Cycling Spots around Pachar - Valle Sagrado

Cusco

The town of Pachar is located in the northern area of the Sacred Valley, just a 2-hour drive from the city of Cusco (85 km). Its geography boasts a unique beauty, situated in a plain surrounded by lush eucalyptus forests, farmland bordered by the Vilcanota River, and offering an unparalleled view of the Inca Salt Pans of Maras nestled in the mountains.

Its strategic location makes it an excellent starting and ending point for numerous cycling routes in the valley, thanks to its proximity to the main roads leading to the mountain peaks and the limited traffic in the area. Within a 10 km radius, there are connections to roads leading to Ollantaytambo to the north, Huarocondo to the west, and Urubamba, Pisac, and Cusco to the south.

In Pachar, the hotel offerings stand out for their diversity, ranging from basic accommodations with affordable rates to luxury hotels that provide a wide range of services and amenities. Most of these establishments have their own restaurants, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner services. Additionally, for those seeking alternative culinary experiences, the towns of Ollantaytambo and Urubamba, just a short 15-minute drive away, offer a variety of cafes, restaurants, bakeries, and convenience stores. Moreover, Urubamba has intermediate-level healthcare services and banking facilities. A taxi ride from Pachar to Ollantaytambo or Urubamba costs approximately 13 dollars one way.

Among the less favourable aspects, it's worth noting that most hotels in the town of Pachar are set back from the main road of the Valley, meaning that, on each outing, it will be necessary to ride the bicycle for a few metres on a dirt road. Additionally, being an area predominantly composed of hotels and country residences, all activities take place within the hotel, as there are no businesses or activities within walking distance.

More spots in Cusco

Planning your cycling trip

2. Choosing when to book:

Cusco in Winter

In Cusco, summer begins on December 24th and concludes on March 19th. However, unlike European cities, Cusco does not experience four clearly defined seasons throughout the year; instead, the year is divided into two seasons: from November to March, the rainy season, and from April to October, the dry season. Due to this distinction, summer in Cusco coincides entirely with the rainy season, making road cycling challenging and hazardous. Although the rain showers typically last 2 to 3 hours, their timing is highly unpredictable, complicating the scheduling of bike outings. Regarding temperatures, days start off cool, with an average of 6°C, gradually warming up to around 22°C on average at noon. During this season, locals often opt for indoor training or seize opportunities for outdoor sessions when the rain temporarily subsides.

Best website for weather reports?
senamhi.gob.pe

Summer Road Conditions

Due to the highly rainy nature of summer in Cusco, it is strongly advised to refrain from engaging in sports trips for road cycling. However, if there is an intention to embark on rides during these months, it is essential to take additional precautions due to wet roads and the risk of falls, especially during descents. Furthermore, the reduced visibility of car drivers owing to the abundant rainfall must be taken into account, along with the possibility of being caught in a severe storm while attempting to climb a pass. This situation could pose an additional risk due to body cooling.

Travelling in Summer

The summer season in Cusco is characterised as a low tourism period due to the frequent rains. It is much easier to secure reservations in hotels and restaurants, which often implement various promotions to attract travellers. Despite being a low season, all tourist services are offered regularly, including air transportation, excursions to Machu Picchu, and other activities of interest.

Best local airport?
lima-airport.com

3. Know who to speak with:

Always speak with a local expert BEFORE booking your trip. Valuable local knowledge will ensure you get the most out of your cycling holiday.



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More spots for cyclists

Around Pachar - Valle Sagrado
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