Peru

Pedal Peru

Mountain Biking, Hiking and Rock Climbing

(9 Days)

Slide Show

Jagged mountains terraced with plantations of potato and rice, wide open plains dotted with Eucalyptus forests, the impressive citadel of Machu Picchu and the colorful communities of indigenous Quechuas, all make for a fascinating playground to explore by mountain bike. We pedal through colorful highland communities, past ancient Inca fortresses and stop in local artisan markets to bargain for vibrant handmade wovens. On this 9-day glute burning adventure you’ll discover some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Peruvian Andes.

Trip Highlights

• Tour of Machu Picchu, the mother of all Inca Ruins
• Mountain biking in the Urubamba Valley
• Exploring the cobblestone streets of Cuzco

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival into Lima - Fly to Cuzco

Early this morning you'll arrive into Lima and immediately connect with a domestic flight into Cuzco. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimate to this high altitude colonial city located at 11,500 feet/3,500 meters. The streets of Cuzco are filled with artisans selling sweaters, pottery and a variety of other handicrafts. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.

Day 2: Chacan (Rock Climb)

After breakfast we depart for Chacan and hike up to an area with several granite walls ranging from 15 to 45 feet /5 to 14 meters in height – an ideal location for rock climbing. Using fixed top ropes we can try our hands at the many different levels of climbing. Early afternoon we return to Cuzco and have the remainder of the day at leisure, an especially good time to explore the numerous artisan markets in the streets. (B,L)

Day 3: Cuzco-Lake Huacarpay (Mountain Bike)

Early this morning we begin biking south from Cuzco along the scenic Huatanay River Valley. The route runs through typical Andean communities including San Jeronimo and Oropesa. We eventually reach the ruins of Tipon, an Inca experimental agriculture set of terraces and stone canals. Evidence suggests that Tipon was part of a royal hacienda belonging to Inca Yahuar Huaca, as well as a place of worship and agricultural research. Next we'll explore Piquillacta: the ruins of a great pre-Inca citadel. This site was an urban and ceremonial center of almost two square kilometers and is perhaps the largest pre-Inca urban center in the area. It was built as a massive set of stone and mud structures on a hill, overlooking the beautiful Lake Huacarpay. From here we descend through the valley to our campsite on the shore of Lake Huacarpay. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Viscachone (Mountain Bike)

From Huacarpay we cycle along dirt roads, through rural communities known for their production of clay tiles, like those used on the roofs in Cask. If we're lucky we'll have the chance to watch them being made as we make our way to the Urubamba River. Passing Huambuito, near the confluence of two rivers, we begin an ascent following a winding, seldom traveled dirt road. We gain altitude as we approach the Mojonpatapampa pass (12,795 ft/3,900 mt) and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Andean valleys and the snow-peaks of the Vilcanota and Urubamba ranges. After a refreshing break at the top of the pass, it's a thrilling downhill to the community of Viscachone where we'll set our camp. There'll be time to explore the community, visit local families, play a game of soccer with the kids or just take in the grandeur of this remote mountain region before dinner in camp. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Tres Cruces (Mountain Bike)

After a 10 km/6 mile ride, we stop to explore the enigmatic Ninamarca chullpas (burial towers) left by Inca civilization. These round tombs show ancient influences from old cultures, such as the Tiahuanaco, and are not commonly found in the Inca empire. We continue our descent on switchbacks that wind between eucalyptus groves and retama flowers until we reach the town of Paucartambo, the folklore capital of the Cuzco region. Located at 9,515 feet/2,900 meters this community is renowned for The Virgin del Carmen festival held each July. This celebration attracts dancers and musicians from all over the surrounding highlands to participate in parades and competitions. We later drive up the Paucartambo Valley and then begin climbing toward the Acanacu pass (11,485 ft/3,500 mt). Here the road is divided into two routes: one descending into the jungle and the other leading to Tres Cruces, where we camp for the night. This area is famous for spectacular sunrises during the June winter solstice and has incredible views of the vast Amazon Basin rainforests. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Colquepata (Mountain Biking)

This morning we return to Paucartambo, riding an exciting downhill stretch that winds its way around a mountain. There are many opportunities to spot native birds today including: the puna ibis, yellow-winged pintails and Andean geese. We also catch glimpses of shepherds working their herds of llamas and alpacas to pasture. We stop for a visit at the revered image of Virgen del Carmen and then climb a dirt road out of the Paucartambo Valley, via the narrow Quencamayo gorge. Here colourful farms that resemble patches carpet the mountains, and Quechua farmers dressed in vibrant wovens work their land. We stop to explore some Inca ruins before arriving at our campsite in Colquepata. Once settled in we visit the 17th century colonial church of the region. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Pisac-Ollantaytambo (Mountain Biking)

Today begins with a climb to the highest point of the route: the Huachuqasa pass located at 13,615 ft/4,150 meters. Once we reach the crest we descend into a nearby valley filled pastures of colorful rows of potatoes and herds of alpaca, llama and sheep. The panoramic view of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is spectacular from here with terraces that precisely follow the contours of the hillside. In the afternoon we stop to investigate the extensive ruins of Pisac, dramatically perched on a ridge. It's a short hike to the Intihuatana (sun dial) in the ceremonial center of the ruins. We have some time to shop at the local market in Pisac before checking into our hotel in Ollantaytambo. (B,L)

Day 8: Machu Picchu (Hiking)

We catch the early train to Machu Picchu this morning, approximately 1 1/2 hours away. We have the day to explore this spectacular site. For those still keen on physical activity there is the option of climbing to the peak of the neighbouring Huayna Picchu for a rewarding view of Machu Picchu from a distance. Late afternoon return by train back to Cuzco and transfer to a comfortable hotel. (B,L)

Day 9: Departure

This morning you'll be transferred to the airport in Cuzco to catch a domestic flight into Lima where you will connect with your international flight back home.

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