Peru Tours

This Peru mountain bike adventure combines sporting challenges, nature experiences and cultural highlights in a unique way. Explore the Colca Canyon by bike, drive from Lake Titicaca to Machu Picchu, pass through different vegetation zones, experience the Peruvian way of life, and repeatedly come across evidence of a great Inca culture. Well looked after by a local professional bike guide and a local support team, you can master each endeavor with ease and mechanical assistance.

Distance

After a brief stay in Lima, he begins his journey in the «white» city of Arequipa and reaches the Colca Canyon via Chivay. A bus will take you from there to Lake Titicaca where you will continue your tour through Sillustani, the pink city of Lampa, Ayaviri and Sicuani. From Sicuani, drive to Pisac via Andahuaylillas in the Urubamba Valley, following the fertile region to the beautiful Inca-designed settlement of Ollantaytambo. A grand final stage leads from the Abra Malaga Pass to Santa Teresa at the foot of Machu Picchu.

Cultural highlights

In your waypoints you will get to know the great cultural landmarks of Peru: colonial Arequipa, the life of the Uru Indians on their floating islands in Lake Titicaca and the funeral towers of Sillustani. The Inca-era sanctuaries in Pisac and Cusco are impressive. From Aguas Caliente you will visit the «lost city» of Machu Picchu and walk in the footsteps of the Incas. Officially rediscovered in 1911, it is now one of the symbols of Peru and one of the new seven wonders of the modern world.

Colca Canyon and Lake Titicaca Nature Experience

Unique experiences in nature complete the variety of your trip: The Colca Canyon, the second deepest gorge on earth, is as impressive as the immensity of the resplendent turquoise Lake Titicaca. The interplay between arid nature and fertile landscape, snow-capped Andean peaks and subtropical regions not only offers variety for the eyes.

Day 1: Arrival in Arequipa

You left Germany the night before and flew to Arequipa via Lima. If you have booked the flight and the transfer through findersperu, an employee of our local partner will be waiting for you at the Arequipa Airport for the transfer to the hotel. If you arrive on your own, taxis are available for the short journey. At 13:00 meeting point in the lobby with your tour guide for the next 2 weeks. Then we went out on foot to explore. Arequipa, the magnificent colonial city built with white tuff, is framed by mighty volcanic cones. Among them the Nevado Chachani of 6076 m high, covered for the most part by a layer of snow. Together they will visit the Cathedral of Arequipa, which is unique for its façade, and the monastic city of Santa Catalina. The Church of the Company combines mestizo and baroque architectural styles. At dinner together there is time to get to know each other better. [-/-/TO]

Day 2: Bike Check Tour around Arequipa

After breakfast, the first departure of our mountain bike tour through Peru takes us from Arequipa to the Yura Valley on the west slope of Chachani, 6075 meters above sea level, the town of the same name – known for its hot springs – is the destination. of the tour, used mainly for acclimatization. The length of the route is therefore flexibly adapted to the group before cycling back to Arequipa. Dinner and hotel accommodation. [–/–/D]

Day 3: Arequipa – Chivay

After a hearty breakfast, our mountain bike adventure in Peru begins. We are well looked after, a local guide offers additional support and a support vehicle looks after the group throughout the tour. From Arequipa you go continuously, partly by paved secondary roads on the flat pampas, to the Patapampa Pass at 4900 meters above sea level, to get used to the altitude, part of the route is done by bus. A wonderful descent takes us to Chivay at 3660m, the charming town at the foot of the Patapampa Pass is a popular destination for many tourists and the starting point for visiting the Colca Canyon. The city’s hot springs provide a break for tired legs. Hotel night in Chivay. [B/L/D]
about 60 km, 650 hm↑ 1300 hm↓

