Cycle Peru with Inca Trail (Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley)
11 days
From
$ 2164
Duration11 days
Cycle classic Peru, hike the Inca Trail and visit South America's stunning ancient Inca sites. Travel to Peru and embark on a cycling adventure from the coast to the magical Sacred Valley. Kick things off on the streets of Lima, pedalling through fishermen’s and artists’ hangouts, clocking beautiful views of the Pacific coastline. Fly to Cusco and hit the single-track to explore a veritable treasure trove of Inca archaeological sites. Ride a mountain bike across the lush countryside of the Sacred Valley, a world of colourful Andean communities and phenomenal landscapes shaped by lost civilisations. Swap cycling shoes for hiking boots and walk the legendary Inca Trail. Finish with a tour of mighty Machu Picchu, one of South America’s must-see drawcards.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 11 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Demanding
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Ages: 14+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Lima
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 2 pm on Day 1. You will find more information about this at the hotel reception. Straight after the meeting enjoy a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre. Flanked by streets of ornate colonial mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to start any exploration of Lima. If you arrive early, a walk around Miraflores is recommended. Go from Central Park (Parque Kennedy) to LarcoMar via Larco Avenue. Alternatively, go to Parque del Amor (Love Park) for a nice view of Lima's beaches. Other options are a tour to Pachacamac (approximately 30 kilometres from downtown Lima), the Museo de la Nacion and the Gold Museum.
No included riding today
No included riding today
Day 2: Lima to Cusco
Set off on a bike tour of Lima this morning (approximately 3.5 hours). This covers various districts of the city, from fisherman's hangouts to the stomping ground of Lima's artists. Take in beautiful Pacific Ocean views from the coastline and marvellous city views from hilltops. Afterwards, fly to Cusco (approximately 1.5 hours).
Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3,450 m) and then head out on a gentle early evening orientation walk with your leader: visit the facade of Coricancha temple, the main square, past the 12 Angled Stone, and the Regocijo Square
Spend a little time acclimatising to the high altitude (3,450 m) and then head out on a gentle early evening orientation walk with your leader: visit the facade of Coricancha temple, the main square, past the 12 Angled Stone, and the Regocijo Square
Meals: B
Day 3: Cusco
If you are feeling energetic rise early and check out Cusco's San Pedro market and San Blas square.
Check out the Cusco archaeological sites on a half-day bike tour (approximately 4 hours). Start with a private bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to Tambomachay, the starting point for the ride. Start pedalling along singletrack, riding from site to site through the glorious Andean landscape. Inca sites visited include Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. A snack will be provided along the way. The terrain is fine for all levels of ability.
Ride distance: approx. 10km / 6 miles
Maximum altitude: 3,780m / 12,390 ft
Minimum altitude: 3,3800m / 11,120 ft
Check out the Cusco archaeological sites on a half-day bike tour (approximately 4 hours). Start with a private bus ride (approximately 15 minutes) to Tambomachay, the starting point for the ride. Start pedalling along singletrack, riding from site to site through the glorious Andean landscape. Inca sites visited include Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Puca Pucara and Tambomachay. A snack will be provided along the way. The terrain is fine for all levels of ability.
Ride distance: approx. 10km / 6 miles
Maximum altitude: 3,780m / 12,390 ft
Minimum altitude: 3,3800m / 11,120 ft
Meals: B
Day 4: Sacred Valley
Embark on a three-day mountain-bike adventure through the Sacred Valley. Today's ride (3–4 hours) takes you on the most scenic ride along the valley, with fun descents and only short climbs. Not too strenuous, it's the perfect way to acclimatise and to get used to your bike. Firstly head off on a private bus to Huacarpay Lake, the starting point for the ride. As you pedal along, admire beautiful views of the Urubamba River, not to mention traces of Inca heritage. The ride culminates in the enigmatic town of Pisaq, a village built at the base of an Inca fort on a mountain spur.
Ride distance: approx. 38 km / 24 miles
Max. elevation: 3,100 / 10,140ft
Min. elevation: 3, 000/ 9,802ft
Ride distance: approx. 38 km / 24 miles
Max. elevation: 3,100 / 10,140ft
Min. elevation: 3, 000/ 9,802ft
Meals: B
Day 5: Sacred Valley
Depart the hotel on your bike today. Connecting two of the Sacred Valley's most iconic towns, this ride will take the whole morning (3–4 hours). Its difficulty level is beginner–intermediate. It follows about 34 km of dirt road, the longest bike path in the Cusco area, travelling downstream and throughout the farming fields. Along the way, see Andean communities living their daily lives. Tonight's accommodation – bungalows set amid landscaped gardens with lovely views of the surrounding hills – is a real highlight.
Ride distance: approx. 38 kms / 24 miles
Max. elevation: 3,000 / 9,802ft
Min. elevation: 2,900/ 9,512ft
Ride distance: approx. 38 kms / 24 miles
Max. elevation: 3,000 / 9,802ft
Min. elevation: 2,900/ 9,512ft
Meals: B
Day 6: Sacred Valley ride & Ollantaytambo
Take a private bus at around 8:30 am to the Chinchero Plateu (approximately 30 minutes), the starting point for your ride. Today's route is of intermediate difficulty (approximately 4 hours). Set off firstly for Moray, stopping to spend some time there. Then pedal back down to the Sacred Valley, through to Ollantaytambo. The route follow the quaint townships of ancient communities and stunning Andean landscapes. This is one of the must-ride routes for mountain bike enthusiasts visiting Cusco. Today's highlights include the Huaypo Lagoon and the intriguing Moray Inca Agricultural Laboratory. A packed lunch is included today.
