At 2:30pm, we pedal through the grand Providencia neighbourhood while on a casual cruise. There’s no need to use your kick stand, as the Balmaceda and Bustamante parks parks are smooth riding. We’ll pause for some discussions of the surrounding area, and to enjoy the greenery. By this point, the tour group may have a friendly dog that attaches itself to the tour as a sweet guardian.

At 3:30pm, the training wheels come off and it's time to head onto the roads, cycling along cobbled streets and smooth cycle paths. You’ll understand why Santiago’s voted South America’s most 'cycle friendly city'. We will visit Plaza Italia, and the new Gabriela Mistral Cultural (GAM) Centre. The historical GAM centre sits in the hip Lastarria/Santa Lucia neighborhoods. GAM’s astounding architectural design is worth a lot of photos, and the surrounding area has cool bars to come back and visit as well.

At 4:30pm, together we will go to see the Presidential Palace and discuss the 1973 military coup. Our guide will take you straight to the heart of Chilean civil society, talking about the history, architecture, and some fascinating but sad stories.

Lastly, at 5:15pm we will head back to the bike base together. You can exchange pics, fill up your water bottle, and make use of our free Wi-Fi. Your green guru will hang around to help with any questions you still have.

14:00 - 14:30

Meeting point at La Bicicleta Verde office

14:30

Pedal through the grand Providencia neighborhood, enjoy the Balmaceda and Bustamante parks

15:30

Visit Plaza Italia and the new Gabriela Mistral Cultural Centre

16:30

See the Presidential Palace

17:15

Head back to 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.