8-Day Enduro MTB in Peru: Ride, Discover, Conquer Machu Picchu

After an energizing breakfast, at 8:00 a.m. we head to Huayllarcocha, a perfect spot to begin this exciting 8-Day Enduro MTB in Peru adventure. This warm-up route combines some of the most iconic local MTB trails, with spectacular panoramic views of the Cusco Andes and the entire city.

We start the descent with natural flow: smooth curves, roots, small jumps, and rock gardens that allow you to loosen up with confidence from day one. We make a brief stop at the enigmatic Temple of the Moon, an Inca ceremonial center carved in stone, loaded with mystical energy and history.

We continue with a more technical section with natural berms and fast sections before moving to the Abra de Corao. From there we begin the descent on the legendary Yuncaypata trail, one of the favorites among local and foreign bikers. This trail is a true classic of Cusco enduro: Inca stairs, challenging singletracks, technical curves, fast zones, rock gardens, and sections surrounded by eucalyptus forests make it a complete and diverse experience.

At the end of the ride, we’ll head to a traditional restaurant to enjoy exquisite Peruvian gastronomy with a typical lunch that closes this first intense MTB day with a flourish.

• Accumulated elevation drop: ~1,100 m (-3,608 ft)
• Distance: Approx. 15 km (9.3 mi)
• Style: Fluid/technical enduro
• Terrain type: Inca stairs, rock gardens, natural berms
• Accommodation in Cusco: Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar.

We leave early in the morning heading to Lares, on a panoramic route that crosses the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the journey we make a stop at the Calca market, where we purchase fresh fruits that we’ll deliver as a gesture of solidarity to children from high Andean communities. A beautiful way to start the day and connect with local culture.

We begin the ride from 4,200 meters altitude (13,779 ft), on one of the most authentic descents of enduro in the Peruvian Andes. The Lares Inca Trail is an ancestral singletrack that offers a perfect combination of technique, history, and landscape. Throughout the route you’ll find Inca stairs, river crossings, tight curves, loose sections, and fluid segments known as “Inca Flow.”

During the journey we’ll pedal alongside llama herds, pass by adobe houses, pre-Incan walls, and paths used for centuries by Andean communities. This trail is not only challenging but deeply enriching.

Upon finishing, we’ll have time to relax and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll take the train from Ollantaytambo station to Aguas Calientes, where we’ll spend the night to visit Machu Picchu the next day.

• Elevation drop: ~1,300 m (-4,265 ft)
• Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi)
• Maximum altitude: 4,200 m (13,779 ft)
• Style: Technical and cultural enduro
• Terrain type: Inca stairs, river crossings, ancestral trails
• Accommodation in Ollantaytambo: Golden Sunrise*** or similar.

We start the day with an early breakfast at the hotel. Then, we head to the station to board the bus that will take us to the entrance of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). The 25-minute ascent follows a zigzagging road surrounded by mountain jungle and offers imposing views of the Urubamba canyon. Throughout the journey, our guide will be with you to accompany and provide necessary orientation before entering this wonder of the world.

Then, for approximately two hours we’ll explore this modern wonder of the world through a guided tour that reveals the secrets of its architecture, agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and natural viewpoints. You’ll learn about Andean cosmovision, Inca engineering advances, and the enigmas surrounding this legendary sacred city, built on a breathtaking natural environment. Every corner has a story, and every stone has a purpose.

After the visit, we return to Aguas Calientes where you’ll have free time to lunch and relax. In the afternoon we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll rest and recharge energies to continue with our MTB routes.

• Altitude at Machu Picchu: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
• Visit duration: 2 guided hours + free time
• Transportation: Bus from Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft)
• Activity: Guided cultural tour
• Accommodation in Ollantaytambo: Casa Blanca*** or similar.

