Andean Wonders Biking Trip
From Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Unforgettable stages across the heart of the Peruvian Andes. Starting in the historic city of Cusco, we’ll ride through breathtaking highland scenery and vibrant local culture, passing iconic sites such as Maras, Pisac, Raqchi, La Raya, and Ayaviri, before reaching the shimmering shores of Lake Titicaca at Puno and Chucuito. Join us on this fantastic biking expedition and discover the Andes like never before!
Season: From April to October.
5 stages
Level/skills: Intermediates +.
Suggested Itinerary:
Stage 1: CUSCO / PISAC / ANDAHUAYLILLAS
The adventure begins early, departing Cusco towards Qorao, from where we start the descemnd to Pisac village, after then, we will ride south to San Salvador then to Lake Huacarpay and finish at the lodge of Andahuaylillas.
17K downhill paved ride from 3800 to 2950m plus 42K soft climb from 2950 to 3200m by gravel and paved road.
Stage 2: THE FOUR LAKES / RAQCHI
We will start the day being shuttled to Pomacanchi, riding the valley known as the Four Lakes, we will pass by Pomacanchi, Asnacocha, Acopia and ending the section in Yanaoca. After then, we can be shuttled to Raqchi or we may continue climbing to cross the mountains to ride down to Tinta village, to finish the day with a flat ride to Raqchi Community
46K climb FROM 3,600m to 4050m or shuttled / 13K downhill ride from 4,050m to 3500m by gravel and paved roads
Stage 3: SICUANI / LANGUI / SANTA ROSA / AYAVIRI
We begin by the shores of Lake Langui, the largest lake in Cusco, surrounded by sweeping Andean landscapes. This is a day more challenging than the past one. Starting at 3,950 m, the route climbs steadily toward the high pass at 4,500 m. From the top, the ride transforms into a smooth descent to the main highway to Aguas Calientes, at 10 K to Abra La Raya. From there begins the Puno high plateau. Shuttle to the hostel.
20K flat at 4,000m average / 15K climb to 4500 or shuttled / 10K downhill to 4,050m by gravel and paved roads
Stage 4: TINAJANI / LAMPA / PUNO We set out early for a long and rewarding day. The first highlight is the Tinajani Canyon, an impressive natural wonder often called a stone forest, sculpted by wind and time into dramatic formations. From there, the road climbs steadily toward the high Andes, taking us over two demanding passes at 4,600 m en route to Vila Vila. The altitude and terrain make this section a true test of endurance, but the views are unforgettable.
After conquering the passes, the ride eases into a descent toward Lampa City, where colonial architecture and quiet streets mark the end of the cycling portion. From Lampa, we’ll shuttle to Puno City after a day of high-altitude adventure.
* Shuttle is considered if the climb is too tough or if the day gets too long or the weather does not permit to continue riding.
25K climbing from 3,950m to 4,600m in total, 20K descend to the road to 4,000m
The grand finale: cycling along Lake Titicaca, the sacred lake of the Andes. We drive to Acora to begin the ride approaching to the vast lake around the Chucuito Peninsule, its beaches, and farmlands. After a stop in the Luquina Community, we may continue to Platería, where transportation takes us back to Puno. Hotel in Puno.
50K flat and hilly ride at 3900m average altitude by gravel roads.
NOTE: Trip is open to make some changes on distances and challenge and/or subject to changes on itinerary.
May to October Dry Season
These are the perfect months to ride in the Andes: sunny during the day, cold at night with very few options of rain or snow. This is one of the best rides ever in the Peruvian Andes. From July to August it may snow at highpasses blocking some roads, specially in lands above the 4000m of altitude.
ACCLIMATIZING: FULLY RECOMMENDED TO HAVE A MINIMUM OF A COUPLE OF DAYS IN CUSCO BEFORE STARTING THE BIKE TRIP.
WHAT´S INCLUDED:
Private transportation, lodging, guiding, mechanical basic aid, some snack food during the rides, hydration, vegan or any special diet is not supplied but we can arrange some stuff if the destination can support it.
WHAT´S INCLUDED:
Private transportation, lodging, guiding, mechanical basic aid, some snack food during the rides, hydration, vegan or any special diet is not supplied but we can arrange some stuff if the destination can support it.
NOT INCLUDED:
Medical, accident insurances, flights, shuttle transfers to starting or from the ending point, hotels before and after the trip, meals not specified on the trip plan.
BIKES: We suggest to bring yours, in that case we suggest a hardtail or a full suspension with XC tires. Bikes are not included by default but if you need to rent some ask for the kind of bike we may supply and its cost.
CLOTHES: Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, backpack 2lt capacity, fresh clothes. We will cross different altitudes and ride on different day hours. At noon usually the Andes is warm and sunny, but we may have wind or an unexpected rain (or snow), so get ready for any kind of weather, including cold nights near Zero degrees Celsius. Don´t forget sunscreen.
Trip Facts:
TERRAIN: Gravel roads and paths, paved road sections and easy singletracks.
ALTITUDES: Lower lands in Cusco at 2800m, higher pass near 4500m. Average altitude of rides: 3800m.
DIFFICULTY: Recommended at least two days of acclimatizing to have a good physical response. Basic to Intermediate skills
DISTANCES: An average of 50K per ride, it may vary depending the topography of the stage and physical condition of participant.
About the Trip:
The most part of this trip is considered to be ridden on gravel roads and some paths that are still in use by local shepherds. We have chosen these tracks because of the beauty of the places, far from the main road traffic and because we will be able to enjoy the peaceful life of the Andean countryside.
At the end of each day, we spend the night in different kinds of homestays: family lodges, basic bed & breakfasts and Andean community houses.
And every stage includes shuttle rides with the goal to enjoy the best riding section in every stage and avoid urban places or highways. Transportation may partially support riders in some destinations.
Book your trip
OUR BASIC CONDITIONS:
Any broken or damaged part of the bike or equipment, intentionally or not, caused by riders or terrain issues must get paid back at commercial prices (ex: frame, levers, gears, derailleur, tyres, wheels, helmet, gloves, etc).
Any injury caused by any reason during the ride is the full responsibility of the rider and any medical or transportation cost must be covered by the rider. This is an adventure sport activity subject by its nature to any kind of non-expected events.
