Bike Ride to Santiago Markets, Santiago

4.7 (3 reviews)
Enjoy a guided bike ride to see Pablo Neruda's home, explore two bustling food markets, and take a break in Parque Forestal.

Overview

Experience Santiago like a local on a three-hour, four-mile (6.5 km) bike ride through the city's vibrant Barrio Bellavista ("Beautiful View Neighborhood"), known for its colorful streets, artistic murals, and bustling marketplaces. Along the way, stop at La Chascona ("The Disheveled One"), a house museum dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. Next, you'll cycle to Mercado Central de Mariscos ("Central Seafood Market") and La Vega Central ("Central Market"), where you can learn about the history and culture of the area and sample local delicacies. You'll finish the tour by enjoying a slow-paced ride through Parque Forestal ("Forrest Park"), known for its green spaces and tree-lined avenues.

Highlights

  • Embark on a guided bike ride through Santiago's bohemian Bellavista neighborhood
  • Explore La Chascona, the residence of Nobel-prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda
  • Visit La Vega Central, Santiago's largest fruit and vegetable market
  • Cross the Mapocho River to the seafood haven of Mercado Central
  • Cycle through the city park, Parque Forestal

Know before you go

Duration
5 hours
Recommended for
All ages
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Your journey begins at 9:30 am at a designated meeting point where you'll get to know your bilingual guide. Before setting off, your guide will ensure you're comfortable on your bike so you can focus on the sites along the way. As you pedal through the cobblestone streets decorated with vibrant murals, your guide will share the history and cultural importance of Barrio Bellavista, explaining its past and how it transformed into the lively neighborhood you see today.

Your first stop is Pablo Neruda's nautical-themed home, La Chascona. Here, you can meander through the rooms adorned with eclectic collections, view Neruda's personal belongings, and experience the atmosphere that inspired the renowned poet's creativity. As you explore, you'll learn about the life and works of this local poet, including the intriguing fact that Pablo used the house as a secret meeting place for clandestine encounters with his lover, Matilde Urrutia. 

Next, you'll ride to La Vega Central and Mercado Central, two of Santiago's most lively markets. La Vega Central is the city's largest marketplace, with stalls selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to unique trinkets. Meanwhile, Mercado Central is a must-visit seafood market, a testament to Chile's rich marine life owing to its vast coastline. Your guide will direct you through these bustling markets, sharing stories and helping you uncover hidden gems.

On the return journey, you'll bike through the scenic Parque Forestal, a part of the extensive park that stretches almost 9 miles (14.5 km) through the city. Here, your guide might allow you to stop and relax for a bit to soak in the city's atmosphere. Then, the group will bike back to the meeting point, which you'll reach around 12:30 pm, marking the end of the experience. 

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Traveler reviews

3 total ratings, 1 with review
4.7
Feature ratings
Quality of Experience
5.0
Guides, Drivers and Staff
5.0
Transport
5.0
M
Michael J.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Jan 01, 2023
Very well run with two leaders - every possible regard for safety of the group on the city roads. Leaders highly knowledgeable and really interesting areas of the city visited of which otherwise I would have been unaware. Read more

Very well run with two leaders - every possible regard for safety of the group on the city roads. Leaders highly knowledgeable and really interesting areas of the city visited of which otherwise I would have been unaware.

Tips for future travelers

You will get great insights into the city

Quality of Experience
As above
Guides, Drivers and Staff
As above
Transport
As above

Like what you see?

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