After breakfast, we head to the community of Misminay, a natural viewpoint of the Sacred Valley and starting point for the first descent of the day. We begin with The Other Side, a fast and technical trail that combines tight curves, pre-Incan passages, agricultural terraces, and impressive valley views. This segment is perfect for riders who enjoy enduro with character, fluidity, and terrain variety.

After this first descent, we return to our transport for a brief 30-minute transfer to the Perolniyoc waterfall viewpoint and the Raqaypata archaeological site. After contemplating the landscape and taking spectacular photos, we begin a new, even more technical descent.

This second trail presents original Inca stairs, narrow trails with loose stone, aggressive curves, and sectors that connect us with history and the Quechua communities that still inhabit the area. It’s an MTB experience that combines adrenaline and cultural value.

We finish the day with a delicious lunch at a typical restaurant and a well-deserved toast by the Urubamba River with local craft beer, celebrating a day loaded with adventure and unforgettable landscapes. Subsequently, we head to our hotel in Urubamba to rest.

• Combined elevation drop: +1,500 m (-4,921 ft)
• Total distance: ~17 km (10.6 mi)
• Style: Technical enduro with cultural value
• Terrain type: Inca stairs, narrow trails, agricultural terraces
• Accommodation in Urubamba: Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar.

We start at the Aywayro viewpoint (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), from where we descend through natural trails with berms, curves, and agricultural passages that surround the millenary Maras salt flats (3,200 m / 10,499 ft).

After a break and contemplating the impressive salt terraces that have been exploited since pre-Incan times, we make a second, more technical descent that crosses Inca terraces, stone paths, and water crossings, with open views of the Urubamba canyon (2,900 m / 9,514 ft).

A day full of excitement, perfect for intermediate riders with good control and adventure spirit. Upon finishing, we enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to Cusco in the afternoon.

• Total elevation drop: ~1,780 m (-5,840 ft)
• Distance: ~20.5 km (12.7 mi)
• Style: Downhill / Gravity
• Terrain type: Berms, Inca terraces, stone paths
• Accommodation in Cusco: Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar.

Today we’ll experience one of the most intense and exciting days of our 8-Day Enduro MTB in Peru tour: a double enduro and downhill session in the Lamay area, recognized for having some of the wildest and most technical trails in the Sacred Valley. After breakfast, we depart in our private transport from Cusco heading to Lamay district, from where we’ll begin our epic journey.

We start with the Epic Trail – Huayafara, a fast, fluid route with a good dose of technique that spans 8 km of pure flow. This descent crosses Andean forest areas, natural steps, and sections with rock gardens, ideal for warming up. With shaded sections and slightly narrow terrain, this line is perfect for loosening up and getting into rhythm. The landscape is simply spectacular, with open views of the Sacred Valley and natural viewpoints that invite you to stop and breathe in the environment.

After a strategic pause, snack, and hydration, we move a few kilometers higher to face the second route of the day: the Epic Trail – Huama. This 10 km descent is more demanding, with rocky areas, tight curves, technical steps, and an impressive finish crossing a forest full of natural lines and loose dirt. This route will test your control, technique, and endurance.

We finish the day with a well-deserved lunch in Lamay, known for its local gastronomy. After the feast, we return to Cusco in private transport to spend our last night in the city, with the satisfaction of having completed an epic day on two wheels.

• Accumulated elevation drop: ~1,500 m (-4,921 ft)
• Total distance: 18 km (11.2 mi) – Huayafara: 8 km (5.0 mi) + Huama: 10 km (6.2 mi)
• Style: Technical enduro / Downhill
• Terrain type: Rock gardens, natural steps, Andean forest, loose dirt
• Total duration: 6–7 hours (includes transfers, breaks, and lunch)
• Accommodation in Cusco: Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar.

After breakfast and according to your flight schedule, we take you in private transport from your hotel to Cusco airport (3,400 m / 11,155 ft).

End of an unforgettable adventure.

• Activity: Airport transfer
• Transportation: Private
• Schedule: According to departure flight