BIKE PARKS IN SANTIAGO: SPEED AND EXCITEMENT ON TWO WHEELS

If you are a bike enthusiast, and your next destination is Santiago de Chile, this article is especially for you. We want to show you the Top 5 Bike Parks in Santiago where you can enjoy the freedom of biking in natural environments, without leaving the capital.

Cyclist descending the Andes

Photo: [@jonathaj]

Chile has wonderful geographical conditions for mountain biking as well as countless trails to visit along the Andes Mountains, which cross the country wherever you look. Even if your destination is a large city like Santiago, you don´t have to miss out on having adventures. Get your phone camera ready to take dozens of photos at these places to go biking in Santiago. Are you ready? Let’s go!

The bikers’ favorite park, Parque Metropolitano 

Located in the heart of the city, the Metropolitan Park is considered one of the best Bike Parks in Santiago. It has numerous concrete and dirt trails that are an open invitation for bikers to come mountain biking (MTB). In fact, this year four “off road” trails were inaugurated, three of them are downhill and one is uphill.

Bikers riding the off road trail in Parque Metropolitano

Photo: [@santiagoadicto]

Zorzal and Anfiteatro are two low-difficulty circuits that are 500 and 700 meters long. For experienced bikers, a more daring descent is the “S” route. This 500-meter path zigzags downhill, making the descent a little more challenging. Another route called the “Pa’arriba” (upwards) is the only ascent designed to let you to start over again.

Manquehue Hill, a place in the city where you can go disconnect

Cerro Manquehue is an emblematic hill in the city of Santiago. It forms part of a mountain chain that goes from east to west, descending from the Andes Mountains, crossing the city, and dividing the capital into its northern and southern sectors.

Mountain biking on Manquehue Hill

Photo: [@outlife]

Manquehue is another Bike Park in Santiago where the paths are used both for trekking and MTB, making it the perfect place to get away from the hustle of the city while still being in the city. It is also ideal for going with the family or just by oneself.

Manquehue Hill has several trails with different levels of difficulty that lead you to the many viewpoints in the park. While you are riding, dense forests that resemble those of the south of Chile will surround you.

Mahuida Park, at the foothill of the Andes Mountains

This park allows visitors to reconnect with the mountains and nature. It is well suited for trekking and mountain biking. There are three self-guided trails with moderate inclinations and rest stations, easy enough for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Cyclist at the top of Mahuida Park with Santiago city in the background

Photo: [@ricardoross7]

However, if you’re looking for something more adventurous, there are other trails for advanced bikers, which are where cross-country competitions are usually held.

If you want to take beautiful photos of the city after all that biking, we recommend climbing to the top of Cerro la Cruz, at an altitude of 2,554 meters above sea level.

La Parva, a long descent with extra excitement

This place is the mecca for MTB lovers, and it’s one of the best Bike Parks in Santiago because of its location and the design of its trails. It is located in the heart of the Andes Mountains, at an average altitude of 3,250 meters (10,662 ft) above sea level, with an inclination of 800 meters (2624 feet). It is a world-class bike park with a lift that is suitable for carrying bicycles.

Biker doing a downhill in La Parva

Photo: [@adrianvaldescastillo]

There are 10 km (6,2 mi) of trails that range from intermediate to expert level, with different obstacles, jumps, drops, and curves for cyclists to enjoy all the variants of an incredible descent. We dare you to live this experience!

El Durazno, for big and small adventurers

This is one of the best known and most loved Bike Parks in Santiago, since it’s where many of the residents of Santiago start out mountain biking. It has dozens of kilometers of trails, good signaling and excellent facilities for all its visitors.

Kids riding their bikes over dirt jumps

Photo: [@eljuancri]

There are MTB and cross-country trails, each indicating its level of difficulty. This bike park in Santiago is a perfect place for both children and adults to enjoy.

Kid doing a jump

Photo: [@outlife]

Now that we have showed you this selection of the best Bike Parks in Santiago, we dare you to come with your bike so you can live a unique biking experience in Chile’s biggest city. As always, Chile will be waiting to welcome you with open arms.