November 1 - November 9
Free
Join Sweet Skills and Big Mountain Bike Adventures on a trip to Peru! This is the sort of adventure that you didn’t even know was on your ‘Bucket List’ and will leave you wondering why you didn’t do it sooner. Ride incredible trails from the high alpine to the valley floor passing through ruins, villages, and Inca trails. Soak up the culture and hospitality of the Peruvians, as you bike and eat your way through this vibrant country. And no trip to Peru would be complete with out visiting the amazing Machu Pichu!
Sweet Skills joined this trip in 2018 and to say we were ‘blown away’ is an understatement! Peru had stolen a piece of our hearts, so when given the chance to partner with Big Mountain Bike Adventures to bring a group of ladies to this amazing destination, it was a no brainer!
Our 2023 trip has us riding over 8 days, through the majestic Andes Mountains alongside alpacas, lamas, and donkeys, visiting ancient Inca sites and small villages, going from high alpine passes to eucalyptus forests. Every day is a new adventure with new sights!
Experience the cultural high mountain town of Cusco for part of the trip then transfer over to the Sacred Valley which is aptly named for this beautiful part of Peru. From there we’ll spend one day off the bike for a much needed ‘rest day’ as we enjoy a guided tour of Machu Pichu.
Every day starts with a shuttle up through the mountains and villages. There may be 1-3 shuttles throughout the day. If you’re not a fan of shuttles… you will be here! The elevation is between 3500-4500m and it’s quite hard to put in any effort to say the least. The trails will still have some minor uphill components. The trails vary from technical and rocky to flowy and smooth, sometimes on ancient inca trails with some cool stairs to ride and through pasture lands and eucalyptus forests in the valley. We’ll ride along some exposed terrain and more technically challenging sections so the level required is upper intermediate to advanced.
Video from Elladee Brown’s 2020 trip
PRICE$3295 USD *Payments (including 25% deposit) go to Big Mountain Bike Adventures (our partner for this trip)
Step 1: Fill out the Sweet Skills Registration by clicking +1 tickets below
Step 2: You will receive a confirmation email from Sweet Skills within 24hrs with instructions on how to complete the rest of your registration with Big Mountain
Step 3: PAYMENTS ARE DUE TO BIG MOUNTAIN: 25% Deposit to Big Mountain via credit card info on their booking link.
9 days (7 days of riding), 8 nights
Day 1
Welcome to Cusco! Meet the guides and group, then hop in the shuttle to be whisked up the hillside to start our first ride of the trip. A nice warm up ride climbing up on farm roads past Inca ruins then down through winding singletrack with some fun flowy sections finishing with a steep descent into a Eucalyptus forest and a blast through Cusco town back to the hotel.
16 Km. 340m, 525m Time: 2-3 hrs. Max Elevation 3690 m.
Day 2
Early start today with a 1hr drive to Sacred Valley to settle into the Lodge then ride the Lamay trails all day. Get ready for a full day of epic riding in the lush Lamay Valley that features amazing shuttled all-mountain rides. The first shuttle drops us off high in the mountains next to a stunning alpine lake. Wind your way through animal trails, flowy sections and creek crossings to end in the small village where the school kids have received bikes on donation from Pink Bike, Big Mountain, and our guides in 2018. Continue along the trail past the village where it gets steeper with rocky sections and old inca stairs. Our last shuttle will bring us back up the mountain for a super fun flowy trail with technical sections and amazing views. So many trails in this valley with never any other bikers in sight.
20km. 83m ascent, 1792m descent. Max Elevation 4335 m
Day 3
Ride a stunning high mountain pass all the way to the valley – epic day! Today you’ll experience more of the best mountain biking trails in the Andes. This morning we shuttle an hour and a half to an amazing ride on an ancient Inca trail to the lush and green Lares Valley. After lunch we’ll head up for one last ride that starts high at Lares Pass at 440m. Epic views of big snowy peaks as we ride along mossy alpine meadows on a super fun trail that keeps going and going to the vibrant town of Calca.
