The Rundown

This 7-day journey runs from May to October 2025, when the weather’s dry and the trails are prime for cycling. You’ll cover 40-70 km a day, tackling some serious high-altitude trails that’ll test your lungs and legs. The guided tour costs $2,800, which gets you a local guide who’s practically an Incan encyclopedia, a support van for gear, and all the logistics sorted. Want to channel your inner explorer? The self-guided option is $2,000, with GPS routes, maps, and a detailed itinerary to keep you on track. Either way, you’re riding through a landscape that’s been sacred for centuries.

The Landscape

The Sacred Valley is straight-up magical. You’re cycling through terraced hills carved by the Incas, with Andean peaks looming like ancient guardians. The trails are a mix of dirt paths, rocky tracks, and some paved sections, winding through valleys dotted with quinoa fields and adobe villages. You’ll ride alongside rushing rivers, past stone ruins that predate Columbus, and through high-altitude plateaus where the air’s thin but the views are thick. Altitudes hit 2,800-3,800 meters, so it’s not just the scenery that’ll take your breath away. Expect vibrant markets and llama crossings to keep things lively.

What’s the Ride Like?

This tour’s rated moderate-advanced, so it’s for cyclists who are comfy with longer days and some challenging terrain. The high altitude is the real kicker—your legs might feel fine, but your lungs will be working overtime. Expect 500-1,000 meters of elevation gain on tougher days, with dirt paths that demand decent bike-handling skills. The payoff? Unbelievable views of snow-capped mountains and Incan sites like Ollantaytambo. Guided tours come with a support van for water, snacks, and emergency fixes, plus a guide who’ll share stories about the land and its people. Self-guided riders get a beefy route packet with GPS tracks and cultural tips, but you’ll need to be ready to navigate and pace yourself.

Local Tips to Keep You Rolling

Acclimatize first: Spend a couple days in Cusco (3,400m) before riding to get used to the altitude. It’ll save you from feeling like you’re breathing through a straw.

Coca tea is your friend: Sip coca tea at local cafés for a natural energy boost—it’s a traditional remedy for altitude and tastes pretty good, too.

Pack for variety: The Andes can swing from sunny to chilly in a flash. Bring layers—think breathable base, fleece, and a waterproof shell.

Market magic: Hit up local markets like Pisac for handmade textiles and snacks like choclo (giant corn). Bargain politely and bring small bills.

Itinerary Sneak Peek

You’ll kick off in Cusco, the Incan capital, with a short ride to get your legs ready and soak in the colonial-meets-Incan vibes. Day 2 dives into the Sacred Valley, pedaling past terraced fields to Pisac and its vibrant market. Days 3-4 take you deeper, with rides through Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, where you’ll explore Incan ruins and refuel with Andean staples like quinoa soup. Day 5 is the big one: a train ride to Aguas Calientes and a visit to Machu Picchu, where you’ll ditch the bike for a guided tour of the iconic ruins. Days 6-7 loop back toward Cusco, with more ruins and scenic trails, ending with a farewell feast of Peruvian ceviche or lomo saltado. Guided tours include luggage transfers and daily briefings; self-guided folks get a detailed guidebook to keep you on course.