Machu Picchu | Drew Collins
Blog home / Your Guide to our Canyons, Condors and Macchu Pichu by Bike
We interviewed our local operator and guide, Louise Vargaya-Conza about cycling in Peru and why the fully supported 'Condors, Canyons and Macchu Pichu By Bike' tour is so special.
Read on and be inspired.
What is 'Canyons, Condors and Macchu Pichu by Bike'?
The tour starts in Arequipa, which is in the south of Peru, 1 hour 20 mins flight from Lima (the capital). The tour is 13 days and travels through Arequipa, the Colca Canyon (second deepest canyon in the world, where you can see the flight of the Andean Condors, one of the worlds largest flighted birds), Puno, the altiplano and Lake Titicaca, Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and then Machu Picchu. The trip finishes with a return train to Cusco on day 13.
What is so special about the cycling on this tour?
The cycling gives you the advantage of getting up close and personal with the people and the culture rather than being enclosed in a bus the whole time. We have chosen our rides to showcase the best scenery, while using quiet, rural roads and making the cycling distances and challenges achievable for the average cyclist
What are the best cultural aspects of the tour
We spend a lot of time learning about the distinct areas and how people live both historically and now. I also feel there is a unique value in as well as having a local guide, having a western guide (me) who has lived, is tied to and has been immersed in the local culture for a long period of time, this gives people a unique insight into modern culture and life in Peru that they may not get otherwise
What can you expect to see?
A bit of everything Peru has to offer, amazing scenery, wildlife (the Condor of course, but also Vicuna, Llama, Alpaca, flamingo, parrots, hummingbirds). A highlight for many is the home stay on Lake Titicaca to see how rural Peruvian families live), Inca Ruins, and fantastic food. Peru’s cuisine is actually rated in the top 5 in the world, something many are not aware of.
What are the bets scenic highlights?
The Colca Canyon, Lake Titicaca, The Sacred Valley of the Incas, the downhill off Abra Malaga Pass into the high jungle and onto Machu Picchu (we start at 4300m and end at 1100m, so literally on top of a mountain in the morning and in the tropical jungle by afternoon).
What's great about cycling in Peru during August/September?
Anytime May - September is great weather wise, as it is dry and sunny. August and September are great months as the tourist numbers are lower so you can a more intimate experience at some of the busier spots we visit such as Machu Picchu.
Without a doubt cycling is one of the finest ways to discover a country and cycling on rural roads through small villages and experiencing the very traditional day to day life of the Andean people is a wonderful experience. Join us on this 8 day introductory cycling adventure - View trip details here.