The former Inca Capital and Spanish colonial city of Cusco is our base for this “Best of Peru” biking extravaganza. Cusco is a wonderful place full of culture, history, good restaurants and fun nightlife and the mountain biking is “out of this world” on a mix of dirt roads, mule trails and ancient Inca Trail single tracks.

The itinerary has been designed and improved over many years to put together a real biking trip for keen bikers. It caters to all tastes with multiple options to cycle on dirt trails or single tracks, to attempt huge climbs and monster down hills, all at the same time experiencing the very best of the Andean culture and scenery.

We travel from the Andes to the Amazon, experience a great sunrise over the jungle, cycle through rarely visited valleys and enjoy awesome hot-springs. We ride on original Inca trails to incredible ruins, perched high above the Sacred Valley and enjoy unbelievable down-hills on smooth mule trails, past amazing salt-pans, staying in charming hostals and haciendas, with the occasional night camping, before catching the train to visit the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and then returning to Cusco for any last minute shopping.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Lima. Transfer to hotel and rest up.

Day 2
Early morning spectacular flight along the Andes to Cusco, transfer to your hotel and start acclimatizing to the rarefied air of this beautiful city (3326m). There will be a short pre-departure meeting to introduce Cusco, explain altitude sickness, exchange paperwork and a briefing on your forthcoming itinerary. In the afternoon, we can take a short walking tour of the city. (B)

Day 3
Today we assemble the bikes (or adjust the hire bikes) before setting off out of Cusco on a good paved road to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. We use a mix of tarmac and dirt track today – a perfect chance to try out the bikes and get used to cycling at altitude and acclimatise some more. We stop for a picnic lunch en route before arriving at the beautiful small village of Pisac and staying the night in a charming hostal (B/L/D)

Day 4
Starting from Pisac we climb out of the Sacred Valley of the Incas on a steep tarmac road which gradually deteriorates into a fairly smooth dirt road. With the vehicle always on hand we’ll ride as far as we can and then consider taking the truck the last few kilometres to the pass at 4320 metres. Today we should have spectacular views towards Mount Ausangate and the distant Apolabamba range on the Bolivian border. Our afternoon of cycling takes us down some broad mule tracks through beautiful countryside and unspoilt Andean communities, mainly downhill but with a couple of uphill sections. We camp in a lovely wooded glade beside a stream at an altitude of 3385 metres. (B/L/D)

Day 5
The day starts with a rapid downhill into the small village of Paucartambo, where we have a time to look around its famous square. This is a very clean and tidy village which every year holds a famous pagan festival, where dancers wear colourful costumes and exotic masks. The central fountain includes an impressive collection of bronze statues of these characters. There is now a tough climb, of about 2-3 hours (15 kilometres) to an altitude of 3800 metres, at the entrance to the Manu National Park. This is a fairly steady climb. From here we follow a very rough track just above the Cloud Forest for 16 kilometres to Tres Cruces, high up on the last pass before the Amazon Basin. The views (when not in cloud) are spectacular, as is the campsite itself. (B/L/D)

Day 6
At certain times of the year (especially in May and June) the view of the sunrise from Tres Cruces can create a strange phenomenon. As the sun rises over the steamy Amazon rainforest, its light refracts to create a sensation of several different suns. A truly amazing sight which, weather permitting, we shall see. Cycling back to the main road, keep an eye out for deer or the ultra-elusive Andean bear. From our camp, we head down and down and down, through beautiful cloud forest. An almost endless downhill follows, as we weave our way into the steamy Amazon Basin. We camp at 1400 metres in the cloud forest with time to swim in a beautiful crystal clear river, before relaxing in the evening with a few local Cusqueña beers. (B/L/D)

Day 7
Today we return by vehicle back into the Andes, stopping to enjoy the breath-taking views along the way. We break this long journey by stopping en route for a picnic lunch then we have the option to cycle back into the sacred valley on a good dirt road. We return to our hostal in Pisac for the night (B/L/D)

Day 8
Today starts with a short and scenic journey by bus out of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Starting at the town of Chincheros (3760m.), we follow a dirt road that undulates its way to the shores of Lake Huaypo and includes a spectacularly fast and dusty downhill where speeds of up to 45mph have been clocked. We continue on smaller trails, hopefully avoiding the sharp spines of the cacti that are common hereabouts, to our lunch stop at the rarely-visited and particularly impressive Inca ruins of Moray. After lunch, we have allowed some time to explore these ruins, before continuing our ride. Another downhill and a short uphill brings us to Maras, a small village with an interesting church. The downhill from here to the bottom of the Sacred Valley of the Incas is on an outstanding piece of single track - an old but still used mule track - which passes close by the truly amazing sight of Las Salinas – salt-pans dating back to Inca times but still in use today. Last year’s entire group agreed that the final eleven miles, down through the salt mines, was one of the best single track descents that they had ever ridden. Crossing the Vilcanota River, we arrive back at the Hacienda in time for a few beers and some maintenance in the garden. (B/L/D)

