Machu Picchu Bike and Hike

Machu Picchu Bike and Hike

Ride and trek by ancient Incan ruins, get immersed in local culture, and experience Machu Picchu.

Machu Picchu, Peru
Ability level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
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Ride and hike your way through Peru’s Andes to the iconic Machu Picchu on this 6-day adventure.

The trails and landscapes of Peru are an adventurer’s dream. Soaring Andean peaks, vibrant Quechua villages, and ancient Incan pathways winding through breathtaking terrain. This trip blends it all: world-class mountain biking, stunning hikes, rich culture, and the unforgettable experience of exploring Machu Picchu.

On this 6-day adventure, you’ll pedal along high-mountain ridgelines, descend into lush valleys, and hike through the heart of the Sacred Valley toward one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. Each day combines rewarding rides and hikes with authentic local experiences, from visiting traditional weaving communities to savoring fresh Peruvian cuisine.

Expert local guides lead the way, balancing comfort, culture, and challenge at every turn. You’ll stay in handpicked accommodations, explore remote Incan ruins, and connect deeply with the history and beauty that define this region.

The trip culminates with a guided visit to Machu Picchu, a fitting finale to a week of exploration, adventure, and awe.

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

Arrival

After arriving in Cusco, you’ll be transferred to your hotel before setting out on a guided walking tour of the city. Starting at the Plaza de Armas, you’ll learn about Cusco’s rich Incan history and see the statue of King Pachacutec, the visionary behind Machu Picchu. Continue through narrow stone streets to the Coricancha, or Temple of the Sun, where Incan and colonial architecture meet in striking contrast. End the day with a traditional Peruvian dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore the Sacred Valley

Journey into the Sacred Valley, starting in the village of Chinchero to see traditional Inca weaving and dyeing techniques passed down for generations. Visit the stunning Maras salt mines and the terraced agricultural site of Moray, both incredible examples of Incan innovation. In the afternoon, switch gears for a 15km downhill mountain bike ride through wide dirt roads and scenic valleys to Ollantaytambo—the oldest continuously inhabited town in Peru. Settle in for the night and prepare your gear for tomorrow’s Inca Trail hike.

Trek along the Inca Trail

Start the day with an early train ride to KM 104, the gateway to your 12km Inca Trail trek. Hike along ancient paths once used by the Inca, passing waterfalls and the breathtaking ruins of Wiñay Wayna. The trail culminates at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), where you’ll catch your first awe-inspiring view of Machu Picchu. After taking in the scenery, descend to Aguas Calientes for the night.

Explore Machu Picchu

After breakfast, take the bus back up to Machu Picchu for a guided two-hour tour of the Citadel’s Lower Circuit, exploring its temples, terraces, and remarkable stonework. Learn about the Inca’s architectural mastery and spiritual legacy as you walk through this mountaintop wonder. Following the visit, return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, your driver will take you on a scenic two-hour journey back to Cusco.

Rainbow Mountain

Today’s adventure takes you deep into the Andes to explore the stunning Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). After a 3.5-hour drive, begin a challenging 2-hour hike to the 16,000 ft (4,900 m) viewpoint—or opt to ride partway on horseback with local wranglers. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the mountain’s vividly colored slopes. After taking it all in, descend and return by van to Cusco.

Departure Day

Enjoy a final Peruvian breakfast before your transfer to Cusco Airport, scheduled to ensure you arrive at least two hours prior to your flight's scheduled departure time.

What’s Included

  • 5 nights lodging, based on double, shared occupancy 
  • Meals as listed in itinerary 
  • Experienced & certified English-speaking guides 
  • Airport transfers 
  • Private transport for guests & bikes, including van-supported rides 
  • All entrance fees
  • Beer tasting 
  • Water and snacks at all times 
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Airfare 
  • Single supplement (see FAQ) 
  • Meals not listed in itinerary 
  • Travel insurance (mandatory; we recommend World Nomads)
  • Biking gear (can be rented, see FAQ) 
  • Personal equipment (packing list will be provided) 
  • Gratuities for guides & drivers 

Questions? Contact us!

