In Cusco, a destination with an astonishing historical legacy, you will find an exceptional opportunity for cycling. Cycling enthusiasts always crave discovering new challenges, and Cusco, with its geographical diversity, offers an ideal setting for a variety of cycling experiences, framed by stunning landscapes.
The challenging trails and impressive landscapes of Cusco are a delight for cyclists of all levels. Prepare to explore this Peruvian gem on two wheels, here are some options that you can enjoy on a bicycle:
Bicycle tourism in Cusco offers a unique experience for travelers who wish to explore the cultural and natural wealth of the region by bike. It is an excellent way to explore Peru's most touristic region, where you will find many cultural and adventure tours.
Furthermore, bicycle tourism allows you to interact with local communities, learn about their traditions, and try their delicious cuisine. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a beginner, there are routes for all skill levels and endurance.
Within this universe of tourist trips, there are specific routes that allow you to explore Cusco and its main archaeological sites by bicycle. These include the famous archaeological sites of Sacsayhuamán, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and Q'enqo. You do not need a specialized bike, but one that allows you to traverse sections with a variety of inclines.
Additionally, you can enjoy the freedom to explore the charming villages of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. If you are more enthusiastic, there is an option that covers the valley from Taray to Ollantaytambo, approximately 60 kilometers of journey. You will enjoy a landscape adorned with cornfields and mountains crossed by the Vilcanota River. This route can last all day, depending on your physical condition and the stops you decide to make.
Cross-country in Cusco is an exciting adventure for cyclists who wish to explore the nature and history of the region. Cyclists can enjoy the thrill of pedaling through challenging trails while admiring panoramic views of the Andes. Additionally, Cusco offers a variety of options for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
The XC rally is a very popular form of cycling in Cusco, attracting numerous participants. Local competitions and guided tours contribute to its growing fame, in addition to taking you to discover the most notable places in the area.
One of the most popular XC routes in Cusco is the Maras-Moray route, which generally starts in the village of Chinchero. With a total distance of about 35 kilometers, this route offers varied slopes and terrains. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to explore the archaeological site of Moray and the Maras salt pans.
In addition to the extensive circuits, there are shorter options known as “Short Trail”. A prominent one is located in Yuncaypata, 45 minutes from the city of Cusco. With a length of 4 km, you can ride it at your own pace as many times as you wish. A specialized and lightweight bike with at least 11 speeds is recommended.
It is important to remember to carry water and sunscreen, as well as to respect the natural environment and local communities during your ride. Cusco is the perfect destination for cross-country lovers who want a unique biking experience while exploring the wonders of Peru.
For brave cyclists in search of thrills, downhill in Cusco offers an adrenaline-filled experience. It is the most popular mode and is supported by local clubs.
The trails, created by cyclists or adapted from indigenous agricultural transport routes, offer a variety of challenges, including ramps, berms, and rocky areas, making the descent more exciting and unique.
The community of Yuncaypata is a frequently visited destination by downhill enthusiasts, offering more than 5 lines with various levels of difficulty. Cyclists will enjoy thrilling descents through the Andes.
The Lares circuit is also busy, offering an ideal combination of rocky terrains and winding trails. Riders looking for new and exciting adventures can rent specialized bikes in the city and join tours guided by local experts.
Carrying protective gear and following safety instructions are essential to fully enjoy this unique experience. Cusco stands out as an exciting destination for downhill enthusiasts.
Enduro in Cusco offers an exciting combination of technical descents and challenging climbs. Although a relatively recent modality, it has become incredibly popular, consolidating Cusco as the national capital of Enduro.
It features a wide variety of trails, many of which are ancient paths forgotten by local communities, making it unique and distinct from other Enduro locations.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is the ideal place for Enduro, with more than 20 challenging trails and breathtaking landscapes. One of the most popular routes is the path that connects the archaeological site of Pisac with the village of Ollantaytambo, offering an exciting experience through ancient paths and narrow trails.
With its thrilling terrain and rich history, Cusco is a must-visit destination for Enduro enthusiasts wishing to explore the best of cycling in Peru.
Cycling is a sport that is excellent for staying in shape and discovering amazing landscapes. For this reason, you should consider different important points.
Personal safety will always be more fundamental than any other factor when mountain biking. Keep the following in mind to ensure your personal safety.
Safety is important, as it can prevent serious injuries in case of an accident. Mountain biking has its risks, so you should minimize the margin of error.
You should learn to perform basic maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and lubricating the chain, checking the tire pressure, and adjusting the brake tension.
It is important to acquire a bicycle that is the right size for you. Being mountain biking, the bicycle must have the appropriate implements to be able to run on the terrain.
