MOUNTAIN BIKING

Maras - Moray – Salt Mines of  Pichingoto

We begin our Biking Adventure pedaling along the shore of the beautiful highland Lake of Huaypo.  We then begin our downhill cruise of about 35 km. distance   to the town of Maras (elev.:3,500 meters - 11,090 feet) and then continue descending, passing by the archaeological site of Moray –once an important agricultural experimental center located some  38 km to the Northwest of Cusco.  We also have a chance of taking in and fully appreciating a great deal of beautiful Andean landscape –including impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of  La Verónica (elev. 5,682 meters -18,600 feet) and Chicon (elev.:5,530 meters or 18,140 feet)- as well as a significant amount of local cultural features, traditional villages, local folks in traditional garb, etc. Somewhere in the midst of this enthralling surrounding, we shall stop for an enjoyable picnic  and then carry on downhill, following ancient Inka footpaths, eventually reaching the salt mines of Pichingoto . These are not actually mines, as such, but a rather  amazing conglomerate of over 3000 evaporation troughs carved into the hillside where the salt-laden silt gathers and becomes gradually distilled into rock salt. Their exploitation is very ancient, but was perfected and developed to a high degree by the Inkas. Depending on circumstances (such as how we feel about it all) we can either stop and visit this fascinating complex or continue straight through to the bottom of the Sacred Valley of the Inkas.

This off-road biking tour is suitable for beginners on up.

Option: We can all return to Cusco on the same day, or spend the night in a hotel in the Sacred Valley and go on to enjoy another mountain biking  adventure on the following day.

THE LARES HOT SPRINGS BIKING TOUR

Our tour begins aboard motorized transport (from Cusco or the Sacred Valley) to Calca and from there continues along a secondary road over a high pass until reaching the community of Lares (elev.: 4490 meters- approx. or 14730 feet) .  Lares represents an authentic example of rural life in the Andes of Peru. Along the way one can observe dwellings and structures constructed along traditional architectural guidelines; local folks wearing typical homespun clothes and a fair amount of the native Andean members of the Camel family, such as Llamas and Alpacas. After aving reached Lares, we shall bike down  through the Lares Valley ( elev.: 3198 meters – 10,492 feet ) until reaching the topmost fringes of the jungle areas. This constitutes  a very interesting experience as one witnesses the marked environmental changes and ecological variations. Geographical  and microclimatic transformations take place in rapid succession. The high and midlands very soon give way to greener, warmer and densely forested surroundings. While all this is going on, our support vehicle is constantly with us, which means that one can decide how much, how long  and when or not to bike.

We return to the town of Lares aboard our transport. Once back in Lares, two options are available: the first is to camp out here and spend our time enjoying the medicinal benefits of the local hot springs; the other alternative is to return immediately to Calca and the Sacred Valley.

LARES TO CALCA

This is one of the best and most enjoyable sections of downhill cruise biking to be found anywhere in the Sacred Valley.

We start off from the top  of the high pass of Lares ( elev.: 4490 meters -14,730 feet ) and cruise all the way downhill to the town of Calca. Sections of this downhill route and one is surrounded by spectacular views of the Urubamba Mountain Range.

Option: We can all return to Cusco on the same day, or spend the night in a hotel in the Sacred Valley and go on to enjoy another mountain biking  adventure on the following day.

THE  HUCHUYQOSCO BIKE TRIP

This is a very special one day mountain biking trip.  It begins with a 15 kilomeyter drive from Cusco to the town of Ccorao and from there to the vicinity of the highland tarn of Coriqocha.  From this point a very well preserved and well built Inca Road  sets off in the direction of the site of Huchy Qosqo. Along the way, numerous examples of Inka walls and diverse examples of masonry are to be seen. After 3 hours we arrive at trhe archaeological site of  Huchuyqosqo. These are very impressive remains, due both to the broad ranging view of the Sacred Valley that they command, as well as for the strikingly fine workmanship of the masonry in their buildings. Yet another attractive feature is that they are seldom visited and not very well known to most visitors in the area. After visiting this unique, we all bike down to the Town of Calca.

Option: We can all return to Cusco on the same day, or spend the night in a hotel in the Sacred Valley and go on to enjoy another mountain biking  adventure on the following day

Ollantaytambo- Abra MÁlaga AND BACK

Yet another of the choicest downhill bike cruises in the Sacred Valley.  First, we drive up to the high Abra, or Pass, of Málaga ( elev.: 4284 meters -  14,055 feet) and from here saddle up  our bikes and plunge a total of 1,000 vertical meters –over a period of 2-3 hours, along a single track- to the town of Ollantaytaytambo. At the end of this rather breathtaking ride, everyone gets a chance to enjoy the archaeological site,  ruins and the Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

Option: We can all return to Cusco on the same day, or spend the night in a hotel in the Sacred Valley and go on to enjoy another mountain biking  adventure on the following day.

Services included

• Pre departure briefing.
• High quality mountain bike.
• Safety equipment, (hard hats and gloves).
• Highly qualified English and Spanish speaking guide.
• Admission  fees.
• Transport.
• Ziplock bags.
• Lunch

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED

• Dinner
• Hotel