Exploring on two wheels is a great way to see Peru!Peru is paving the way to safer streets for bikers. In 2010, the government issued new country-wide policy to improve biking conditions and promote cycling as a means of sustainable transportation. Here are the highlights of Law 29593:
Connect with the following biking and cycling organizations:
Meet the cycling community at the following events:
Every Sunday in Lima, Avenida Arequipa is closed from 7am to 1pm for cyclists only.
September 22nd.
Peru’s biking community celebrates World Car Free Day.
For those who prefer city biking, Lima is an excellent place to explore on two wheels. Keep reading below to find out more about biking in Lima.
The Municipality of Lima is making biking more accessible than ever! Explore the city by two wheels by taking part in one (or more!) of the following recreational initiatives:
Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the general public can visit the Historic Center on foot or in non-motorized vehicles. All are welcome to enjoy different free recreational and cultural activities such as: bicycling, rollerblading, tours of tourist places by bicycle or walking, book fairs, craft fairs, arts and crafts classes, and walks in anchor boats, among other activities. The perfect Sunday plans for families and groups of friends.
On this tour, all participants join a cycling caravan en route through different places in Metropolitan Lima. On the way, you’ll stop at an exciting tourist attraction where a local guide will share his or her knowledge about the history and culture of the area. Afterward, the bicycle tour continues. This activity is carried out the last Sunday of each month, within the framework of the “To the Damero de Pizarro without car” program, as detailed above.
This school was created to promote bicycling through free workshops on urban cycling, basic mechanics, riding, abilities and skills. For greater accessibility, it has been decentralized into 4 zonal clubs: Huayna Cápac (San Juan de Miraflores), Sinchi Roca (Comas), Huiracocha (San Juan de Lurigancho) and Alameda 28 de Julio (Cercado de Lima). Classes are for children, youth, adults and seniors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m.
On Sundays, the recreational bike path has been implemented from block 3 to 52 of Arequipa Avenue. The path connects to the south with the popular Kennedy Park at the heart of Miraflores to the north with the Historic Center of Lima. Attendees can receive bicycle workshops, a fast mechanical service or free rickshaw rides. In effect from 7 a.m. at 1 p.m., Sundays.
This connection is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and allows you to safely travel by bicycle to the Historic Center and El Rímac.
Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., you can travel by bicycle to Rímac. This allows you to travel safely by bicycle on existing bike lanes on Arequipa and Salaverry Avenue and the Garcilaso –Tacna corridor, which will be expanded by Alameda de los Bobos, Jiron Atahualpa, Alameda de los Descalzos, all the way up to the Paseo de las Aguas in Rímac. It is reported that after 1 p.m. connectivity continues with its usual schedule from 07:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. until the Conde Superunda Jirón roundtrip.
Breaking news! Lima, May 4, 2020
Municipality of Lima began the implementation of a 46km network of temporary Ciclovía as well as complementantary actions to stop the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the purpose of contributing to the social distancing in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Municipality of Lima has started the implementation of a network of temporary bikeways in the section that includes the Garcilaso, Tacna avenues, and Alcázar, to generate new mobility habits in the city, encourage a healthy life and reduce pollution.
Complementary actions that will compliment the temporary Ciclovía:
Explore the streets of Lima on your own with this easy to follow bike tour itinerary:
The bike excursion begins at the city’s iconic Parque Kennedy. Beautiful trees shade this lively park lined with shops and restaurants. On evenings and weekends, you might catch a music or dance performance.
Larcomar is a modern shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with prime real estate. Approaching from street level, stairs and escalators descend to lower levels, which project out over the ocean. There is bike storage and free Wi-Fi.
Villena Bridge spans a deep ravine along Lima’s coast. The “Intihuatana” statue created by Fernando de Szyszlo is on one side of the bridge, and Parque Amor on the other. Down below the Rosa Nautica restaurant is built on a pier the stems from the pebble-filled beach circuit of Lima.
The centerpiece of PARQUE DEL AMOR is a large sculpture by the celebrated Peruvian artist Victor Delfin. Titled “El Beso,” it depicts two lovers sharing a kiss. A long, low wall encircles the small park and is adorned with brightly colored tiles representing hearts, flowers, and birds.
Paragliders congregate on this patch of grass along the Malecon when the weather conditions in Lima are just right. Professional paragliders take flight from the slopes of this park area, using the thermal drifts that come in from the Pacific to loft their winged parachutes over the cliff’s edge and above the high-rises that border the coast.
Known locally as El Faro, La Marina Lighthouse is an iconic landmark along the Malecon. From here, admire lovely views of the cliffs that run along Lima’s border with the ocean.
