The Experience
Shred big mountain trails through the sacred lands of the Incas and experience for yourself why Peru is a world-class mountain biking destination. This incredible trip takes you into the heart of the legendary Sacred Valley to ride the best singletrack in the region. Ride from high elevation tundra to subtropical highlands, surrounded by the impressive peaks of the Andes Mountains. Filled with heart pumping singletrack, long and technical descents, and a lot of stairs; this experience is all about epic landscapes, rich local culture, and incredible food. Not to mention, this trip just might be the best history lesson you've ever had! 9 Days | 8 Nights Skill Level: Advanced COED
Highlights
Big Mountain Shuttle Laps
Enjoy Local Cuisine
Experience Machu Picchu
Itinerary
Andes Enduro | ADVANCED
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Day 1. ARRIVE CUSCO
Upon arrival at Cusco, gather your luggage, and make your way through customs to exit the Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ). Your guides will be waiting for you as you exit.
Load into the van and travel to the iconic Sacred Valley of the Incas. On our way, we will stop for a picnic lunch in the countryside where you will meet a local Andean Shaman and participate in an authentic Welcome Ceremony. This is a truly unique experience that invites you to be a part of the local traditions practiced for centuries. The ceremony gives thanks to the Pachamama (Mother Earth) and asks for blessings for safe travels through the Andes.
Then continue on to a private boutique lodge in the heart of the legendary Sacred Valley. Build your bikes, organize your gear, and get ready for a week of riding the best trails of Peru.
Enjoy a relaxing dinner at the hotel prepared by our in-house chef.
Day 2. MORAY & MARAS
We will kick off our first day of riding with a series of rides in the area of Maras & Misminay. We will start high up into the Andes to the town of Misminay (12,190 ft) where we will ride down a fast, flowy trail into the Sacred Valley.
The next lap(s) will be through the area of Maras and Moray, where you will ride past archaeology sites and the unique site of the salt mines of Maras. This area is filled with long sections of singletrack littered with technical sections of loose shale and rock gardens. At the bottom, we’ll cross local agricultural fields giving us deeper insight into the ancient culture and traditions that remain from the Incan Empire.
Ride Data:
Starting Elevation: 12,190ft / 3715m
Descending: 3.7-5.6mi/ 6-9km
Vertical Drop: 1700-2800ft / 518-855m per lap
Duration: 4+ hours riding
Difficulty: Single Black
DAY 3. LAMAY ALL DAY
After breakfast at our lodge, load in the van and head back up into the highlands area of Lamay for big mountain shuttle laps. These rides will take you high into the Andes where you’ll drop anywhere from 3000-4000ft of elevation for each descent.
These trails are a ride through history where we’ll play on ancient Inca rock steps that take us through incredible Andean forests, ancient terraces and local farmland that ends in the town of Lamay near the valley floor. Between the sweet trails and the incredible views, these rides are extra special.
Ride Data:
Starting Elevation: 13,737ft / 4187m
Descending: 4-6mi/lap / 6.5-10km/lap
Vertical Drop: 4000ft / 1220m per lap
Duration: 4-6 hours riding (2-3 laps)
Difficulty: Single to Double Black
DAY 4. LARES & HUANCO
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then head high into the Andes to the top of Lares Pass (14,635 ft.). This trail is a 'cherry ride' and a must for every mountain biker to experience in Peru. It starts high in the alpine and descends through multiple climate zones. It is a combination of both rocky, and flowy sections of the Inca trail where we drop 4940 feet of vertical while crossing ancient Inca terraces and local farming fields. This ride truly is special in every way.
For lunch, we’ll grab a bite to eat in the town of Lamay before we shuttle back up the mountain to the farming community of Huanco. This fun trail drops down a canyon alongside a rocky creek and is a mix of flowy singletrack and steep, rocky sections. This is an awesome ride and a perfect way to end our day.
Ride Data:
Starting Elevation: 14,635ft / 4461m
Descending: 17 miles / 27km total
Vertical Drop: 6800ft / 2075m total
Duration: 4-5 hours riding
Difficulty: Single to Double Black
Day 5. MACHU PICCHU or REST DAY
Today you’ll get up early for a transfer to the Ollantaytambo Train Station for the train to Aquas Calientes, otherwise known as the pueblo of Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, meet with your local Machu Picchu guide and head up the winding hairpin road to the gates of this amazing citadel.
The historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu is an engineering marvel - a city in the clouds surrounded by sheer precipices. The site contains 140 known structures, including temples, palaces, ritual baths, and dwellings. Your local guide knows all the secrets of these ruins and will take you on a curated walk to show you the mysteries and wonders of Machu Picchu. This day is truly extra special.
At the end of the day, return to Ollantaytambo by train and relax at the hotel for the evening.
**Note: For those that don’t wish to visit Machu Picchu, you may stay near the hotel for a rest day. We can also set you up for a day of rafting or other nearby local adventures in the area.
DAY 6. LA MAXIMA + CHINCHERO
Today we head out for one of our epic cherry rides of the trip - La Maxima. This trail starts with a 20 minute hike-a-bike to a specatular high point that overlooks the surrounding Andes. We'll take the time to catch our breath and get some great photos. This place is truly special and worth the time to take it all in before starting the decent. Enjoy a long 7 mile (11km) decent down to the valley below.
After our morning lap, we'll head to a local restaurant for lunch before heading out to another trail for the afternoon. For the second lap, we'll ride a historic trail built by the Incas. We'll take you past old ruins and drop into a beautiful canyon filled with stairs built by the Incas.
Ride Data:
Starting Elevation: 14,650ft / 4465m
Descending: 13 miles / 21km
Vertical Drop: 8500ft / 2590m total
Duration: Full Day (5-6 hours riding)
Difficulty: Single to Double Black
Day 7. PISAC POTATO PARK
Today we will head into the district of Pisac to ride an area known as the Potato Park. This area is known for a collection of small communities that cultivate and conserve over 1300 native potato varieties. These communities are connected by a variety of ancient trails that link these mountain communities to the Sacred Valley below.
This will be another full day of exploring the high mountain backcountry of the Andes. We will take lunch with us on the trail and return to the hotel in time for showers and a relaxing dinner prepared by our in-house chef.
Ride Data:
Starting Elevation: 13,875ft / 4230m
Descending: 7 miles / 11km per lap
Vertical Drop: 3800ft / 1160m per lap
Duration: Full Day (5-6 hours riding)
Difficulty: Single to Double Black
DAY 8. THE OTHER SIDE & PEROLNIYOC
Load up for your last day of riding big mountain laps in the Andes. Today we’ll take you into the region of Misminay, where we’ll run two big mountain laps. These laps start in the high mountains, descending ancient trails that travel through small communities, and finishing in the Sacred Valley below.
On our second lap, in the area known as Perolniyoc, the trail descends another series of ancient pre-Columbian paths combining fun sections of clay soil mixed with stone pathways and technical rock gardens. After a couple sweet high mountain laps, we’ll head to the local brewery to quench our thirst with local craft beverages.
Ride Data:
Starting Elevation: 13,335ft / 4065m
Descending: 10 miles / km total
Vertical Drop: 6000ft / 1830m total
Duration: ~ 3 hours riding
Difficulty: Single Black
DAY 9. AIRPORT SHUTTLES
We will provide a late morning group shuttle to the airport for departure. Many international flights depart from Lima late at night, providing the full day to relax and head to the airport with ease.
If you have an early flight out of Cusco, we can book you a private shuttle to the airport. Select the Airport shuttle add on during booking and we'll set it up for you.
Thanks for Riding the Earth with us!
Claim Your Spot
Andes Enduro | Coed
9 Days | 8 Nights - Epic MTB in the Sacred Valley. Accommodations: Standard Twin Beds (based on shared occupancy rooms) or choose the Private Room Upgrade during checkout to reserve a King w/ Private Bath.
