PERU MOUNTAIN BIKE EXPEDITION TOUR | HUASCARAN CUSCO MACHU PICCHU

Journey: 7 minute read
To a spectacular region of Peru called the Huascaran (pronounced Wa ska rarn) and explore with us the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains). Starting in Huaraz at 3000m this Expedition Mountain bike/Gravel Bike and Hiking tour traverses the valleys between the towering giants of this incredible part of the world. We ride the World renowned bike packing tour around the Huascaran circuit in a unique way, starting with exploring roads and trails in the Cordillera Negra (Black Mountains) before crossing over into the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains) to the Majestic Punta Olympica (4736m) and the Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4769m) passes. Along the way we stay in small mountain valley villages and hike to some stunning World famous Mountain Lakes. No trip to Peru is complete without visiting the Cusco region and Machu Picchu. And after the Huascaran we take you there to discover the historical centre of the Incan Empire and the Sacred Valley of the Incas while riding through some of the most beautiful, stunning roads and trails in the Peruvian Andes including the Legendary Abra Lares and the Majestic Abra Malaga. This is a life changing trip, starting in the region around Worlds Highest Tropical Mountain Peak (Mount Huascaran 6786m), then visiting the World Heritage City of Cusco (3399m) and the Sacred Valley of the Incas before leading you to an unbelievable finish at one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu.

Huascaran Mountain Way – MTB / Gravel Bike Expedition plus Cusco/Sacred Valley Ride and Machu Picchu Tour: This tour includes Biking and Hiking
– Days: 19 Days/18 Nights
– Starts/Ends: Lima/Cusco
– Fitness Level: Intermediate (you currently ride or can ride 200k a week with ease)
– Group Size: 4 to 6* rider minimum, 12 rider maximum.
– Rider Price: $3990 (USD/EUR/NZD/AUD/CAD) $210 Per Day – $3069 (GBP) $162 GBP Per Day (everything included)

Group Discount:
10 % Discount for Group Registrations 3+ Riders. On the Booking form tell us your Group names.

Different Currency Prices explained: Resident Currency Pricing (RCP) Pay for this tour in the country currency and economy you live and work within. We think its fair that way. We have 6 currencies (USD/EUR/NZD/AUD/CAD/GBP). If you live in North America (USA or Canada) Great Britain, Europe or the South Pacific (New Zealand or Australia) you will pay in the currency where you live. All other residents of other countries will pay the USD price. *The Tour minimum is 4 riders if bookings paid in (USD/EUR/GBP) currency and 6 riders minimum if bookings paid in (NZD/AUD/CAD) currency. If we get a mix of both that’s ok the tour will be confirmed.

2021 Dates:
September 18th – October 6th
Close off Date July 26th: Sign up for this tour with a $500 NZD deposit

Private Tour Dates options:
Get a group of 4 or more riders together and we will organize a private tour for you. To start the conversation contact us

Note about fitness levels:

All riders receive a (minimum 8 week) training program for the tours. If you are currently a beginner level rider (100k per week), but want to do this Intermediate fitness level tour. As long as you make a commitment to train to prepare and get to the (200k per week) level we are happy to have you join us on this tour.

What is a Beyond Andes MTB/ Gravel Bike Expedition tour?

Because of the cycling expedition nature of this tour, you don’t have to be a hardcore MTB rider to do this trip (road riders are invited). You just have to ride a Mountain bike/ Gravel Bike. The course is 70% dirt roads, 28% paved and 2% single track. This is an Off Road MTB expedition trip at the very Top of the World in Peru.

Tour Highlights:

Sight seeing Huaraz, the Markets, Plaza and Museums.
Riding remote High Mountain roads and passes in the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains)
Riding the Canon de Pato.
Visiting small Mountain villages (Chacas and Yanama)
Hiking the stunning Laguna Paron and Laguna 69 Trek in the Cordillera Blanca
Riding across the Worlds highest tunnel Punta Olympica (4736m)
Riding the Pupush (4050m) and Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4769m) passes (Huascaran region)
Sight seeing the World Heritage City of Cusco the historic center of the Inca Empire (including 2 walking tours).
Guided Tours of Cusco City ancient sites (including Qorikancha, Qinqo, Saqsayhuaman and the San Pedro Market)
Guided Tours of the Sacred Valley ancient sites (including Ollantaytambo ruins)
Guided Tours of Moray ancient site and Mara’s Salt mines.
Riding the Legendary Abra Lares and the Majestic Abra Malaga (Cusco region)
11 Riding days for 512k (46k average)
4 days Hiking (3 in the Cordillera Blanca 1 to Machu Picchu)
Soaking in some incredible mountain hot springs.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu, the incredible ancient Inca Citadel.
Making a difference. A percentage of all Tour proceeds goes back to the local communities we visit. We invite you to change other peoples lives while experiencing a trip of a lifetime.

