Combine mountain biking and trekking amongst the most spectacular peaks of the Urubamba Mountains or southern Peru.

The Urubambas rise dramtically above the Sacred Valley of the Incas on the outskirts of the ancient Inca capital of Cusco.

Outline Itinerary - day 1

The first day starts as the support vehicle, with the bikes stored on the roof, takes us from Cusco to the lake at Huaypo at an altitude of 3600m. Within three hours of biking we reach the Inca terraces of Moray which date back 500 years. These enigmatic circular terraces created a protected climate for the cultivation of Andean grains and tubers.

Enjoying breathtaking views of the peaks of Pumahuanca (5330m), Chicon (5530m) and Veronica (5850m), we start a gentle descent to the village of Maras. The Maras inhabitants work the surrounding fields and are the community owners of the nearby salt mines. Our descent gets steeper as we near the mines and see this impressive series of salt pans for the first time.

First worked by the Incas in the 15th century, the water from a salty mineral spring is allowed to cascade into a series of terraces. From here, the water is evaporated and the remaining salt is harvested by locals. All work is done by hand by the inhabitants of Maras, and the complex of crystal white terraces are an impressive sight.

Thermal springs

After stopping to explore, we continue to descend past the salt terraces to reach the valley floor at 2900m, following the Urubamba River to reach the main Sacred Valley road. This is the first tarmac road we have seen all day, as all the cycling is done on minor dirt roads and gravel footpaths. We board the support vehicle for the 90 minute journey along the Sacred Valley and ascent into the Urubamba Mountains above the town of Calca.

At the Calca pass, we get on our bikes again at an altitude of 4100m, for a descent of 900m to the village of Lares, located at 3200m. The high mountain scenery is dramatic, as we descend on a dirt road through hillsides of herds of llamas and alpacas. Within 2 hours we reach the thermal springs at Lares. Here we camp and soak in the hot waters after a great day in the saddle.

Day 2

Next day, having traversed the Urubamba mountains sticking to the main road on our bikes, we now trek cross country mountain trails passing close to the most spectacular peaks to get back to the Sacred Valley. We see the life of the highland indians, as they cultivate potatoes, wheat and onions, using only oxen or handtools to work the land. We ascend slowly during today's walking to reach our camp at an altitude of 4100m, right amongst the glaciated peaks and blue lakes of the Andes.

Day 3

On the third day we continue our trek to the pass at 4700m, where we enjoy unparalleled views of the Lares Valley behind us and the Sacred Valley ahead. The rest of the day is an easy descent through beautiful rural hamlets and fields to the riverbanks of the Sacred Valley. Here we meet our vehicle for the drive back to Cusco.

You could extend your trip by trekking the Inca Trail or visiting the Amazon.

Check out our Peru group trips, or our many tailor made Peru options. You can always contact the office for more information on tailor made and group options.

Included

All meals while on the biking expedition, all breakfasts elsewhere, support vehicle, mechanic, cook, camping equipment (tents, cutlery etc), bikes and helmet, English speaking guide.

Not included

International flights (we can look for these for you), insurance, other meals, snacks and drinks, personal items and expenses, airport taxes, extra entrance fees, tips, laundry etc.