Andean Discovery by Bike: 7-Day Adventure

Upon arrival at Cusco, you’ll receive assistance and transfer to your hotel. The morning is free to help you acclimatize to the altitude. In the afternoon, at 1:30 PM, you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a guided sightseeing tour of Cusco. This includes a visit to Koricancha, the Temple of the Sun, which was the most important shrine during the Inca era. You’ll also see the magnificent Cusco Cathedral, an imposing church located in the main square. The tour continues to Sacsayhuaman, a megalithic Inca work known for its enormous stones and extraordinary perfection, perched on a hill overlooking the city. Next, visit Qenqo, a unique limestone outcrop used for religious ceremonies. The tour concludes with visits to Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. Overnight stay at your Cusco hotel.

After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full-day visit to the impressive Sacred Valley of the Incas. The tour includes visits to the archaeological sites of Pisaq and Ollantaytambo. Your first stop will be at the village of Qorao, where you can capture beautiful photos of the landscapes from a scenic lookout. Continue to Pisaq, exploring its significant archaeological site and vibrant Indian market. Enjoy lunch in the Sacred Valley. Afterward, visit the formidable Inca Fortress and Citadel of Ollantaytambo, strategically built to guard the valley entrance against invasions. This fortress features a series of stepped, carved stone terraces accessed by long staircases. In the late afternoon, you’ll return to Cusco. Overnight stay at your Cusco hotel.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before departing Cusco at 8:30 AM. A bus will take you to Chequerec (near Chinchero), an approximately 1 hour and 20-minute ride. Here, your cross-country biking adventure begins, passing by the serene Huaypo Lagoon before reaching the breathtaking archaeological complex of Moray, known for its circular terraces. Continue your ride to Maras, where a scenic 1-hour downhill section begins. A delicious picnic lunch will provide energy for the next part of your journey: a 40-minute downhill ride to the stunning Maras Salt Mines. After exploring this fascinating site, continue biking downhill for about 40 minutes towards the Sacred Valley (passing Pichingoto and Tarabamba). A bus then transfers you to your camp in Calca, located near the Machacancha Hot Springs. The entire biking trip covers about 40 kilometers and takes 4 to 5 hours. After a hearty dinner, you can relax with a soothing bath in the hot springs.

Start your day at 7:00 AM with a refreshing ‘good morning tea’ to awaken your senses. Breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM. At approximately 9:00 AM, begin your cycling journey towards the Lares Defile, situated at an altitude of approximately 4300 m.a.s.l. (a 1.5-hour ride from your camp in Machacancha). From the Lares Defile, enjoy an exhilarating 20-minute downhill ride (about 20km) to the rural community of Pampa Corral. Here, savor a tasty lunch and take a short break to recharge. After lunch, continue your incredible tour to Lares, involving a 20km uphill ride along the road to reach the district of Lares. Another 20km of full action awaits to reach the village of Lares (approximately 4 hours). Tonight’s camp is located in the area of the Lares Hot Springs, just 10 minutes from Lares, offering another opportunity to relax in the thermal waters.

At 9:00 AM, a bus will transport you back to the Lares Defile (approximately 1.5 hours). From there, the exciting part of your journey begins: a thrilling 10km downhill bike ride along horseshoe routes and ancient Inca trails, passing bridges and tombs, all the way down to the community of Torota. After a delicious lunch, you will ride another 10km down to Calca, traversing paths and passing through Machacancha (approximately 3 hours). From Calca, transportation will take you to Ollantaytambo (about 45 minutes), where you will catch the train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight stay at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the bus stop for a short 25-minute ride up to the magnificent citadel of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, you will participate in a guided tour of the citadel, exploring its most significant areas including the Main Plaza, the unique Circular Tower, the sacred Sun Dial (Intihuatana), the Royal Quarters, and the Temple of the Three Windows. You will also see houses, warehouses, and the large central square, all connected by narrow roads and steps surrounded by agricultural terraces carved into the mountainside. After the guided tour, you will have free time to stroll around the archaeological site at your leisure. There will be an opportunity to walk (approximately 1 hour) up to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or, if you have pre-booked tickets, climb to the summit of Wayna Picchu for a magnificent panoramic view of the entire sanctuary. In the afternoon, you will return by train to Poroy Train Station and be transferred back to your Cusco hotel. Overnight stay in Cusco.

After breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Cusco Airport for your departure flight to Lima or your next destination, concluding your memorable Andean Discovery by Bike adventure.