PERU MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE TOUR | HUASCARAN CUSCO MACHU PICCHU

Venture: 5 minute read
To the incredible mountain region of Peru called the Huascaran (pronounced Wa ska rarn) and explore with us the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains). This Mountain Bike/ Gravel Bike Race and Ride Tour starts with the La Vuelta Huascaran 2 Day Stage Race (for Elite, Masters and Sport level riders, Solo and 2 Person Teams) around the renowned Huascaran circuit, this traverses the Majestic Punta Olympica (4736m) ,Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4769m) passes and weaves through all the valleys and mountain giants in this amazing part of the world. From here we leave the Huascaran region and take you to ride the Peruvian Single Track around Cusco and the Sacred Valley while discovering the historical centre of the Incan Empire. We ride the stunningly beautiful trails in this part of the Peruvian Andes including the Legendary Abra Lares trail, the Majestic Abra Malaga trail (Inca Avalanche) and the Patacancha trail (Worlds Highest Enduro race course). This is a spectacular trip, starting with an MTB event around Worlds Highest Tropical Mountain Peak (Mount Huascaran 6786m), then visiting the World Heritage City of Cusco (3399m) and riding the Sacred Trails in the Valley of the Incas before leading you to an unbelievable finish at one of the seven wonders of the world, the ancient Inca City of Machu Picchu.

Huascaran Sacred Trails – MTB/ Gravel Race plus Cusco/Sacred Valley Ride and Machu Picchu Tour:
– Days: 14 Days/13 Nights
– Fitness Level: Intermediate/Advanced (you currently ride or can ride 200k+ a week with ease)
– Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced
– Group Size: 4 to 6* rider minimum, 14 rider maximum.
– Rider Price: $3780 (USD/EUR/NZD/AUD/CAD) $270 Per Day – $2908 (GBP) $207 GBP Per Day (everything included)

This tour includes, A 2 Day MTB/ Gravel Stage Race (All Entry Fees and Transportation included) and Mountain Biking / Gravel riding Sacred valley (Single Track),Accommodations, Food, All Transport, Domestic Flight to Cusco, Guides, Entrance Fees Machu Picchu, All Tours and Sight seeing and so much more.

Prices explained: Resident Currency Pricing (RCP)

Pay for this tour in the country currency and economy you live and work within. We think its fair that way. We have 6 currencies (USD/EUR/NZD/AUD/CAD/GBP). If you live in North America (USA or Canada) Great Britain, Europe or the South Pacific (New Zealand or Australia) you will pay in the currency where you live. All other residents of other countries will pay the USD price. *The Tour minimum is 4 riders if bookings paid in (USD/EUR/GBP) currency and 6 riders minimum if bookings paid in (NZD/AUD/CAD) currency. If we get a mix of both that’s ok the tour will be confirmed.

2024 Date:
Date to be advised. TBC
Close off Date: Sign up for this tour with a $500 NZD deposit

Note about Fitness and Skill levels:

All riders receive a (minimum 8 week) training program for the tours. If you are currently a beginner Fitness level rider (100k per week), but want to do this Intermediate fitness level tour. As long as you make a commitment to train to prepare and get to the (200k per week) level we are happy to have you join us on this tour.

Skill Levels. You must be an experienced MTB rider with Intermediate/Advanced skills to ride this tour.

La Vuelta Huascaran 2 Day Race Categories:

Duo Elite: Men’s – 2 male riders, Mixed – 1 male & 1 female rider
Solo Elite: Men’s – 1 male rider, Women’s – 1 female rider
Solo Master: Men’s – 1 male rider, age 40+, Women’s – 1 female rider, age 40+ (Master Category Rides the 159k Elite Route)
Solo Sport: Men’s – 1 male rider, Women’s – 1 female rider (Sport Category Rides the 95k Sport Route)

What is a Beyond Andes MTB/ Gravel Bike tour?
Our MTB /Gravel tours are for people that regularly ride their MTB’s or Gravel Bikes
This is a Race and Ride trip at the very Top of the World in Peru.

Bikes and Tyre’s:
You bring your own MTB / Gravel bike. Hard tails or FS MTBs, Gravel Bikes. Tyres for fast dry all conditions trails.

