Mountain Biking

Half Day

Group or private

4,500 m.s.n.m

Intermediate

Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush in the heart of the Inca Empire with our Mountain Biking Tour through Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Designed for adventure enthusiasts who crave world-class singletrack, breathtaking descents, and a unique cultural immersion, this tour transforms ancient Inca trails into your personal mountain bike playground. Ride through the spectacular Andean highlands aboard a professional full-suspension mountain bike, shredding legendary trails that were once Inca footpaths. From high-altitude alpine passes above 4,400 meters to fast-flowing descents through remote Quechua villages, every ride offers an unforgettable blend of technical challenge, stunning scenery, and historical wonder. Whether you’re an intermediate rider looking for your first high-altitude adventure or an experienced enduro enthusiast seeking the ultimate Andean descent, our expert guides tailor each route to your skill level, ensuring a safe, thrilling, and deeply rewarding experience. This is not just a bike ride — it’s a journey through living history at full speed.

Tour Highlights

Experience:
  • World-class singletrack and enduro trails.
  • Ancient Inca trails turned MTB routes.
  • Lares Pass high-altitude descent.
  • Lamay Valley technical singletrack.
  • Patacancha Valley enduro ride.
  • Radar Trail high-speed descent.
  • Maras Salt Mines and Moray terraces.
  • Chinchero textile traditions.
  • Panoramic views of the Sacred Valley.
  • Snow-capped Andean peaks.
  • Alpacas, llamas, and remote Quechua villages.
  • Temple of the Moon and Inca ruins.
  • Professional bilingual MTB guides.
  • Full-suspension Kona Process 153 rental bikes.
  • Shuttle-assisted descents.
  • Cultural immersion with local families.

Itinerary

Your adventure begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
Travel by private shuttle through the stunning Andean landscapes toward the Sacred Valley or the Cusco mountain trails, depending on the selected route.
Upon arrival at the trailhead, meet your professional MTB guide and receive a complete safety briefing covering:
  • Bike operation and suspension setup.
  • Protective equipment fitting.
  • Trail conditions and route overview.
  • High-altitude riding techniques and safety protocols.
After a short warm-up ride to dial in your bike and build confidence, begin your epic descent through the spectacular high-altitude landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
Depending on the selected route, you will experience some or all of the following legendary trails:
Lares Trail: Start at the Lares Pass (4,462 m.a.s.l.) and descend through scree slopes and verdant mountainsides before hitting ancient Inca singletrack. Pass alpaca herds, locals working the fields, and finish in the charming town of Calca.
Lamay Valley: Begin at 4,337 m.a.s.l. and enjoy 17 km of incredible singletrack featuring Inca rock gardens, technical sections, and fast flow segments. Feel the burn on burly Inca stairs before dropping into the village of Lamay for a well-deserved cold drink.
Patacancha Valley: Famous for being one of the highest-altitude enduro races in the world, starting at 4,420 m.a.s.l. Navigate rock gardens and narrow dirt switchbacks all the way down to Huilloc, where you’ll enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a local family, then continue to Pumamarca and Ollantaytambo.
Radar Trail: Ride along a breathtaking, towering ridge at over 4,400 m.a.s.l. before dropping into the South Valley on 18 km of high-speed singletrack. Finish at the secret Switchbacks of Chipta, ending at a local’s house with a chance for an organic farm lunch.
Maras, Moray & Sacred Valley Route: Visit the textile traditions of Chinchero, the iconic Salt Mines of Maras, and the agricultural terraces of Moray before an exhilarating downhill ride toward Huarocondo and Zurite, finishing with an Andean picnic lunch paired with wine.
Cusco Urban Trails: Explore classic local trails like Huayllarcocha and Yuncaypata, featuring panoramic city views, natural flow, roots, small jumps, rock gardens, and the mystical Temple of the Moon.
Throughout the ride, enjoy spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, grazing llamas and alpacas, remote weaving villages, and ancient Inca ruins that most tourists never see.
After completing the ride, load up the bikes and enjoy a delicious locally-prepared lunch or picnic before returning to Cusco.
Arrival in Cusco during the late afternoon or evening, depending on the route.
End of services.

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off.
  • Private shuttle transportation to trailheads.
  • Professional full-suspension mountain bike (Kona Process 153 or similar).
  • High-quality protective gear: full-face or half-shell helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, gloves.
  • Professional bilingual MTB guide.
  • Safety briefing and warm-up session.
  • Suspension setup and bike fitting.
  • Shuttle service waiting at trail endpoints.
  • Delicious locally-prepared lunch or picnic (full-day tours).
  • Water refills (bring your own bottle).
  • Permanent assistance throughout the excursion.

Not Included

  • Entrance fees to archaeological sites or salt mines (unless specified).
  • Biking shoes (Five Ten rentals available for $7 USD).
  • Snacks and additional beverages.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Tips for guide and driver.
  • Haku Bike Jersey (available for purchase, $25 USD).

Recommendations

To fully enjoy this high-altitude mountain biking adventure, we recommend:
  • Spend at least two days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour.
  • Be honest about your riding experience level when booking — trails are tailored to your ability.
  • Wear layered clothing suitable for mountain weather; temperatures drop significantly at altitude.
  • Use high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm due to intense UV radiation.
  • Bring a rain jacket — Andean weather changes rapidly.
  • Stay well hydrated throughout the excursion.
  • Bring cash in Peruvian Soles for tips, snacks, and site entrance fees.
  • Follow all safety instructions provided by your guide.

Important Information

  • Previous mountain biking experience is recommended; routes are tailored to intermediate and advanced riders.
  • A safety briefing and warm-up session are provided before each ride.
  • All trails are shuttle-assisted, primarily downhill, with some short climbs.
  • Trail surfaces include fixed and loose rocks, rock gardens, rock staircases (walkable sections), and exposed narrow trails.
  • Weather conditions in the Andes can change rapidly; warm and waterproof clothing is strongly recommended.
  • The itinerary may vary depending on weather, trail conditions, group ability, and local regulations to ensure participant safety.
  • Due to altitudes exceeding 4,400 m.a.s.l., participants should be in good general health, properly acclimatized, and aware of altitude sickness symptoms.
  • Rider weight limits may apply for bike rentals; please confirm at booking.
  • Comprehensive travel insurance covering mountain biking and high-altitude activities is highly recommended and required for multi-day trips.

Packing list

  • Original passport or ID (to avoid 18% IGV tax on rentals).
  • Comfortable riding clothing (moisture-wicking base layer recommended).
  • Long-fingered bike gloves (two pairs recommended).
  • Flat-bottom shoes or Five Ten biking shoes.
  • Rain/wind jacket.
  • Sunglasses.
  • High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.
  • Warm hat or toque.
  • Small backpack for personal items, snacks, and extra layers.
  • Water bottle.
  • Camera or action camera (GoPro).
  • Personal medication.
  • Extra set of clothes (you may get wet or muddy).
  • Cash for entrance fees, tips, and souvenirs.

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