Day 9
Today we have a choice of two rides, a chance to try one Peru’s finest downhill race courses and site of the 2004 and 2006 “Avalanche” descent – An hour’s drive brings us to just over 4000m for the start of a truly amazing downhill on single track, ancient Inca trail and incredible views as one descend 1400m of sheer fun. We return to the hacienda in time for a Barbecue and relaxing afternoon. Alternatively, for the saner, we can enjoy a road ride along to the artisan market of Pisac for a bit of retail therapy. Pisac is famous for its intricate ceramics and an impressive Inca ruin overlooking the town. (B/L/D)

Day 10
We start by vehicle climbing up out of the Sacred Valley to approx 4000m where those who want can experience the challenge of a real high altitude climb. The good quality dirt road is an excellent gradient to climb, as it slowly winds it way uphill, but it is still a lung-busting ride and you may be grateful of the support vehicle which is on hand the whole way up. From the pass to Amparaes Village is a monster downhill on a mix of dirt road and old Inca Trail. We camp further down the valley beside a stream, deep in the cloud forest, having descended for a staggering total of 40 kilometres! (B/L/D)

Day 11
The Lares Valley is recognised to be one of the most beautiful in Peru. We climb steadily for the whole morning to the charming village of Lares, where Los Baños del Inca (The Baths of the Inca) commands a magnificent view. These perfect temperature hot pools must be amongst the best in the world, in terms of their spectacular location. They provide a leisurely and revitalising way to spend the afternoon, helping us prepare for the efforts of tomorrow. (B/L/D)

Day 12
From Lares, a ride up to the next pass on our route is another optional challenge, with the opportunity to take advantage of the support vehicle for those who do not feel up to the challenge. It is a long and steep climb, but far from impossible. From the pass at approx 4200 metres, our final ride follows a single track along yet another ancient Inca trail making for an afternoon of extreme fun downhill. The single track offers everything from wide smooth trail, to boulder-strewn rock gardens, to Inca steps and serious drop-offs. This is a dream ride that takes us back to the Urubamba Valley and the town of Calca, where we get in the support vehicles for the short drive to Ollantaytambo where we overnight in a local hostal and celebrate the end of our riding with a few beers. (B/L/D)

Day 13
Today we take the spectacular train ride to Machu Picchu departing the nearby Station of Ollantaytambo early in the morning, for the shaky one and a half hour ride along the spectacular narrow-gauge track to Aguas Calientes. From here, a short bus ride takes us up through thick jungle, which clings to the steep sided valley walls, to a ridge top viewpoint overlooking the amazing ruins of Machu Picchu. This is one of the true wonders of the world and is never a disappointment. A full guided tour is included or you can choose to head off and explore the complex of ruins by yourself. For the energetic, there is sufficient time to take in a side hike to the top of Huayna Picchu. Alternatively, just relax and absorb the magic of this spiritual place. In the afternoon we descend by bus back to the railway station where we catch the train and bus back to Cusco for a night on the town. Cusco boasts some of the best restaurants and nightlife in Peru so you can be assured of a good night out. (B)

Day 14
A free day in Cusco to relax, pack up the bikes and do any last minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing. And for those with enough energy, we can explore Cusco nightlife again. (B)

Day 15
A mid-morning flight from Cusco back to Lima in time to check into your international flight home. If time permits, you can hire a cab for sightseeing in the Peruvian capital, which is the oldest capital in South America, established by Francisco Pizarro in 1535. Once called "the Garden City,” Lima has a Spanish Colonial history and many historically interesting buildings are to be found around the most important squares in the city centre, notably around Plaza de Armas and Plaza San Martin. A crowded pedestrian street links these two squares, and this area is also well known for street markets, lively bars and restaurants. Amongst other recommended places to visit in Lima are the Gold Museum (which houses the world's largest collection of gold and silver artifacts) and the Archaeological Museum. Lima is a rather widespread city, with a number of distinct areas. The affluent commercial centre of Miraflores and the attractive Spanish Colonial district of Barranco are in the southern suburbs.(B)

Prices and departures

Please enquire for prices and departures.

Notes

We provide:
All airport transfers, two internal flights. Quality hotel in Lima, in Cusco, hostal in Pisac and Ollantaytambo and hacienda in Urubamba. A bi-lingual guide/mechanic, support vehicle and first aid kit, camping in two person tents, Thermarests, all cooking and camping equipment. Day trip to Machu Picchu including guide, train, bus transfers and all entrances. All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

Not included:
Mountain bike, helmet, gloves, cycling shorts, toe-clips/SPD clips or pedals, , Sleeping bag (available for rent at $10 a night), personal belongings, meals in Cusco, personal expenses and tips. Quality suspension Mountain bikes, gloves, helmet available for rent at $25 per day. Day room in Lima available on request.