DESCRIPTION
The Sacred Valley Bike Tour combines sport, culture, and nature in a unique experience. From Cusco, you’ll travel through the Andean landscapes of Cruzpata, Laguna Huaypo, Moray, and Maras, discovering the agricultural heart of the Incas. The route, ideal for adventurers and nature lovers, crosses rural roads surrounded by mountains, agricultural terraces, and traditional communities.
During the tour, you’ll enjoy spectacular views, visit archaeological sites, learn about the artisanal process of the Maras Salt Mines, and experience the thrill of mountain biking in one of Cusco’s most beautiful settings.
ITINERARY
🚴♂️ Sacred Valley Bike Tour | Laguna Huaypo – Maras & Moray
🗓️ Day 1 – Detailed Itinerary
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (7:00 – 8:00 AM)
The day begins with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco, either in the historic center or nearby areas. Our tour will take you on a scenic route to Chinchero, passing through typical landscapes of the Peruvian Andes with views of the Chicón Mountains, agricultural valleys, and traditional communities of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Arrival at the starting point and preparation in Cruzpata
Upon arrival at the community of Cruzpata (3,600 m above sea level), your guide will provide a brief orientation on safety, bike handling, and the day’s route. Each participant will receive complete equipment: a professional mountain bike with suspension, helmet, gloves, and a reflective vest.
Start of the bike tour to Laguna Huaypo
We begin the adventure pedaling along dirt roads surrounded by potato, quinoa, corn, and barley fields. This first stretch offers a light ride, ideal for acclimatizing, while observing flocks of sheep, farmers working the land, and the expansive Andean landscapes. After about 40 minutes, we arrive at the beautiful Laguna Huaypo, a natural mirror of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains. Here we pause to take photos, hydrate, and enjoy the surroundings.
Route to the Moray Archaeological Site
From the lagoon, we resume the gently ascending route to the west. As we continue, the landscape transforms, revealing spectacular views of the Urubamba Mountains. Upon arriving in Moray, we explore its impressive circular terraces, which the Incas used as an agricultural laboratory.
Descent to the Village of Maras
After the cultural visit, we begin a fun bike ride downhill to the picturesque village of Maras, known for its carved colonial stone gates and cobblestone streets. From here, you can see the snow-capped mountains of Verónica and Chicón, as the road winds through farmland and water channels.
Road to the Maras Salt Mines
We continue our descent along a spectacular trail to the Maras Salt Mines, one of the most impressive landscapes in the Sacred Valley. This complex of more than 3,000 salt pools has been exploited since pre-Inca times by local families. The guide will explain how the famous “pink salt of Maras” is obtained in an artisanal and sustainable way.
End of the tour and return to Cusco
The journey ends near the salt mines, where the tourist transport awaits us to return to Cusco. We return our cycling equipment and provide a brief conclusion to the tour.
Arrival in Cusco
We conclude the day with our arrival in the Imperial City. The vehicle will drop off participants near Cusco’s Historic Center, thus concluding the experience.
INCLUDES
✅Includes
🚐 Round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco
Pickup from your hotel and transfer by tourist vehicle to the tour starting point in the community of Cruzpata, with a comfortable return to Cusco at the end of the tour.
🚴♂️ Professional mountain bike
Includes a bike with front or full suspension, adjusted to your size, ready to travel the rural roads of the Sacred Valley of the Incas in complete safety and comfort.
🪖 Complete safety equipment
Each participant receives a helmet, gloves, a reflective vest, and a prior technical inspection. The guide verifies that all equipment is in optimal condition before starting the tour.
🧭 Professional tour guide
Bilingual guide (Spanish/English) specialized in cycling and adventure tourism, who shares cultural information about Maras, Moray, Laguna Huaypo, and the local communities.
🩹 Assistance and First Aid Kit
The guide carries a basic first aid kit and is trained in handling any eventuality during the cycling route.
📸 Panoramic stops and free time for photos
During the tour, there are breaks at strategic points to enjoy the scenery, observe the local fauna, and take photographs of the Sacred Valley.
NOT INCLUDED
❌Not Included
🍽️ Lunch or Additional Drinks
The tour does not include lunch. A snack and mineral water are provided during the route, but visitors can bring light meals or arrange an optional meal on the return to Cusco.
💰 Voluntary Gratuities
Gratuities for the guide or driver are not included. They are left at the participant’s discretion as a token of gratitude for the team’s attention and professionalism.
🧳 Personal Expenses and Optional Purchases
Souvenirs, local products such as pink salt, or handicrafts at the Maras Salt Mines are not included in the tour price. It is recommended to bring cash in soles.
📸 Professional Photography or Video Service
If you wish to record your experience with professional equipment or a drone, this service must be requested in advance and has an additional cost.
🛡️ Travel Insurance or Medical Assistance
The package does not include medical insurance or personal coverage. It is recommended to purchase travel insurance that includes adventure activities and cycling.
🚐 Transportation Outside the Itinerary
Only the Cusco–Cruzpata–Salineras–Cusco transfer is included. If the visitor wishes to continue to another destination, an additional private service can be arranged.
🎟️ Entrance Fees Not Mentioned
Access to other attractions in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo, is not included in this tour.
RECOMMENDATIONS
✨Recommendations
🧥 Appropriate Clothing:
Bring comfortable, lightweight clothing for cycling, as well as a windbreaker or fleece jacket for the early morning hours and the return to Cusco.
👟 Athletic Footwear:
Wear sturdy shoes with good traction; avoid sandals or unstable footwear to ensure safety on the descents.
🧴 Sun Protection:
The climate in the Sacred Valley of the Incas can be intense during the day. Apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and a hat or cap.
💧 Constant Hydration:
Bring your own reusable bottle and drink water frequently. The altitude and physical activity can cause rapid dehydration.
🎒 Useful Accessories:
Include in your small backpack: a camera, cash (soles), personal identification, and a raincoat during the rainy season (November to March).
⛰️ Prior acclimatization:
Stay at least one or two days in Cusco before the tour to adjust to the altitude (3,399 m above sea level) and enjoy the route without any problems.
💚 Environmental respect and awareness:
Avoid littering, respect local communities, and enjoy the natural environment responsibly.
FAQ's
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🚴♂️ 1. What is the difficulty level of the route?
The route is moderate, suitable for travelers with a basic physical condition. Most of the route is downhill or on gentle slopes, ideal for those who want to enjoy cycling without extreme exertion.
🕐 2. How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts between 6 and 7 hours in total, including transportation from Cusco, photo stops, guided tours, and return.
📍 3. Where does the bike tour start?
The route begins in the community of Cruzpata, at over 3,600 meters above sea level, an ideal spot to enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and descend to the main attractions.
📸 4. Is it allowed to take photos during the tour?
Of course! Stops are made at Laguna Huaypo, Moray, Maras, and the Salineras, where you can take photos and enjoy the scenery. It is recommended to bring a camera or cell phone with a charged battery.
🌦️ 5. What is the best time to take this tour?
From April to October, during the dry season in Cusco. During these months, the roads are paved, the skies are clear, and the colors of the valley are more intense.
💧 6. What should I bring for the tour?
Sportswear, a windbreaker, sunscreen, a water bottle, sunglasses, a hat, and cash. During the rainy season, add a rain poncho.