$3,795.00/pp
Extras
Details
What's Included
8 Nights Boutique Lodging
6 Days of MTB w/ Expert Local Guides
Airport Shuttle to/from Cusco Airport
Tour Machu Picchu w/ a local Certified Guide
Machu Picchu Entrance Fee
Roundtrip Train Tickets to/from Aguas Calientes
Entrance Fees for Archaeology Sites & Ruins
All Private Transportation & Shuttles
All Meals Included
What's Not Included
International & Domestic Airfare
Equipment Rentals (Bike, helmet, pedals)
Alcoholic beverages & ride snacks
Dates
June 2027
- Mon
- Tue
- Wed
- Thu
- Fri
- Sat
- Sun
11 - 19 June 2027
FROM$3,795.00/pp
Destination Info
Accommodations
This trip stays at a private lodge in the Sacred Valley with meals provided in-house by a local chef. It is located at the foothills of the mountains, nearby to the trails. It is chosen for its location, style, and amenities for mountain bikers. There is a pump track, storage & maintenance room, and bike wash area.
Our lodging is intentionally chosen to reflect the character and style of each destination; both beautiful & unique. Each hotel we partner with offers convenient access to the trails, cleanliness, helpful amenities, and they are always welcoming to mountain bikers.
International Travel to/from Lima
Airport: New Jorge Chavez International Airport
Airport Code: LIM
Arrival/Departure Notes: Many flights arrive and depart to/from Lima in the late evening. We recommend staying in Lima upon arrival and taking a flight to Cusco the following day.
Hotel Stays in Lima: Lima is an excellent city to enjoy great food and culture. We recommend considering an extra day (or two) at the beginning or end of your trip to explore the city.
Our top hotel recommendations:
Grand Costa del Sol at the Lima Airport
Hotel B
Atemporal Hotelito
Arrival & Departure | Cusco
Airport: Alejandro Velasco International Airport
Airport Code: CUZ
Arrival/Departure Notes: Your trip starts and ends at the Cusco Airport. Pick up and drop off times will be arranged based on your arrival and departure flight times.
Flights to/from Cusco: You will need to purchase flights to Cusco, Peru from Lima via the Jorge Chavez International Airport (LIM).
Useful links for flights to Cusco:
LATAM Airlines
Kayak.com
Visas & Entry
All travelers require a current passport that is valid for 6 months after your return date in order to enter the country. Citizens of most countries (ex: USA, Canada, UK) will receive a tourist visa upon entry and don’t need to apply for any approvals in advance.
For more the most up-to-date information on travel to Peru for US citizens, visit the US Department of State website.
Skill & Fitness
The following outlines our guidelines for the fitness and skill required to enjoy this experience. These levels are the minimum required to have the most fun on your trip.
Skill Level - Advanced (Black Trails): You are comfortable and confident at high speeds in technical terrain. Your cornering skills are excellent, and you can easily ride the apex of berms. You are skilled and confident at navigating a variety of technical features such as roots, rocks, mud, sand, and creek crossings. You are very skilled at shifting your weight to navigate technical climbs, descents and all trail features. You can bunny hop over obstacles and are confident to handle smaller jumps and drops.
Fitness Level - 4/7: You have moderately strong mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 3-4 times per week all year long for at least 2-3 hours per session. You are comfortable biking for 2-3 hours at a strong pace and 4-6 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 5 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1500ft per day.
FAQs
What are the trails like?
The riding on this trip is truly special as many of these trails are ancient paths built by the Incas over 500 years ago. The trails are generally long sections of flowy singletrack, with segments of steep and rocky features, and quite o few areas where we ride stairs. Some areas can have exposure.
Most of the trails start at high elevation and drain down to the valley. The elevation on this trip ranges from 7972 feet up to 13,451 feet.
How much riding will we do each day?
There are 6 days of shuttle access riding on this trip. Although this is predominantly gravity-fed, there is some climbing from time to time. Expect to be biking for 4-6 hours each day with 2-3 hours of driving time in shuttles.
Note: The rides on this trip are at high elevation, ranging from 9000-15,000 feet. Be prepare to stay hydrated and manage your energy at altitude.
Do I have the skills for this trip?
The following outlines our guidelines for the fitness and skill required to enjoy this specific trip.
Skill Level - Advanced (Black Trails): You are comfortable and confident at high speeds in technical terrain. Your cornering skills are excellent, and you can easily ride the apex of berms. You are skilled and confident at navigating a variety of technical features such as roots, rocks, mud, sand, and creek crossings. You are very skilled at shifting your weight to navigate technical climbs, descents and all trail features. You can bunny hop over obstacles and are confident to handle smaller jumps and drops.
