Machu Picchu Multisport
Trip Overview
(Biking, Whitewater Rafting, Trekking, Rock Climbing and Horseback Riding) Ignite your spirit and enrich your soul on this Peruvian Machu Picchu guided adventure tour. Peru is a country blessed with shockingly beautiful landscapes, varied ecosystems, the ancient Inca civilization, archaeological ruins, and rugged wilderness.
Visiting Machu Picchu and the Peruvian city of Cusco is a truly fantastic travel opportunity for the adventurous traveler. An active vacation with ample routes and trails for hiking, that wind through the surrounding mountains providing stunning vantage points to view magnificent scenery!
Our adventure merges hiking, mountain biking, camping, horseback riding, and even whitewater rafting.
On horses, we canter through the countryside of Cuzco, set high in the cool Andes. In rafts we bounce down the bubbling rapids of the Urubamba River, cutting through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. On mountain bikes, we whisk through fertile agricultural communities where terraced fields of potato and quinoa carpet the mountains.
Finally, we have an exhilarating 4-day trek, traversing the Lares Valley, with pack llamas leading the way. The adventure's grand finale is a hike and tour in Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas.
WOW FACTORS
- Explore the cobblestone streets of charming Cuzco, the former capital of the Inca Empire
- Glide down trail roads from the ruins of Moray to the Maras salt mines on mountain bikes
- Trek through the Peruvian mountains for four days on the remote Lares Trail with locals and llamas
- Exploring the stunning ruins of legendary Machu Picchu overlooking the Urubamba River
Watch our Peru Trekking FAQ video.
Itinerary & Map
Day 1
Cuzco
Arrival
Upon arrival into Cuzco, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to a comfortable hotel in the city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to acclimate to this high altitude colonial city located at 3,350 meters / 10,988 feet.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: none
Day 2
Cuzco & Sacsayhuaman
Horseback Riding
This morning is at leisure to wander through the cobblestone streets of Cuzco exploring the cathedral, museums or shopping for local handicrafts. Later this afternoon we depart by horse, riding to the nearby ruins of Kenko, Tambomachay and Pucapucara. Our final destination is Sacsayhuaman, a spectacular mountaintop fortress overlooking Cuzco. We return to the hotel late afternoon. Approximately 2 hours on horseback.
Horseback Riding Duration: 2 hours
Horseback Riding Distance: 11 km / 7 mi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3
Chacan
Rock Climbing
After breakfast we depart for Chacan, located at 3,500 meters / 11,500 feet. We’ll be greeted by a local shaman who will lead us through a spiritual ceremony of Quechua rituals. Later this morning we hike up to the Chacan mountain range and set up top ropes to climb the limestone walls, ranging from 15 to 45 feet or 5 to 14 meters in height. There are easy-moderate-challenge routes to accommodate all climbing levels. Early afternoon we return to Cuzco and have the remainder of the day at leisure, an especially good time to explore the numerous artisan markets in the streets.
Rock Climbing Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Cusipata & Pisac
Whitewater Rafting
We switch gears today and head to the “put in” on the Urubamba River, rated class II-III on the difficulty scale. Donned in lifejackets and helmets, we cast off the shores navigating 6-person rafts through the boulder-choked current. We take out before lunch and feast on a snack beside the river. We’ll then head to the town of Pisac, famous for its hilltop ruins and artisan market. We’ll have lunch in this village and explore the town on foot. Overnight in Pisac.
Whitewater Rafting Duration: 2.5 hours
Whitewater Rafting Distance: 10 km / 6 mi
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Pisac
Hiking & Biking
Today is a favourite for those in search of a rich cultural experience. We start the day with a visit to the Pisac archaeological site. Once we've explored the ruins we'll set off on a 3 hour hike to Pisac town. We'll wander through the local market of handicrafts in Pisac and then have lunch in town. Afterwards we'll drive to the community of Taray where we'll trade hiking boots for bicycles and cycle alongside the Urubamba River through an agricultural region. We'll ride past crops of potato and quinoa. After 18 km / 11 mi we'll reach the village of Huycho where our driver and vehicle will be awaiting to transfer us back to Pisac for the night.