What’s Included

  • 5 nights lodging, based on double, shared occupancy 
  • Meals as listed in itinerary 
  • Experienced & certified English-speaking guides 
  • Airport transfers 
  • Private transport for guests & bikes, including van-supported rides 
  • All entrance fees
  • Beer tasting 
  • Water and snacks at all times 
  • 20% discount code at evo.com (exclusions apply)

Not Included

  • Airfare 
  • Single supplement (see FAQ) 
  • Meals not listed in itinerary 
  • Travel insurance (mandatory; we recommend World Nomads)
  • Biking gear (can be rented, see FAQ) 
  • Personal equipment (packing list will be provided) 
  • Gratuities for guides & drivers 

Questions? Contact us!

Location Details

As one of the 7 New Wonders of the World the archaeological site, with over 200 structures surrounded by steep cliffs and tall mountain peaks, is a spectacular step back into time. Built in the fifteenth century, the site was abandoned when the Inca Empire was conquered by the Spaniards in the sixteenth century and was not known to the outside world until 1911. Now sightseers can explore the site’s extensive trail and road system as they work their way around the rugged topography and agricultural terraces.

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FAQs

Is my departure guaranteed?

No, the trip must reach a minimum number of guests (4) to operate each trip, please wait to make travel arrangements and book flights until you have received confirmation from evoTrip.

Is airfare included?

No, airfare is not included in this package.please be sure to wait for confirmation from evoTrip before you make travel arrangements.

Where does the trip begin and how do I get there?

This trip begins and ends at the Cusco, Peru airport (CUZ). You should book your flights to arrive between 8am to 10am on Day 1 (Sunday) or stay in a hotel overnight in Cusco, and depart between 3pm - 5pm on Day 7 (Saturday). A representative from Active Expeditions will pick you up at the airport in Cusco and drop you off there at the end of the trip. You will have constant support and an English-speaking guide throughout the trip. Upon booking, Active Expeditions will send you a complete welcome packet that goes into everything you will need to know in great detail.

Can I bring a friend or significant other who doesn’t ride?

Yes, absolutely. Active Expeditions allows others to buy the trip and tag along on all the rides, participating in nearby side hikes or cultural experiences. Please contact evoTrip via email at [email protected] for more details.

How difficult is the mountain biking on the trip?

The intermediate trip option is rated intermediate skill level and above. That means you should have a solid comfort level while riding a mountain bike off-road on singletrack, and a fair amount of experience doing so. It is not an expert-rated trip, although the advanced trip we offer will be more difficult and move faster than our immediate skill-level trip. There are no mandatory jumps or drops or extreme steeps. There are, however, a lot of rocks in the trails and riding near the edge of a long fall or drop-off is definitely part of where we will go. Our guides are experts and trained to warn you of these ahead of time to prepare. Walking around obstacles is totally okay too, so someone with the right attitude, patience, and common sense can overcome skill level to a certain extent. If you have any further questions about if your skill level is appropriate, just let us know by emailing [email protected].

Do I need to be in good shape?

A common concern for people joining a group mountain bike trip is whether they will be able to “keep up”. We want to stress that this will not be an issue. First of all, the vast majority of the riding is downhill. We ride in a van to shuttle the bikes to the top of the trail. This is because the mountains are so tall it would take all day to climb up them, so we don’t. This also means the group stays together much easier. No one is in a hurry and the scenery and culture tend to shock even the most jaded of travelers. Frequent stops for photos, talking to a local farmer, etc are common and enable us to move around and catch up as a group without any stress.

Will I have to be with the group the whole time?

Active Expeditions is known for a laid-back organizational style that often lets you feel like you are on a private trip. Many people may be reluctant to take a "group tour". Trust us, we understand! We think that the combination of traveling with like-minded other folks, along with not being treated like a tourist at all, makes for a great time. But yes, you can always do part of a day on your own or go out to dinner separately.

