MTB Tour Lake Como Mountain Views & Local Cuisine

From Como, this ride trades the usual road-and-bus sightseeing for a funicular, gravel tracks, and a climb toward Monte Boletto. You get views over Lake Como and northern Lombardia, with the chance to see Lake Pusiano, Switzerland, and the Alps from higher viewpoints.

I like two things in particular: the funicular skips an asphalt climb, and the private format gives you a guide rather than a fixed group to keep pace with. Max, also called Massimiliano, is the local guide and proprietor, and he can share route and meal advice.

The catch is that this is a real mountain bike ride, not a casual outing with a few scenic stops. You need strong fitness and confidence on off-road S2 trails, including steep climbs and descents.

Key points before you book

• A funicular start saves your legs: The roughly 10-minute Como-Brunate ride bypasses the first paved uphill section.
• The route heads into the mountains: Expect gravel roads and trails as you ride toward Monte Boletto.
• Faro Voltiano brings a high viewpoint: The lighthouse sits about 1,000 metres above sea level, with views toward Lake Como, Switzerland, and the Alps.
• Lunch is not included: You stop at a chalet restaurant, but food and drinks are at your own expense.
• Choose your bike option carefully: Rental is included only with the Cycling Tour with Bike Rental option.
• Trail confidence matters: You must be comfortable on S2 off-road trails and steep uphill and downhill riding.

A funicular ride is the warm-up

The ride begins with the Como-Brunate funicular, a practical shortcut that lifts you above Como rather than sending you straight into an asphalt climb. The ascent takes about 10 minutes and offers a view over the city as it falls away below.

This is more than a convenient transfer. It changes the feel of the outing: instead of spending early energy on a paved road, you save your legs for the mountain route. If you prefer earning every metre by bike, that shortcut may feel like a compromise. For most riders, it is a sensible one.

There is a small ticket detail worth checking before departure. The tour information lists cable car tickets among the inclusions, while the funicular stop is also marked as having admission not included. Ask Como Bike Tours to confirm exactly what is covered, so you know whether to bring money for the ride.

Faro Voltiano puts the view in context

One scheduled stop is Faro Voltiano, the lighthouse dedicated to Alessandro Volta, the inventor of the battery. It stands at roughly 1,000 metres above sea level, making this a useful pause to take in the surrounding high country.

The stated stop is brief, about five minutes. Treat it as a viewpoint and photo break rather than a long visit. From here, you can look toward Lake Como, Switzerland, and the Alps. The lighthouse gives the stop a clear point of interest, but the real draw is the broad view from above the lake.

The route also promises views of Lake Pusiano and northern Lombardia from Monte Boletto. Conditions matter: cloud or poor weather can obscure distant peaks, and the operator says the tour may be rescheduled or fully refunded in extreme weather. The outing operates in all weather, so dress for the conditions rather than assuming a sunny forecast will hold.

Gravel roads lead toward Monte Boletto

After the funicular and viewpoint, the tour continues by mountain bike along gravel roads and paths toward Monte Boletto. This is the heart of the experience, and it asks more of you than a standard cycle tour around the lake. You need to handle off-road trails graded S2 and feel secure on steep climbs and descents.

The route is described as a mountain ride, but no distance, elevation gain, or detailed trail profile is provided. That makes it hard to judge the physical effort from numbers alone. If you ride regularly on rough ground and are comfortable managing your bike on uneven trails, the description should make sense. If your cycling is mostly on pavement, ask the guide about the day’s expected difficulty before booking.

A guide is especially useful on a route where the surface and gradient matter as much as the scenery. Max is identified as both the proprietor and guide, and his local knowledge is part of the appeal. He knows the mountain routes and can offer advice on where to eat. The tour is private, so only your group takes part, rather than joining a larger mixed-ability party.

That private setup has practical value. You can ask questions, discuss your pace, and avoid being slotted into a group of strangers. The details do not promise a fully custom route every time, but a local guide familiar with the trails can help you make better choices during the ride. One Italian couple described their outing as personalized, so it is worth asking Max what flexibility is possible when you arrange your ride.

