Andean Wonders
From Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Four 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 November.
4 stages / 4 biking days
Level/skills: All.
Andean Wonders
From Cusco to Lake Titicaca
Four 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.
4 stages / 4 biking days
Level/skills: All.
4 GREAT STAGES:
Stage 1: MARAS / SACRED VALLEY
The adventure begins early, departing Cusco towards Lake Piuray, from where we start the route to Lake Huaypo and continue on to the village of Maras. After a short stop, we descend to the Salt Mines and finish in the Urubamba Valley, where transportation will take us to the cozy lodging in Andahuaylillas.
35K downhill ride from 3800 to 2800m by gravel road and some singletracks.
Stage 2: PALCCOYO / SAN PABLO
We start the day being shuttled towards Palccoyo Mountain, nearly 4,800 m above sea level. After hiking to this colorful mountain (an aternative to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain), we descend along dirt tracks back to the Vilcanota River. Following, we continue by vehicle to Yanaoca, in the valley of the Four Lakes, for a second biking track that ends with a downhill ride to the village of Raqchi. Overnight stay at the Raqchi Community Rural Homestays.
2 rides: 30K downhill ride from 4800 to 3500m / 25K downhill ride from 4300m to 3500m by gravel roads.
Option: FOUR LAKES / SAN PEDRO We will start the day being shuttled to Mosoqllacta riding around a couple of lakes of this zone. After a first flat section we have the option of climb a bit to ride down to the Vilcanota valley, to San Pedro town and Raqchi
20K flat at 3800m / 5 K climb to 4200 or shuttled / 15K downhill ride from 4200m to 3500m by gravel roads
Stage 3: TINAJANI AND SILLUSTANI
Another early departure for the longest day. We head to Ayaviri, arriving around 9:30 a.m., with a stop at La Raya along the way. From Ayaviri, we cycle to the impressive Tinajani Canyon, a natural stone forest wonder sculpted by time. Then we will be shuttled crossing Lampa city for a second ride close to Lake Umayo to Sillustani around 3 p.m. to explore the lands of the ancient pre Inca burial towers. Transfer to Puno. Hotel in Puno.
2 rides: 15K flat and smooth climb at 4000m and 30K flat ride at 3800m average altitudes by gravel and paved roads.
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.
