9-Day MTB Expedition in Peru – Ride, Descend & Discover Machu Picchu

After an energizing breakfast, at 8:00 a.m. we depart towards Huayllarcocha, a perfect spot to kick off this exciting biking adventure in Cusco. 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 begin the descent with natural flow: smooth curves, roots, small jumps, and rock gardens that allow you to let loose with confidence from day one. We make a brief stop at the enigmatic Temple of the Moon, an Inca ceremonial center carved in stone, charged with mystical energy and history.

We continue with a more technical section with natural berms and fast sections before transferring to Abra de Corao. From there we begin the descent through 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.

Upon finishing 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 descent: ~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 acquire 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 (13,779 ft) altitude, on one of the most authentic enduro descents in the Peruvian Andes. The Lares Inca Trail is an ancestral singletrack that offers a perfect combination of technique, history, and landscape. Along the route you’ll find Inca stairs, river crossings, tight corners, loose sections, and fluid segments known as “Inca Flow”.

During the journey we’ll pedal alongside llama herds, pass by adobe houses, pre-Inca 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 head by private transport to our hotel in Ollantaytambo, where we’ll conduct a brief review and cleaning of our bikes for the next day.

Descent: ~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 bus station to begin the ascent to the entrance of the majestic Machu Picchu citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). The 25-minute journey winds along a mountain road surrounded by lush cloud forest, offering impressive views of the Urubamba Canyon. Throughout the entire trip, our guide will be with you, providing orientation and preparing you for the visit to this world wonder.

Once at the top, we’ll spend approximately two hours exploring this modern world wonder through a guided tour that reveals the secrets of its architecture, agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, and panoramic viewpoints. You’ll gain knowledge about Andean cosmovision, Inca engineering achievements, and the mysteries that still surround this legendary sacred city, built on a breathtaking natural environment. Every corner tells a story, and every stone has a purpose.

After the tour, we return to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch and relaxation. In the afternoon, we board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where we’ll rest and recharge energies for the upcoming MTB routes.

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

After breakfast, we head towards the Misminay community, a natural viewpoint of the Sacred Valley and starting point for the day’s first descent. We begin with The Other Side, a fast and technical trail that combines tight corners, pre-Inca 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 features original Inca stairs, narrow paths with loose stone, aggressive curves, and sections 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 end 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 full of adventure and unforgettable landscapes. Subsequently, we transfer to our hotel in Urubamba to rest.

Combined descent: +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 Cusco: 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 mines (3,200 m / 10,499 ft).

After a break, 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 a thirst for adventure.

Total descent: ~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 the 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 Urubamba heading to the Lamay district, from where we’ll begin our day.

We start with the Epic Trail – Huayafara, a fast, fluid route with a good dose of technique. 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 letting loose 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 day’s second route: the Epic Trail – Huama. This descent is more demanding, with rocky areas, tight corners, technical steps, and an impressive finish crossing a forest full of natural lines and loose dirt. With over 18 km in length and more than 1,500 meters (4,921 ft) of combined descent for the day, this route will test your control, technique, and endurance.

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

Routes: Epic Trail – Huayafara (8 km) + Epic Trail – Huama (10 km)
Accumulated descent: ~1,500 m (-4,921 ft)
Modality: Technical enduro / Downhill
Level: Intermediate – advanced
Total duration: 6–7 hours (includes transfers, breaks and lunch)
Accommodation in Cusco: Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar.

Our eighth day of MTB adventure takes us to one of the most exciting and wild descents in the Sacred Valley: La Máxima, an enduro/downhill route that starts in the Chinchero highlands and ends in the traditional Urquillos district. After breakfast in Cusco, we transfer by private transport to the Cuper Alto community, starting point of this epic day.

From 4,400 meters (14,435 ft) altitude, we begin a natural descent through open grassland landscapes, narrow singletrack sections, natural wall ride berms, and highly technical loose rock zones. During the route we’ll enjoy spectacular views towards Apu Chicón, blind corners that will test your control, and steep sections ideal for experienced riders.

The trail ends in the heart of Urquillos (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), where a delicious traditional lunch awaits us in a local home. Then, return to Cusco in our private van for the tour’s last night. A perfect closing for a trip full of excitement, culture, and technique on two wheels.

Route: Epic Trail – La Máxima
Total distance: ~13 km (8.1 mi)
Accumulated negative descent: ~1,000 m (-3,281 ft)
Altitude: From 4,400 m to 3,400 m (14,435 ft to 11,155 ft)
Modality: Technical enduro / Downhill
Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Estimated duration: 4–5 hours (includes transfers, break and lunch)
Accommodation in Cusco: Ayni Cusco Hotel*** or similar.

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

End of an unforgettable adventure.

Activity: Airport transfer
Transport: Private
Schedule: According to departure flight