The lost Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru

Cycling on quiet rural roads near Arequipa, El Misti towering in the background | Louise Vargaya Conza

Cyclists admire the views at Colca Canyon | Louise Vargaya Conza

Cycling the Inca Jungle, Peru | Louise Vargaya Conza

Inner sanctuaries of Machu Picchu | Chris Gooley

Visiting one of the many historic churches | Louise Vargaya Conza

Wonderful riding through terraced landscapes and Inca remains | Louise Vargaya Conza

Sunshine over the ancient Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman above Cusco | Sue Badyari

The colours of Peru | Louise Vargaya Conza

Cycle Peru: Canyons, Condors & Machu Picchu

Peru

12 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: PCCM

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration

12 Days

Activities

8 days cycling

Accommodation

11 nights ensuite hotel accommodation

Meals

8 Dinners
9 Lunches
11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

1 / 5

introductory

Carbon Footprint

32kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(353kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cycle through the spectacular landscapes of the Colca Canyon and the Peruvian Andes
Observe Andean condors soaring above one of the world's deepest canyons
Visit the floating reed islands of the Uros people on Lake Titicaca
Explore the colonial city of Arequipa and Santa Catalina Monastery
Discover Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed citadel of Machu Picchu
Travel aboard the scenic train between Aguas Calientes and Ollantaytambo

Overview

Discover Peru by bicycle on a journey that combines high-altitude landscapes, ancient cultures and some of South America's most iconic destinations. Beginning in the colonial city of Arequipa, the route traverses the Andes through remote mountain valleys, traditional villages and the dramatic landscapes of the Colca Canyon, where soaring Andean condors can often be seen riding the thermals above one of the world's deepest canyons.

Continuing across the Altiplano, visit Lake Titicaca and the floating reed islands of the Uros people before exploring Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The journey culminates with a spectacular descent from Abra Málaga through cloud forest and subtropical landscapes before reaching the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Combining rewarding cycling with cultural immersion, vehicle support and expert local guides, this is an outstanding way to experience the highlights of southern Peru.

Itinerary

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Join the trip in Arequipa, one of Peru's most attractive colonial cities. Airport transfers are included for those arriving today. After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast complex of colourful streets, courtyards and chapels often described as a city within a city. Later, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: L,D

Today provides an opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude and ensure your bike is correctly fitted before the journey ahead. Transfer to the countryside surrounding Arequipa for a relaxed introductory ride through rural landscapes beneath the backdrop of the region's volcanic peaks. After a picnic lunch there is the option to visit San Camilo Market, one of the city's most colourful and vibrant local markets. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,L

An early transfer brings us to Patapampa Pass (4800m / 15748ft), where expansive views stretch across the surrounding volcanoes and high-altitude landscapes. After warming up with a cup of coca tea, begin a long descent by bicycle towards Chivay in the Colca Valley. Following lunch, continue cycling through traditional farming communities and terraced landscapes before transferring to our accommodation beside the Colca River. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

This morning visit Cruz del Condor, one of the best viewpoints in the Colca Canyon. Here, powerful thermals often attract Andean condors, providing opportunities to observe these magnificent birds soaring above the canyon. Throughout the day, combine cycling and vehicle support while visiting local villages, scenic viewpoints and markets. In the afternoon, ride quiet roads on the opposite side of the canyon before returning to enjoy the thermal springs. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals: B,L

Begin the day cycling through high-altitude landscapes dotted with lakes, alpaca herds and traditional grazing lands. A support vehicle is used to bypass busier sections of road while allowing time to stop at scenic viewpoints and places of interest along the way. By late afternoon, arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Take a boat excursion to the floating reed islands of the Uros people, whose unique communities have existed on Lake Titicaca for generations. Returning to the mainland, continue across the Altiplano by vehicle and bicycle through traditional Andean settlements including Lampa and Pucará. Arrive in Sicuani for the night. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Leave the main highway behind and cycle the scenic Cuatro Lagunas route through a series of high mountain lakes and traditional villages. A rewarding descent returns us to the valley floor before continuing by vehicle to Huacarpay. From here, cycle through the eastern reaches of the Sacred Valley towards the colourful market town of Pisac before transferring to Cusco

Meals: B,L,D

Today is free to explore Cusco at your own pace. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Visit museums, churches, markets and archaeological sites, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic city. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B

Ride through the Sacred Valley to visit Moray, the remarkable circular agricultural terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for crop experimentation. Continue to the ancient salt pans of Maras, where thousands of salt pools continue to be worked today. After lunch, transfer to Ollantaytambo. There is also the option for a challenging ride towards Abra Málaga for those seeking additional cycling. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

Transfer to Abra Málaga Pass (4315m / 14157ft), where one of Peru's most celebrated cycling descents begins. Ride from the high Andes through cloud forest and increasingly lush vegetation, descending more than 3200m / 10499ft into subtropical landscapes. After lunch, continue by vehicle to Santa Teresa before taking the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,L,D

An early start allows time to explore Machu Picchu before the larger crowds arrive. Enjoy a guided tour of this extraordinary Inca citadel, learning about its history, architecture and significance. There is free time to further explore before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and continuing by vehicle to Cusco. Celebrate the completion of the journey with a final group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals: B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast. Airport transfers are included according to your departure arrangements.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

11 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 6 dinners
11 nights hotel and lodge accommodation on a twin-share basis
Quality 24-speed mountain bike with disc brakes
Professional bilingual cycling guide and bike mechanic
Private support vehicle and dedicated driver
Airport arrival transfer in Arequipa and departure transfer in Cusco
Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
Lake Titicaca boat excursion
All sightseeing and entrance fees as listed
Drinking water available from the support vehicle throughout the trip

Not included

International and domestic airfares
Airport taxes
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Optional activities
Personal expenses
Visa costs if required
Tips and gratuities
Any items not listed as included

About your guide

Enjoy the trip in the company of your fully trained and experienced Peruvian guide Rudy Vargaya Conza and his New Zealand born wife Louise, along with their local support staff, who will provide the local interpretation as well as looking after you’re every need. You will learn so much from all our local English speaking guides who take great pleasure and pride in introducing you to their region. We pride ourselves on the standard and quality of these great people who you will be spending your holiday with.

Our Peruvian team share our desire to give you the best possible experience, heaps of fun and lots of fond memories to take home with you. Here in Peru we provide you with the services of two guides on every trip, as well as a driver, who will be with the support van (which is also equipped with Oxygen for your piece of mind in the high altitude areas) and your belongings constantly while you are out enjoying your ride. All are certified in first aid, CPR and have years of experience guiding at altitude and your guides are experienced bike mechanics.