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Cyclist riding across a highland plateau near Pisac on a mountain biking tour (Peru Biking Tours)
Solo rider on clear trail in the Lamay highlands near Cusco (Peru Biking Tours)
Sharp turn during MTB descent in Lamay forest trail (Peru Biking Tours)
Cyclist on open highland grassland in La Maxima (Peru Biking Tours)

Cusco Downhill Experience: Yuncaypata & Huayllarcocha Trails

  • Duration Half day
  • Mode Downhill
  • Difficulty Intermediate
  • Type of terrain Singletrack, rock gardens, roots, steps, flow trails, jumps
  • -1,285 m / +242 m (≈ -4,216 ft / +794 ft)
  • Altitude 3,800 m.a.s.l. (≈ 12,467 ft)
  • Distance 18 km (≈ 11.2 mi)
  • Location Cusco, Perú

HUAYLLARCOCHA | YUNCAYPATA

Cusco Downhill Experience

Live an unforgettable downhill adventure in Cusco with two of the most classic and thrilling routes for local riders and extreme travelers: Huayllarcocha and Yuncaypata.

This tour is designed for riders who love technical and flowing descents, with breathtaking landscapes, natural jumps, root zones, rock gardens, and Inca steps. Perfect if you already have some MTB experience and are looking for an adrenaline rush above 3,500 meters (11,480 feet).

You can choose to join the tour with all gear included or book just the experience if you already have your own bike and protective equipment.

Description

Tour Description.

Experience an unforgettable downhill adventure in Cusco with two of the most classic and exciting routes for local cyclists and extreme travelers: Huayllarcocha and Yuncaypata.

This tour is designed for riders who love technical and flowing descents, with stunning landscapes, natural jumps, root zones, rock gardens, and Inca steps. Ideal if you already have some MTB experience and are looking for adrenaline at over 11,500 feet of altitude.

You can choose between taking the tour with all equipment included or just booking the experience if you already have your own bike and protective gear.

Itinerary

HUAYLLARCOCHA & YUNCAYPATA TRAILS

08:00 / 09:00 a.m. – Pickup from your accommodation in Cusco

Departure in private transport to Huayllarcocha (20 minutes). Upon arrival, our guide will provide you with the bike and protective equipment (full-face helmet, gloves, knee pads, elbow pads, and optional chest protector). You’ll also receive a technical briefing on safety and trail characteristics.

Start at Huayllarcocha – Panoramic view and initial descent (~20 min)

After a short climb (5 min), we’ll begin the descent through trails that combine flowing curves, roots, small jumps, and a fun rock garden. It’s an excellent warm-up with unique views of Cusco city.

Stop at the Temple of the Moon (30 min)

Inca ceremonial center carved in rock, perfect for exploring, learning about its history, and taking photos.

Second section of Huayllarcocha (~15–20 min)

Interactive section with fast flat zones, berms, and progressive level jumps. This is one of the places where many Cusco riders begin to master getting airborne.

End of trail – Eucalyptus forest and natural Cusco viewpoint

Time to relax and take final photos before boarding transport to the second route.

Transfer to Abra de Corao (~15 min)

Yuncaypata Trail (~1 hour descent)

A classic of Cusco MTB. This technical and varied route will take you through:

  • Inca steps and natural stone stairs
  • Demanding rock gardens
  • Fast pedaling sections
  • Jump zones and flow curves
  • A perfect combination of adrenaline and technique!

Traditional lunch (optional, not included)

We stop at a local restaurant to enjoy typical dishes like lomo saltado, ceviche, or grilled trout.

Return to your accommodation in Cusco

ROUTE DETAILS

  • Duration: Half day (5–6 hours)
  • Modality: Downhill / All-Mountain
  • Difficulty level: Intermediate – Advanced
  • Terrain type: Singletrack, rock gardens, roots, steps, flow trails, jumps
  • Maximum altitude: 12,467 ft above sea level
  • Location: Cusco, Peru

Inclusions

Cusco Downhill Experience Includes:

  • Professional MTB guide (mechanic certified)
  • Private round-trip transport from Cusco
  • Lunch
  • Snack
  • Technical briefing and warm-up ride
  • First aid kit and basic mechanical assistance

Only in gear-included option

  • Full-suspension MTB (Commencal, Specialized, etc.)
  • Professional safety gear: full-face helmet, gloves, knee + elbow pads, chest protector