Note:
All Guided Tours are private personalized tours for just our group.

Tour Description and Itinerary:
This is a high altitude cycling trip and its important to spend some days to adapt and acclimate. So we have 4 days in and around Huaraz (3000m) and Caraz (2200m) to do this. The first few days include some hiking then we begin to move a bit more and also have 2 short riding days so you ease into more activity. This tour has been carefully planned in such away for you to gradually adapt and acclimatize to the thin air to ride this epic tour with rest days in between so you get stronger as you progress.

Bikes and Tyres:
We recommend you bring your own MTB / Gravel bike
Gravel Bikes or Hard Tail or Full suspension MTB bikes, the key is bigger than normal Tyres will make the riding here way more fun and easier.

>Expand Full Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive to Lima Peru

Riders fly in and we meet you at the airport in Lima. Regardless of what time you arrive in Lima we have a Hotel for the day for you to relax and recover from your flight. Then later that night we take a VIP bus (Sleeping reclining Bed Seats) overnight to Huaraz arriving at 7am the next day.

Day 2: Acclimation day Huaraz

Check into the Hotel. Welcome meeting and tour introduction with our guides, build our bikes and relax. Later we have a Tour briefing and take Guided walk to visit the Markets, Museums and Plaza. Tonight we stay in Huaraz.

Day 3: Acclimation day - 25k (2hrs approx) - 11k Ascent/14k Descent - Hiking (2hrs approx)

Today we transfer south of Huaraz and do the easy Hike to Wicacocha Lake. After lunch we do our first ride just a little out of the city, a ride on the Cordillera Negra (Black Mountains) a paved climb to begin with and some fun single track on the descent back into town. Amazing views of the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains) from here. Tonight we stay in Huaraz.

Day 4: Acclimation day - 32k (4hrs approx) - 15k Ascent/17k Descent

This morning we ride the Cojup Loop from Huaraz into the foothills of the Cordillera Blanca, a paved road climb to begin then dirt road. On the way we stop for lunch at the Yurac Yacu community (Lazy Dog) and then descend further to visit the Willcauain Ancient Ruins site believed to be constructed from 600 to 900 AD. We then take the short quick descent back to Huaraz. Later in the afternoon transfer to the valley town of Caraz 2200m.

Day 5: Acclimation day - 63k (5hrs approx) - 20k Ascent/35k Descent

Our first real day on tour circuit. We ride and climb into the Mountain range foothills (Cordillera Blanca side) and pass through small high country villages including Cashapampa and Huacarhuaz. Then a fun downhill to the Rio Santa river valley (Callejón de Huaylas) and on to a paved downhill road through the stunning Canon de Pato valley and tunnels. Tonight we stay in the tiny gorge village of Huallanca at a low altitude of 1400m.

Day 6: - 35k (4hrs approx) - 14k Ascent/20k Descent

Today we start with a 5k ride up some amazing switchbacks out of the river canyon. Amazing early morning views of the desert mountains views from here. Then we transfer to the near the top, remount and ride to a beautiful remote Cordillera Negra valley town, stopping for lunch in the Plaza. Then descend for 20k to the valley (Callejón de Huaylas) below. Tonight we stay in Caraz 2200m.

Day 7: - Hiking Day (3hrs approx) - Laguna Paron

A no riding day as we transfer to visit the incredible high mountain Lake Paron. The largest lake in the Cordillera Blanca Mountain range. Not quite a rest day as we rock hop/trek to a mirador above the lake enjoy lunch and hike to the east end of the lake. This breathtaking area is surrounded by 8 massive mountains. Tonight we stay in Caraz 2200m.

Day 8: - 24k (4hrs approx) - 11k Ascent/12k Descent

First thing we transfer to high above Caraz and then begin to ride through tiny remote high country settlement’s. This way has incredible vistas and friendly locals. We finally descend to again to valley below. Tonight we stay in Yungay (Mancos).