Hiking Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Hiking Duration: 3 hours
Hiking Descent: - 328m (1,076ft)
Biking Distance: 18 km / 11 mi
Biking Duration: 2 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6
Maras and Moray & Ollantaytambo
Biking
Today’s fat tire adventure is an absolutely thrilling day of single and doubletrack riding in the Andean Highlands. We’ll start in the town of Chinchero, known for its handicraft market. From here we’ll cut along a mountainous trail zigzagging past colonial haciendas where farmers are frequently seen herding their livestock. We climb to the ruins of Moray, famous for the circular terraces and then glide down a dusty road to the Maras salt works located at 3,379 meters / 11,086 feet. These salt mines have captured salt water from a natural spring before pre-Inca times. After lunch in the town of Urubamba, we’ll drive to Ollantaytambo and walk up the steps of this impressive fortress. Overnight at hotel in Urubamba.
Biking Distance: 25 km / 16 mi
Biking Duration: 3 hours
Ascent: + 377m (1,237ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Lares Trail
Hiking
This morning we set off by vehicle bright and early towards Huaran at 2,840 meters / 9317 feet, a small village in the Sacred Valley and the start of the trek. We'll meet up with our pack llamas and begin our beautiful hike through the lush valley, following the gentle uphill route of the Cancha Cancha River. It will take us approximately 5 hours to reach the picturesque village of the same name where we'll set up camp for the night at 3,940 meters / 12,925 feet.
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 mi
Hiking Duration: 4 - 5 hours
Ascent: + 1,100m (3,608ft)
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Lares Trail
Hiking
After having a hot breakfast, we'll leave the campsite and begin our steep ascent to Pachacutec Pass at 4,700 meters / 15,416 feet, the highest point of the trek. From the top of the pass there are spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and Pachacutec Lake. After the pass, we'll continue our trek and descend into the next valley to reach Quiswarani village at 3,700 meters / 12,138 feet, where we'll spend the night. Along the route, the scenery is dramatic with glacial lakes, waterfalls, and snow-peaked mountains. This area is also rich in birdlife and there is a possibility of seeing Andean ibis and geese. In the evening, we'll enjoy traditional Peruvian food and spend time with the local children and women weavers. Overnight camping.
Hiking Distance: 7 km / 4.35 mi
Hiking Duration: 7 - 8 hours
Ascent: +760m (2,493ft)
Descent: -800m (2,624ft)
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9
Lares Trail
Hiking
We have another early start this morning! We'll begin with a 3 hour ascent to reach Huillquijasa Pass at 4,400 meters / 14,560 feet, the second highest pass of the trek. The views are impressive and well worth the effort. We'll then descend towards the village of Cuncani at 3,700 meters / 12,140 feet passing turquoise lakes along the way. This was the last refuge of the "Royal Panakas", an Inca sect. Overnight camping.
Hiking Distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
Hiking Duration: 6 - 7 hours
Ascent: + 542m (1,778ft)
Descent: - 742m (2,434ft)
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Lares Trail & Aguas Calientes
Hiking
After breakfast, we'll walk down a fertile valley, passing typical vegetation and high altitude crops such as beans and potatoes. Along the trail we'll see native flowers such as begonias and wild orchids. After walking for around 3 hours we arrive into Lares at 3,230 meters / 10,594 feet, capital of the district. Lares is a large village whose main attraction are hot springs. We'll treat ourselves to a well-deserved soak. We'll then transfer 3.5 hours by bus to the town of Ollantaytambo to board the train to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Overnight in a comfortable hotel.
Hiking Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Hiking Duration: 3 hours
Descent: - 470m (1,542ft)
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 11
Machu Picchu & Cuzco
Hiking (optional) & Sightseeing
We have a full day dedicated to exploring Machu Picchu. There is also the option to climb Huayna Picchu, a young peak adjacent to Machu Picchu. If you are keen to climb this, only a certain number of people can climb Huayna Picchu a day as permits are required. These permits sell out well in advance and are subject to availability at time of booking. The hike is a challenging one, but the views are well worth the effort! A much less busy alternative is the Sun Gate, where the Inca Trail finishes. We highly recommend this option. Afterwards, our guide will give us a tour of Machu Picchu explaining the history and significance of the major sites. The tour takes about 2 hours after which you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own. In the afternoon, after lunch in Aguas Calientes, we'll take the train through the Urubamba valley destined for Cuzco. We'll be met at the train station and transferred back to our hotel.
Walking Distance: 3 km / 1.8 mi
Walking Duration: 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12
Cuzco
Departure
After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Lima. From here connect with international flights back home.