Parque de los Niños is a great place to go, especially if you are with young kids. There is a low fence enclosed playset as well as a larger play area featuring a boat.
Buenavista Cafe boasts epic ocean views and outdoor seating. If you’re hungry, lock up your bike at the entrance and enjoy a cup of coffee with sandwich, empanada, or salad to eat. Check out the Buena Vista Cafe Facebook page for daily hours. The cafe is closed on Monday.
Welcome to the skate & bike park! The dirt track at this park is dedicated to BMX, or bicycle motocross. Skaters of all expertise levels practice their moves on the concrete ramps, slopes, and bowl. There are public restrooms next to the park.
Known around Lima as Nazca Park, Parque Maria Reiche has spacious plots of grass and unique checkered walkways. The park bears the name of the German mathematician, Dr. Maria Reiche, who dedicated her life to the study of the enigmatic Nazca Lines. Some of the iconic lines have been recreated at the park using rows of flowers to outline each shape.
Recently our designer, Clement, joined Lima Bici for their Urban Tour. Clem hails from Belgium and moved to Lima a few months ago. Biking is his main source of transport and he welcomed the opportunity to explore new bike-friendly territory of this sprawling city.
The bike adventure began in Miraflores at the Lima Bici office on Avenida Jose Larco. Pro bike leader Giordano made introductions with the group – two Irish ladies and Clem – and shared a “how to ride safe in Lima” briefing with everyone. With helmets securely fastened, they pedaled to the first tour stop at 10am.
This bustling local market is jam packed with new sights, sounds, and smells.
“The guide showed and explains the different veggies we saw and in what specific Peruvian dish you can find them,” says Clem.“At the end of the market visit we drank a fresh fruit juice. Sitting with the locals and enjoying this beverage makes you feel closer to Peru and its rich culture.”
Next, Giordano lead the group along bike lanes, or ciclovias, and less busy streets to in the center of San Isidro.
Bosque El Olivar is a historic olive grove spread out over 87,000 square meters and filled with more than 1,700 olive trees. The first trees were shipped from Seville, planted during the mid-15th century, and have fruitfully multiplied over the subsequent centuries. Thus, El Olivar represents not just a valuable green space where families spend free time, but also a veritable national treasure that evoke Lima’s earliest history.
The archaeological site Huaca Pucllana is among the oldest in Lima. Once upon a time, thousands of years ago, it served as an important ceremonial and administrative center of the ancient Lima Culture.
Everyone locked up their bikes and spent an hour exploring Huaca Pucllana on foot. A guide showed them around the site’s central pyramid and the complex of adobe walls. The onsite museum displays objects found during excavation as well as model recreations of what life might have been like for the Lima Culture.
The tour concludes at Buena Vista Cafe in Miraflores.
“Your LimaBici guide will treat everyone on the tour to an afternoon cup of coffee,” says Clem. “It was a great way to end the three-hour bike tour, and the ocean view from the cafe wasn’t bad either!”
Bike rental + Guided bike tours.
Rental Options | hourly, half day, full day, overnight, weekly
Address: Avenida Larco 812 | Store 104, Miraflores
Monday – Saturday: 9am to 8pm
Sunday: 10:30am to 7pm
Bike rental + Guided bike tours.
Rental Options | hourly, half day, full day, overnight, weekly
Address: Calle Bolivar 150, Miraflores
Monday – Friday: 9:30am to 6pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9:30am to 2pm
Bike rental + Guided bike tours.
Rent a beach cruiser or city bike.
Rental Options | 1 hour, 4 hour, full day
Address: Av. Arequipa 5031,Store 183, Miraflores
Monday – Saturday: 9:30am to 6pm
Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Bike rental + Guided bike tours.
Rental Options | hourly, full day, additional day
Address: Av. Larco 383, Miraflores
Monday – Sunday: 9am to 7pm
Bike shop, accessories and repairs.
Address: Calle Dos de Mayo 741, Miraflores
Monday – Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 7pm
Closed Sunday
Bike shop and repairs.
Multiple Lima locations
Addresses:
BiciCentro Miraflores, Av.Paseo de la República 4986
BiciCentro La Molina, Av. Javier Prado 6591
BiciCentro San Borja, Av. San Luis 2906
Monday -Saturday: 10am to 8pm
Closed Sunday
Bike shop, accessories, clothes, and repairs.
Address: Calle Punta Sal 506, Urb. Nueva Castilla, Surco
Monday – Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 3pm
Closed Sunday
Bike shop and repairs.
