Short description
On this tour we cycle between some of the worlds most iconic travel destinations: from the truly spectacular mountain top city of Machu Picchu and the high-altitude plains of the Altiplano to Cusco, the buzzing capital of the ancient Inca Empire. Pedalling past impressive Inca ruins like Sacsayhuaman, Pisac and Moray, our route hugs the Urubamba River as we cycle amongst 4000m peaks and learn about the countrys rich and fascinating history whilst staying with local families. Ending our tour on the shores of the vast Lake Titicaca, we visit the floating reed islands of Uros and discover the folklore capital of Puno where we can stock up on hand-made souvenirs before flying home.
The itinerary
Day 1
The tour starts at our hotel in Cusco where we will be met by your leader. After some time to unpack and settle into the hotel we will head out for a short orientation tour and experience a locals tour of the city where we will see the real Cusco and areas not commonly visited by tourists. This walking tour is a great bit of gentle exercise to help get used to the high altitude and thinner air.
Day 2
We start today with a short transfer out of Cusco to the first Inca ruins of the tour, Tambomachay, otherwise known as the Incas Bath due to its finely preserved waterfalls which have been carefully diverted through stone channels. After visiting these ruins, we set up the bikes and start our acclimatisation ride back down towards Cusco. Wehead to the delightful small ruin of Puca Pucara which is believed to have been used as a tambo, a rest house for traveling animals. We then continue down the road to the final and most stunning ruins of the day at Sacsayhuaman. Although the smaller stones were used to build the modern-day Cusco many of the larger stones remain in place and are up to 8.5m tall and weighing 360 tonnes! After some time here we continue cycling back to our hotel in Cusco.
Day 3
Leaving Cusco after breakfast, we transfer south to Tipon where well start our ride. Well cycle along a bridle path to the colonial town of Oropesa, where most of the bread consumed in Cusco is made. Well continue to the lagoon of Huacarpay where well ride a circuit around the lagoon, looking out for the wildlife in the lagoon and for archaeological remains around it. Well stop for lunch overlooking the lagoon, before continuing our bike ride from the Huambitio Bridge to Pisac on the narrow part of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Day 4
Today starts with a short vehicle transfer up to the incredible Inca ruins in the hills above Pisac. We have some time here to explore this archaeological site which gives insight to the Incas advanced masonry skills.The Inca site remains somewhat mysterious as to what their absolute purpose was, but it seems likely that they were part of a settlement along a vital Inca road with the Amazon rainforest to the east of the mountains. It is generally understood that Pisac provided a connecting point of sorts between the highlands and the jungle.In Pisac we will have time to explore the artisan Andean market and purchase some souvenirs, before we drive over the river to the village of Taray where our day's cycling starts. Todays ride follows a beautiful undulating road that connects several small villages and haciendas where we can see traditional farming methods still being used. We also get to enjoy a stunning backdrop of glaciated mountains and Inca ruins as we make our way through the villages of Qoya, Lamay and Calca before arriving in Urubamba.
Day 5
After breakfast, we transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to the town of Chinchero. We will have some timet to explore the town and will also have a weaving demonstration. From Chinchero, we will cycle along the Sacred Pampa of Anta, passing through Huyapo Lake, Cruzpata Town and Mahuyapampato Moray. Here we visit these fascinating Inca ruins and also stop for lunch.Moray was an Andean Laboratory with circular agricultural terraces. Our ride continues to the impressive Maras salt pans where we can witness the salt being mined by hand and purchase a small bag of salt to take home. Our route then descends into the Sacred Valley, continuing to our accommodation in Urubamba.
Day 6
After breakfast, we will drive from Ururbamba to the town of Izcuchaca, where we will start our day's cycling. Westart in the Pampa of Anta, and along our ride we will see farmers walking their cows and animals to green areas to feed them and continueing their daily activites in the farms. Our ride takes us to the town of Huarcondo before we descend down in to the Valley. At our arrival in the town of Pacchar, we can stop at an award-winning craft brewery before our private transportation takes us back to our hotel in Urubamba.
Day 7
After breakfast we start our ride from our hotel to Ollantaytambo, the last Inca living town. We will cycle along a trail which follows the Urubamba River, the sacred river of the Incas, until we reach the town of Pachar. From here we will take an easy descent through an ancient Inca trail that passes through farming fields and Inca terraces until we will get to the Inca bridge in Ollantaytambo. We visit Ollantaytambo town and fortress before having lunch. In the afternoon we have the option to ride Cachicata to Chilca, or further explore the town. We take the afternoon train to Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu town where we spend the night.
Day 8
Today we explore Machu Picchu! For years it was lost to the jungle until being re-discovered by Yale professor and world explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911, now it is recognised as one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site and truly exceeds all expectations.New regulations for visiting Machu Picchu are now fully enforced; you will be limited to a maximum of four hours within the site and must be accompanied by a guide. There will also be three set routes to follow around Machu Picchu; Exodus selects the most comprehensive route. Please note that exploring the ruins involves a reasonable amount of walking, including up and down steep and uneven stone steps.After our visit to the site we head back down and catch the bus back to Machu Picchu Pueblo then take the train that follows the Urubamba River back to Cusco.
Day 9
There are lots of things to see and do in Cusco, including visiting Inca ruins and colonial churches, bargaining and buying from artisan markets or exploring this fascinating city on foot and visiting the local restaurants and cafes.
Day 10
Today we start our adventure towards Lake Titicaca with a transfer out of Cusco and high onto the Altiplano. We stop at La Raya Pass (4313m) and get on the bikes to start our cycle along a good quality tarmac road until we get to a junction where we turn off and drive to our overnight accommodation at an Alpaca hacienda. Here we learn all about these fascinating animals and about rural life as we stay in rustic accommodation.
Day 11
Leaving the alpaca farm, we drive back to the main road and skirt the bustling city of Juliaca, taking a small tarmac road out towards a rarely visited peninsula of Lake Titicaca. Back on our bikes again, we cycle on lovely quiet roads until we reach the lake shore and ride through small villages to the lovely hamlet of Llachon. Here we meet our hosts and are allocated a family homestay for the night. If time permits, we can take a short hike to a lovely viewpoint over Lake Titicaca for an incredible sunset.
Day 12
Saying goodbye to our local families, we head to their dock for a gorgeous boat ride across Lake Titicaca en route to Puno. We will stop to visit the amazing Uros floating reed islands before arriving in the town of Puno and our hotel for the night.
Day 13
Our adventure ends after breakfast in Puno.
Key information
- Highlights
- Ride between Inca ruins of the Sacred Valley
- Cycle along the shores of Lake Titicaca
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
- set against its dramatic Andean backdrop
- Homestay on traditional Llachon peninsula
- Lake Titicaca
- Discover Cuzco with its distinct Inca-Colonial fusion architecture