Mountain biking in Peru has a wide variety of routes; however, not all are the same, even if they are in similar places. For this reason, it is important to identify details about the route you will be riding, so you can prepare accordingly.
Mastering some basic cycling techniques will be of great help when mountain biking to face the challenges of the terrain you choose.
By following these safety tips, you can enjoy mountain biking in Peru safely and responsibly. Always prioritize safety and be prepared for any situation that may arise along the way.
Have fun exploring the beautiful landscapes that Peru has to offer!
Many say that young people are the future, the foundation of a community is forged by passionate youths with a thirst for success. Certainly, in our country, we can find many examples of young athletes who lack the tools and proper support for their sports career to stand out in this competitive world. Our commitment as a company is to promote the sport of Mountain Biking, supporting local athletes who inspire other young people to become new cyclists, promoting values and service to society.
Explorinka is currently supporting many young riders with bicycles and financial support as needed.
Abel Caceres:
A Cusco rider passionate about speed, who, in addition to mountain biking, also participates in rally competitions.
Abel has participated in many MTB competitions, achieving significant medals. His desire and effort in this sport inspire many. Currently, Abel does not have a competition bike, but seeing his achievements, Explorinka has been supporting him by providing a bike so he can train and participate in different local competitions.
Siwar Monteagudo:
Siwar is practically a benchmark for Mountain Biking in Cusco. We were able to support him in some national competitions like the Enduro series 2021 where he reached the podium in his category. He also participates in some tours that we organize as support for our guides.
Siwar is a competitor who has won many medals, giving us an example that everything can be achieved with perseverance and effort.
Isrrael Bernaola:
Israel, or as his friends call him Chirra, is a persevering athlete. Apart from his skills as a rider, which by the way, he is one of the best in Peru in the Downhill modality. He has been winning different downhill competitions like the Inkavalanche, and other local competitions. Explorinka supported him by providing a bicycle for him to use so he can win medals during his career.
Gerson Paz
Gerson loves MTB as well as nature and animals. We met him in a video we made and were amazed, as with a rigid bike he performs incredible jumps, talented by nature.
We supported him in some competitions, of course, he reached the podium and won medals. You can always count on us, Gerson.
We are pleased to help not only riders but also to continue building and maintaining trails so that the cyclist community grows, as we know that everything will be better while you're on the bike.
Cusco is one of the best places for cycling, with its mountainous geography and variety of ecosystems, making it the perfect place to pedal in different types of cycling. There are routes for XC, enduro, road cycling, downhill, among others.
Within our selection of the 5 best bike routes in Cusco, we highlight their ease of access, landscape diversity, and level of difficulty.
If XC or Cross Country is your thing, the Corn Route is perfect for you. It is a road type trail that crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas from the town of Pisaq (located 45 minutes from the city of Cusco) to the fortress of Ollantaytambo.
With a distance of 60 km between the starting and ending points, running very close to the Vilcanota River among corn, strawberry, and potato crops. To better enhance this route, the corn crops you will pass through are the best in the city of Cusco and Peru.
The terrain is quite firm and there is not much unevenness, in most of the circuit the surface is flat making it a bicycle trail with a "easy" degree of difficulty. Ideal for a family outing or to disconnect from routine surrounded by typical landscapes of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Increasing the degree of difficulty, we move on to enduro mode. The route you can't miss while in Cusco is undoubtedly the Lares Trail. An ancient Inca path extends from 4600 m high, descending to 2900 m high over 12 km. The terrain is quite fluid but also has its technical side, making it more fun if you're looking for a lot of adrenaline discharge.
It is located 2 hours from the city of Cusco, in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Its degree of difficulty is intermediate level with little positive unevenness. As an additional feature, there is a sand drop named "freeride" by local riders. This drop has a steep inclination, not very long, but we are sure that if you ride it, it will make your heart reach the top.
Huacarpay is a wetland located 30 minutes south of the city of Cusco, in this wetland there is a track that surrounds the lagoon extending for approximately 5 km. Yes, it is very little mileage for a road cyclist, but remember that it is at altitude (between 3000 to 4000 masl) which affects performance. However, you can make as many laps as you want, the great thing about this circuit is that there is very little vehicle traffic, we would say almost none, combined with the landscape, it makes a perfect place for road cycling.
As an additional piece of information, near this track is the town of Lucre, where you can find the best roasted duck in the Cusco area, as well as delicious artisanal ice creams. Take advantage of your break and treat yourself to a stop in Lucre.
It is the most classic circuit and perhaps the most used by enthusiastic tourists, characterized by having stops at archaeological sites such as Moray and crossing the salt mines, called Salineras. Its distance is approximately 20 km, starting near the town of Chinchero.
