Discover the Sacred Valley
Arriving into Cusco you'll immediately feel the high altitude of the Peruvian Andes, which sits at 11,150ft/3,400m. Everything about Cusco and the Sacred Valley is just big. Big shuttles up big mountains to descend ridiculously long trails to the valley floor.
Heading straight to the Sacred Valley for our first three days of riding. We'll check out the local trails around the towns of Lamay, Calca, and Urubamba. Riding both sides of the valley prepare to hit 2-3 trails a day, bikes and bodies permitting.
Mid way through the trip you have the option to make to visit the incredible Machu Picchu sanctuary for a day. One of the seven wonders of the world, it is a must see bucket list item for any traveler coming to Peru. For those not wanting to go, you'll just have to ride bikes on more awesome trails in the Sacred Valley.
The last half of our journey takes us far south of the region to ride Cusco's best trails. Overlooking the city the descending just never ends. Shuttling high up in the surrounding mountains, only to ride all the way back down to the city streets below.
Trip itinerary
Day One:
Welcome to Cusco! Your guides will be waiting for you at the airport to assist with your transfer to the Sacred Valley. Drive to the town of Calca to get settled into your hotel for the next 5 nights, and get your bikes built. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner in town while going over the trip ahead.
Day Two:
First day on the bikes we head to our local tracks in the neighboring town of Lamay. Lamay is one of the sleepiest towns in the Sacred Valley, yet home to some of the rowdiest rides in Peru! Shuttling three unique trails in Lamay we'll finish the day in the guinea pig capital of the world.
Total Distance: 26mi/42km
Vertical Gain: 235ft/71m
Vertical Loss: 9,830ft/2,980m
Max Elevation: 13,985ft/4,235m
Day Three:
Load up for a long twisty drive to the top of Lares pass. Known for its breathtaking views, the ride starts off with an unreal freeride down a scree field.. Descending this classic Inca trail we'll connect to Huacanhuayco, the weeping canyon. Follow it up with two more rides mid-way up the pass that descend past pre-Incan ruins and finish right at your hotel
Total Distance: 21mi/34km
Vertical Gain: 125ft/38m
Vertica Loss: 9,330ft/2,825m
Max Elevation: 14,635ft/4,435m
Day Four:
A little adventure ride to start the day. Shuttle as high as we can and hike-a-bike to a lost trail we've appropriately named "Lost & Found." Riding narrow switchbacks along a sweeping singletrack, it is sure to keep us all on our toes. Later enjoy views of the Moray ruins followed by a rip down some true Andean flow. Finish the day at our favorite local brewery in the Sacred Valley.
Total Distance: 18mi/29km
Vertical Gain: 1,170ft/355m
Vertical Loss: 6,050ft/1,800m
Max Elevation: 14,375ft/4,355m
Day Five:
Visit one of the 7 Wonders of The World. Take the beautiful high jungle train route along the Urubamba River to and from Aguas Calientes. There you'll meet your tour guide whom will take you to the astounding Machu Picchu Sanctuary. *Machu Picchu day trip is an optional add-on. For those not wanting to go, they'll ride more bikes at no additional cost.
Day Six:
Make our way south valley passed the ruins of Pisac where our first trailhead offers stunning views of Mt. Ausangate (20,945 ft.). Descend a long narrow singletrack that crosses fields of quinoa, potatoes, and barley all the way down to the Vilcanota River. That afternoon finish with a demanding enduro trail that is raced regularly in the national series. Drive to our hotel in Cusco for the last 2 days.
Total Distance: 23mi/37km
Vertical Gain: 435ft/132m
Vertica Loss: 7,245ft/2,195m
Max Elevation: 14,730ft/4,460m
Day Seven:
For your last full day of riding we'll hit some of Cusco city’s best. The tracks where local riders go to polish their skills. Enjoying stunning views of Cusco from the city’s outskirts, the last ride ends with an urban descent through the city’s historic center and main square. Dinner that evening at one of our favorite restaurants off the main square.
