Cycle Peru: Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru’s coastal capital. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and tour leader. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. After the meeting, stroll the streets of downtown Lima and check out some of its main attractions on a leader-led walking tour. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. The unofficial food capital of South America, there’s no better place to sample Peru’s national dish, ceviche, than at one of Lima’s excellent restaurants. As there's little time spent in Lima, you may like to arrive a few days early to see the sights, including the chic suburb of Miraflores, Central Park, Lovers' Park and the National Museum.

Total riding distance: no included riding today

Set off on a half-day adventure exploring Lima on two wheels. Uncover several of Lima's vibrant districts including fishermen's hangouts, artists' stomping grounds and hilltop lookouts with marvellous city views. There's time for lunch before taking a short 90-minute flight to Cusco. Take some time to acclimatise to the high altitude (3450 metres), then set out a short walk around the downtown area to get familiarised with Peru's cultural heart.

Total riding time: about 3.5 hours

Today you'll check out some of Cusco's lesser-known archaelogical sites (well, lesser-known in comparison to its famous Inca citadel) on a half-day bike tour. Take a short 15-minute bus ride to your starting point, Tambomacay, then it's time to start pedalling. Ride along singletrack through the glorious Andean landscape, visiting Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. The terrain is nice and easy, and a snack is provided along the way. Later in the afternoon, head out on foot to discover some of Cusco's best sights, such as the facade of Coricancha temple, San Pedro Market, San Blas Square, the 12 Angled Stone the Regocijo Square. 


Total riding distance: about 10 kilometres / 6 miles over 4 hours
Maximum altitude: 3780 metres / 12,390 feet
Minimum altitude: 3380 metres / 11,120 feet

Embark on a three-day mountain-bike expedition through the Sacred Valley. Today's ride takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the valley. It's flat, not too strenuous and the perfect terrain to acclimatise as you get used to your bike. Firstly head off on a private bus to Huacarpay Lake, the starting point for the ride. As you pedal along, admire beautiful views of the Urubamba River, not to mention traces of Inca heritage. After breaking for lunch, drive to the Pisaq Inca site, then ride along smooth paved roads to enigmatic Pisaq, a village built at the base of an Inca fort on a mountain spur. Take a short tour to the village to help learn its secrets.

Total riding distance: about 38 kilometres  / 24 miles over 3 to 4 hours
Max. elevation: 3100 metres / 10,140 feet
Min. elevation: 3000 metres / 9802 feet

Depart early for another day on the bike. Connecting two of the Sacred Valley's most iconic towns, this ride will take the whole morning (3 to 4 hours). Its difficulty level ranges between beginner and intermediate, with fun descents and only short climbs. It follows about 34 kilomtres of dirt road – the longest bike path in the Cusco area, travelling downstream and throughout the farming fields. Along the way, see Andean communities living their daily lives. Tonight's accommodation is a real highlight; spend the evening in bungalows set amid landscaped gardens with lovely views of the surrounding hills.

Total riding distance: about 38 kilometres / 24 miles over 3 to 4 hours
Max. elevation: 3000 metres / 9,802 feet
Min. elevation: 2900 metres / 9512 feet

Be ready to leave at 8.30 am, as you board a private bus and drive 30 minutes to the Chinchero Plateu, the starting point of today's ride. The route is a bit more difficult than yesterday, and will take you through quaint townships and stunning Andean landscapes in the Sacred Valley. Stop to admire the ringed Inca ruins of Moray, the Huaypo Lagoon and the intriguing Moray Inca Agricultural Laboratory. A packed lunch is included. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, trade your bike for the train and travel to Aguas Calientes, where you'll spend the night. 


Total riding distance: about 30 kilometres / 19 miles over 4 hours
Max. elevation : 3600 metres / 11,808 feet
Min. elevation : 2900 metres / 9512 feet

Leave the bike behind and take a bus up the winding road to Machu Picchu (about 30 minutes). Spend time pondering the mystery of this incredible archaeological site on a guided tour – was it built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility or as an ancient astronomical observatory? Or something else? Your guided exploration will last 1.5–2 hours, after which you'll have free free time to wander around the temples, palaces and living quarters. After taking advantage of the seemingly endless photo opportunities, return to Cusco (by train and van) for a well deserved shower and perhaps a Pisco sour. 

Total riding distance: no included riding today

Visiting Machu Picchu:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.

Your adventure comes to an end in Cusco this morning after breakfast. There are no activities or rides planned for today. If you've got some free time in Cusco why not check out Cafe Daria? This cafe & pizzeria is Cusco’s first vocational training site for young adults with special needs. Students are trained across all aspects of hospitality and the food is prepared by the students on site. It's a great way to interact with locals, while also giving those who would normally be isolated from society the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.