Lima Bike Tour Review: La Costa Verde & Jesus Statue

Looking for an exciting way to see Lima? I did too, and found that one way to really soak it all in is on two wheels! I went on the ‘Lima Bike Tour: La Costa Verde & Jesus Statue in Chorrillos’ and, to be honest, it gave me a fresh perspective on this buzzing city. It’s not just a ride; it’s, like, a rolling adventure along some really great coastline with, too, a rewarding view at the end. Let’s get into what the tour has to offer and why it might be something you wanna add to your travel plans.

The Alluring Costa Verde: More Than Just a Coastline

La Costa Verde is, in some respects, so much more than just Lima’s coastline; it’s, you know, a scenic highway clinging to some pretty dramatic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Now, before the bike tour, I only caught glimpses of it from taxis. Seeing it at cycling speed gives you, really, a feel for its vibe. The path meanders offering views of the ocean, beaches below, and paragliders doing their thing way up in the sky. Along the way, there are, almost always, parks and viewpoints perfect for taking a breather and snapping some photos. You definitely get that ocean air blowing by as well which is awesome!

What to Expect on the Ride

The tour usually kicks off in Miraflores, a district of Lima known for, arguably, being traveler-friendly. From there, it heads south along a dedicated bike path that parallels La Costa Verde, at least as far as I know. That’s pretty good ’cause you’re separated from traffic which means that you can focus on, actually, the sights instead of dodging cars, and stuff. The path is mostly flat, still there are a few gentle inclines which keep things interesting but nothing, I believe, that the average person couldn’t handle. It’s not a race, I guess, so the pace is, frequently, relaxed, with stops along the way for tour guides to share interesting information about Lima’s history, culture, and the surrounding landscape, right?

I remember thinking it was a great opportunity to learn while you work up a sweat! The bike I was provided with was in solid condition too; they seem to keep up on those which should make your exploration all the more rewarding! As a matter of fact, before setting off, the tour operator did provide a safety briefing and helmet (mandatory!), showing that they really care about all participants’ well-being.

Chorrillos and the Iconic Jesus Statue

The highlight, really, is reaching Chorrillos, a district of Lima with a really interesting vibe and history, more or less. It’s home to the “Cristo del Pacífico” or Jesus Statue, a gift from Peru to Chile meant to symbolize peace between the two countries. I heard some tourists say that reaching it by bike provides a real sense of accomplishment and offers some killer views of the city and coastline, something very special to them. Climbing up to the statue does involve, now, a bit of an incline but don’t be concerned! It’s manageable and I am not much of an athlete! You’ll be treated to a 360-degree view that’s worth every pedal stroke.

Plus, Chorrillos itself is worth poking around in. It has, basically, a completely different vibe from Miraflores and, too it’s pretty nice to compare the differences! There’s a definite mix of, maybe, historical charm and working-class grittiness to its vibe. It’s still also home to some really decent seafood restaurants and I am pretty sure I had some yummy ceviche before heading back.

Photo Opportunities and Scenic Views

Let’s be honest; if you don’t snap some pictures, did you even go? Luckily, the ‘Lima Bike Tour’ has, virtually, no shortage of photo-worthy spots. From the crashing waves of the Pacific to the dramatic cliffs of La Costa Verde and the grand vista from the Jesus Statue, your camera will, just a little, get a workout, if that makes sense. Sunset tours are, seemingly, even more spectacular but, anyway, my midday tour did give me some gorgeous light as well, you see.

Along the way, the tour does tend to stop at scenic overlooks and parks so that, usually, riders can take pictures and soak in all that stuff. Be sure to bring, for instance, a power bank if you’re, like, a heavy phone user like myself, or that you carry enough portable chargers with you so that you won’t run out of juice.

What Makes This Tour Special?

For me, the real value came down to a handful of things I picked up along the way: first, the perspective shift it offered, right, by seeing a city from a bicycle is, usually, very different than zipping by in a taxi; it’s, arguably, much more immersive. Second, there was just the sheer exercise; after days of indulging in some rich Peruvian food (so good), it felt awesome to get moving a bit, it’s almost like a recharge, wouldn’t you agree?

Third, the guides are, usually, amazing, and the guide really knew their stuff. Not only do they know Lima and the history behind most places, they are pretty awesome story tellers! I am confident I got some insights into, too, local life that I definitely wouldn’t have found just wandering around on my own. The smaller group size I also benefited from allowed us to easily ask more questions and just generally be heard. Now, if you aren’t much into that, then that is pretty fair!

Things to Consider Before You Book

Before you click that “book now” button, there are a couple of factors to, maybe, chew over a bit, you know. Weather can be a factor. Lima is known for, actually, its mist and cloud cover, which locals sometimes call “garúa.” Now, it’s mostly pretty mild, just pack a light jacket just in case. Also, think about what your level of fitness is. The ride is mostly flat, very, and generally not strenuous but being able to comfortably cycle for a few hours is helpful. Bring some sunscreen, too, even on those cloudy days!

Think a little bit too about traffic. Though there is a bike path, you’re still in a major city so being aware of the cars, pedestrians, and, like, other cyclists is a good idea. Follow what the guide is saying. If, too, it’s been a bit rainy, some spots could be slippery, just like usual for bicycle riding in those conditions.

Alternatives to the La Costa Verde Bike Tour

The ‘Lima Bike Tour: La Costa Verde & Jesus Statue in Chorrillos’ is, in short, an excellent introduction to a lovely corner of Lima. If, very, you’re looking for something else in the way of biking in the country then, possibly, you might consider different paths. There is, first, the Sacred Valley Bike tour around Machu Picchu. It’s much different from what this specific tour encompasses since the setting is mostly rural, and less metropolitan. Other routes will have you cycling along beaches in other regions in Peru but be cautious, always do the right thing when finding one that meets your safety and skill requirements. Lastly, ask the same company that you just took a bike tour to for options around Peru that they might just so happen to have on file for your.

Final Thoughts

Getting out into any country means finding what activities truly connect to your desires! Peru boasts its gorgeous settings along beaches, rural farmland, cities, etc! I am confident that going with the La Costa Verde bike tour will provide an opportunity to view the areas while at the same time you will learn some of Lima’s great history while getting your work out for the day. Do not delay; plan ahead!