person must give written notice to Project Adventure Cycling.

Refund will be calculated with this penalty:

– In case of cancellation, an administration fee of 300 euros will be charged.
– Within 45 days from date of departure the penalty fare is 30% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 30 days from departure the penalty fare is 40% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 21 days from departure the penalty fare is 50% of the total cost of the trip.
– Within 14 days from departure the penalty fare is 75 % of the total cost of the trip.
– After this date no refund will be given.

There will be no refunds for those who do not show up at the start of the trip or withdraw during the course of the tour.
There will be no refunds for those who are unable to start or complete the tour due to a lack or inaccuracy of personal travel documents (i.e Visa or Passport).

The traveller understands that some destinations pose more of a risk than other destinations due to weather conditions, socio-political situations and the geography of the region. The traveller acknowledges that factors such as, but not limited to, weather conditions, landslides, floods, flight cancellations or delays, strikes, labour issues, power failures, restrictive governmental laws or regulations, riots, insurrection, war or other (hereinafter called “Force Majeure Event”) are not the fault of Project Adventure Cycling and may hinder, delay or even prevent the Traveller’s ability to make or complete the trip. The traveller acknowledges that the Project Adventure Cycling shall not be liable to the traveller for any delay or cancellation of the trip due to a Force Majeure Event. The traveler is neither entitled to a refund nor any other payment for damages from the Project Adventure Cycling in the event that the trip is cancelled or delayed due to a Force Majeure Event. Please note that we are never responsible for any airfare ticket expenses.

Included + Not Included

THE PRICE INCLUDE

— Willy Mulonia as PA Cycling bike guide

— Andrea Bariselli as Thalea Method Manager

— One vehicle support 4×4 and expert Atacama Desert Driver

— Luggage transportations for all the stages*

— Welcome dinner

— 2 nights stay in Hotel in Antofagasta

— Stay in hotel in Peine one night with breakfast and dinner included

— Stay in Socaire two nights with breakfast and dinner included

— Luggage transportations for all the stages*

— One night in Toconao with breakfast and dinner included

— Stay in hotel in San Pedro de Atacama the last two nights

— Entrance to the Valle de la Luna

— Bye Bye Dinner

— Transfer from Antofagasta airport (as in the program)

— Transfer to Calama airport (as in the program)

— Travel insurance coverage

— Satellite Coverage with our base camp and our Security-Net

— Personal Thalea Experimental Kit

— PA-Cycling jersey

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

— Flight ticket and baggage

— Lunches during the stages

— Lunches in Peine and Socaire

— Additional costs in case of logistic changes (extra transfers etc.)

— Anything not listed in “The price includes” section

Willy Mulonia

Founder & President

Willy Mulonia, expert lonely traveler and cyclist for more than 30 years. He made several solo expeditions, but the most important is without a doubt the 28,640 bike trip from Ushuaia (Patagonia) to Prudhoe Bay (Alaska). He raced in the Crocodile Trophy (Australia) in ’98 and the famous Iditarod Trail Invitational (ITI) in Alaska in 1999, 2000, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023, winning the 2025 edition, as well as many other mountain bike stage races all over the world. In 2003 he founded the bike travel agency Progetto Avventura, now renamed Project Adventure Cycling. In 2010, with the help of all the team of PA-Cycling he created the Mongolia Bike Challenge, one of the most important MTB stage race in the world. Today you can find him guiding most the tour offered by Project Adventure Cycling.

Andrea Bariselli

Thalea Method Founder

Andrea Bariselli is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and founder of the Thalea Method. For over fifteen years, he has explored the deep connection between mind, body, and nature, integrating neuroscience, mindfulness, and immersion in extreme environments. He is the author of the podcast A Wild Mind, which has surpassed 1.5 million listens, becoming a reference point in the Italian landscape. In 2024, he published a book of the same name with Rizzoli, an inspiring journey into the connections between the brain and nature. He collaborates with athletes, companies, and research institutes worldwide, leading transformative experiences where science and spirituality meet.