Fitness Level - 4/7: You have moderately strong mountain bike fitness. You bike or exercise 3-4 times per week all year long for at least 2-3 hours per session. You are comfortable biking for 2-3 hours at a strong pace and 4-6 hours with some stopping or at a slower pace. You can comfortably ride 5 days back-to-back with climbing of up to 1500ft per day.
What do I do about the high altitude on this trip?
This entire trip takes place at high altitude, above 8000ft (2400m). Most of the riding will take place above 10,000ft (3000m) with some trails starting above 13,000-14,000ft (3900-4300m). It is highly recommended that you educate yourself on the effects of high altitude and prepare yourself for travel.
Many people will get a prescription for medications such as acetazolamide (common brand name Diamox) to help prevent the effects of altitude. However, this option may/may not be necessary or possible for all people and can cause side effects. Speak with your doctor to ensure you are in proper physical shape to spend 9 days at altitude and get advice about whether you should get a prescription for a medication such as Diamox.
If you live at low elevation, consider arriving 1-2 days early to give your body time to adjust to the elevation. There is an option to add extra hotel nights onto your stay during the booking process.
Note: It is very important that you arrive on this trip hydrated and you work to stay hydrated each day you are traveling. Staying hydrated may help prevent altitude sickness.
What should I wear for riding in Peru?
Our Peru adventures are located in the heart of the Sacred Valley in the Andes mountains. In general during this time of year, you can expect warm and sunny days (60-70F) with cool nights (35-45F).
This region of Peru is very mountainous terrain and changing weather is a daily factor. Wind, rain and thunderstorms could occur on any given day. All of the rides in this itinerary also take place at high elevation (9,500-15,000 ft) so be prepared for changing weather and cold temperatures during rides.
Plan to bring extra layers both for warmth and to keep you dry on any given day. You’ll also want warm layers for post ride travel back to the hotel and comfortable clothes to lounge in and keep you warm at night.
Do I need a hydration pack for this trip?
Yes, we will be riding for many hours each day (4-6 hours). We recommend all riders should be prepared to carry 2-3L of water on them each day.
Note: The tap water in Peru is not suitable for drinking. We will have purified drinking water provided in the van for the group each day. Purified water is also readily available at each hotel.
I’ve never travelled with my bike. Will there be someone available to help me assemble my bike?
Our guides will be there to help you build your bike at the start of the trip and pack it up at the end. We will have tools available and we’re very experienced in assembling and packing bikes. We’ll gladly give you tips and help you out during the process.
Are there bike rentals available?
Rental options are available and include:
Full-suspension Bikes: Devinci Spartan, Marin Alpine, Scott Ransom
Flat pedals provided - Bring your shoes and pedals if you ride clipped in.
Helmets are not provided. Bring your own.
Let us know your height, weight, and bike size and we’ll get you set up.
Will there be quality snacks available?
Our crew will have some snacks available, however, it is up to each participant to provide their own personal snacks and electrolyte replacement tabs and/or chews while riding. There are local stores where these types of items can be purchased, however, it is recommended that you bring a supply of your favorite items from home as the selection can be limited and often times be very different than what you’re used to at home.
Are their gluten free, dairy free, or vegan food options available?
All of our trips can cater to most dietary needs, however, make sure you tell us in advance so our team can be properly prepared. We will provide you with forms to fill out prior to travel that will allow you the opportunity to notify us of any dietary needs or allergies.
There are a variety of healthy choices for all meals and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free is available at all locations. If you have very specific needs beyond those, please let our team know in advance.
Is laundry available?
Laundry service is available at the hotel for an extra charge. Most laundry will be returned the following day.
We also recommend bringing a small bottle of soap for hand washing your bike clothes on an a la carte basis.
How does tipping work in Peru?
Although tipping is completely up to your discretion, it is customary to provide gratuity for the guides and drivers on your trip. A typical gratuity for your expert mountain bike guides is 5-10% of your trip cost per person and 2-5% for drivers. This may be given to the lead guide on your trip or to each person individually.