Tour Highlights:

Sight seeing Huaraz, the Markets, Plaza and Museums.
Riding remote High Mountain roads, trails and passes in the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains)
Racing through the Worlds highest tunnel Punta Olympica (4736m)
Racing over the Pupush (4050m) and Portachuelo de Llanganuco (4769m) passes
Camping a night in the stunning Wecroncocha valley
Sight seeing the World Heritage City of Cusco the historic center of the Inca Empire (including 2 walking tours).
Guided Tours of Cusco City ancient sites (including Qorikancha, Qinqo, Saqsayhuaman and the San Pedro Market)
Guided Tours of the Sacred Valley ancient sites (including Ollantaytambo ruins)
Guided Tours of Moray ancient site and Mara’s Salt mines.
9 Riding days for 507k (56k average)
Riding Epic Cusco and Sacred valley trails ( Legendary Abra Lares Trail and the Enduro Patacancha Trail)
Soaking in some incredible mountain hot springs.
Hiking to Machu Picchu
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu, the incredible ancient Inca Citadel.
Making a difference. A percentage of all Tour proceeds goes back to the local communities we visit. We invite you to change other peoples lives while experiencing a trip of a lifetime.

Note:
All Guided Tours are private personalized tours for just our group.

Tour Description and Itinerary:
This is a high altitude race and ride cycling trip and its important to spend some days to adapt and acclimate. So we have 4 days in and around Huaraz (3000m). The first few days include some hiking then we begin to move a bit more and also have 2 short riding days so you ease into more activity. This tour has been carefully planned in such away for you to gradually adapt and acclimatize.

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Day 1: Arrive to Lima Peru

Riders fly in and we meet you at the airport in Lima. Regardless of what time you arrive in Lima we have a Hotel for the day for you to relax and recover from your flight. Then later that night we take a VIP bus (Sleeping reclining Bed Seats) overnight to Huaraz arriving at 7am the next day.

Day 2: Acclimation day Huaraz

Check into the Hotel. Welcome meeting and tour introduction with our guides, build our bikes and relax. Later we have a Tour briefing and take Guided walk to visit the Markets, Museums and Plaza. Tonight we stay in Huaraz.

Day 3: Acclimation day - 25k (2hrs approx) - 11k Ascent/14k Descent - Hiking (2hrs approx)

Today we transfer south of Huaraz and do the easy Hike to Wicacocha Lake. After lunch we do our first ride just a little out of the city, a ride on the Cordillera Negra (Black Mountains) a paved climb to begin with and some fun single track on the descent back into town. Amazing views of the Cordillera Blanca (White Mountains) from here. Tonight we stay in Huaraz.

Day 4: Acclimation day - 32k (4hrs approx) - 15k Ascent/17k Descent

This morning we ride the Cojup Loop from Huaraz into the foothills of the Cordillera Blanca, a paved road climb to begin then dirt road. On the way we stop for lunch at the Yurac Yacu community (Lazy Dog) and then descend further to visit the Willcauain Ancient Ruins site believed to be constructed from 600 to 900 AD. We then take the short quick descent back to town. Tonight we stay in Huaraz.

Day 5: Acclimation day - Active Rest Day Short ride 22k (1,5hrs approx) - Race Briefing

Active Rest Day short 22k ride in the morning. Final prep for race. Race Briefing is between 13:00 – 15:00 hours in Huaraz. Bring your camp duffle bags that you would like to be transported to the Race campground in Wecroncocha.

Day 6: - La Vuelta Huascaran Race Stage 1 - 8.30am start - 62km (Elite) 53km (Sport) - Laguna Chinancocha – Yanama – Wecroncocha

The race begins at Laguna Chinancocha beach, Llanganuco Lakes, Yungay district. The route follows a serpentine gravel and dirt road, passing the two large Llanganuco Lakes and climbing approximately 1350 meters of altitude in 20 km to the Portachuelo pass, winding upwards beneath the glaciated peaks of Huandoy, Huascarán, Pisco, Chopicalqui and Chacraraju. From the Portachuelo pass at 4769m the road begins a long descent to Vaqueria and eventually Yanama in the Callejón de Conchucos, with several steep single track sections along the way. The Sport category riders finish in the village of Yanama (sport riders are then transferred by vehicle to Wecroncocha) The Elite riders battle up the last climb of the day, approximately 8 kilometers more to reach the Pupash pass at 4050m. The decent from the pass is a mix of dirt road and single tracks until reaching the finish line in the Wecroncocha camp.