Not Included

  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips (optional)
  • Bike and safety gear (in tour-only option)

Packing List

PACKING LIST FOR CUSCO DOWNHILL EXPERIENCE

Essentials

  • Small backpack or hydration vest (1–2 L)
  • Water (minimum 1 L) and personal energy snacks
  • Sunscreen SPF 50+ and sport sunglasses with UV protection
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Extra cash in soles for personal expenses

Clothing

  • Light waterproof windbreaker
  • Cycling jersey (short or long sleeve)
  • MTB shorts or pants
  • Full-finger cycling gloves
  • Sports socks
  • Cycling shoes or sturdy trainers with good grip

Protective Gear

  • Certified MTB helmet (full-face optional)
  • Knee and elbow pads

Recommended

  • GoPro or action camera with mount
  • Power bank for phone or camera
  • Wet wipes or small pack of tissues

Prices

Option 1: Tour with complete equipment

  • Dual suspension bike (Downhill or Enduro)
  • Full-face helmet
  • Knee pads + elbow pads
  • Technical gloves
  • Chest protector
  • Professional guide specialized in downhill
  • Private transport (round trip)
  • Basic mechanical assistance
  • First aid kit
  • Snack
Number of Passengers Price per person Action
2 pax US$ 159.00
3 pax US$ 143.00
4 pax US$ 139.00
5 pax US$ 129.00
6 pax US$ 119.00
7 pax US$ 109.00
8 pax US$ 99.00

Option 2: Tour only (no equipment)

Number of Passengers Price per person Action
2 pax US$ 109.00 Book Now
3 pax US$ 99.00 Book Now
4 pax US$ 89.00 Book Now
5 pax US$ 79.00 Book Now
6 pax US$ 69.00 Book Now
7 pax US$ 59.00 Book Now
8 pax US$ 49.00 Book Now

Recommendations

Recommendations

  • Previous experience on technical enduro trails recommended
  • Use technical layered clothing for altitude conditions
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, hydration pack
  • Optional: action camera
  • Arrive in Cusco at least 1 day early for better acclimatization

Departure Dates

  • Daily departures year-round, with a minimum of two confirmed cyclists. You choose the date, we take care of the rest.

Why Choose Us?

At Peru Biking Tours, we don’t just offer routes, we design meaningful experiences on two wheels.

  • We design mountain bike tours for travelers who want more than just pedaling—they seek connection, adventure, and a real experience.
  • Our guides are expert local cyclists who know every climb, descent, shortcut, and scenic point on the trail.
  • We include top-tier bikes and professional safety equipment, all carefully maintained for your comfort and safety.
  • We ride in small groups to give you more freedom, better trail flow, and a deeper connection with the environment.
  • We work with integrity. We partner with local communities and ride with genuine respect for nature.
  • This isn’t mass tourism. Whether you come for the landscapes, the sport, or the culture, we help you experience the Andes on two wheels.
  • Ride with purpose. Ride with people who value culture, respect nature, and support local communities. Ride with us.

Why Book This Adventure with us?

Excellet Bikes

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100% Local Tour Operator

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Small Groups Max. 10 people

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Excellet Bikes

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100% Local Tour Operator

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Small Groups Max. 10 people

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Waman AdventuresExplore and Challenge

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
About the Cusco Downhill Experience

1.- How much does it cost to travel to Peru from different countries? What’s a realistic budget?

Traveling to Peru can be done on a wide range of budgets depending on your country of origin, travel season, trip duration, and the level of comfort you prefer (backpacker, mid-range, luxury). Here are realistic weekly cost estimates for moderate travelers:

From Mexico:

  • Round-trip flights: 14,600 – 27,000 MXN.
  • Mid-range hotels: 900 – 1,800 MXN per night.
  • Daily meals: 300 – 600 MXN.
  • Internal transport and tours: 300 – 600 MXN per day.
  • Weekly total: Around 28,000 – 54,000 MXN.

From Colombia:

  • Round-trip flights: COP 2,600,000 – 5,200,000.
  • Accommodation: COP 220,000 per night.
  • Meals and extras: COP 70,000 – 130,000 per day.
  • Total per week: COP 5,500,000 – 10,800,000.

From Spain:

  • Round-trip flights: €950 – €1,800.
  • Accommodation: €55 – €110 per night.
  • Meals: €20 – €40 per day.
  • Total weekly budget: €2,400 – €4,200.