THE TRACK

THE STAGES

26 October

Arrival in Antofagasta.

Transfer to hotel. Bike preparation and briefing. Arrival in Antofagasta Airport (ANF). PA-Cycling will have organized your hotel/airport transfer. The afternoon will be spent assembling bikes followed by a briefing introducing the guide team and participants, and going over the finer details of the itinerary.

27 October

Bike city tour & shopping

We’ll prepare our bicycles, we’ll go to the market to buy our meals for the next biking days and finally, we’ll put all baggage on the bikes and go to take a short ride over the city to make sure that everything is OK.

28 October – STAGE 01
Antofagasta-Desert – 89 km / 1.200 m

We will begin our adventure in Antofagasta. We’ll use roads to go deep into the desert. Leaving behind the sea, we’ll see how everything changes as we move toward the mountains and the vast Atacama Desert. It will be a transition stage mostly on tarmac and crossing our way with trucks that are moving back and forward from Mina Escondida: Largest copper mine in the world by production. We will spend the night in a wild camping.

29 October – STAGE 02
Desert-Desert – 47 km / 1.000 m

After yesterday’s approach, today marks the true beginning of our desert adventure. We’ll fully immerse ourselves in this remote, arid landscape as we embark on a challenging all-day climb. As we ascend, the scenery will transform, the terrain becoming more rugged, and the sense of isolation deepening. With each step, we’ll not only be gaining altitude but also embracing the solitude that comes with being in such a vast, untamed wilderness. Though the moon seems distant for now, it serves as our silent companion, watching over us as we draw closer to it, stage by stage. By nightfall, we’ll set up camp under the stars, surrounded by the quiet and vastness of the desert. It will be a perfect moment to reflect on the day’s journey, listening to the wind as we rest and prepare for what lies ahead.

30 October – STAGE 03
Desert-Salar de Imilac – 71 km / 1.400 m

We will spend the whole stage cycling through the desert! We will pass different mining companies, cross different types of rocks / sands / colours. In the background you will see the wagons that slowly carry the copper panels to the commercial port of Antofagasta. 4×4 vehicles with armed guards on board, monitor from afar to prevent malicious assaults. It seems to be in the Far West where the cowboys escorted the stagecoach. After a break at the entrance of the Mina Escondida, we will reach the much loved Salar de Imilac with its springs in the end. Yes, fresh water. And where PA-Cycling, in the Willy Mulonia’s heart, took shape way back in June 2001. We will spend the night in our wild camping.

31 October – STAGE 04
Salar de Imilac – Campamento Negrillar – 77 km / 910 m

This is a beautiful, romantic and fascinating stage. Our companion for the day will be the memory of Luis Sepulveda and his book “Las rosas de Atacama”. In fact we will pass through the ghost stations of the salt railway route. The incredible views will help us push the pedals and forget the fatigue, to reach the area near Campamento Negrillar, where we will spend the night in our wild camping.

1 November – STAGE 05
Campamento Negrillar – Peine – 49 km / 300 m

From here we will begin to lose altitude. Depending on the conditions of the bottom and the state of the sand, it could be a fast or extremely demanding route. We will visit Salar de Atacama, the largest salt deposit in Chile (3,000 km2) and also the largest and most active source of lithium in the world … an impressive territory. We will finish the day in Peine with the possibility to visit the natural pools of town. Here we will spend the night under a roof, sleep in comfortable beds and have dinner peacefully around a table.

2 November – STAGE 06
Peine – Socaire – 49 km / 1.010 m

Our climb will take us up to Socaire, a picturesque village perched at an impressive 3,300 meters above sea level. As we ascend, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the ancient agricultural terraces that have stood the test of time. These terraces are a testament to the ingenuity of the region’s early inhabitants, blending harmoniously with the natural contours of the land. The views from this altitude are nothing short of awe-inspiring, with the vast expanse of desert and mountains stretching out before us. After a day of exploration, we’ll settle into a charming, small structure where we can rest in comfort. With soft beds waiting for us, we’ll be able to fully recharge for the next day’s adventure. Dinner will be a relaxing experience, enjoyed at a proper table, where we can savor the moment, share stories, and enjoy the comforts of civilization after a day spent immersed in nature’s rugged beauty.