Meals: Breakfast
NOTE about Ascent/Descent numbers:
The ascent/descent numbers are usually generated using Ride with GPS. The numbers are TOTAL ascent/descent for the day and these numbers do not suggest altitude. There are usually multiple small ascents and descents added up throughout the day to reach this total ascent/descent for the day. (While our numbers are generally consistent with Ride with GPS, depending on the mapping technology used, numbers may vary).
What's Included
TRIP INCLUSIONS:
All accommodation (twin shared), meals as indicated, all internal transportation excluding internal flights (Lima-Cuzco-Lima), 21-speed mountain bikes, rafting and rock climbing gear, horseback riding tour, camping equipment (except sleeping bags), airport transfers, porters and cooks, and English-speaking guides.
TRIP DOES NOT INCLUDE:
International and internal airfare, airport departure taxes, gratuities, meals not indicated and items of a personal nature.
MEALS:
11 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 3 Dinners
ACCOMMODATION:
Hotel: 8 Nights
Tent: 3 Nights
Trip Facts
Weather in Peru
Generally the Andean trekking season, April-November is clear, dry, and cool for hiking. During the transitional months of April/May and October/November, one can experience variable weather patterns with a general build-up of afternoon clouds and possible showers that rarely last throughout the night. Andean nights are cold, ranging from 25 to 40°F (-4 to 5°C) depending on the elevation, while the days are pleasantly warm with temperatures between 60 to 80°F (15 to 26°C). In spite of warmer temperatures, trekking during the Andean rainy season (Jan- March) is not recommended because of the high risk of mudslides, rock fall or lightening. Also, trails and high passes may be closed due to heavy snowfall. Expect showers or mist on most departures. The daytime temperatures will be warm between 70 to 85°F (21 to 30°C), with the nighttime temperatures around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C).
Lima
October to May: Sunny, dry, clear days with hot weather.
June to October: Still fairly hot but mornings tend to be foggy or misty.
Cuzco (includes Machu Picchu)
May to September: Dry with 8 hours of sunshine daily.
October to April: Rainy season, heaviest in January.
Travel Documents
Canadian and US citizens require a valid passport with an expiry date that is beyond six months from the date of entry. A visa is not required for North American citizens for stays up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries should contact the Peruvian Embassy for specific entry requirements.
Food and Water
One of the delights of Peruvian adventure is the delicious cuisine. Traditional food in Peru includes seafood on the coast and roasted Guinea pig in the highlands. There are a wide variety of fruits available. Most food is safe to eat, although a little common sense with regard to street food is sometimes necessary. Some of the popular traditional dishes are lomo saltado (stir-fried beef with onions, vinegar, ginger, chili, tomatoes, and fried potatoes) ceviche (shrimp or sea bass marinated in lemon, chili, and onions), papas rellenas (stuffed baked potatoes), palta rellena (avocado stuffed with chicken salad), and picarones (deep fried flour fritters made with eggs and served with honey). While in Peru, it is best to drink only bottled water. Milk should be treated with suspicion. If you do drink milk, make sure it has been pasteurized. Fruit juices, soft drinks and tea are all widely available and safe to drink. Drink plenty of fluids and try to avoid alcohol when you first arrive into higher altitudes. Some popular and traditional drinks include Inca Cola (lime green soda pop that tastes like fizzy bubble gum), pisco sour (similar to a Tom Collins made with white grape brandy), and mate de coca (tea made from coca leaves to relieve altitude sickness).
FAQ
Our adventures are built for small groups, with a maximum of 12 travellers on each guided tour. Each group is diverse, comprised of men and women of many different nationalities and ages. By travelling in small groups we leave minimal ecological impact, cause less disruption to the native life and are able to gain a better appreciation for our surroundings. Small numbers also allow greater flexibility and spontaneity: a dinner in a local home, an impromptu village wedding invite and any such experiences that can become among the most memorable experiences of your BikeHike adventure.
Yes. There are many Inca Trails in Peru. Most people know about “The Inca Trail,” the one that ends at the Sun Gate. However, there are many Inca Trails…that is, routes that the ancient Incas used. The Salkantay Trail and Lares Trail are other trails that end in Machu Picchu, just at different spots than the famous Inca Trail. The Inca Trail has an average of 500 trekkers on the trail per day. The Salkantay Trail has about 100-150 trekkers per day. The Lares Trail has about 150-180 trekkers per day along the most popular sections. However, different companies trek along different portions of the Lares Trail.
