At 9:30am, we head to the bohemian and graffiti-filled Barrio Bellavista. Weaving between cobbled streets and colourful murals, we’ll then make a pit stop at the house of the famous Chilean poet and cultural icon, Pablo Neruda. There’ll be time to stop and enjoy the old-school architecture, and appreciate your favourite street art.

At 10am, our next stop will be Patronato, Santiago’s Middle Eastern, Korean and Peruvian district. You’ll discover how these immigrants have integrated into Chilean culture, and why they settled here during the days of the Ottoman empire and the Korean War. You'll even learn about the economic downfall of our northern neighbours.

At 10:30am, zoom along the north side of the Mapocho River to La Vega Central, Santiago’s largest fruit, vegetable and everything in-between market. Here you’ll park your bike up and discover the market by foot, allowing more room to weave through the aisles of stalls! We manoeuvre south over the river for about two blocks, to fish around in the Mercado Central, Santiago's largest seafood market in the downtown area. Bring your camera, because La Bicicleta Verde has been visiting both of these markets since 2008, so locals are happy to take pictures with us... and you.

At 12pm, you’ll hop back on your bikes to head through the picturesque Parque Forestal, one of our favourite pieces of the 14-kilometre-long riverside park that runs through our capital city.

Finally, at 12:15pm, we head back to the La Bicicleta Verde base. Fill up your water, make use of our Wi-Fi, and ask your guide any more questions you still may have. We're happy to dish out our local knowledge if you need any recommendations!

09:00 - 09:30

Meet at the La Bicicleta Verde office

09:30

Head to the bohemian Bellavista neighbourhood, see Pablo Neruda’s house

10:00

Stop at Patronato district where Middle eastern, Korean and Peruvian people live

10:30

Ride along the north side of the Mapocho river to La Vega Central market

12:00

Ride through the picturesque Forestal park

12:15

Head back to the La Bicicleta Verde office

- English and Spanish speaking guide
- Bottle of water
- Helmet
- Bike
- Sunscreen

- Tips for the guides
- Personal expenses

- Comfortable clothes
- Walking shoes
- Camera
- Extra cash

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

EXCLUSIONS
It’s not possible for children under 3 years old to partake in this tour.

CHILDREN (FROM TO 3 TO 12 YEARS OLD)
In order to obtain this discount, the child must be over 3 years of age, and up to 12 years of age on the date they are due to take the tour.

Cancellation or changes of this tour:

CHANGES: It is FREE to change the tour date before 6:00 pm (Santiago time) 2 days before the tour begins.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel before 6:00 pm (Santiago time) 2 days before the tour, a 10% administration fee will apply. After this time, there is a 100% no show or cancellation fee.

Please email bookings@findlocaltrips.com to cancel this tour or make any changes.

1. How far in advance should I book my tour?

   Due to the growing demand for our tours, the sooner you book, the better. If you're 100% convinced about choosing us to show you the best of Santiago, don't leave the reservations until the last minute because we can fill up pretty quickly.

2. Do I need to be fit for this tour?

   No, not at all. Anyone who knows how to ride a bike will enjoy our tours. Both children and elderly folk have joined us over the past months, with no problems at all. Our tours all have a number of short stops while en route, to share information, ask questions, laugh, and rest when needed. We have put together a ride that is suitable for all skill levels and ages, from those who haven’t ridden for years to those who ride regularly. La Bicicleta Verde is a great option for the whole family. It’s all as easy as …well, riding a bike! No, you will not be the first grandmother or grandfather riding the tours. Our afternoon tour, Parks and Politics, is a gentle ride through the parks and downtown Santiago, pedaling and coasting for about 6.8 miles, or 11 kilometres. Our morning tour, Local Life, is a gentle ride through the northern part of Santiago, including Bella Vista, Patronato, and into the main square. This easy-going outing is just over 4.1 miles, or 6.6 kilometres long. Santiago is a perfect city for bike riding or bike tourism, due to its flat landscape, open park space, and relatively well-ordered side streets. These factors help to create a simple route, suitable for almost all types of people. If you feel comfortable riding a bike through a park at a slow speed, you will feel comfortable on our tours.

3. How many people are in each tour?

   Most groups average from 6-8 people, with a maximum of 15 passengers. Any groups over 5 passengers go with 2 guides, just to make the tour more personalized.

4. Are there any age or height requirements, or limitations in this respect?

   At the moment, all passengers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. While there is no height requirement, our bikes are best suited for individuals over 1.60 metres, or 5 foot 3 inches tall. As for our tallest customers, we have had visitors measuring in at nearly 6 foot 8 inches, or close to 2 metres tall. Considering our bike tours are created for casual use and not for a racing or competitions, our beach bikes fit visitors of all sizes.

5. Is it safe?

   Santiago is a very safe city. Chileans are very respectful of us throughout our tours, slowing down to give us the right of way at turns and junctions, and stopping when we need to cross at the different side streets throughout the route. Santiago is an ideal city for bike riding or bike tourism, due to its level landscape, spacious park areas, and relatively uncluttered side streets. All of this makes for a simple route, suitable for almost all types of individuals. If you feel comfortable riding a bike through a park at a slow speed, you will feel comfortable on our tours. Safety and comfort are La Bicicleta Verde’s number 1 priorities.

6. Should I bring my own bike to the tour?

   No need! All our tours include a green 1970's Beach Cruiser bike. We also provide a helmet and bottle of mineral water for every rider. And of course, a bilingual guide (who speaks English and Spanish) will lead you throughout the route.

7. Do I have to wear a helmet?

   Yes. This is a basic safety measure, required by Chilean law.