E-bike from Cusco to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco

Arrival at Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). Private transfer to Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco. Free time to explore the city and acclimatize.

• Overnight in Tierra Viva or similar
• Meals: none
  

Day 2: Cusco City & Bike Tour

After breakfast, enjoy a guided bike tour of Cusco, visiting Saqsayhuamán, Tambomachay, Puca Pucara, and Q’enqo.

• Overnight in Cusco.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 3: Yanamayo Pass to Quillabamba

Transfer through the Sacred Valley and Patacancha to Yanamayo Pass (~4,300 m). Begin a long descent by e-bike through Andean valleys to Ocobamba. Transfer to Quillabamba.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 4: Quillabamba to Santa Teresa

Drive to Cochapampa, then bike through rainforest, coffee and fruit plantations until reaching Santa Teresa. Optional visit to Cocalmayo hot springs.

• Overnight in Santa Teresa.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  

Day 5: Hike Hydroelectric to Machu Picchu

Transfer to the hydroelectric station, then hike (~2.5 hrs) along the tracks to Aguas Calientes. Lunch in town, then bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided visit (~2 hrs). Evening train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer to Cusco.

• Overnight in Tierra Viva Cusco or similar.
• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  

Day 6: Farewell!

Morning at leisure in Cusco. Private transfer to airport for international or onward flights.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Airport transfers (in/out)
• 5 nights’ accommodation incl. pre- and post-nights in Cusco
• All meals except Day 1 (no meals), Machu Picchu lunch NOT included, and Day 6 (only breakfast)
• E-bike and protective gear
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Support vehicle
• Entrance fees incl. Machu Picchu ticket
• Train + bus tickets for return
• Snacks & water during biking days

• International flights
• Single supplement (if requested)
• Travel insurance (recommended)
• Meals not mentioned (Day 1, Day 6 lunch/dinner)
• Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, laundry)
• Tips for guides/staff

• Comfortable cycling clothes
• Sturdy shoes or cycling shoes
• Rain/wind jacket
• Warm layer (fleece, down)
• Lightweight clothing for jungle
• Hat & sunglasses
• Sunscreen & insect repellent
• Daypack (20–30L)
• Water bottle/hydration pack
• Personal meds & toiletries
• Power bank/charger
• Camera/phone

Andean Highlands:

Cold nights often drop close to freezing (0–5 °C / 32–41 °F), while days are usually sunny and range between 15–20 °C / 59–68 °F. Layering is essential to manage the strong contrasts.

Cloud Forest & Jungle:

Warm, humid, and lush. Daytime temperatures average 25–30 °C / 77–86 °F, with high humidity and frequent afternoon showers or mist. Nights are milder (18–22 °C / 64–72 °F).

Seasonality: The dry season (Apr–Oct) is the most stable, with clearer skies and easier trekking. The wet season (Nov–Mar) brings heavier rains and higher river levels, but also greener valleys and richer wildlife.

Hotels and lodges:

• 2 nights Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco (2 nights pre/post)
• 3 nights in standard lodges/hotels in Quillabamba, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes.
  

Fly into Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco.

• Includes private airport transfers on arrival and departure.
• Overland support vehicle throughout the biking route.

• Is this route suitable for beginners? Yes, most of the route is downhill, and support vehicle is available for sections where a rider needs a break.
• Are meals included? Yes, all meals except Day 1 (none) and Day 6 (only breakfast).
• Is transfer from airport included? Yes, both arrival and departure in Cusco.
• How is the return handled? After visiting Machu Picchu, you take the train back to Ollantaytambo and a private vehicle to Cusco.
• What group size & support? Small groups with support vehicle, guides, and boat transfers.
• What fitness level do I need for this e-bike tour? You should be comfortable riding a bike for several hours a day, but you don’t need to be an expert cyclist. Most of the route is downhill or gently rolling, and the e-bike assistance plus support vehicle make it suitable for active beginners with a reasonable level of fitness.
• What is the best time of year to ride from Cusco to Machu Picchu? The best months are from April to October, during the dry season in the Andes. You’ll enjoy clearer skies and more stable conditions for riding and visiting Machu Picchu.
• Are Machu Picchu tickets and permits included? Yes. Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, bus, and train tickets are included in the trip price, so you don’t need to arrange anything separately.

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our adventures and you’ll need to share your policy details before departure. Your cover must include overseas medical treatment, emergency evacuation/repatriation, baggage and equipment, plus all the activities in your itinerary.

We also strongly recommend cancellation and curtailment cover in case illness or other unforeseen events prevent you from travelling.

Standard policies often exclude adventure activities, so please check the fine print. Many travelers choose World Nomads for adventure, focused protection, select the policy that fits your needs and fully covers your trip.