day 1- 2: Lima - Arequipa

Fly to Lima for an exciting introduction to the bustling Peruvian capital. The next morning we fly to Arequipa and spend a day acclimatising in the beautiful southern highland city, which nestles between spectacular mountains and is dominated by large volcanoes.

Accommodation: Guest house
Altitude: 2400m Max 2400m

day 3: Arequipa

The first day's acclimatisation ride will begin on the beautiful El Misty Volcano after a truck ride up to 4,600m. This ride will be used to find out how the high altitude affects each individual rider, bearing in mind that fitness level is no gauge to who might suffer.

Accommodation: Guest house
Cycling distance: 42km
Altitude: 2400m Max 4600m

day 4: Arequipa - Chivay

Ride to Chivay, a charming town, where the breathtaking Colca Canyon begins. Visiting the thermal hot springs can soothe early-tired legs.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 63km
Altitude: 3600m

day 5: Chivay

Ride up the Colca Canyon, arguably the biggest in the world, passing pre-Incan terracing. This incredible route passes through unforgettably majestic scenery and a wickedly long tunnel carved out of solid rock. The day will end by camping at the Cruz del Condor.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 45km
Altitude: 3600m Max 4500m

day 6: Chivay - Lampa

This morning we can watch the majestic condors as they glide on thermals so close to you that you can almost touch them. Then we head off cycling to the small village of Lampa.

Accommodation: Guest house
Cycling distance: 65km
Altitude: 3000m Max 4200m

day 7: Lampa - Cusco

Ride through magnificent landscapes over a little traveled back road on the way to Cusco before transferring to Cusco.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 40 km
Altitude: 3400m Max 4300m

day 8: Cusco

Rest day in Cusco. Option to cycle to Pisac, one of the highlights of this region on its marvelously colourful market day. There are also local ruins to visit before finishing the day's ride.

day 9: Cusco - Ollantaytambo

Cycle up out of Cusco passing the substantial Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman. We then descend through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cycle to Ollantaytambo visiting the incredible salt plains of Salinas en route.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 65km
Altitude: 3000m Max 3800m

day 10 - 13: Inca trail to Machu Picchu

An unforgettable 4-day trek along the ancient Inca Trail, to Machu Picchu with porters, food and camping gear. Despite its popularity with tourists, this walk is still one of the highlights of any South American tour. End day 13 in Cusco.

Accommodation: Camping

day 14: Cusco

A rest day in Cusco, time to do some shopping and say goodbye to the group (14 day) who travel back tomorrow.

Accommodation: Guest house
Altitude: 3400m

day 15:

Fly to Lima then get a Saturday night flight home.

20 day tour...

day 15: Cusco - Pisac

Cycle up out of Cusco passing the substantial Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman before descending into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Pisac.

Accommodation: Guest house
Cycling distance: 50 km or 36 km

day 16: Pisac - Lares

We are now well rested and acclimatised for the ultimate challenge. An absolute classic ride up through the Lares valley. For cyclists wanting to get off the well-beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then this ride through the Lares Valley is a must. With a pass at 4,200 meters this is sure to test our stamina. For a more relaxing day have a lay in then transfer to catch up with those who have cycled. After lunch we will start on a two-day descent, reaching our campsite hopefully with time to spare to soak our tired limbs in one of three hotsprings.

Accommodation: Guest house
Cycling distance: 52 km or 30 km
Altitude: 2700m Max 4200m

day 17: Lares -Quebrada

Another huge descent, leaving behind the high mountains we enter the sub-tropical valley on our way to the jungle. The warmth of the tropical jungle climate is in sharp contrast to the chilly nights in the Andes. This remote and rarely visited region has a number of small Indian settlements. Camp overnight next to the village of Quebrada.

Accommodation: Guest house
Cycling distance: 74 km
Altitude: 1150m Max 2700m

day 18: Quebrada - Quillabamba

We are still descending deep in the jungle through groves of citrus and banana trees in this tropical fruit growing area. Over the past two days we will have descended from 4200m to a mere 500m. We will have had a great chance of seeing some of the amazing variety of bird life that inhabits this lush part of the Amazon. We finish today’s ride in the Village of Quillabamba.

Accommodation: Hotel
Cycling distance: 100 km
Altitude: 950m Max 1150m

day 19: Quillabamba - Hell

Today, those of the group who want some hard cycling have the option of ascending 3400m over 2 days as we commence on the long climb to the Malaga Pass.  The others will be transferred from the village of Amaybamba one of the main tea growing regions in Peru, the road is spectacular as it rises rapidly through some beautiful cloud forest, before we reach our camp.

Accommodation: Hut / teahouse
Cycling distance: 85 km
Altitude: 2900m Max 2900m

day 20: Hell - Cusco

Another morning of hard cycling as continue to the top of the Pass. The top lies amidst snow-capped rugged peaks that surround the wind-swept and strikingly beautiful Puna Grassland. The pass is famous among birdwatchers because it is home to some bird species that are near extinction. From here we start on a astounding descend of 2200m through cloud forest before arriving in Olantaytambo. We will then transfer everyone back to Cusco. We should have time to pack the bikes up before we have a last night out in the town. 

Accommodation: Hut / teahouse
Cycling distance: 60 km
Altitude: 3600m

day 21: Cusco - Lima - Home..

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima. Spend the afternoon sightseeing or do any last minute souvenir hunting before catching your evening flight home.