Chalet lunch is a pause, not part of the price

A chalet restaurant stop breaks up the ride and gives you a chance to sit down before heading back downhill. It brings a local meal into what could otherwise be a straightforward exercise in reaching a viewpoint. Max can also offer advice about a good lunch or dinner, which is handy if you want to make the most of your time around Como.

Budget separately for this stop. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, and the description does not provide a menu or a set lunch cost. Bring enough to cover your meal and any drinks, and ask the operator if you have dietary needs or want to know how long the lunch break usually lasts.

There is a nice balance here: you get a planned stop without paying for a meal you may not want. The trade-off is that your total spending will be higher than the advertised tour price once lunch is added.

The downhill return rewards confident handling

After the chalet, the ride returns downhill. That may sound like the easy part, but the tour specifically requires confidence on steep descents and off-road S2 trails. Downhill riding takes attention and control, especially if the trail is rough or the weather has made the surface slippery.

Do not book this just because you enjoy cycling on flat roads or want a scenic ride with minimal effort. The mountain views are the payoff, but the route requires enough skill to reach them and return safely. If you have not ridden technical trails before, ask the guide for a frank assessment of the route and whether it suits your experience.

A mountain bike is required. You can bring your own, or select the rental option when booking. Rental is not included with the Cycling Tour Only option, so check the option name before paying. For e-bike sizing, the minimum height is 150 centimetres, or 4 feet 11 inches.

What the $314.16 price buys you

At $314.16 per person, this is a substantial spend for a ride lasting about three to four hours. Its value depends on what you want from your time around Lake Como. You are paying for a private guided outing, local route knowledge, the funicular shortcut, and access to a mountain ride that would be harder to plan on your own. The rental bike is included only if you choose the rental option.

That private format is an important part of the calculation. You are not simply buying a seat on a large group excursion. You get your own group and guide, which can be a better fit if your party wants to ride together and ask questions along the way. Group discounts are available, though the specific savings are not given.

On the other hand, lunch is extra, and the price does not remove the physical demands. Riders who want a gentle introduction to cycling or a low-cost way to see the lake should compare other options. Those who already enjoy mountain biking may find the guided access and local advice worth paying for, especially if they do not know the area.

The tour is often booked well ahead, around 96 days on average. That is a useful planning clue if you have fixed travel dates, though it is not a guarantee that every date sells out. Confirmation is normally sent at booking; reservations made within a day of travel are confirmed as soon as possible, subject to availability.

Who should ride this route

This tour suits experienced cyclists who are comfortable riding off-road and want to see more than the lakeside roads. It is also a good fit for a private group that values a guide who can connect the ride with local food and route suggestions. If you are an active rider with a mountain bike background, the combination of funicular, trails, viewpoints, and a chalet stop offers a focused half-day outdoors.

It is less suitable if you are new to mountain biking, uneasy on steep descents, or simply hoping for an easy spin with occasional photo stops. A minimum age of 14 applies, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A strong level of physical fitness is required.

You will need a current valid passport on the day of the tour. The activity operates in all weather, so dress appropriately. In extreme weather, it may be rescheduled or fully refunded. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Should you book the Monte Boletto ride?

Book it if you are already comfortable on mountain bike trails and want a private, guided route above Lake Como, with the funicular saving you from the first paved climb. The best reasons to go are the mountain setting, the high viewpoints, and the chance to ride with Max, who knows the local trails and can help with meal advice.

Skip it if you want an easy sightseeing ride, are unsure about steep off-road descents, or need a fully priced package that includes lunch. Before you pay, confirm the funicular ticket arrangement and choose the correct bike option. Those two small checks will make the cost and logistics clearer.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three to four hours.

How old do I need to be to take part?

The minimum age is 14. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I bring my own mountain bike?

Yes. A mountain bike is required, and you can bring your own or choose a rental option.

Is bike rental included in the price?

Rental is included only if you choose the Cycling Tour with Bike Rental option. It is not included with the Cycling Tour Only option.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The tour stops at a chalet restaurant, where you pay for your own meal.

How fit and experienced should I be?

You should have a strong level of physical fitness and be comfortable riding S2 off-road trails, including steep uphill and downhill sections.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour operates in all weather, so dress appropriately. In extreme weather, it may be rescheduled or fully refunded.