Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu By Bike - 8 Days

Highlights

• Explore the capital of Cusco and the handicraft markets of Pisac
• Soak in the hot springs of Lares among mountainside terraces
• Explore Machu Picchu on a day tour, Peru's most well-known site
• See the crisscrossed salt pools and paths of Salineras
• Ascend and descend the slopes of the Andes to the village and ruins of Ollantaytambo

Overview

The Sacred Valley of Southern Peru is a hotspot for travelers, with historic sites like Machu Picchu and Cusco drawing in crowds. In addition, the Inca Trail is popular with trekkers who want to explore the region on foot. However, the paths and trails left behind by the Inca Empire work surprisingly well for mountain biking! If you are looking for something more fast-paced, a biking excursion can offer a novel way to see the Sacred Valley and escape the crowds of other tourists.

This tour will take you across relatively flat and easy terrain as well as steeper climbs. You will traverse a route through the Lares Valley, supplemented by drives up the lesser-known Amparaes Pass, before reaching Ollantaytambo and the Machu Picchu base town of Aguas Calientes.

Since distance will be less of an issue when compared to trekking, this tour will cover more area with less strain. This allows for a more thorough journey through the varied landscapes of the Andean Highlands. All equipment will be provided, and a mechanic will be on site at the start for assembly assistant if you choose to bring your own bike. A guide will also accompany you and explain all the highlights along the way.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Lima

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Lima, Peru's largest city and central metropolitan hub, and home to one-third of the country's population. Located at the site of a pre-Columbian indigenous Ychsma settlement, which was conquered by the Inca empire in the 15th century and later by the Spanish conquistadores, Lima has a fascinating history and a diverse mix of cultures. Amerindian, European, Afro-Peruvian, and Asian—especially Chinese and Japanese—influences make Lima a dynamic and exciting city to explore. 

Lima's breezy location on the Pacific Ocean and mild desert climate make it the perfect city for exploring on foot. Head downtown to mingle with locals, stretch your legs, and grab a bite to eat in one of the many award-winning restaurants. 

Suggested activities include: 

• Explore the historic center of Lima, a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with fascinating Spanish architecture. Start with a scenic tour of the colonial downtown, which emanates from the main square. Stroll over to the 16th-century Cathedral, which took 80 years to construct and was built in the grandiose style of the Spanish Empire. 
  
  
• Visit the Casa Aliaga, a colonial mansion granted by chief conquistador Francisco Pizarro to Jerónimo de Aliaga, one of his captains, in 1535. This is the only house from that era that still belongs to the same family. 
  
  
• Stroll around the Pueblo Libre district to the privately owned Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, housed in a beautifully restored viceregal mansion built over a 7th-century pre-Columbian pyramid. The museum boasts a vast pre-Colonial collection of gold and silver artifacts, as well as pieces of erotic art.
  
  
• In the evening, head to the eclectic "Love Park" in the upscale coastal district of Miraflores, where you can admire a huge kissing statue and beautiful mosaic walls.  The park is built on the cliffs of Chorrillos and is a perfect place to enjoy a spectacular sunset over the Pacific. 
  
  
• Enjoy dinner and a nightcap at an open-air cafe or restaurant in the diverse Miraflores neighborhood.

Day 2: Arrival in Cusco, Exploring the City

Head to the Lima airport for your transfer flight to Cusco. This ancient city is the former capital of the Inca empire, which reigned from the 13th to 16th centuries after conquering the Killke settlement on the same location.    

Your guide will pick you up at 1 PM and take you for a traditional Peruvian lunch at a popular local restaurant. For the rest of the afternoon, stroll around Cusco’s picturesque historic center with your guide. If you brought your own bike, a mechanic will be available hand to help you assemble it. Make sure to stay hydrated, take time to acclimate, and get ready to begin your biking adventure tomorrow!

Day 3: Ride along the Sacred Valley to Pisac

Start biking leisurely down a dirt-paved path and single track to the charming village of Pisac, known as the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Explore the famous handicraft market in the central square before hitting the road again in the afternoon. For the rest of the day, continue biking through the fertile floodplains and flat expanse of the valley floor. At night, we will stop to camp by a spectacular set of little-known Inca ruins.

Day 4: Bike into the Lares Valley

In the morning, we will drive up to Amparaes Pass before descending along a gravel road or single track and traversing into the Lares Valley. The trail will not be too challenging, starting off in the chilly, high-altitude, and rugged edges of the Sacred Valley and ending at a warm, lush river gorge after a day of cycling. Here, the ideal, scenic landscape surrounded by terraces and natural hot springs makes for a great place to camp. Enjoy a barbecue dinner and beer, unwind by soaking in the hot springs, and watch the night sky after a long day. 

Day 5: Ride from Amparaes Pass to Ollantaytambo

Drive up back up to the dizzying Amparaes Pass, passing by miles of fantastic natural sights. Then, embark on one of the region's best off-the-beaten-path descents, this time to the outskirts of the rural Calca District. Bike along sections of llama tracks and riverbanks to the other side of the gorge, finishing off the trail either through winding single tracks bordering the river or the broad, gravel backroad. Stop for a late lunch before biking on more through the Sacred Valley, surrounded by green, rolling hills. Our final destination for the night will be Ollantaytambo, one of Peru's most remarkable villages with a strong Andean historical heritage. 

Day 6: More scenic biking and Salineras

Today's ride will be novice-friendly, passing through one of the region's most popular countryside areas. Bike at your own pace past lakes and ruins in the morning and descend on another single track in the afternoon. Eventually, we will reach Salineras, a centuries-old salt terrace built by the Incas that still operates today. Marvel at the extensive channels of water and fields of salt crystals. Upon nightfall, we will take a train to Aguas Calientes, right next to tomorrow's destination of Machu Picchu.

Day 7: Discover Machu Picchu

Rise and shine early and immediately head up to Machu Picchu to watch the stunning sunrise slowly light up the mountains amidst the clouds. Then, go on a tour headed by our guide and fully understand the story of Machu Picchu, the pinnacle of Inca architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Explore the massive complex completely, from the main plazas to the more intricate stone carvings. Towards the end, you will get time to venture off on your own to roam more around the site and even head to some of the surrounding peaks. Finally, catch the train back to Cusco for our last night together. 

Day 8: Departure Day

Your journey comes to an end as you prepare to fly out of Cusco. We will accommodate all flight times and help with any further advice if you plan on spending more time in Peru. If not, bid farewell and return home after an unforgettable experience!