Day 9: - 63k (6hrs approx) - 33k Ascent/28k Descent

Under the watchful gaze of Peru’s Highest (Double Mountain) the Majestic Huascaran Peaks (6786m South, 6654m North) we begin a day that will stay with you for a lifetime (we guarantee it). To start we transfer, then ride 30 minutes just for the experience. Then transfer again to a remote village. Re mount and ride a series of double track/single track along a river course finally reaching a paved road. From here we enter what I call the Valley of the Giants which takes us via an incredible switchback paved climb to Punta Olympica (4736m) and the highest tunnel in the world. From here you are within 500m of a massive glacier. There are really no words to describe this. From here we drop to descend for over an hour on a super fun (paved) snake of a road to stay in the picturesque traditional Peruvian Valley village of Chacas.

Day 10: - No Ride - Rest Day - Chacas

Today is a well deserved rest day in Chacas (3359m). Located in the eastern slope of the Cordillera Blanca Mountain. A small authentic Peruvian valley village characterized for narrow streets, and houses adorned with carved balconies and gates. We visit the Don Bosco Wood carving artisan’s, the Santuario de Mama Ashu Church and various cooperatives around the village.

Day 11: - 50k (6hrs approx) - 28k Ascent/22k Descent

We continue today with the unbelievable views starting with a paved downhill to start, we soon discover the dirt and climb back into the high mountains, through small villages and farms we reach the stunning Werancocha valley and the Pupash Pass (4050m). Then descend for an hour into a valley of pine trees, farms and jagged peaks on the horizon as we come to a gentle stop in a small village where Quechua is the spoken language. Tonight we stay in Yanama.

Day 12: - 48k (6hrs approx) - 30k Ascent/15k Descent

Our last riding day in this area is another mind blowing (never to be forgotten) tour of the majestic Huascaran National Park. We climb right away on road that gets rockier as we ascend past aqua blue Mountain lakes to the Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4676m) pass. We stay in this area for 20 minutes just to take it all in. Surrounded by Giants on both sides of this mirror, Then descend to the Llanganuco lakes valley below. Camping among the giants tonight.

Day 13: - Hiking Day (6hrs) - Laguna 69

We awake into the expanse of the Llanganuco lagunas valley. Then after breaking camp and a hearty breakfast we venture into a valley of more stunning mountains hiking to the famous Laguna 69 (4700m). This trek is popular so we start early to beat any other groups. This is a challenging trek of 6hrs return. There are really no words to describe this, perhaps awe is one. We return for a late lunch, then transfer down out of the mountains and take a well deserved soak and healing in the Hot_springs Chancos Hot Springs and sauna caves. Tonight we celebrate with a Dinner Party. Then later we take a VIP bus (Sleeping cama seats) overnight to Lima arriving at 7am the next morning.

Day 14: Fly to Cusco

This morning we fly from Lima to Cusco (1.15hr). Check into the Hotel and rest. Later we take in Walking tours of Cusco and sample the Cities International Cuisine.

Day 15: - 30k (2hrs approx) Sight seeing with walking and Guided Tours

This morning we take a short ride around the city foothills. Then we continue the sight seeing around Cusco with walking and Guided Tours of Cusco City ancient sites (including Qorikancha, Qinqo, Saqsayhuaman and the San Pedro Market). Late in the afternoon we transfer to Calca in the Sacred Valley.Tonight we stay in Calca.

Day 16: - 65k - 2 Rides (4hrs approx) - 34k Descent/ 12k Descent - Guided Tours 2hrs

We awake early and start with a transfer up a valley off the Sacred valley into the mountains to the Legendary Abra Lares 4461m. This stunning views of this area are amazing. We start at the top and ride down. From here we transfer to visit the Museo Inkariy and then continue onto the Sacred valley town of Urubamba, we visit the Urubamba Market and have an authentic Peruvian Lunch. Later we have a Guided Tour of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. We ride down from Moray to the Salt Mines and then descend again to the Sacred valley and onto Ollantaytambo. Tonight we stay in the amazing last authentic Inca Village in the world, Ollantaytambo at 2840m.

Day 17: - 77k (2hrs approx) - 77k Descent (Road) - Guided Tour 1hr

This morning we have a Guided Tour of the ancient Inca ruins here in Ollantaytambo. Then transfer to the top of the Abra Malaga 4316m. The views will be etched in your memory forever, as will the 77k road descent (Yes that’s not a typo) into the jungle region of Santa Maria 1051m.Tonight we stay in Santa Teresa and soak in the stunning Hot springs.

