Cusco

Cycling Cusco

Cusco invites you to explore its cobbled streets steeped in history, where every corner transports you to the past. Beyond its monuments and archaeological remnants, this city offers an unparalleled natural environment due to its location in the heart of the majestic Andes. Thus, Cusco becomes the perfect backdrop for engaging in sports activities, where historical grandeur seamlessly merges with the astonishing natural beauty of the region; from Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, its breathtaking landscapes and mountains challenging the sky make this a unique and irreplaceable destination.

The strategic location of Cusco in the heart of the Andes positions it as the destination with the best cycling routes in Peru. The melting of snow-capped peaks gives rise to beautiful valleys, such as the Sacred Valley of the Incas, a historic place with stunning landscapes where cycling routes of various levels of difficulty, distance, and altitude are enjoyed.

Located 70 km from Cusco, the Sacred Valley is situated at an altitude of 2300 metres above sea level, with a dry climate and cool temperatures in the morning (11°C), becoming temperate as the day progresses (21°C), creating favourable conditions for cycling.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to embark on an initial training ride to help cyclists progressively adapt to the altitude and atmospheric conditions. For this, the segment following the course of the Vilcanota River is the best option, being a flat route of 100 km, mostly with a favourable wind.

In the subsequent days, the options are varied and exciting. Always starting from the Valley, cyclists can explore various routes that aim to ascend to the mountain passes surrounding the area. Some of these routes offer short rides of medium difficulty, seeking entertainment with a dose of effort, reaching 1000 metres of elevation gained in an average of 60 km. Meanwhile, other epic routes pose a challenge to endurance, technique, and mind, reaching a maximum altitude of 4370 metres above sea level, at the foot of the snow-capped peaks, accumulating 2000 metres of elevation gained in just 36 km and allowing descents at speeds of up to 100 km/h.

All routes in the Sacred Valley are well-paved and in good condition. While it is possible to encounter short sections that may present issues due to landslides or the forces of nature, the culture of respect for cyclists is still developing in this region, so cyclists are advised to exercise caution and be accompanied by a support vehicle. This aspect contrasts with the warmth and friendliness of the local population, who enthusiastically welcome groups of cyclists in their villages, engaging in friendly conversations, taking photographs, and offering traditional gifts as a gesture of appreciation.

Cusco and the Sacred Valley offer a high level of hospitality, entertainment, and health services, thanks to their status as tourist destinations. They boast excellent hotels providing different services considering a range of price points, restaurants offering the best of award-winning Peruvian cuisine, and local companies organising trips to the world-famous Machu Picchu, the Inca wonder, located just 3 hours by train from the Sacred Valley. Additionally, both Cusco and the Sacred Valley have public and private health services capable of addressing a wide variety of health issues and are associated with major insurance companies.

Finally, we must mention that there is something that sets Cusco and the Sacred Valley apart as unique places for cycling, and that is the unparalleled blend of nature and history. Each ride in our Experience in these lands not only offers the opportunity to enjoy the majesty of the Andes and the fabulous natural views provided by its peaks, valleys, and rivers, but also involves encounters with Inca archaeological sites or colonial towns with centuries of history, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisac, Huarocondo, and Paucartambo, among others, which become landmark points to start or conclude each of our journeys.

Spots to ride