Bike from the Andes to the Amazon

Day 1 – Arrive in Cusco and settle into your hotel near one of the main squares. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Peruvian food and live music.

Day 2 – We’ll pick you up around 7:00 AM and head to the town of Paucartambo for lunch and a quick walk through its colonial streets. We’ll stop by the Church of the Virgin of Carmen before continuing to the Ajanaco checkpoint. From there, we’ll drive up to our campsite at 3,700 meters.When we arrive, the team will have everything ready, hot drinks, a cozy camp, and dinner. If the sky’s clear, we’ll hang out under the stars for a bit.

Day 3 – We’ll catch an epic sunrise at Tres Cruces, have breakfast, and start biking through stunning scenery toward San Pedro. The ride lasts 2–4 hours, depending on the group, with a support vehicle always nearby.After lunch at the lodge, we’ll rest and take a short walk to spot jungle birds and plants.

Day 4 – We’ll start the day with optional birdwatching at sunrise, then head to Pillcopata and bike to Atalaya, our most challenging but scenic ride. After lunch, we’ll take a boat down the Madre de Dios River to Eco Manu Lodge and explore the jungle in the afternoon.

Day 5 – In the morning, we’ll take a boat ride to Machuwasi Lake to spot birds and wildlife like herons, hoatzins, and capybaras. After lunch at the lodge, we’ll hike up a nearby mountain to look for monkeys and more jungle life.At night, there’s an optional walk to spot nocturnal animals.

Day 6 – We’ll leave by boat at 7:00 AM toward Atalaya, where our vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We’ll stop for lunch at the Ajanaco checkpoint and arrive at our hotel around 3:00 PM.

Day 7 - Enjoy your free time in Cusco City

What’s this biking adventure all about?

It’s a multi-day mountain biking journey from the high Andes to the edge of the Amazon. Starting near Cusco, we descend through cloud forests into the lush foothills of Manu National Park, one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet.

How long is the trip?

The adventure spans 7 days and includes transport, guided descents, cultural stops, and jungle exploration.

What kind of terrain should I expect?

You’ll ride a mix of paved and dirt mountain roads. Most of the route is downhill or gently rolling, starting above 4,000 meters and ending near 700 meters in the rainforest. The scenery and ecosystems change dramatically each day.

What’s the difficulty level?

Intermediate. You should be comfortable with long downhill rides and varying surfaces. Expect 4–6 hours of biking per day, with full vehicle support always available.

Do I need previous biking experience?

Yes. While there’s no technical singletrack, this trip is best suited for riders in good shape who have prior experience with mountain biking or cycling at altitude.

What should I bring?

• Comfortable biking clothes
• Rain jacket and warm layers for high-altitude sections
• Sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses
• Daypack and refillable water bottle
• Camera or GoPro (optional)

Is altitude a factor?

Yes. The journey begins at over 4,000 meters (13,000+ ft), so acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand is essential.

When’s the best time to go?

May to October is the dry season—ideal for this route. The rainy season (November to April) can make conditions unpredictable.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes. You’ll need insurance that covers adventure sports like mountain biking, including emergency medical evacuation.

 Comfortable biking clothesRain jacket and warm layers for high-altitude sections