day 1- 2: Lima to 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 to Chivay

After an early breakfast we drive out of Arequipa over the Altiplano (4800m) where we begin our ride. On our descent to Chivay we are sure to see Llamas and Alpacas grazing, and possibly the rare Vicuna. You can enjoy a soak in the hot springs to soothe tired legs before dinner.

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 to 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 to 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 to 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: Ollantaytambo to 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 Lares hopefully with time to spare to soak our tired limbs in one of three hot springs.

Accommodation:
Cycling distance: 52km
Altitude: 2700m Max 4200m

day 11: Lares to 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. We end our day in the small village called Quebrada.

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

day 12: Quebrada to 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: Guest house
Cycling distance: 100 km
Altitude: 950m Max 1150m

day 13: Quillabamba to Ollantaytambo

Today, we continue cycling through this tropical area until we arrive at Santa Teresa.  We then load our bikes onto our back up vehicle for the trip to Ollantaytambo.

Accommodation: Guest house
Cycling distance: 55 km
Altitude:1100m Max 1100m

day 14: Ollantaytambo to Cusco, via Machu Picchu

Today we hike to the magical Machu Picchu. Despite its popularity with tourists, it is still one of the highlights of any South American tour. We finish the day with a train ride back to Cusco

day 15: Cusco

A rest day will give us time to pack the bikes up and do any last minute souvenir hunting before we have a last night out in the town.

day 16: Home

Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Lima. Spend the afternoon sightseeing or before flying back home.