Day 4: Colca Canyon

From the town of Chivay, the vehicles take you through the towns of Yanque and Maca to the Colca Canyon, which at 1,200 meters deep is the second deepest canyon in the world after the Tara Canyon in Montenegro. Once at the top, the “Cruz del Cóndor” viewpoint rewards you with unique views. You may be lucky and see one of the majestic birds. Now is the return to Chivay by bicycle on a wonderful route at the top of the canyon. Hotel night in Chivay [B/L/D]
approximately 50 km, 950 m elevation gain↑ 750 m elevation gain↓

Day 5: Panoramic trip to Lake Titicaca

After the first three days of driving, you can expect a scenic bus ride that will take you from Chivay to Puno via Cruz Alto (6hrs / 280km). You move into the rooms of your hotel, which is located in the center of Puno. In the afternoon, visit the floating islands of the Uru Indians by motorboat. [D/–/C]

Day 6: Puno – Lampa

After a short bus ride, you will marvel at the Chullpas de Sillustani, funerary towers of the Collca and Inca, on the highest navigable body of water on earth. Well rested, we get back on our bikes and cycle along a relatively flat route to Lampa. The sleepy town is popularly known as the «Pink City» because it was built of bright pink tuff. The overnight stay takes place in an old hacienda on site. [B/L/D]
about 65 km 150 hm↑ 100 hm↓

Day 7: Lampa – Ayaviri

The stage of the king takes us along a lonely stretch towards the virgin interior. Along a dirt road, we pass small settlements to our destination today, the two double passes up to 4600m. We will then be rewarded with a wonderful descent past the famous Puya Raimondis, which can be up to ten meters high and grow into the imposing landscape of the Tinajan Canyon. Now Ayaviri, today’s destination, is not far away. Accommodation in a simple hotel. [B/L/D]
approximately 90 km, 1100 m of elevation gain↑↓

Day 8: Ayaviri – Sicuani

Today starts with a transfer away from the main line. We start at an altitude of about 4300 meters. In a pleasant climb we reach today’s pass at 4550 meters. Now begins a fantastic descent, passing herds of llamas and alpacas and colorful cornfields to Laguna Langullayoc. Along the shore of the lake it goes up to the main street. From here we let you roll comfortably to our small hotel in Sicuani. [B/L/D]
about 80km, 850hm↑↓

Day 9: Sicuani – Andahuaylillas

This stage takes you through a beautiful and flat stretch towards the Sacred Valley. The Temple of Raqchi, one of the most important archaeological sites in Peru, is a welcome tourist stop. After a short ascent to the port, the route continues along a paved side road with wonderful views of the many lagoons along the way. A short bus transfer takes us to Andahuaylillas, where we admire the «Sistine Chapel of South America». We spend the night in a cozy hacienda in Andahuaylillas. [B/L/D]
about 65 km, 550 hm↑ 700 hm↓

Day 10: Andahuaylillas – Pisac

A short stage takes us from Andahuaylillas to Pisac, an ancient mountain fortress of the Incas in Peru. We visit the historic walls of the impressive settlement on foot and by bike. After a visit to the market we continue towards the Sacred Valley to Urubamba. Spend the night in a hotel. [B/L/D]
about 40km, 200hm↑ 300hm↓

Day 11: Pisac – Ollantaytambo

A small transfer takes us today to Chinchero. A wonderful place known for its textile crafts. After sightseeing, a scenic route takes us past the huge Inca greenhouses in Moray and back into the fertile Urubamba Valley. In the most beautiful light of the afternoon we arrive at Ollantaytambo. The lively city, whose planning dates back to Inca times, will be explored at night. Your hotel is on the outskirts of the city.
about 50 km, 600 hm↑ 1400 hm↓ [B/L/D].