Day 18: - 11k hike to Aquas Calientes and Machu Picchu - Guided Tour (4hr approx)

We awake early to transfer to the Hydroelectric where we then walk the beautiful picturesque flat 11ks (2hrs approx) along the river and railway line to the Machupicchu village of Aquas Calientes. After lunch we visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. This afternoon we spend visiting the breathe taking Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. We are guided for 2.5hrs then are free to explore for another 3hrs perhaps walking to the Sungate, or climbing Machu picchu mountain. We then say goodbye to this incredible place and take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco. Tonight we celebrate with a Farewell Dinner Party in Cusco.

Day 19: Tour ends

Morning in Cusco. Pack bikes and transfer to airport or other transport.

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Onward journeys: Staying in Cusco, Peru or South America?
We are happy to help and can advise you on all possible activities and destinations you want to visit.

Price Includes:

All Transportation and Airport transfers
Professional Local Peruvian guides (Bilingual Spanish/English)
10 riders to 1 Support vehicle ratio
Meals (All Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 14 Dinners) Lunch is a light picnic style on the rides (sometimes we stop at restaurants also)
Advanced Oxygen Enhancing Nutritional Supplements and Drinks ($100 USD value)
Domestic Flight from Lima to Cusco
Lima to Huaraz transportation (return)
Healthy snacks and hydration during the rides
Cycling training program and advice by ex Professional rider and Cycling Coach ($600 USD value)
Body/Bike fit check and Climbing/Descending instruction on Tour ($200 USD value)
Technical support available: Unpacking/packing bike plus bike assembly/disassembly
Daily after ride Yoga/Stretching classes
Beyond Andes Cycling Jersey
17 nights accommodations at Hotels, Eco lodges and Luxury B+B’s. Accommodations are Twin shared – (Single Room Supplement add $460 USD)
1 night camping in the Majestic Llanganuco Lakes valley (includes all camping equipment)
Farewell Dinner Party
Other activities included:
Huaraz City Tour of markets and museums with Peruvian city guides
Guided Tours of Cusco City ancient sites (including Qorikancha, Qinqo, Saqsayhuaman and the San Pedro Market)
Guided Tours of the Sacred Valley ancient sites (Ollantaytambo ruins)
Guided Tours of Moray ancient site and Mara’s Salt mines.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu, the incredible ancient Inca Citadel.
Entrance fees to incredible Mountain Hot Springs
Museo Inkariy entrance tickets ($15USD)
Cusco and Sacred Valley Ancient Ruins Tickets ($60USD)
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets and Train Tickets ($60USD + $80USD)

Not included:

- Flights (International)
- Insurance – Travel, Personal and Equipment
- Hotel charges such as mini bar and phone
- Tips in restaurants and hotels
- Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
- Any other items not listed as included

Booking and other important Info:

The close off date to book this Tour is July 26th.
Bookings are open. To book this Tour please click through to fill out the Booking Form and submit.
Once you have submitted the form you will be redirected to pay your $500 NZD tour deposit (+ $30.25 active processing fee) by Credit Card with our secure payment system using Active Network Endurance.
Your reservation of a place in your chosen Tour will be confirmed by email along with other detailed information once we have received your deposit.
The Deposit is Fully Refundable (less any Transaction fees) if the Tour minimum bookings are not reached by the Close Off Date or the Tour is canceled or postponed due to issues related to Covid 19 and travel restrictions. We will refund your deposit within 3 weeks following the close off date.
We have a minimum of 4 to 6 riders to Guarantee this tour. Please Do Not Book your Plane Tickets until you have received notification from us that we have Guaranteed this tour.
If you cancel your booking the Tour deposit is not refundable. It is however transferable and maybe applied to other later date tours (with the payment of a $300 NZD re – booking fee).
This tour is for Intermediate and advanced fitness riders only, NOT for recreational cyclists. You have a mountain bike and you ride it regularly. All riders are requested and expected to follow the training program to prepare for this tour. We want you to come on this tour prepared so you will enjoy it more.
Insurance. You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. We recommend that you take out a policy once you have received confirmation that the tour is Guaranteed, which covers trip cancellation, your bike, baggage and equipment.
Flight Information. We will email you flight information and recommended bike and equipment set up details.
Full tour payment is due 1 Month before the tour.

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Photo credits: Antonio ‘alitas’ Juan.