You will mostly see potato and cereal crops on your ride, in addition to being able to observe the Urubamba mountain range. The first stop will be the archaeological center of Moray, a place that was formerly used for agricultural experimentation, its circular and terraced terracing allowed to have different temperatures at each of its levels, which allowed the planting of different products.
Then you can visit the famous salt mines in Maras, where you can take the opportunity to buy some salt to taste at home. Finally, you will arrive in the Sacred Valley in Urubamba. The difficulty of this circuit is moderate, it has very simple parts, but at the end, there is a narrow horseshoe path with some tight turns. You can always walk the more complicated parts if your skill does not allow it.
This circuit will truly make your adrenaline fly, located in the Sacred Valley, on the high side, near Chinchero. It starts at a great viewpoint of the Urubamba snow-capped mountains, then crosses a canyon descending towards the town of Urquillos. The great thing about this circuit is that it has technical parts, sections with stone stairs, technical turns, and some ramps.
Its distance is 8 km, not very long, but fun. There are sections of high speed, which allows you to release that wild spirit that a rider keeps in their day to day. Otherwise, the fun is guaranteed if downhill is your favorite sport.
The Yucaypata route in Cusco is a favorite among mountain biking enthusiasts. Located just 45 minutes from the city of Cusco, this route offers trails for all tastes and cyclist experience levels.
The route begins at the Ccorao pass, where you can choose the trail you wish to explore. The distance varies depending on the trail chosen, so you can ride for about 8 km, encountering steps, ramps, and even roots typical of the forests surrounding the route.
However, if you're looking for a more relaxed ride, you can cycle approximately 16 km on a trail that doesn't require great skill. You may encounter sections with many holes due to rain and animal traffic, but these do not present a significant obstacle.
Undoubtedly, the versatility that Yucaypata offers is what made it the favorite route for all cyclists visiting the city of Cusco.
There are many possibilities for practicing mountain biking in Cusco, the best ones are found in the Sacred Valley of the Incas; however, they are somewhat far, between 2 to 3 hours driving to the starting point of any of these routes. Considering this and knowing that no one likes to spend a lot of time in the car, we recommend going to Yuncaypata. A town where you will find many possibilities to practice cycling, whether you are looking for lines for beginners or lines for experienced riders.
Yuncaypata is not very far from the city of Cusco, in 45 minutes you can reach the top of the mountain. Now, since there is a variety of lines, you can practice the following cycling modalities:
If you have time, we recommend traveling to the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you will find circuits with more variety in each modality. Consider staying in Urubamba or Calca, places that offer many amenities for tourists, where you'll find hotels and restaurants at comfortable prices.
It's a bit complicated to do a city tour by bicycle in Cusco, for two basic reasons:
Even so, what can be done is to visit the 4 archaeological sites: Saqsayhuaman, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Qenqo sites that are part of the classic City Tour in Cusco. Normally, this tour is done on electric bicycles, as the track has a lot of variation in elevation. Electric bicycles will make your experience more comfortable, as they assist almost 80% of your pedaling.
Adding visits to archaeological sites, this tour is truly a gem, as you are outdoors. The degree of difficulty is easy, you do not need much experience to enjoy the tour. It is highly recommended to escape the routine and do something different from the classic tours.
The city bike tour duration is a maximum of 6 hours, depending on your physical condition.
Here are some recommendations to consider for your bike ride.
The Maras-Moray route is the most popular in the Cusco region, offering a great variety in activities, as it involves not only cycling but also visiting the archaeological site of Moray and the salt mines in Maras.
To explore it, you must drive to the town of Chinchero, located 45 minutes from Cusco. This place marks the beginning of your adventure, with 20 km of distance awaiting you on this trail. The terrain is not complicated, although the path becomes narrower towards the end.
Do I need to pay for entry to this bicycle route?
The Maras-Moray bicycle circuit is free; however, entering the archaeological complex of Moray costs 70 soles, and for the salt mines, it is 10 soles.
Tour Duration
The duration of the tour depends on your physical condition, normally lasting 6 hours, but it can take a bit longer.
The downhill trail in Yuncaypata is one of the most used by cyclists visiting Cusco, offering adventure for both experts and beginners.
On the route, you can visit archaeological sites such as Inkilltambo, Kallachaka, Hatun Plaza, among others. To undertake this journey, you will have 2 options:
The Sacred Valley of the Incas offers perfect trails for cycling, where you can marvel at the wonderful landscape and even visit several archaeological sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and more.