On this trip, BikeHike Adventures treks along the more remote section of the Lares Trail, starting where many other tours end. The Lares Trail is really special as trekkers are surrounded by pristine wilderness and pass small villages where there are great opportunities for cultural interaction.
Listen to a more detailed answer HERE.
Cuzco is located at 11,200 feet, so your body needs time to acclimate. Take your time settling in at the new altitude. Don’t rush things. Drink lots of water. Don’t physically exert yourselves for the first couple days. Avoid alcohol. Don’t eat heavy meals. It’s really important to spend a couple days at altitude before even thinking about starting a trip. So, many travellers arrive into Cuzco at least two or three days before starting any treks. It’s definitely NOT recommended to fly up to that altitude and then start a trip right away.
Listen to a more detailed answer HERE.
We understand that people come in many fitness levels, so we've graded our trips accordingly. There are four difficulty levels on our trips: Easy, Moderate, Challenging, and Strenuous.
This is a “challenging” trip.
The main challenge of the trip is the physical demands of consecutive days of hiking during the trek along with the demands of altitude. Although the hikes themselves are not particularly strenuous, their length and challenging terrain will be more taxing than expected. Days are full, average 6-9 hours per day. The winds can be extremely strong and the temperatures change from one moment to the next. For the most part, you are only expected to carry your daypack on the trail while hiking. Your daypack should be large enough to include your lunch, water, camera, sunscreen and any layer clothing you may need to adapt to the changing weather on the trail. You should have a good level of fitness and the stamina to cope with consecutive hiking days.
We strongly recommend that you begin a regular fitness program that includes walking or hiking - that is if you are not already doing so. Working out four times a week (including some hiking whenever possible), 60 minutes per session should be a minimum to prepare you for this adventure. In addition, try to get in some longer distance hikes beforehand to prepare for your adventure.
Our travellers share a common love for outdoor adventure. Most are looking for a physical adventure in an unfamiliar destination. This trip attracts men and women of varied ages who are in good physical condition, who exercise regularly and are invigorated by a personal challenge.
The age range on this trip is typically from 30-60, although we occasionally get younger and older travellers as well.
Packing for this trip must be very organized.
We have also prepared a specific packing list with instructions that you can download by clicking the link to the right on this page.
The number of trekkers has increased exponentially since then. In the early days of Peru trekking, the Inca Trail was the most popular. However, these days there is usually a constant line of trekkers moving along the main (most famous) Inca Trail. As a result, many travellers have begun looking for alternative paths to experience Peru away from the now mainstream Inca Trail and mainstream trekking tourism. As well, the Peruvian government has begun limiting the number of trekkers allowed on the main Inca Trail each day to 500 and those spaces sell out quickly, months in advance.
Listen to a more detailed answer HERE.
There is a lot of cultural interaction on the Lares Trail in comparison to the Inca Trail. On the famous Inca Trail, the cultural interaction is limited to interacting with the porters. So, the interaction is more fabricated as they are there on the trail because you are there and you are not interacting with them in their villages. On the Lares Trail, trekkers actually pass through villages and have the chance to interact with locals in their homes.
Listen to a more detailed answer HERE.
Cuzco, Peru. You can arrive anytime on day 1 of the trip and depart anytime on day 12.
Can I take this trip if...
Absolutely! This trip is quite popular with singles. Unlike many adventure travel companies, we don't charge single supplement fees to solo travellers. Instead, we pair you with another traveller of the same gender. If we can't find you a roommate, you get your own room at no additional charge. A single private room supplement fee is only required if you specifically request a confirmed private room for the duration of the trip. Learn more about solo travel with BikeHike.
We will do our best to accommodate special dietary requests (e.g. vegetarian, gluten free, etc.), but ask that you please discuss your request with us when signing up for a trip.
This trip is generally not a family focused trip for young families but could be suitable for families with strong teenagers. However, we do offer many Family Focused trips, some of which are able to accommodate children as young as six.
Accommodation
Most of our trips include comfortable mid-range accommodations. However as part of this trip is an Inca trek on the Lares Trail, it includes multiple nights in tents.
This trip includes the following types of accommodation:
HOTELS
This includes mid-range accommodation for a clean and comfortable experience in characterful surroundings that reflect the destination. To build stronger connections with the communities and support the local economies, we avoid using large international chain brands on BikeHike trips. Instead, in an effort to keep money in the communities we visit around the world, BikeHike prefers small hotels, bungalows, and haciendas that showcase the character and local flair of each destination.
