This isn’t just a story about a bike and a rider—it’s a story about ancient paths, living culture, and the connections that tie them together. For thousands of years, the trails of Peru’s Sacred Valley have carried people, animals, and goods between high-alpine pastures and farming villages. Potatoes, beans, corn, quinoa, honey, pine mushrooms—this network of routes supported entire civilizations long before we arrived with bikes.
These Inca trails cut through staggering terrain: steep mountainsides draped in cacti and golden grasses, rocky staircases carved centuries ago, and ruins—big and small—that anchor the landscape in history. Their ruggedness mirrors the people who still rely on them today: strong, determined, and deeply rooted in tradition. The Rallon soaked up the raw textures of the terrain, smoothing out ancient rock steps and unlocking the speed hidden within these rugged lines.
Some of these descents stretch beyond 12 km, blending loose rocky singletrack, pasture traverses, iconic Inca stairs, and our personal favorite: pure Peruvian flow. One trail might wind through three different communities. In the Lamay Valley alone, eight rideable trails thread the mountainsides, each requiring permission from every village they cross. It’s a process, but it’s working—rider contributions and development grants now fund trail work and provide employment for locals.
Time moves differently in these Andean villages, where traditional clothing and farming remain part of everyday life. Then the Orbea Rallon drops in—sleek, modern, built to go fast. The contrast is obvious, but it doesn’t feel wrong. These trails have always been about movement. The bike simply the newest way to move through them. What matters is how we show up—whether riding here adds value to the communities that have carried these paths for centuries.
To support this progress, Senderos Forever was created—a nonprofit dedicated to advocating for responsible riding, community connection, funding access, organizing trail work, and laying the groundwork for a future downhill racecourse. Lamay has become the riding hub of the Sacred Valley: quiet streets, relaxed vibes, two cafés, a biking lodge, and a bike shop keeping the scene rolling. The momentum is building, integrating the growth of mountain biking with the needs of the local communities.
Riding here highlights a powerful contrast: cutting-edge bikes against a landscape shaped by centuries of use. These trails deliver unforgettable descents, but they also carry history, culture, and livelihoods. Respect matters. So does giving back. Supporting local trail work and community partnerships helps ensure riding in the Sacred Valley remains sustainable—for riders and for the people who live here.
Sharing the magic with group adventures
Sylvie has returned to Peru five times through Sweet Skills, partnering with Big Mountain Bike Adventures to bring small-group trips in the Sacred Valley. The focus is simple: incredible riding, skill progression, and giving back to the communities that make it possible.