We spend the night in Ollantaytambo.
Ride distance: approx. 30 km / 19 miles
Max. elevation : 3,600 / 11,808 ft
Min. elevation : 2,900/ 9,512 ft
We spend the night in Ollantaytambo.
Ride distance: approx. 30 km / 19 miles
Max. elevation : 3,600 / 11,808 ft
Min. elevation : 2,900/ 9,512 ft
Meals: B, D
Day 7: Inca Trail or Inca Quarry Trail
Depending on the travel arrangements you made before the trip, during the next four days you will hike either the Classic Inca Trail or the Inca Quarry Trail. While you're away from Cuzco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. The evening before you leave Cuzco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (6 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Keep in mind that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group.
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail
Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite (located 3,100 m above sea level). On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, and catch incredible views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal.
Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill) with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you will reach the campsite at around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite (3,700 m above sea level). You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Notes: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and on the third night you'll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail
Travel by minivan to the 82 km marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite (located 3,100 m above sea level). On the way you’ll see the Inca sites of Ollantaytambo, Huillca Raccay and Llactapata, and catch incredible views of the snow-capped Veronica Peak. In the evening, unwind at the campsite with a nourishing meal.
Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 km long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill) with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you will reach the campsite at around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite (3,700 m above sea level). You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas.
Notes: The Inca Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 km long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping, and on the third night you'll stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and inflatable camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Inca Trail or Inca Quarry Trail
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail
This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca (4,200 m) offers amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley, located at 3,650 metres.
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. Your walk (approximately 3 hours) takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4,370 m). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, hike to Kuychicassa (approximately 2 hours), the highest pass of the trek (4,450 m). From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite which is only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo.
This is the most challenging day of the trek as you ascend a long steep path (approximately 5 hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca (4,200 m) offers amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley, located at 3,650 metres.
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. Your walk (approximately 3 hours) takes you to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (4,370 m). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, hike to Kuychicassa (approximately 2 hours), the highest pass of the trek (4,450 m). From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite which is only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 9: Inca Trail or Inca Quarry Trail
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 m). Enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca (approximately 2–3 hours). Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 m), also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the descent on the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site (approximately 2 hours).
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Today’s hike is all downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, your trek comes to an end. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a recommended way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 m). Enjoy beautiful views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending to the ruins of Sayacmarca (approximately 2–3 hours). Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 m), also known as the 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the descent on the Inca steps to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site (approximately 2 hours).
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Today’s hike is all downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, your trek comes to an end. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a recommended way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 10: Inca Trail or Inca QuarryTrail and Machu Picchu
Today you will explore the incredible Machu Picchu ruins with a local guide. Your tour lasts for around 1.5–2 hours, and there will be plenty of free time afterwards to explore on your own. When it's all over, return to Cuzco for a well-earned shower and perhaps a Pisco sour.
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am. Walk to Intipunku, aka the Sun Gate (approximately 2.5 hours). Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, as the sun rises (and before it’s crawling with visitors).
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5.30 am along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If the skies are clear, take in a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins.
Visiting Machu Picchu:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Notes: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Route 1: Classic Inca Trail
This is the final and most spectacular leg of the trek to Machu Picchu. The day starts before dawn, with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and begin hiking by 5.30 am. Walk to Intipunku, aka the Sun Gate (approximately 2.5 hours). Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over Machu Picchu, the ‘Lost City of the Incas’, as the sun rises (and before it’s crawling with visitors).
Route 2: Inca Quarry Trail
Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5.30 am along the winding road to Machu Picchu (approximately 30 minutes). At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If the skies are clear, take in a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins.
Visiting Machu Picchu:
According to Machu Picchu visiting regulations, all visitors must follow a pre-determined route within the site. This route must be followed in one direction only and once the guided visit commences exiting and re-entering the site is not permitted. Once the guided visit concludes, visitors must exit the site and personal exploration of Machu Picchu is not permitted.
Notes: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Meals: B
Day 11: Cuzco
Farewell your new friends as your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Check-out time is 9 am. Luggage storage can be arranged at the hotel if you're departing later.
If you've got some free time in Cusco why not check out Café Daria? This café & pizzeria is Cusco’s first vocational training site for young adults with special needs. Students are trained across all aspects of hospitality and the food is prepared by the students on site. It's a great way to interact with locals, while also giving those who would normally be isolated from society the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.
If you've got some free time in Cusco why not check out Café Daria? This café & pizzeria is Cusco’s first vocational training site for young adults with special needs. Students are trained across all aspects of hospitality and the food is prepared by the students on site. It's a great way to interact with locals, while also giving those who would normally be isolated from society the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
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Transport
Bicycle, Plane, Train, Public bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights), Camping with basic facilities (3 nights)