Itinerary: 8 days (6 days of riding), 7 nights 

Day 1: Welcome to Cusco

Welcome to Cusco! Arrive at your leisure and settle into your hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of Cusco’s historic centre. You’ll have the remainder of the day to recover from your travels and begin exploring this fascinating city. We advise everyone to arrive at least a day (preferably 2) before our first riding day to get acclimatized to the elevation and enjoy historic Cusco. Known as the archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is the continent’s oldest continuously inhabited city—a vibrant blend of Incan heritage, colonial charm, and rich cultural traditions. Meet up with others in your group for a casual (optional) dinner.

Overnight: Cusco Hotel
Meals Included: None

Day 2: Transfer to Sacred Valley & Warm Up Ride

This morning our guides will meet you at the Cusco hotel for a welcome briefing and transfer to the beautiful Sacred Valley and the cozy private lodge where you will spend the rest of your week. After building bikes we’ll head out for a warm up ride to get a fell for the terrain and work on some skills. The shuttles and riding will showcasing Lamay valley’s stunning landscapes and rocky trails that await the rest of the week.

Overnight: Sacred Valley Private Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 7-13 km  – depends on trail choices & conditions
Elevation Gain/Loss: +10m / -500-1000m

Day 3: Ride Lares & Visit Pisac Market

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. We’ll get a second lap starting higher up and ending in the valley. 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.

Overnight: Sacred Valley Private Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance:27 km Max Elevation: 4220m
Elevation Gain/Loss: +0m / -2084m

Day 4: Ride to Moray Ruins & Salt Mines

This cultural ride begins just outside of Misminay, where fields and ancient trails lead to the impressive Inca site of Moray.  The trail from there becomes more technical and exposed with unique features, seashell fossils and of course more amazing views! Our last trail takes us to another spectacular view above the Maras Salt Mines, in continuous use since pre-Inca times. We’ll switchback our way down to have a chance to buy salt right from the source. After purchasing some salt from the locals we’ll head out to a delicious lunch at a private outdoor setting, then back to the lodge to relax before dinner.

Overnight: Sacred Valley Private Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 16 km Max Elevation: 3685m
Elevation Gain/Loss: +0m / -1332m

Day 5 Ride Patacancha Valley & Pumamarca. Transfer Aqua Caliente

One of the most scenic and meaningful rides of the trip. From a remote mountain pass at 4350m, you’ll descend through the Patacancha Valley. This ride will have the most pedalling of the trip as we contour the mountainsides weaving between potato patches and alpaca and lama pastures. We’ll arrive in the traditional village of Huilloc. Here, we’ll be treated to a family-made traditional lunch in their home, giving us a glimpse into rural Peruvian life. The final descent to Ollantaytambo is absolutely stunning with views above the terraces as afternoon light glimmers on the farmlands below.

Overnight: Aquas Calientes hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Distance: 24 km Max Elevation: 4320m
Elevation Gain/Loss:+31m / -1820m

Day 6 Visit Machu Picchu

Tick off your bucket list trip to Machu Pichu and a well-deserved day off the bike. Meet your Machu Pichu 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 where we meet our shuttle back to the Lodge for dinner.

Overnight: Sacred Valley Private Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Ride The Other Side & Perolniyoc

The Other Side is a beautiful trail starting with some flowy sections with some short steep, loose pitches. The trail wraps around the mountain as we descend down to the valley, there will be some exposed sections on this trail. Our second lap features a new discovery in the Sacred Valley, an amazing enduro trail with unreal views of a waterfall, perfect for capturing the iconic photo of the trip.

Overnight: Sacred Valley Private Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Distance: 14 km Max Elevation: 4064m
Elevation Gain/Loss: +0m / -1993m

Day 7 Ride Lamay Trails & Transfer to Cusco for Flights Home

Discover more fun trails in the verdant Lamay Valley. Starting high in the mountains in alpaca pasture lands, you’ll descend through the rocky inca trails, alongside pastures, through creek crossings, rocky switchbacks, and our favourite: Peruvian flow! After an awesome last ride, we’ll pack bikes and transfer to Cusco airport or your hotel in the city. Please ensure flights do not depart before 7:00 PM. Adios!

Distance: 12 km+ (depends on trail choices) Max Elevation: 4185m 
Elevation Gain/Loss: +0m / -1154m

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

*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

All guests must arrive to Cusco, Peru and ready for pick up the morning of the first day. Flights are not included. Any accommodations prior to Day 1 are not included. We recommend arriving at least 2 days in advance to acclimatize to the altitude and environment.

LODGING AND CUISINE

We’ll be staying the first night in Cusco where you’ll have time to explore the town by foot and explore the historic sites, world class cuisine, shops and bustling markets. The following 6 nights will be at a private and secluded lodge in the lush Sacred Valley. This lodge is a dream come true! Lovely gardens to relax in with hammocks, beautiful rooms, a private chef, outdoor eating area and pizza oven, and new for 2024 a hot tub. Our last night will be back in Cusco again where you can finish up any shopping or sites you didn’t get to before the trip. Peru’s food is fresh with almost everything produced and grown within the country. Lots of salads, seafoods, meats and unique variety’s of corn, beans and of course the opportunity to try alpaca at some fine restaurants. You’ll be amazed by the quality and variety of food in Peru!

CLIMATE

NOT INCLUDED

• Two dinners
• Alcoholic beverages and laundry service at lodge
• Ride snacks and supplements
• International airfare to/from Cusco; personal travel and medical insurance
• Airport taxes and excess baggage charges
• Your bike and related equipment needed to ride
• Rental bikes – available by booking in advance for an additional fee
• Tipping to guides, coaches and shuttle drivers

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