3 November – STAGE 07
Socaire – Meñique y Miscanti – Socaire – 59 km / 1.120 m

Our journey will take us to the stunning Lagunas Meñique and Miscanti, two breathtaking brackish water lakes located at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level. These highaltitude gems are part of the Los Flamencos National Reserve, one of its seven remarkable sectors, renowned for its pristine landscapes and unique wildlife. The deep blue waters of the lakes, framed by towering volcanic peaks, create an otherworldly scene that feels both quiet and overwhelming in its beauty. At this altitude, we’ll truly feel the effects of the thin air—our legs will feel heavier, our breaths will come shorter, and we may even feel the altitude in our heads. But the effort will be worth it, as the landscape around us offers an unforgettable experience of raw, unspoiled nature. After a day of exploring these high-altitude wonders, we’ll return to the same hotel for the night. We’ll be able to relax in the comfort of the hotel afterward, reflecting on the incredible sights of the day.

4 November – STAGE 08
Socaire – Vulcan Lascar – Toconao – 78 km / 1.500 m

This is the most epic and spectacular stage of the entire journey. We will climb up to 4,400 meters above sea level. It will be a very tough stage where in a concrete stretch we will have to push our bike for about two hours (2 hours). The panorama, the volcano and the view of the sceneries will be worth all the efforts. First we will tackle a tough 11 km long climb. We will catch our “breath” in a depression and then start climbing again for another 10 km. Once we reach the top, we will descend towards Toconao, where we will sleep in comfortable beds and where we will be able to hydrate ourselves with some excellent beers. This stage will be possible only after the last Willy Mulonia’s decision. An easier plan will be placed in case of a negative feedback from Willy.

5 November – STAGE 09
Toconao – San Pedro de Atacama – 78 km / 370 m

Our journey is nearing its end, and the last stage will be a rewarding and reflective experience. The first half of the day will be relatively easy, as we descend through scenic landscapes, heading downhill towards our final destination. This will be a lighter day in terms of exertion, allowing us to savor the last moments of our adventure at a more relaxed pace. Before arriving in San Pedro de Atacama, we will pass through the impressive expanse of El Salar de Atacama, a vast salt flat that stretches across the horizon. The stark beauty of the salt-encrusted earth, contrasting with the clear skies, offers one last awe-inspiring view to remember as we wind down our journey. San Pedro de Atacama, with its unique charm and rich cultural history, will be our final stop. Nestled in the heart of the Atacama Desert, this characteristic village will welcome us with its laid-back atmosphere and adobe buildings. Once we arrive, our adventure will culminate at our comfortable hotel, conveniently located in the village center. A well-deserved hot shower will offer relief after days of travel, and a celebratory dinner will cap off the experience, where we can reminisce about our incredible journey. We’ve done it—an unforgettable adventure, and now, it’s time to celebrate our success!

6 November
Free day in San Pedro de Atacama

Today, we have a full day to relax and explore San Pedro de Atacama at our own pace. One of the highlights will be our visit to El Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), an extraordinary natural wonder located just a short drive from the village. Shaped over millennia by the relentless forces of wind and water, this valley is a geological masterpiece, with landscapes that appear almost otherworldly. As we wander through its unique formations, we’ll be able to admire an impressive array of colors and textures, ranging from deep ochre to soft shades of gray and white. The intricate patterns in the rock and sand resemble the rugged, barren surface of the moon, giving the valley its name. So striking is this similarity to lunar landscapes that even NASA uses this very location to test its equipment for missions to Mars and beyond. The Valley of the Moon offers a rare glimpse into a place that feels both alien and familiar, a serene yet dramatic setting that will leave a lasting impression.

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