CAMPING
Camping on this trip does not involve pitching your own tent as staff on the trek will be there to do that for you. You'll pitch the tents at predetermined campsites and there will be a cook on the trip to prepare the meals. This is an incredible experience as you'll be tenting in Peru along the ancient Inca routes!
Click HERE for more information about accommodation styles.
Trip At A Glance
| Day | Destination | Activity |
Duration
|
Distance | Ascent / Descent | Lodging | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Cuzco
|
Arrival
|
— | — | — / — |
Hotel
|
— |
| 2 |
Cuzco & Sacsayhuaman
|
Horseback Riding
|
2 hours
|
11 km / 7 mi
|
— / — |
Hotel
|
b
|
| 3 |
Chacan
|
Rock Climbing
|
2 - 3 hours
|
— | — / — |
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 4 |
Cusipata & Pisac
|
Whitewater Rafting
|
2.5 hours
|
10 km / 6 mi
|
— / — |
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 5 |
Pisac
|
Hiking & Biking
|
Hiking 3 hours / Biking 2 hours
|
Hiking Distance: 4 km / 2.5 mi
Biking Distance: 18 km / 11 mi
|
(Hiking) - 328m (1,076ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 6 |
Maras and Moray & Ollantaytambo
|
Biking
|
3 hours
|
25 km / 16 mi
|
+ 377m (1,237ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 7 |
Lares Trail
|
Hiking
|
4 - 5 hours
|
8 km / 5 mi
|
+ 1,100m (3,608ft)
|
Tent
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 8 |
Lares Trail
|
Hiking
|
7 - 8 hours
|
7 km / 4.35 mi
|
+760m (2,493ft)
-800m (2,624ft)
|
Tent
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 9 |
Lares Trail
|
Hiking
|
6 - 7 hours
|
9 km / 5.6 mi
|
+ 542m (1,778ft)
- 742m (2,434ft)
|
Tent
|
b,
l,
d
|
| 10 |
Lares Trail & Aguas Calientes
|
Hiking
|
3 hours
|
4 km / 2.5 mi
|
- 470m (1,542ft)
|
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 11 |
Machu Picchu & Cuzco
|
Hiking (optional) & Sightseeing
|
3 hours
|
3 km / 1.8 mi
|
— / — |
Hotel
|
b,
l
|
| 12 |
Cuzco
|
Departure
|
— | — | — / — | — |
b
|
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Submit a ReviewHiked the Lares Trail in Peru with BikeHike! It was an epic trip. Our guides made the experience unforgettable. We did the 12 day multi-sport trip and had a few site seeing and activity days that really helped me get acclimatized before hiking at high altitudes. The entire trip was beautifully designed and executed and ended on a high note with Machu Picchu!
My latest of three "bucket list" BikeHike treks was EPIC! Our hike in the backwoods of Peru on the Lares Trail (the "other" Inca Trail) exceeded every expectation. We had a rustic experience in the high mountains mingling with the Quechua population with NO other tourist traffic! Our local native guide and support team knew everything and everyone, which elevated the experience to my favorite international eco-trip ever. The trek was nicely balanced with several days of fun outdoor activities and tours of the Sacred Valley and the major Inca sites. BikeHike really takes care of you!
This was one of the best trips we've been on. Ever. We went as a family (two young adult "children" with us parents) and it gave us everything we all needed and more. We were never bored and didn't want the adventure to end. Kudos BikeHike. We'll try this again somewhere!
It was an experience I will remember for ever. I only have great admiration for all the guides and drivers and all that worked for us to make this a trip of a life time.
10 10 10 for everything. There isn't anything you could have done that could have made our trip better. It was amazing. It would be hard to pin point my favourite part of the trip because it was all awesome. I liked the idea that every day I woke up there was an adventure waiting for me to happen! Docty, our one leader was amazing at spotting opportunities for us and pulling us over and making them happen. We plowed some random farmers field with his ox (one of the highlights of our trip as the cows went sideways through the rows and I ended up chasing after it trying to stop them which my daughter still laughs about!) He also stopped by the side of the road and caught a baby lama for us to hold and get a picture with which turned out to be one of our favourites! Basically the trip was one big highlight every minute of every day!
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