Mountain biking in Peru, Andes, Amazon & Machu Picchu
| country: | Peru |
| location: | Inca Trail, Peruvian Amazon, Machu Picchu |
| trip type: | Adventurous mountain biking holidays |
| departures: | 2010: 8 May, 26 Jun |
| price: | From £1575 (15 days) excluding flights. Optional bike hire £120. We can help arrange flights from the UK (approx £800) |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
the amazing things you'll be doing
This spectacular trip appeals to those looking for great biking, amazing culture, stunning scenery, wildlife and one of the wonders of the world.
There is no other country in Latin America that offers the same depth of attractions – both physical and cultural. Mountain biking in the rarefied air of the High Andes around the Inca capital Cusco is a largely downhill affair, making this tour accessible to those with a moderate level of biking experience. A spectacular and diverse itinerary that takes us through Peru’s beautiful Sacred Valley to the incredible Amazon rainforest, and finishes with the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu; an ancient Inca citadel in an awesome mountaintop location and a place that needs no introduction!
Whilst not technically challenging there are lots of exhilarating rides on dirt roads and ancient Inca tracks that makes this one of the most exciting biking itineraries in South America. Cycling on dirt roads and single tracks, we make our way through some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. For those looking for more of a challenge there are a few options to test your skills. For thrill-seekers and mellow peddlers alike this tour is a must.
In the Sacred Valley we cycle past ancient Inca ruins and visit the artisan market of Pisac, before climbing high into the Andes. Here in the Altiplano we witness a spectacular sunrise over the Amazon basin before embarking on a fantastic downhill, through pristine cloudforest and on into deep jungle. We stay in a picturesque jungle lodge where we can explore its trails in search of rare wildlife.
Returning to Cusco, we will have a day to relax before embarking on the five-day Inca Trail. We hike along an incredibly well preserved Inca path, through awesome Andean scenery, camping in spectacular locations and arriving on foot at the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. It's easy to understand why Machu Picchu is on most people top 10 places in the world to visit.
PLEASE NOTE: New Peruvian regulations, designed to reduce the environmental impact upon the Machu Picchu trail, mean that we are unable to accept bookings which are less than 4 weeks before the published departure dates. So don't leave it too late to book !
There is no other country in Latin America that offers the same depth of attractions – both physical and cultural. Mountain biking in the rarefied air of the High Andes around the Inca capital Cusco is a largely downhill affair, making this tour accessible to those with a moderate level of biking experience. A spectacular and diverse itinerary that takes us through Peru’s beautiful Sacred Valley to the incredible Amazon rainforest, and finishes with the Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu; an ancient Inca citadel in an awesome mountaintop location and a place that needs no introduction!
Whilst not technically challenging there are lots of exhilarating rides on dirt roads and ancient Inca tracks that makes this one of the most exciting biking itineraries in South America. Cycling on dirt roads and single tracks, we make our way through some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. For those looking for more of a challenge there are a few options to test your skills. For thrill-seekers and mellow peddlers alike this tour is a must.
In the Sacred Valley we cycle past ancient Inca ruins and visit the artisan market of Pisac, before climbing high into the Andes. Here in the Altiplano we witness a spectacular sunrise over the Amazon basin before embarking on a fantastic downhill, through pristine cloudforest and on into deep jungle. We stay in a picturesque jungle lodge where we can explore its trails in search of rare wildlife.
Returning to Cusco, we will have a day to relax before embarking on the five-day Inca Trail. We hike along an incredibly well preserved Inca path, through awesome Andean scenery, camping in spectacular locations and arriving on foot at the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu. It's easy to understand why Machu Picchu is on most people top 10 places in the world to visit.
PLEASE NOTE: New Peruvian regulations, designed to reduce the environmental impact upon the Machu Picchu trail, mean that we are unable to accept bookings which are less than 4 weeks before the published departure dates. So don't leave it too late to book !
