Four unforgettable days take you from the peaks of the Peruvian Andes into lush cloud forest before reaching the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Combining mountain biking, hiking and cultural discovery, this route offers a more active alternative to the traditional train journey, allowing you to experience far more of the surrounding landscapes.
Every stage of the journey introduces something new, from cycling mountain roads and walking original Inca paths to relaxing in natural hot springs and exploring archaeological sites. The adventure finishes with an early morning visit to Machu Picchu before returning to Cusco by train, creating an experience packed with variety from beginning to end.
Travelling to Machu Picchu by combining cycling and trekking allows you to experience parts of Peru that many visitors never see. Along the way you'll pass through remote villages, mountain passes, coffee plantations and tropical valleys while experienced bilingual guides share the history, culture and traditions of the region.
Everything needed for the journey has been arranged to make travelling as straightforward as possible. Accommodation, transport, mountain bikes, most meals, entrance to Machu Picchu and guiding are all included, allowing you to focus on enjoying every stage of the adventure without worrying about the logistics.
An early morning departure from Cusco begins the adventure as you travel through the Sacred Valley towards the Abra Málaga Pass, reaching an altitude of approximately 4,350 metres above sea level. During the drive you'll enjoy impressive views across the Andes before arriving at the starting point for the biking section.
Following a safety briefing and bike preparation, you'll begin an exciting downhill ride of around 60 kilometres. The route descends through changing scenery, from high-altitude grasslands into cloud forest filled with waterfalls, valleys and archaeological remains including Wamanmarka. Lunch is served along the route before arriving in Santa Maria for dinner and your first overnight stay.
Fresh tropical fruit and breakfast provide plenty of energy before setting out on foot along original sections of ancient Inca Trail. Throughout the day you'll pass coffee plantations, tropical vegetation and rural farming communities while learning about the history of the region and the routes once used throughout the Inca Empire.
Later in the afternoon you'll have time to enjoy the warm waters of the Cocalmayo Hot Springs before continuing to Santa Teresa. Dinner is served during the evening before your guide explains the following day's plans.
Today's trek continues through jungle scenery with suspension bridges, river crossings and excellent views across the Vilcanota River. Colourful butterflies, tropical birds and dense vegetation make this one of the most scenic sections of the entire journey.
Following lunch, the route continues towards Aguas Calientes with a visit to the ancient Inti Watana site before checking into your accommodation. During the evening your guide will provide a full briefing for the following morning's early departure to Machu Picchu.
Before sunrise you'll begin the final climb towards Machu Picchu, arriving early enough to watch daylight gradually illuminate the surrounding mountains and ancient stone structures. Reaching the citadel after several days of travelling through the Andes creates a rewarding finish to the adventure.
A guided tour lasting approximately two hours introduces the temples, terraces and ceremonial areas before you have free time to continue exploring independently. Afterwards you'll descend to Aguas Calientes before boarding the train and connecting transport back to Cusco.
Accommodation is provided for three nights in simple, comfortable lodges and hostels located in Santa Maria, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes. Private rooms are included where stated, giving you a comfortable place to relax after each active day.
Each overnight stop has been selected for its convenient location along the route rather than luxury facilities. Freshly prepared meals, welcoming hospitality and a good night's rest help prepare you for the following day's adventure.
This adventure is designed for travellers who enjoy being active and want to experience Machu Picchu through a combination of hiking, cycling and cultural exploration. It offers far more variety than travelling directly by train and allows you to experience several very different regions of Peru over four memorable days.
A moderate level of fitness is recommended because you'll be active each day, but you do not need to be an experienced cyclist or trekker. Anyone who enjoys walking and spending time outdoors should find the itinerary both achievable and rewarding.
The biking takes place mainly on a long downhill route from the Abra Málaga Pass, making it much easier than climbing through the mountains. Although most of the route descends, you'll still need to stay alert as you ride mountain roads with changing scenery around every corner.
Before setting off, your guide will provide a full safety briefing and ensure your bike is correctly adjusted. You're encouraged to ride at your own pace, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photographs and short breaks.
The highest point of the journey reaches approximately 4,350 metres above sea level before descending into much lower elevations. Some travellers notice mild symptoms while adjusting to the altitude during the first part of the trip.
Spending a day or two in Cusco before departure, drinking plenty of water and avoiding overexertion can help your body acclimatise. Your guide will also monitor the group throughout the journey.
You'll stay in simple but comfortable lodges and hostels along the route, giving you a welcoming place to relax after each day's activities. The accommodation focuses on practicality and location, keeping you close to the trekking route.
Although these are not luxury hotels, they provide everything needed for a comfortable overnight stay, allowing you to recharge before continuing the adventure.
Breakfast, most lunches and dinners are included throughout the tour, helping to keep your energy levels high during the active itinerary. Breakfasts often include fresh tropical fruit grown locally, while lunches and dinners feature regional dishes.
Only lunch on the final day is excluded. This gives you the flexibility to choose where and when to eat after exploring Machu Picchu before beginning the return journey.
A comfortable day backpack is ideal for carrying water, snacks, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, your camera and any personal items you may need throughout the day's activities.
Packing light makes hiking and cycling much more enjoyable, while larger luggage can generally remain stored when it is not required during the day's route.
Yes. Your entrance ticket is included within the tour price, together with a professionally guided visit lasting approximately two hours.
After the guided tour finishes you'll have free time to continue exploring independently, take photographs and enjoy the atmosphere before returning to Aguas Calientes.
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