Address: Petit Thouars 5260 (in front of Hiraoka), Miraflores
Monday – Friday: 10:30am to 7:30pm
Saturday: 10:30am – 6:30pm
Closed Sunday
When did Anza start? (Jose)
Anza Bicycles was founded by my wife, Angela Fernandez, and I in September 2016. I was working for a tech company in the US that had IPO’ed in 2015 and we decided to invest some of that money into a business in my home country of Peru. Renzo Salcedo shortly after joined our company as a business partner to help us run the marketing side, and years later became the General Manager.
Where does the word Anza come from? (Jose)
We lived on Anza Street in San Francisco for three years. We always liked the street name, loved our neighborhood, and San Francisco is where my passion for cycling started. I believe the name comes from a Spanish conquistador, Juan Bautista de Anza. We saw a lot of colonial Spanish influence in San Francisco, like the street names, and this reminded us of Lima. There were other similarities as well, like the micro-climates, the fog, and both being coastal cities. The word Anza felt like it connected both cities.
What inspired you to open a bike shop? (A little about your history with biking) (Jose)
My wife, Angela, and I have lived in what could be considered some of the top biking cities in the US: San Francisco, Portland, and Minneapolis. We’ve seen the positive impact that a strong cycling culture can have on the quality of life in a city. I’m from Peru and Lima is our second home. We love everything about it, except for its terrible traffic. Back in 2015, we started to notice the patterns that hinted at the beginning of a bike culture: more people riding their bikes, city mayors promoting cycling, “critical mass” rides every month. One night, as we were watching the Miraflores boardwalk full of cyclists, the idea of starting a bicycle brand came to us.
We first launched Anza as an e-commerce brand of bicycles, but soon realized that our customers needed to test ride our bikes. The store came after that, and as we started offering more products and types of bicycles, Anza evolved to become a bicycle store, rather than a single brand.
What does your business offer? (Jose)
Anza Bicycles is a bicycle boutique in the center of Miraflores, Lima’s most popular district. We offer unique products that you won’t find anywhere else. We also have one of the best bike repair shops in the area. We have almost 300 reviews on our Google Maps page, with an average rating of 4.8 stars. We have a friendly staff that speaks English, who will answer any question you may have about bicycles or riding them in Lima. A lot of our customers are first-time bike commuters.
What sets your bikes and equipment apart from others? (Jose)
We are the only Peruvian bicycle store whose primary focus is commuter bicycles designed for the streets of Lima. Bicycles for people that want them as their primary form of transportation. We offer single speed and track bicycles, which can be turned into fixies thanks to the flip-flop hubs. These are our flagship products because of the easy maintenance, low weight, and great speed and maneuverability (you will need this in Lima’s traffic). We also offer gravel bikes if you need gears and want to be more adventurous.
Further, we carry local independent brands – products you’ll only find in our store that celebrate Peru’s pop culture. These make great souvenirs if you’re visiting Lima and want something unique.
How would you describe the bike scene in Lima (and Peru in general)? (Answered by Renzo and Liz)
[Liz] The bike scene in Lima is starting to gain more urban cyclists. But compared to other cities in Latin America we still have a ways to go. However, people are noticing that they can save more than an hour a day by biking (sometimes you can stay in traffic for more than 2 hours in peak hours), and moreover they can save a lot of money if they substitute a ride in a car or bus for a bike ride.
Additionally, for decades there has been a “culture” to use mountain bikes in Lima, and now what we are trying to do is educate people and explain that they don’t need mountain bikes to ride in a flat city like Lima. However, in other cities of Peru in the Andes or the jungle, you will need a mountain or gravel bike because of the type of terrain and weather.
[Renzo] Currently there is a whole mobilization focused on sports, camaraderie and recreational events both inside and outside the city. More and more provinces are joining to mobilize by bicycle considering that the distances in cities outside Lima are quite small. It is important to note that 80 percent of Lima would move by bicycle if we had more kilometers of interconnected bike paths.
Recently, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications published a Supreme Decree that approves the Regulation of Law No. 30936, which promotes and regulates the use of the bicycle as a means of sustainable transportation. The purpose of the measure is to guarantee the displacement of cyclists in safety conditions at the national level and strengthen their presence as users of the roads. These types of regulations are new and are helping promote bike riding. The entry of electric bicycles has allowed us to provide solutions for those who want to get the benefits of cycling without the need for a shower when they arrive at work.
I’ve recently stumbled upon Human of Anza, could you describe me this project? (https://blog.anzabikes.com/humans-anza-laura) (Jose)
My vision for the Anza brand has always been about putting the spotlight on our customers. We want tentative-customers to connect with other real people using our bikes, and to be able to see themselves as cyclists. I was inspired by the Humans of New York project to do something similar, but with Anza customers that had a good story to tell.
