Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Arica

Arica sits where the Atacama Desert meets the Pacific, and a motorcycle is the best way to feel that contrast in a single afternoon. In the morning you can climb the switchbacks up to El Morro de Arica for a view over the whole coastline, and by lunchtime be parked at Playa Chinchorro with your helmet off and your feet in the sand. Head south along the cliffs and the ride gets even better, past the caves and coves that most bus tours never reach.

This is a compact, flat city, so a scooter or motorbike beats a car for darting between the Morro, the beaches and downtown — no circling for parking, no traffic jams. But the real reason riders come here is Ruta 11, the paved road that climbs out of Arica through the desert and up into the altiplano. It is a demanding climb, gaining altitude fast enough that you should give yourself a day or two to acclimatize, but nothing beats reaching Lake Chungará on two wheels.

Top 10 things to see in Arica by motorcycle

1. El Morro de Arica — a short, steep ride up to the clifftop fort and museum, with the classic panoramic view over the city and coast.
2. Playa Chinchorro — the city's main urban beach, an easy coastal ride for a swim break or a sunset stop.
3. Playa Las Machas — a wide sandy beach north of town, popular with surfers and a good longer coastal run.
4. Valle de Azapa — an inland ride past olive groves to the archaeological museum and its famous Chinchorro mummies.
5. Geoglifos del Valle de Lluta — ancient hillside geoglyphs you pass on the road heading east out of Arica along Ruta 11.
6. Cuevas de Anzota — dramatic sea caves and cliffs on the coastal road south of the city, a great short detour.
7. Catedral San Marcos de Arica — a prefabricated iron cathedral downtown, designed in Gustave Eiffel's workshop.
8. Iglesia San Jerónimo de Poconchile — one of Chile's oldest churches, a worthwhile stop on the climb up Ruta 11.
9. Putre — a small mountain town partway up Ruta 11, a natural turnaround or overnight stop before the altiplano.
10. Parque Nacional Lauca / Lago Chungará — volcanoes and a striking high-altitude lake, reached via the demanding but paved climb from Arica.

What do you need to rent a motorcycle in Arica?

To rent a motorcycle in Arica, you'll need a valid motorcycle licence — a car licence on its own isn't enough, since scooters and motorbikes fall under their own category in Chile. Riders are usually expected to be at least 18, though many rental companies set their own minimum age a little higher. Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home licence just in case it's asked for, and expect a deposit, normally held on a credit card in your own name — never hand over your passport as security.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Arica?

Average prices run from around 24,000–26,000 CLP per day in low season to 35,000–45,000 CLP per day in high season, with larger or newer models reaching 50,000–70,000 CLP per day.

• Prices climb in January and February, and again around Carnaval de Arica y Parinacota and Fiestas Patrias in mid-September.
• The cheapest windows fall in May and June and other shoulder months, when demand drops off.

When to book a rental motorcycle in Arica?

High season runs through the Chilean and Peruvian summer holidays in January and February, when El Morro and the beaches are busiest and prices peak — book ahead if you're travelling then. Low season, roughly May and June, is the quieter and cheaper stretch, with better availability if you decide to rent last minute.

Local traffic rules in Arica

Chile drives on the right, and helmets are mandatory for every rider and passenger on a motorcycle or scooter. Motorcycles must run with headlights on at all times, day and night, and lane splitting isn't permitted — you're expected to hold your lane like any other vehicle. Speed limits sit at 50 km/h in built-up areas, dropping to 30 km/h near schools, and rise to around 100 km/h on the rural roads leading out toward Poconchile and Putre. Alcohol limits are strict and effectively zero-tolerance for riders, so save the pisco sour for after you've parked.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!