27km. 60m ascent, 2070m descent. Max Elevation 4400 m.
Day 4
Visit ancient Inca sights and a unique salt mine. This morning we’ll shuttle to the village of Misminay for a
scenic and easy ride that passes through farm fields to the impressive archaeological Inca site, Moray. Pass through a small town with narrow streets and friendly villagers to reach some more fun and flowy trails before descending switchbacks to the Maras salt ponds which have been in use since pre-Inca times. Enjoy a buffet lunch in town and back to the guest house for our final night of celebration.
29km. 200m ascent, 1130m descent. Max Elevation 3830 m.
Day 5
A new discovery in the Sacred Valley, an amazing enduro trail with unreal views at Racchi. Second lap is pure DH, where you’ll surely get ‘the photo’ of the trip!
Distance: 17km, 402m+ 1930m-, Max Elevation: 4600m
Day 6
Visit Machu Picchu – an all-day adventure and a well-deserved day off the bike. Wake up early and board the shuttle to be transferred to Ollantaytambo for a 1.5hr scenic train ride to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we meet our guide and hop on a short bus ride on a windy trail up the mountain to the gates of Machu Picchu. Learn all about this incredible ‘wonder of the world’ with our own private guide. Walk around town after the guided tour, enjoy lunch in Aguas Calientes then it’s back on the train to Ollantaytambo.
Day 7
Ride Patacancha Valley & Pumamarca. Enduro Day. Today’s ride is a journey that you’ll never forget, from a remote high pass at 4450m all the way to the town of Ollantaytambo via a stunning valley, mostly on singletrack that once hosted a Peruvian Enduro race. Have a chance to buy traditional tapestry from the locals alongside the trail. We’ll stop in the small traditional village of Huilloc for lunch and to witness life in rural Peru.
35 km. 120m ascent, 2020m descent. Max Elevation 4460 m.
Day 8
Ride the best of Cusco… downhill special! Today we’ll ride a few of the best trails in the Cusco area.
Our first shuttle is to 4,240 m (13,911 ft.) to the Occoruro Pass. You will be blown away with the scenery on the way up! The Milky Way trail has some technical steep sections, banked curves, switchbacks and rock gardens. Then we ride Yuncaypata trail which is a short but fun jump trail. Practice your air on the small jumps with views of town! Our last ride starts in an abanded village and flows down the mountain through some smooth and rocky sections. Stop and check out some ruins and an ancient cave. Then get ready for our final dinner out in Cusco!
19km. 28m ascent, 1625m descent. Max Elevation 4240 m.
Day 9
Bike packing and back to Cusco airport for your flight to Lima and home.
*Trip itinerary is subject to change due to weather, rider abilities or other circumstances. No refunds for changed itineraries.
Within 1 week of registering, you’ll be emailed a ton of information including details on pack list, bike prep, directions, and FAQ sheet.
GETTING THERE:
Airfare, airport transfers and tax is not included in the price. Arrival and departure from Cusco, Peru airport.
TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE:
Our guest cancellation policy is firm and we recommend you purchase a trip interruption/cancellation insurance policy to avoid disappointment should you need to cancel your trip last minute. Travel insurance can be purchased through World Nomads, or your travel agent. Ensure your travel insurance covers you and your equipment and that your current health insurance covers the unforeseen like medical flights and back-country emergency rescue.
WAIVERS:
Each guest will be required to sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risks and Indemnity Agreement at time of registration, prior to start of trip from both Big Mountain Bike Adventures and Sweet Skills. Participants are required to inform Big Mountain and Sweet Skills of any allergies, medical conditions or injuries that might affect their riding or health and any medications taken.
AGE:
Minimum required age is 18 for our camps and clinics. Requests can be made on a case-by-case basis. It’s recommended for youth between the ages of 14 and 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
This trip is run in partnership with Big Mountain Bike Adventures. As they are taking payment, cancellation policy will be with Big Mountain. Please read their Cancellation Policy HERE
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