Mountain biking to Machu picchu
Itinerary
Day 1.- CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA.
7AM hotel pickup for the ride to Abra Malaga, (Malaga Pass). We’ll journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas and see panoramic views of Cusco as we head north. As we pass by the towns of Chincheros, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo we’ll see the mountain chain Veronica.
After 3 hours we’ll arrive at Abra Malaga at 4,315 meters (14239 ft.) From here we’ll start our adventure on mountain bikes passed beautiful landscapes like the immense La Convención Valley then down a warmer area near the jungle’s eyebrow with abundant typical jungle vegetation. We’ll have lunch in the jungle on and on our path we’ll find remnants of an original Inca trail that leads to Machu picchu.
We’ll also visit the archaeological sites of Inkatambo and Wamanmarka. After 5 hours of biking we’ll arrive to Santa Maria at 1,200 meters at around 5pm. Here we will stay in a lodge with basic services for the night.
L/D
Day 2. - SANTA MARIA – THERMAL SPRINGS – SANTA TERESA
In the morning we’ll have a breakfast of fruit and juices typical of the region. We’ll start to hike at 7:30am through fruit trees where we’ll see the cultivation of the sacred Coca leaf of the Incas and the harvesting of coffee. We’ll see the flora and fauna of the area as well as medicinal plants, birds, butterflies, snakes, exotic jungle fruits like mangoes, pineapples, papayas, avocado and more.
Later we’ll visit a local family and appreciate the beautiful waterfalls of the area. We will cross a river in an Oroya or hanging basket by pulling on the cable that the basket hangs from. We’ll also visit the archaeological complex of Inka Carcel and the thermal springs in Cocalmayo where you can take a nice hot bath. Afterwards we will arrive in Santa Teresa village at 1,570 meters where we will have dinner and stay for the night.
B/L/D
Day 3.- SANTA TERESA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast we will see the Mandor waterfalls, San Miguel and Putucusi mountains before crossing he Vilcanota River in a typical Oroya. We can appreciate the magical, wild landscape, the variety of birds, animals, vegetation, insects, iguanas, butterflies and medicinal plants.
We’ll arrive to the hydroelectric plant and have lunch before continuing on to Aguas Calientes for another 2 hours. In Aguas Calientes we’ll check-in to our hostel, have dinner and rest for the night. (Optional train transportation is available from hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes).
B/L/D
Day 4. AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
Early in the morning we’ll wake up to visit a wonder of the modern world, the citadel of Machu Picchu. After breakfast we’ll board our bus to go up the hill to the Machu Picchu entrance. We will have a guided tour of the entire complex then have free time to explore and take pictures. It is optional if you want to climb Huaynapicchu to see another spectacular view of the Machu picchu and the mountains surrounding the Lost City of the Incas. We will descend to Aguas Caliente by bus in time to board the afternoon train back to Cusco.
B
The program includes
- Bus from CUZCO-ABRA MALAGA
- Machu picchu Entrance Ticket
- Bus from Aguas Calientes – Machu picchu – Aguas Calientes
- Backpacker Class Train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco
- Meals: 03 breakfasts, 03 lunches, 03 dinners
- Vegetarian meals available at NO extra charge
- Mountain Bike, Helmet, Gloves and accessories/parts
- Professional tourist guide in English or Spanish
- First aid team and assistance of a vehicle during the descent of Abre Malaga – Santa Maria
- Transfer from train station to hotel
NOTE: During the walk you must carry your sleeping bag and personal items (backpack).
You can request the availability of a horse at an additional cost to carry personal items.
What to bring
- UV chap-stick
- sunscreen
- fold-up lightweight rain gear / poncho
- collapsible umbrella for rain and shade
- waterproof day back pack for water and personal items
- trekking shoes
- non-disposable water bottle (stainless steel)
- water purification tablets (Micropur available in Cusco)
- flashlight
- insect repellent
- camera
- compass
- small travel binoculars
- toilet paper for your backpack
- pocket knife
- bandana
- brimmed hat
- small notebook and pen (notes for your blog and wildlife sketches)
- small towel
- bathing suit if going to hot springs
- foam ear plugs. For better rest on long bus rides.
- Medications
- Airborne
- Imodium-D
- Ibuprofen
- band-aids
- treat shoes with waterproof silicon spray before leaving home
- Personal clothing for trek, extra socks and t-shirts
- lighter / matches- ziploc plastic with hiking energy food
- ziploc plastic bags to keep clothes dry
- Bring passports to Machu picchu to receive nice tourist stamp in it