Day 7: - La Vuelta Huascaran Race Stage 2 - 8.30am start - 97km (Elite) 42km (Sport) - Wecroncocha – Acochaca – Carhuaz

Stage 2 departs from the Wecroncocha campsite iwith a 20 km dirt road descent, passing through the quiet village of Sapcha which precedes a section of single track. Upon arrival in Acochaca, the road turns to pavement and a gentle 12 km climb towards the Jambón/Chacas intersection where the day’s uphill battle begins. Both categories will veer off towards Viscas on dirt roads once again and eventually single tracks to bypass Chacas and hit the final aid station in Huallín. At this point, the Sport category turn left and descend on a paved road descent to Chacas where they finish their race. The Elite riders turn right in Huallín and dig deep for the final 20km climb to the highest tunnel in the world at Punta Olímpica (4736m). Beyond the tunnel, a long winding paved descent connecting to some fun, technical single tracks eventually leads to the finish in Carhuaz 47k later.

Day 8: - Rest day Huaraz - Hot Springs and Sauna caves

Today we have a well deserved rest day in Huaraz then later go to the Chancos Hot Springs and Sauna caves to bath and relax even more. Tonight we celebrate with a Dinner Party, then later we take a VIP bus (Sleeping cama seats) overnight to Lima arriving at 7am the next morning.

Day 9: - Fly to Cusco - Walking Tours

This morning we fly from Lima early to Cusco (1.15hr). Check into the Hotel and rest. We rebuild our bikes. Later we take in Walking tours of Cusco and sample the Cities International Cuisine.

Day 10: - 30k - Cusco City single track ride (2hrs approx) - Guided Tours 4hrs

Sight seeing around Cusco with walking and Guided Tours of Cusco City ancient sites (including Qorikancha, Qinqo, Saqsayhuaman and the San Pedro Market). We ride the foothills of Cusco City including some nice single track and descend back to the city. Late in the afternoon we transfer to Calca in the Sacred Valley. Tonight we stay in Calca.

Day 11: - 65k - Abra Lares Trail Ride - Moray trail (4hrs approx 2 rides) - Guided Tours 2hrs

We awake early and start with a transfer up a stunningly beautiful valley into the mountains to the top of the Legendary Abra Lares (4461m). This views of this area are amazing. We ride the Lares trail and descend for 2hrs and finish back in Calca. From here we and then transfer and continue along the Sacred valley town of Urubamba to share with a local family an authentic Peruvian Lunch. This afternoon we visit the Urubamba Market and later have a Guided Tour of Moray and the Maras Salt Mines. We ride down from Moray to the Salt Mines and then descend again to the Sacred valley and onto Ollantaytambo. Tonight we stay in the amazing last authentic Inca Village in the world, Ollantaytambo at 2840m.

Day 12: - 29k - Enduro Patacancha Trail Ride (4hrs approx) - Guided Tours 1hrs

This morning we have a Guided Tour of the ancient Inca ruins here in Ollantaytambo. Then we transfer to the top of the Yanamayo Pass (4350 m). This ride follows the Worlds highest Enduro race course. Climbs, epic single track trails, rock gardens. A total elevation loss of 1800m in 29k. On the way stop at the Pumamarka Inca Ruin. Later we transfer to Santa Teresa (with an option to spin the legs out on the 2hr 77k road descent (Yes that’s not a typo) from the Abra Malaga into the jungle region of Santa Maria 1051m.Tonight we stay in Santa Teresa and soak in the stunning Hot springs.