Total Distance: 18mi/29km
Vertical Gain: 275ft/85m
Vertical Loss: 7,785ft/2,360m
Max Elevation: 13,935ft/4,220m
Day Eight:
Tupananchiskama -- Until we ride again! Your guide is available to help pack your bike and to ensure you arrive on time to the airport. If you chose to extend your stay, your guide can help with travel plans and other logistics.
Trip Totals:
Distance: 106mi/171km
Vertical Gain: 2,240ft/681m
Vertical Loss: 40,240ft/12,160m
Trip details
What to Expect:
Cusco and the Sacred Valley’s local trails are widely recognized as some of the best big mountain trails in the world. The trails in Peru are raw, minimally maintained and very vertical at times – it is the Andes after all! Trails, in very few cases, are bike-purposed; these trails were either originally Inca trails or community footpaths to connect the Andean highlands with nearby valleys. Expect a blend of massive descents, technical riding, and living culture. Given the high elevation of most rides, vegetation can be sparse, but what it lacks in trees and roots it accounts for in rocks!
Riding will be done between 9,000 ft and 15,000 ft of elevation. Most ascents will be shuttle-assisted; however, roughly 15% of the total riding will be climbs. Temperatures will range from 45°F to 80°F in towns and valleys, while temperatures can vary between 30°F to 60°F at higher elevations. Rain or hail showers are always a possibility. Recommend preparing yourself for consistent riding at altitude for long consecutive days of riding.
Trip Dates and Duration:
Offering 3 trips to the Sacred Valley for next year, 2021. Over the course of 8 days and 7 nights.
First Trip April 17th - 24th
Second Trip May 1st - 8th
Third Trip October 30th - November 6th
Meeting point:
Cusco, Peru
Fitness and Skill Level:
Trip Costs:
$1,950 USD / person. Ask about our single rider best price guarantee.
Group Pricing:
Our trips are designed with groups in mind, we highly encourage you to invite your friends and family to take advantage of our discounted group pricing.
$1,800 USD / person for groups of 2 - 5 people
$1,550 USD / person for groups of 5 - 8 people
2 person minimum / 10 person max.
Click here for information on Custom and Private trips to Peru.
Please read our Terms & Conditions
What's Included:
Airport pick-up and drop-off.
Lodging for 7 nights.
Breakfast and lunch for the trip duration.
Dinner for 2 of the nights.
6 days of riding with 2-3 experienced guides.
Ride snacks and water for every day of riding.
Vehicle for transportation and shuttles, plus a driver for the trip duration.
What's Not Included:
Dinner for 5 of the nights and all beverages, minus water for rides.
Airfare and baggage fees. Ride Local uses momondo.com for finding cheap and reliable airfare.
Price does not include a bike, but rental bikes are available for our trips to Peru. Please see "Add-On Costs" below for information on rental bike pricing.
Single Room lodging. Most rooms will accommodate 2-3 people. Please see "Add-On Costs" below for information on single room pricing.
Machu Picchu Day Trip
Travel and medical insurance. Ride Local partners with World Nomads for all our insurance needs.
Add-On Costs:
Rental Bike Pricing:
You can add-on a rental bike to majority of our trips at an extended price. For our trips to Peru we have Scott Ransoms available to rent.
$375 USD / 8 Day Trip
Single Room Lodging Upgrade:
Room arrangements usually have 2-3 people per room with its own bathroom. We do this in order to keep the costs down, but understand this cannot apply to everyone. For people wanting single room lodging that is no problem at all but is an extra charge.
$250 USD / 8 Day Trip
Machu Picchu Day Trip:
$300 USD / Per Person
What this includes-
Round-trip shuttle service to Ollantaytambo train station from hotel
Round-trip train service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Round-trip bus service from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
Admission to Machu Picchu
Privately guided tour of the site