Can I extend my trip?

Yes. Many people do, and Active Expeditions can either give you some informal pointers or play a more substantial part of your trip planning, whichever you prefer. The hiking trails here are incredible and highly recommended. Other common add-ons include the Amazon Jungle, Lake Titicaca, and Colca Canyon in Arequipa.

Do I need to bring my own bike?

For the advanced trip: Yes, it is highly recommended that you bring your own bike for the advanced skill-level mountain biking trip. These are technical rides with a focus on fast-paced riding experiences, so having your own bike from home is highly beneficial. A common concern is the logistics and cost of flying a bike. It's easier than you think and the cost will still be less than renting a high-quality mountain bike in Peru, while also giving you the advantage of riding your own bike which you are already familiar with and likely much higher quality than a rental. If you still wish to rent a higher-quality mountain bike in Peru, we are happy to help and can find you a solution. Please contact us for details. For the intermediate trip: No, we will provide your mountain bike rental. These bikes are not high-quality like those that most people ride at home, but they are adequate for the average rider. If you still wish to rent your own higher-quality mountain bike in Peru, we are happy to help and can find you a solution. Please contact evoTrip via email at [email protected] for more details.

What are the accommodations like?

In Ollantaytambo, we stay in our favorite hotel, Tunupa Lodge (www.TunupaLodge.com) We like it for the simple, clean and bright rooms, the open yard, the amazing views of the mountains and ruins, and especially the resident llama! The delicious breakfast buffet they provide each morning is an added bonus.

How many travelers are in the group?

Maximum of 24, minimum of 4.

Do I need travel insurance?

While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons or if you need to cover medical services, emergency transport, and/or theft or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads (https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/). Active Expeditions does not provide any type of insurance whatsoever and recommends checking with your own health insurance provider to determine whether such insurance will cover such a trip.

What is the food like?

Breakfast is included each day in your hotel. Peruvian breakfasts are simple but plentiful and nourishing, usually including local fresh fruit, optional scrambled eggs or omelet, fresh local bread, and coffee or juice. Food in Peru is very good and has a great international reputation! There are options for either 'local' or 'tourist' restaurants.

How do lunches and dinners work?

Most days are spent in and around Ollantaytambo and the Sacred Valley where there are several good restaurants serving local fresh fare, but catering to a variety of international tastes. Lunches average $10, dinners $15. You will usually eat together as a group (the guides really do know the best places to eat!), but you are always welcome to go off on your own culinary adventure. The village of Ollytaytambo is fun to walk around and explore each evening.

How much extra cash should I bring?

How much extra cash should I bring?
Figure on $25 - $35 a day to eat lunch and dinner at the local restaurants, not including alcoholic beverages or specialty drinks (which tend to greatly increase costs, so factor that into your budget). Most people like to spend $50 to $100 on gifts for friends and family - souvenirs, textiles, ceramics, paintings, etc., and maybe a few hundred dollars for discretionary spending. We highly recommend offering tips to the drivers and guides, so factor that into your cash as well.

What if I’m a solo traveler, is there a single supplement to have my own room?

Yes, if you are a solo traveler and want your own room, there is a $295 per trip charge for your own private room. Alternatively, we can match you with another traveler of the same gender and you can avoid that cost (we do not spend much time in the rooms anyway). This charge will be added later as an add-on after your trip is booked. Please contact us to check availability for a private room on this trip.

Do you have a packing list?

Yes, a complete packing list will be emailed to you after booking.

What is the cancellation and change policy for this trip?

evoTrip upholds Active Expeditions' policy regarding date change and cancellation. Cancellation requests must be made in writing via email to evoTrip. Rescheduling: We allow date changes up to 45 days before your trip. Reach out to us and we can work with you to reschedule. Cancelling: 31 days or more before the departure date, a refund may be issued for the full amount minus 20 percent of the booking cost. Within 30 days of your departure, the trip is nonrefundable.

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