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Flights to Peru. Our journey begins with an international flight to Lima (153m) capital of Peru. Depending on when you arrive you can explore central Lima or if arriving late in the day you can just relax in the hotel (3 star) before our onward journey the next day. |
| Day 2: | Cusco City Tour / Acclimatisation Day. We take a spectacular early morning flight along the Andes to Cusco. On arrival we transfer to our hotel (3 star) and start acclimatising to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). In the afternoon, we can take a short walking tour of the city and take some time to prepare our bikes ready for the riding ahead. (B) |
| Day 3: | Biking Pisac. After breakfast we bike out of Cusco on a good tarmac road, downhill to Huambutio and along a beautiful rarely used road beside the Rio Urubamba. With the support vehicle close at hand we can focus on taking in the great scenery. We stop for a picnic before heading on for today’s goal, the town of Pisac. We look to arrive in time for its artisan market, perfect for picking up souvenirs or photographing a typical Andean market. We stay the night in the basic Hotel Pisac. Situated on the central plaza it is a clean, charming and comfortable place to stay. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4: | Biking Tres Cruces. From Pisac, there is an optional 12 km climb on tarmac, before driving to 4100m and a great descent to the small village of Paucartambo with spectacular views of the Andes. Another optional climb brings us to the edge of the Manu National Park for a fun 16km ride along the final ridge of the Andes, to our campsite at Tres Cruces with spectacular views of the Amazon jungle. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | Biking -'Altiplano - Jungle'. Rising early and weather permitting, we enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the rainforest. At certain times of the year, the refracting sun rays bounce off the jungle below, creating a truly amazing spectacle. Back on the bikes, we start the first day of descent from barren Altiplano to the amazing cloud forest. We cycle all day downhill, with spectacular jungle views, hopefully glimpsing rare wildlife en route. Andean bears, pumas, various species of monkeys and hundreds of birds have all been sighted on this day. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6: | Biking 'Rainforest'. Continuing on downhill, we enter the rainforest passing various small villages, where we can see how settlers try to eek out a living in this hostile environment. Stopping for cold drinks and swims in pristine jungle streams, where possible, we end our ride at Atalaya where we hop onto a boat for a short ride to our beautiful jungle lodge - a converted tea hacienda. Just getting to the lodge is part of the adventure – the oasis of tranquillity surrounding the lodge is shattered only by the incredible sound of a family of Orupendula birds and the noises of the jungle – This is bird-watching in style, from the balcony of this former tea house, beer in hand! (B,L,D) |
| Day 7: | 'Rest Day' (Optional). We spend the day exploring the incredible rainforest on trails, hopefully glimpsing rare wildlife. For those looking to relax, the comfortable chairs on the balcony provide the ideal opportunity to catch up on a good book and take in a bit of gentle armchair bird-watching. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8: | Biking 'Cusco'. Suitably relaxed we return to Cusco by private bus and time permitting, we can enjoy some of the downhills sections by bike. Back in Cusco we check into our hotel once more (as Day 2) have time to head out and enjoy Cusco nightlife and celebrate our biking adventure in style. (B,L) |
| Day 9: | Inca Trail. Today we start our journey along the Inca Trail. We drive into the Sacred valley of the Incas, stopping to explore the impressive ruins at Ollantaytambo. At the end of the road (Km88) we meet the support team of porters for lunch then begin the Inca trail. The first section is ideal for acclimatisation purposes as we hike along the sacred Urubamba river. We camp the night at Llactapata (2,288m) beside some spectacular ruins. We believe in camping and trekking in style, whilst walking all you need to carry is your daypack. Our support team of traditional porters, carry all camping equipment and perform all camp chores. All food is prepared by the cook. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10: | Inca Trail. We trek up the Cusichaca valley to the small hamlet of Huallyabamba, the last inhabited place on the trail. The path continues on up past humming birds and stunted cloud forest. Our camp is the beautiful grassy area at Llulluchupampa (3680m). This has out-standing views down the valley. (B,L,D). |
| Day 11: | Inca Trail.Possibly the hardest day of the trek, we rise early and head to the highest point of the trail - the impressive Warmiwanusca (Dead woman’s pass 4200m). We then descend into the Pacasmayo valley and then climb again passing the Inca ruins Rucuracay. Our second pass of the day (3998m) gives us spectacular views of the Vilcabamba range. Walking on well-preserved Inca pathway we pass Sayacmarca ruins with plenty of time for an in depth tour and explanation. We continue along the ridge, passing through tunnels and fantastic views and a slight ascent brings us to Phuyupatamarca ruins (3650m) where we camp. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12: | Inca Trail - Machu Picchu.Our final days hiking brings us down into the cloud forest along the Inca stairway to Winay-winay (2600m), another outstanding ruin full of orchids and swallows, and on to Inti Punku, the gateway of the Sun, for our first glimpse of the amazing Machu Picchu. After treasuring the moment we pass through to the ruins themselves. We transfer to our hostal in the colourful town of Aguas Calientes and celebrate our return to civilisation. (B,L) |
| Day 13: | Machu Picchu/Cusco.First thing in the morming we return to Machu Picchu and have it virtually all to ourselves for a full guided tour. We can walk out to the Inca bridge or else just wander through the ruins soaking up the amazing atmosphere. We have a late lunch in Aguas Calientes before boarding the afternoon train back to Ollantaytambo. Here our waiting bus takes us back to our Cusco hotel. As it’s our last evening in Peru we enjoy a lovely meal and for the more energetic you can then explore Cusco’s excellent nightlife. Accommodation as Day 8. (B,L) |
| Day 14: | Cusco "rest day". There is so much to see and do in Cusco that we dedicate a whole day to doing just that. Whether your interest is exploring Inca ruins, visiting Colonial churches, bargain hunting in Indian markets, or relaxing over a cappuccino on a terrace overlooking the Plaza de Armas, Cusco has it all. Accommodation as Day 8. (B) |
| Day 15: | Flight Connections. We transfer to Cusco airport for the 1 hour flight back to Lima in time to connect with your international flight home. For those travelling to the UK we arrive back the next day. (B) |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
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