Day 13: - 11k Hike to Aquas Calientes - Guided Tour of Machu Picchu (4hr approx)

We awake early to transfer to the Hydroelectric where we then hike the beautiful picturesque flat 11k trail (2hrs approx) along the river and railway line to the Machupicchu village of Aquas Calientes. After lunch we visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. This afternoon we spend visiting the breathe taking Citadel of the Incas, Machu Picchu. We are guided for 2.5hrs then are free to explore for another 3hrs perhaps walking to the Sungate, or climbing Machu picchu mountain. We then say goodbye to this incredible place and take the train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco. Tonight we celebrate with a Farewell Dinner Party in Cusco.

Day 14: - Tour ends

Morning in Cusco. Pack bikes and transfer to airport or other transport.

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Onward journeys: Staying in Cusco, Peru or South America?
We are happy to help and can advise you on all possible activities and destinations you want to visit.

Price Includes:

All Transportation and Airport transfers
Professional Local Peruvian guides (Bilingual Spanish/English)
Body/Bike fit check and Climbing/Descending instruction on Tour ($200 USD value)
Advanced Oxygen Enhancing Nutritional Supplements and Drinks ($100 USD value)
Technical support available: Unpacking/packing bike plus bike assembly/disassembly
Cycling training program and advice by ex Professional rider and Cycling Coach ($600 USD value)
6 riders to 1 Support vehicle ratio
Meals (All Breakfasts, 14 Lunches, 12 Dinners)
Healthy snacks and hydration during the rides
Daily after ride Yoga/Stretching classes
Beyond Andes Cycling Jersey
13 nights accommodations at Hotels, Eco lodges and Luxury B+B’s. Accommodations are Twin shared – (Single Room Supplement add $380 USD)
1 night camping in the Wecroncocha valley (includes all camping equipment)
La Vuelta Huascaran Race Entry Fee ($215 USD)
Farewell Dinner Party
Lima to Huaraz VIP Bus transportation (return)
Domestic Flight from Lima to Cusco
Other activities included:
Huaraz City Tour of markets and museums with Peruvian city guides
Guided Tours of Cusco City ancient sites (including Qorikancha, Qinqo, Saqsayhuaman and the San Pedro Market)
Guided Tours of the Sacred Valley ancient sites (Ollantaytambo ruins)
Guided Tours of Moray ancient site and Mara’s Salt mines.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu, the incredible ancient Inca Citadel.
Cusco and Sacred Valley Ancient Ruins Tickets ($60USD)
Machu Picchu Entrance Tickets and Train Tickets ($60USD + $160USD)

Not included:

- Flights (International)
- Insurance – Travel, Personal and Equipment
- Hotel charges such as mini bar and phone
- Tips in restaurants and hotels
- Alcoholic/ non-alcoholic beverages
- Any other items not listed as included

Booking and other important Info:

The close off date to book this May Tour with a deposit is March 5th 2024.
To book this Tour please click through to fill out the Booking Form and submit. This is an email booking, we will reply to you with information on payment of the deposit using Credit card.
A $500 NZD per person deposit is due within 10 days of you receiving the booking/payment information from us. The deposit confirms your spot on the tour.
The Deposit is Fully Refundable (less any Transaction fees) if the Tour minimum bookings are not reached by the close off date. We will refund your deposit within 3 weeks following the close off date.
We have a minimum of 4 to 6 riders to Guarantee this tour. Please Do Not Book your Plane Tickets until you have received notification from us that we have Guaranteed this tour.
If you cancel your booking the Tour deposit is not refundable. It is however transferable and maybe applied to other later date tours (with the payment of a $300 NZD re – booking fee).
This tour is for Intermediate and advanced fitness riders only, and intermediate/advanced skill level riders, NOT for recreational cyclists. You have a mountain bike and you ride it regularly. All riders are requested and expected to follow the training program to prepare for this tour. We want you to come on this tour prepared so you will enjoy it more.
Insurance. You are required as a condition of booking to be insured against medical and personal accident risks. We recommend that you take out a policy once you have received confirmation that the tour is Guaranteed, which covers trip cancellation, your bike, baggage and equipment.
Flight Information. We will email you flight information and recommended bike and equipment set up details.
Full tour payment is due 1 Month before the tour.

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Photo credits: La Vuelta Huascaran Race Photos: Enrique Sedano Juro and Diego Uzuriaga. All other photos: Antonio ‘alitas’ Juan