How do you feel biking can help improve individuals’ lives and the world at large? (Answered by Liz)
We believe that biking gives people the possibility to own their time without having to adjust to traffic delays or public transportation (which is terrible in Lima). The more people can dispose of their time, the more productive they can become; so this has a direct impact on the economy of a district, city and the world at large. Also, the benefits that biking has on physical and mental health are difficult to measure, but we are sure that a person that makes some kind of exercise is happier and less prone to disease. Finally, biking has a direct and positive impact on the environment, one bike more in the street is one less car on the road; therefore less CO2 in the world.
It’s widely known that Peru’s diverse landscapes offer some of the best hiking in the world. Less known is that these very same unique geographical qualities make it a perfect destination for mountain biking enthusiasts as well as those looking for an off-the-beaten-path way to explore Peru and its rich culture.
With thousands of miles of trails and dirt tracks, the country’s vast terrains should satisfy any bike lover, whether a novice or pro. And if that isn’t alluring enough – where else can you traverse seemingly infinite lush valleys while encountering living history in the very same sites where ancient civilizations once thrived? That’s right, Peru. Haku Expeditions will ensure you have a once in a lifetime experience that makes the most of every precious moment you have to spend in Peru.
We’ve caught up with Nicole Koch, founder of Haku Experiences for a special interview:
Where does the name Haku come from?
Haku (also written Jaku) means “vamos” or “let’s go” in Quechua. The people on the trails when hiking with their horses are always saying haku, haku. It’s a common quechua word that we use.
What are the benefits of exploring the Sacred Valley on two wheels?
The Sacred Valley is beautiful, but often the places people go to are filled with tourists. When you ride with us on a single track in the Valley, we will take you to faraway places where there are no other tourists. You can truly immerse yourself in the region and see many local people and local adobe pueblos.
Can Haku cater a trip to fit different levels of experience and ages? If so, how?
This really depends. We can accommodate, let’s say, an intermediate rider with an advanced rider on our singletrack trips. If there are multiple riders that are advanced and an intermediate rider jumps on we often send an additional guide. When we have mixed groups with a beginner we can send them to Inca Legends (an accessible alternative route in the backcountry, suitable for riders of all experience levels) if the riders who are more advanced do not mind riding a backcountry road.
Of all your mountain biking trips, what makes an extended 7 to 10 days trip so special?
Our 7-10 day trips are biking focused. We add on additional trails that we do not visit with our single day riders and additional sections are added on as well. We also include cultural lunches in the homes of locals. Further, these trips include lodging, a signature Haku Jersey and a farewell dinner at a top restaurant in Cusco.
Quality equipment is a top priority for a safe outdoor experience. What gear does Haku provide?
On our single day trips or our multi-day trips where people rent bikes, we provide well-maintained Kona Process 153, full face or endure helmets, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads. We also have for rent 510 platform shoes that stick to the platform pedals. Our gear is all name brand, high-quality gear like Race Face, Fox, 661, Giro, Bell, Dakine, etc.
My team and I find your story incredibly inspiring; you’ve turned your passion of mountain biking into a successful business all the while raising five kids in Cusco!
What brought your family to Peru?
We originally came to Peru to help the poor. We came with a two-year commitment and stayed on for seven years as complete volunteers at a Catholic Mission in Cusco. We worked in two schools that help underprivileged children of Cusco and orphans. The name of the organization is The Servants of the Poor of the Third World. They have been around for over 20 years. We came with one child who was one-year-old at the time. Over the next seven years we had three more kids. We decided to leave, as this kind of social work can be very consuming.
We decided we needed to focus more on our family and that our children needed us more. We left that mission and began an Airbnb in Cusco. Over the next two years, we had over 3000 guests and made many memories. People asked us to send them out on all kinds of tours and in Nov. 2014 we decided to open an official adventure agency, Haku Expeditions. After a short time, the owner of Gravity Assisted Mountain Biking in Bolivia asked us to take over the Peru branch. This was a hard decision as biking is a high capital business. We finally accepted the offer and began operating for Gravity Peru. This is what led us into the biking sector. Gravity Peru already has a name and has helped us to be able to ride with many people from all over the world and grow our biking business.
With 13 years of experience in Cusco, what do you think makes this Andean region of Peru so unique?