From Chile:

  • Round-trip flights: CLP 150,000 – 300,000.
  • Accommodation: CLP 50,000 per night.
  • Total for 1 week: CLP 750,000 – 1,300,000.

Booking with a local and reliable operator like Waman Adventures allows you to avoid hidden costs and enjoy a fully organized, stress-free experience.

2.- What documents do I need to enter Peru? Do I need a visa?

Requirements vary by country:

South America:
Citizens of Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay can enter Peru with a national ID. All others need a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).

Venezuelans:
Need a tourist visa unless they are legal residents of a Pacific Alliance country (Chile, Colombia, or Mexico).

Central America:
Citizens of Cuba, Haiti, El Salvador, and Nicaragua require a tourist visa. Others only need a valid passport.

Mexico:
No visa required for tourism or business. Valid passport needed (6 months minimum). Maximum stay: 183 days.

Spain:
No visa required for tourism or business. Just a valid passport for at least 6 months.

Business visas:
Not needed for Brazil, Chile, or Colombia. All others must apply in advance.

Always double-check with your airline or consulate before your trip, as immigration rules can change.

3.- Is Peru safe to travel to? And is this type of downhill biking tour safe?

Yes. Peru is one of the most visited countries in Latin America, and Cusco is among its safest and most tourist-ready regions. That said, here are a few tips:

General safety tips:

  • Choose certified tour operators only.
  • Keep valuables out of sight and avoid carrying lots of cash.
  • In rural areas, always follow your guide’s instructions.
  • Make sure your travel insurance covers adventure sports.

For biking tours:

  • Always wear a helmet and protective gear.
  • Choose a route suited to your skill level.
  • Don’t push your limits if you’re not used to altitude or technical terrain.

When done with a trusted provider, this tour is not only safe but one of the most thrilling ways to experience the Andes.

4.- When is the best time of year to do this biking tour in Cusco?

Cusco has two main seasons:

Dry season (April to October):
Ideal for biking and outdoor adventure. Clear skies, dry terrain, perfect visibility. July and August are peak tourist months, so for fewer crowds and better prices, aim for April, May, September, or October.

Rainy season (November to March):
Rains are frequent, especially in January and February. Trails may be muddy or slippery. Some operators still offer the tour with rain-ready equipment.

Recommendation:
If you can, visit between May and October. You’ll get the best trail conditions and views.

5.- Can I do this tour if I’ve never done downhill biking before? What level do I need?

This tour is not for total beginners, but it’s also not just for pros. The ideal participant has:

  • Basic to intermediate MTB experience.
  • Confidence handling brakes, curves, and varied terrain.
  • Moderate fitness. The route is mostly downhill (–1,285 m / 4,216 ft) but still demands focus and control.

New to downhill?
If you’re a confident cyclist but haven’t done mountain biking before, you may still enjoy the ride. The agency provides a pre-tour briefing and adjusts the pace to your ability.

You can also request a full-suspension bike and extra protection if needed.

6.- What should I bring for the Cusco Downhill Experience?

We recommend packing:

  • Light backpack (25–30 L).
  • Certified helmet (if not renting).
  • Knee and elbow pads.
  • Full-finger cycling gloves.
  • Sports sunglasses or dust-resistant goggles.
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm.
  • Layered clothes (mornings can be cold).
  • Grippy trail shoes or MTB shoes.
  • 1–2 liters of water.
  • Snacks or energy bars.

If you rent the full gear package, you’ll only need your clothes, sun protection, and enthusiasm.

7.- How high is the tour? What if I feel altitude sickness?

The highest point on the route is 3,800 meters (≈12,467 ft), descending to around 2,500 m (≈8,200 ft). Here’s what you should know:

  • We strongly recommend spending 1–2 days in Cusco before the tour to acclimatize.
  • Don’t book this tour for the same day you arrive from Lima or sea level.
  • Avoid alcohol and heavy food the night before.
  • If you’re prone to altitude sickness, consult your doctor about preventive medication.

Because the route is mostly downhill, you’ll actually descend throughout the tour, which reduces altitude-related discomfort.

8.- Is biking equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

You can choose between two options:

  • Tour with gear included: Full-suspension bike, helmet, gloves, and protective pads.
  • Tour-only option: Bring your own gear. You only pay for the route, transport, and guiding.

Let the agency know your bike size or level, and they’ll match you with the proper setup for a safe and enjoyable ride.

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