The route is approximately 58 km long, all along the cycle path of the Sacred Valley. Entry to the archaeological sites requires a ticket, costing 70 soles and includes access to Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and Moray.
What to Bring?
For any bike ride, it is always advisable to bring:
Tour Duration
The approximate duration of the tour is 6 hours.
Reaching the Machu Picchu citadel by bicycle is an adventure-filled and exciting experience. Additionally, it includes not only cycling but also hiking up to the Inca citadel.
The journey lasts 4 days and 3 nights, starting with a transfer from Cusco to Ollantaytambo where the bike route begins.
The trail includes sections of the Inca Trail, so at times the path may become too narrow, as these were designed for walkers.
The Sacred Valley is the perfect place for cycling. Its geography, incredible landscapes, and tourist sites that you can visit along the way make this location the best choice.
However, some routes are better than others. Here we present the best routes for cycling.
The Maras Moray bike route is an adventure that combines incredible landscapes, history, and culture of the city.
It is divided into two parts. The first starts in the town of Chichero on the road, leading us to the Huaypo Lagoon lookout, our first rest stop. We continue pedaling for about an hour past the towns of Cruzpata and Misminay, where we'll have an incredible view of the archaeological complex of Moray, our next destination.
In Maras, 10 minutes from Moray, begins the second part of the journey, a descent to the community of Pichingoto in the town of Tarabamba. This trail is narrower and has a high-speed downhill section with many stones on the path.
It is best to travel the route in the dry season, as the route can have slippery sections due to the clay soil.
General information
| Altitude | 2843–3758 m.a.s.l. |
| Elevation change | +203 m / - 1106 m |
| Distance | 30.3 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Route type | Road |
The Corn Route is a trail that crosses the entire Sacred Valley parallel to the Vilcanota River. Along this route, you can see a large amount of corn crops, hence its name.
On the way, you will pass through various towns such as: Pisac, Coya, Lamay, Urquillos, Huayllabamba, Yucay, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, and more; where you can observe the landscape and enjoy their traditions.
The terrain is not rugged, as it is mostly flat, and the slope does not vary much. This route is perfect for any cyclist who wants a leisurely ride while watching the corn crops.
On this route, it is not very common to find cars, but caution is always recommended. Stay on your right!
General information
| Altitude | 2972–2972 m.a.s.l. |
| Elevation change | +200 m |
| Distance | 60 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Route type | Road |
Undoubtedly, the Inca Avalanche Route should be among the best bicycle routes found in the Sacred Valley. The route starts at an altitude of 4200 m at the place known as Abra Málaga, with an average temperature of 10 °C.
The Inca Avalanche offers a complete journey with sections of wet terrain, frequent and steep curves, requiring intermediate experience at every segment. You will also find ramps with almost 2 m of distance, and the drops that increase adrenaline while riding.
Be aware that this route has sections where you will cross roads with vehicular traffic, so it is recommended to be very cautious when approaching the road to avoid accidents.
General information
| Altitude | 2880 - 4300 m.a.s.l. |
| Elevation change | -1547 m / +128 m |
| Distance | 12.6 km |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Route type | Single Track |
This trail is undoubtedly perfect for mountain biking, considered one of the highest in the world, making it a challenge for all cyclists.
We start at the Yanamayo pass at over 4000 m of altitude, which involves good physical condition because the length is almost 30 km.
The terrain is not rugged; however, some sections have loose stones and mud with moss that can make the route more difficult.
General information
| Altitude | 2792 - 4300 m.a.s.l. |
| Elevation change | +330 / -1508 m |
| Distance | 30 km |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Route type | Single Track Enduro |
The classic Lamay route is a mountain of adrenaline, with sections that will require all the cyclist's technique. This path is still used by the community members to transport their products.
It doesn't have much descent, and you will encounter Inca stairs with steps up to 30 cm high in some places. If your cycling level is intermediate, this route is completely for you.
General information
| Altitude | 2941 - 4300 m.a.s.l. |
| Elevation change | + 1359 m |
| Distance | 13.5 km |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Route type | Single Track |
As its name suggests, this route is La Máxima, at an altitude of 4000 m, you will be able to have an incredible view of the mountain range surrounding the trail.
In this route, you will find everything, sections of high speed, tight turns, and terrains where you will have to use all your skills. The descent is full of adrenaline that will take you to maximum speed.
Keep in mind that this route is only for experienced cyclists and it is absolutely necessary to do it in the company of others, never alone.
General information
| Altitude | 2967 - 4000 m.a.s.l. |
| Elevation change | +216 / -1751 m |
| Distance | 11.2 km |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
| Route type | Enduro Singletrack |
Here are the recommendations you should consider for your bike trip.