Cycle Peru: Canyons, Condors & Machu Picchu

Join the trip in Arequipa, one of Peru's most attractive colonial cities. Airport transfers are included for those arriving today. After lunch, enjoy a guided visit to the remarkable Santa Catalina Monastery, a vast complex of colourful streets, courtyards and chapels often described as a city within a city. Later, meet your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  L,D

Today provides an opportunity to acclimatise to the altitude and ensure your bike is correctly fitted before the journey ahead. Transfer to the countryside surrounding Arequipa for a relaxed introductory ride through rural landscapes beneath the backdrop of the region's volcanic peaks. After a picnic lunch there is the option to visit San Camilo Market, one of the city's most colourful and vibrant local markets. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B,L

An early transfer brings us to Patapampa Pass (4800m / 15748ft), where expansive views stretch across the surrounding volcanoes and high-altitude landscapes. After warming up with a cup of coca tea, begin a long descent by bicycle towards Chivay in the Colca Valley. Following lunch, continue cycling through traditional farming communities and terraced landscapes before transferring to our accommodation beside the Colca River. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning visit Cruz del Condor, one of the best viewpoints in the Colca Canyon. Here, powerful thermals often attract Andean condors, providing opportunities to observe these magnificent birds soaring above the canyon. Throughout the day, combine cycling and vehicle support while visiting local villages, scenic viewpoints and markets. In the afternoon, ride quiet roads on the opposite side of the canyon before returning to enjoy the thermal springs. Accommodation: Lodge

Meals:  B,L

Begin the day cycling through high-altitude landscapes dotted with lakes, alpaca herds and traditional grazing lands. A support vehicle is used to bypass busier sections of road while allowing time to stop at scenic viewpoints and places of interest along the way. By late afternoon, arrive in Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the world's highest navigable lake. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Take a boat excursion to the floating reed islands of the Uros people, whose unique communities have existed on Lake Titicaca for generations. Returning to the mainland, continue across the Altiplano by vehicle and bicycle through traditional Andean settlements including Lampa and Pucará. Arrive in Sicuani for the night. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Leave the main highway behind and cycle the scenic Cuatro Lagunas route through a series of high mountain lakes and traditional villages. A rewarding descent returns us to the valley floor before continuing by vehicle to Huacarpay. From here, cycle through the eastern reaches of the Sacred Valley towards the colourful market town of Pisac before transferring to Cusco

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is free to explore Cusco at your own pace. Once the capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco is a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture. Visit museums, churches, markets and archaeological sites, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic city. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B

Ride through the Sacred Valley to visit Moray, the remarkable circular agricultural terraces believed to have been used by the Incas for crop experimentation. Continue to the ancient salt pans of Maras, where thousands of salt pools continue to be worked today. After lunch, transfer to Ollantaytambo. There is also the option for a challenging ride towards Abra Málaga for those seeking additional cycling. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Transfer to Abra Málaga Pass (4315m / 14157ft), where one of Peru's most celebrated cycling descents begins. Ride from the high Andes through cloud forest and increasingly lush vegetation, descending more than 3200m / 10499ft into subtropical landscapes. After lunch, continue by vehicle to Santa Teresa before taking the train to Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

An early start allows time to explore Machu Picchu before the larger crowds arrive. Enjoy a guided tour of this extraordinary Inca citadel, learning about its history, architecture and significance. There is free time to further explore before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and continuing by vehicle to Cusco. Celebrate the completion of the journey with a final group dinner. Accommodation: Hotel

Meals:  B,D

The trip concludes after breakfast. Airport transfers are included according to your departure arrangements.

Meals:  B