Day 12: Ollantaytambo – Santa Teresa

A transfer takes us to the Abra Malaga Pass at 4315m Enjoy a 70km long descent in subtropical regions to Santa Maria – 3000m descent from the pass to the village – small contra climbs included! The road winds from the snow-capped mountains of the Andes to the tropical jungle. Pineapple, mango, and papaya plantations line the road and thrive alongside coffee, coca, and tea. The vertiginous descent is followed by a demanding ascent: we ascend a good 700 meters in altitude before reaching the top. From here we ride comfortably downhill to Santa Teresa. An impressive day on the bike comes to an end [B/L/D].
about 100km, 700hm↑ 3500hm↓

Day 13: Hot Waters

The bikes are packed and we march with luggage to the “Hydroelectric” train station for one night. From here the trains leave for Aguas Calientes, 2000 m, at the foot of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In the lively town you will find a wide variety of restaurants and souvenir shops. A market near the train station invites you to go shopping. Let yourself be enchanted by the hustle and bustle of the little town, perhaps with a coffee in the square. Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes [B/–/D].

Day 14: Machu Picchu

The walk through Machu Picchu early in the morning is quite an experience: you walk in the footsteps of the Incas through the «Lost City», which was only discovered in 1911 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the the new seven wonders of the world. In the afternoon return by train to Ollantaytambo and by bus to Cusco. We will spend the night in a hotel a short distance from the city [B/–/D].

Day 15: Cuzco

Following in the footsteps of the Incas, you will visit the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, the aquatic sanctuary of Tambomachay and the amphitheater of Kenqo on a hike above Cusco. In the afternoon there is time for the indigenous market. Street vendors, striking faces, a torrent of colors and impressions complete the day perfectly [B/–/D].

Day 16: Return trip and visit to Lima

The return trip begins with the transfer to the Cusco airport, upon arrival in Lima the welcome and will take you to visit the most beautiful places of the Plaza Mayor. You stay in a comfortable hotel in one of the most beautiful parts of Lima. Come back to enjoy the colorful nightlife of the exciting Pacific metropolis [B/–/–].

Day 17: Farewell to Peru

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Lima airport. Arrival in your country of origin the next day. [F/-/-]

Included in the price of the trip

• Domestic flight with LATAM, Peruvian, Avianca or similar from Cusco to Lima, baggage allowance 23 kg
• Transfers according to program
• 16 x overnight stays in hotels and pensions in double rooms
• Tickets and guide for sightseeing according to the program.
• Full board on driving days, Puno, Cusco, Aguas Caliente half board
• Support vehicle during driving days.
• Tour management by a local German-speaking DAV Summit Club bike guide
• Additional English speaking local bike guide during riding days.

Also included with us

• Travel medical insurance, including search, rescue and recovery costs, assistance services and travel liability insurance

Number of participants

• 6 – 10 people as cyclists and 6 extras as companions

Travel documents

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip)

Additional cost

• Tips together approx $150.00
• Transportation of bicycles on the plane about $100.00 each way, to be paid at the airline’s check-in counter

Mountain bike rental: Rental bikes from the

The cost of each bike per day is $30

Bringing your own bike with you on the plane:

If you want to take your own bike with you, you have to pay the cost of about $100 each way at the airline check-in counter.
We will notify you that you will be bringing your bike with you when you book your flight. Since the end of 2018, the payment of the

Changes or deviations from the announced itinerary during the trip are possible at any time due to the nature of our trips. Road conditions, sudden changes in weather, official arbitrariness, difficulties with local transportation, and many other influencing factors mean that the specified itinerary cannot be guaranteed. In this sense, the above announcement only represents the planned itinerary without guaranteeing the exact process in detail.
Please note that at some stages of this trip you will be outside the tourist «fortresses». Accommodation and food are simple and not comparable to those of a metropolis.
Since there is not a bike shop in every city, we recommend that you take the most important spare parts with you.

Requirements

Health and status for routes up to 120 km and 1100 hm uphill. Tours reach up to 4,900 m Maximum sleeping altitude 3,920 m For longer distances, tour duration will be coordinated with the group. The kilometers and meters of altitude indicated refer to the planned route on a mountain bike. Variations in length are possible.