In a biking aspect the 4000ft 1300m downhills are exceptional, especially since there are no gates or people saying you can’t pass through their land. Therefore you can get an extremely long downhill in one single run and do multiple per day. Also, these trails are accessible by road, so you can get to them by car, unlike popular places like Nepal where you need to often pedal or hike a bike. Many of the people in Peru still dress traditionally and speak the native Quechua language.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
We really would like people to understand a couple of things. One, we never came to Peru expecting to have a business or make money. We came to work with the local people and hope that our small contribution would help the children of the Andes. What has grown into Haku Expeditions was very organic and natural and each step of the way has happened on its own. We also now have five kids, as we had one more after leaving the mission. We love living in a place that values family and no matter how poor you are, your children and your family are what make you rich and bring a smile to your lips each day.
If you are looking for a way to experience the beautiful, rugged terrain of the Cusco and Sacred Valley region besides hiking the Inca Trail , consider a mountain biking adventure. There are several different bike tracks that cater to intrepid travelers of all biking abilities.
The Cusco half day biking excursion promises a true Peru travel adventure. On this approximately three hour off-roading tour, you’ll whiz by the highlands behind Cusco, getting to see the capital of the Inca Empire from above. Beginning in Cusco, you’ll meet your guide to take an off-roading truck out to the biking trailhead. There you’ll test out your bike and your guide will give you instructions before you head out.
Experienced bikers can take the dirt road, or you can take the paved road, both downhill tracks that wind through the countryside and several Inca ruins, ending in the outskirts of Cusco.
For a Sacred Valley mountain biking tour, you can experience Pisac, Taray, Calca, and other Sacred Valley towns. On this four hour tour, you’ll meet your guide, head to the trailhead in the midst of the Andes, and get outfitted for your biking excursion. You’ll weave on a downhill off-road track through the beautiful, lush Sacred Valley, past traditional Andean towns and villages.
If you want to take the road less traveled to Machu Picchu , you can also do a 4D/3N multi-sport adventure trek, beginning with a mountain biking excursion and ending with a trek to Machu Picchu. Starting in Cusco, you’ll take a transfer up to the Malaga Pass, which has an elevation of almost 14,000 feet. You’ll bike downhill, breezing past views of the Sacred Valley and the Andes mountains. In the evening, you’ll camp by the Urubamba River.
On the second day of your multi-sport trek, you’ll hike to the village of Santa Teresa, located in the coffee-growing fields behind Machu Picchu. You’ll have lunch in the Pacamayo Valley, and you can swim in the Sacsara River. You’ll camp nearby the river before enjoying another day of hiking past Quechua towns . You’ll take a short train ride to Aguas Calientes , the town at the foot of Machu Picchu, where you’ll spend the night in a hotel.
The final day of your multi-sport trek includes a full day exploring the spectacular world wonder of Machu Picchu . Make sure to get there early in the morning to beat the crowds and witness the sunrise from this cliff top citadel. In the early morning sunlight, you can stretch your sore muscles before heading back via train to Cusco.
All of these mountain biking tours include all transfers, guide, biking equipment, and some include lunch. Some do not include entrance fees. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about any of these Peru travel adventure tours.
Explore a verdant region of the Sacred Valley and visit the sites of Maras and Moray, famed for their Incan engineering and ingenuity. Following a pick-up from your Cusco hotel, a private transfer will take you through beautiful mountain scenery to the small town of Cruzpata where the mountain bike route begins.
Here’s where the tough but rewarding journey begins – first, your guide will direct your group on bike to the mysterious circular terraces of Moray , where you’ll appreciate the still well-preserved unique landscape architecture and learn how the Incas likely used the site for agricultural research. The tour continues onwards to the ancient Maras Salt Mines constructed along a steep mountain side. Still active today, you’ll get a firsthand look as to how the mines are maintained by the local community.
When you need an escape from the urban jungle that is Lima but can’t squeeze in a mini-break to the Andes, just 30km south of the city lies the incredible archaeological site of Pachacamac. Often referred to as the Machu Picchu of the pre-Colombian coastal civilizations, Pachacamac once served as a hub of culture, pilgrimage and trade for many ancient civilizations of Peru, including the Incas of course.
Following a transfer from your hotel to the starting point, your guide will take you across the arid coastal terrain of the valley to the remarkable structures, including the well-preserved Temple of the Sun that overlooks the Pacific Ocean as well as several other uncovered pyramids. Other key sites include a grave site and an original multicolored fresco of fish. Tours can be organized throughout the year for 3 levels – basic (15-20 km), intermediate (25-40 km), and expert (25-35+ km), depending on your experience and physical condition.
Ready to start planning your Peru bike adventure? Contact us and one of our expert travel agents will help you build the perfect itinerary.
Email: [email protected]
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