We explored this route more than 15 years ago. On that occasion, we went with César Ortega and Iñigo Maneiro to scout trails that could be offered to a well‑known hotel. For that, we contacted Pedro Samayani, a cyclist and tourism operator in Chivay, along with another local rider—winner of several local competitions. With them as our guarantee, we set off on the adventure.

We started from Sibayo itself and crossed the bridge toward Espinar, heading to the other side of the Colca River. From there, we entered the trail—at first barely defined and half‑hidden along the riverbank, but gradually opening up and gaining distance from the water. Its ancestral pre‑Inca construction becomes clear, even including a section with cliffs and stone steps.

The route runs between 3,800+ and 3,500+ meters of altitude, so although the photos may look like a descent, there are several climbs that feel demanding at that height. As always, the advice is to bring all tools and food. The ride takes several hours, not because of the distance but because of how demanding it is. In the end, however, the trail finishes just meters from the hot springs of La Calera in Chivay—making the end of the day a reward of a good hot bath and some cold beers.

Photography: Jaime Quiroz, César Ortega, Iñigo Maneiro.