Arequipa Pichu Pichu Bike Tour: Is it Worth it? (2024 Review)

Thinking about hitting the trails around Arequipa on two wheels? Very well, the Pichu Pichu bike tour is an option, a half-day blast around some crazy cool scenery. Arguably, the question is, will it be something for you? Actually, I took the plunge not long ago, and like your friendly neighborhood traveler, I am here to break down the whole experience. So you’re able to see if it ticks all your boxes.

What is the Pichu Pichu Bike Tour all about anyway?

Basically, Pichu Pichu is not just any old mountain, yet it’s an inactive volcano. So the overlooks offer a rather dramatic backdrop for a bike ride. Typically, these half-day tours start with a drive up, allowing you to reach a higher elevation to begin, and then you cruise down. As a matter of fact, this is the name of the adventure; some people describe it like the perfect recipe to see cool sites with some moderate exercise.

Usually, tour companies pick you up right from your Arequipa stay. I want to say it was like, eight in the morning? And pretty soon after, you are leaving the urban hustle for more open roads. After a while, expect a decent drive – like, over an hour for certain. Anyway, up winding roads. So it gets you closer to Pichu Pichu’s base. Right, so this drive does not have a single element that should be boring either; there are views galore as you climb higher.

Gearing Up: Bikes, Safety, and Practicalities

Alright, before you are able to zoom downhill, some must-dos are included, like getting familiar with your bike, adjusting it, and having someone give you instructions. Right, I felt the guides really did highlight the importance of safety – that, so you felt in control before things picked up any momentum. Literally, they gave out the gear too, of course. Anyway, from helmets to gloves; what you’d assume.

Bike Quality: It seemed quite variable, in a way, but I suppose it’s a good thing you could check yours. Basically, if you aren’t liking yours; request another!
Safety First: Guides were really serious on basic techniques, like leaning into corners and using your brakes.
What to Bring: As a matter of fact, layers are good since mountain weather is pretty unpredictable. Water, is also necessary; even sunscreen; regardless if it seems cloudy to begin with!

Hitting the Trail: What to Expect On the Descent

Okay, here comes the fun part! Often, this descent presents all kinds of terrain. Also expect dirt paths to be on offer too. Actually, the kind that make for fantastic photographs. Pretty much the ride is moderate. Anyway, some parts might get your heart pumping a bit more than others.

Usually, what made it fantastic was, it felt so remote. Similarly to how you were experiencing pure nature. So the views stretched forever. Typically, I made sure to pause lots to grab it all. So I think; maybe, this is when everyone was breathing a little deeper. Actually, the air is palpably thinner up there. Obviously it impacts your endurance; so take breaks as you want! Right so!

Scenery and Stops: What You’ll See

Anyway, the bike tour is more than only riding, is that what I came to appreciate. As a matter of fact, the route normally included some stops at overlooks to catch outstanding views. Similarly to a few small, local communities. Sort of you catch little slices of Andean life that I guess are rare when one sticks only to spots of tourism.

Volcanic Views: Totally! A lot of photograph opportunities with Misti, Chachani. Arguably, Pichu Pichu at your side!
Local Culture: Quite cool; stopping at these old churches. Also chatting (however briefly!) with some residents.
Wildlife: Apparently some see birds, in addition to vicuñas, I think they’re known as! But also the hardy Andean wildlife doing fine.

Tour Guides and Group Dynamics

Alright, the guide is pretty much the glue that holds the tour together. Anyway, from my own experiences; the group did contain a handful of varying skill levels. Clearly, the best guides were so patient. You know they gave good tips all the time; for both pros and maybe people that have never seen a bike.

Basically, how they handled pace and ensuring the welfare of everybody really helped! Sort of, I found the group thing very positive, you see, a lot of folks encourage others; it kind of boosts the experience.

The Aftermath: Finishing the Tour and Heading Back

Right so, following the ride, often a transport back into Arequipa is provided. Sort of, after several hours out in the Andean environment, probably everyone felt pooped! Really it gave you this tired; you achieved-something vibe!

Basically, what’s great are some companies go above. I believe they offer local treats as a bit of recovery as part of things, Arguably, something simple helps; actually reflecting upon that morning. It now seems miles away. Now, again nestled in urban Arequipa, but you will have fresh memories in mind, definitely.

Who is this Tour perfect for?

Adventure lovers: The bike ride is awesome in general, the outdoor thing. So it’s an activity choice if that is something you would be into.
Photograph enthusiasts: Quite! Photograph options during every corner pretty much! This will cause memory cards to overfill fast!
Someone reasonably fit: I mean that the gradient goes down, I think, one requires an adequate health foundation anyway, so, yeah, keep fit basically!

Possible Drawbacks and Things to Consider

Altitude can be a Factor: I’d add; do prepare regarding high-altitude; actually by taking some days to acclimate there beforehand!
Weather Changes Rapidly: The sun shines suddenly, then; without warning! The heavens open as well; usually taking good clothing is ideal basically!
Bike Condition Varies: Arrive slightly ahead of time. I can confirm that your bike works; yeah; examine it well; right; ensure it’s at your peak of operation; okay?!

Wrapping up: Was It worth it after all?

Basically, from my view; that the Pichu Pichu bike trip will not let you be; mainly, that this will appeal to the traveler within; it offers crazy scenery too and gives you fun along that trail. Right, from people loving some exciting days. It’s also someone loving that of Peru’s outstanding views; arguably this one might just hit their goals, Actually.

Alright, do give some thought in regards to height if you come far below to that. Similarly to weather conditions. However, the overall thing I was getting, are pretty positive. It’s such great ways too to discover, as well, that Andean beauty just gets better as more memories come there, obviously!