Machu Picchu Bike and Hike

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Maximum of 24, minimum of 4.

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.

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.

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?
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.

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.

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

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.