Andes to Jungle – 6-day mountain bike adventure in Peru

Day 1: Arrival in Cusco!

Arrive at Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport (CUZ). Private transfer to Hotel Tierra Viva Centro Cusco. Rest, acclimatize, evening briefing.

• Meals: none

Day 2: Cusco to Tres Cruces

After breakfast, depart Cusco and cycle toward Paucartambo. Visit colonial streets and church, then head to the viewpoint of Tres Cruces. Overnight in high altitude camp (≈ 3,700 m).

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Tres Cruces to Cloud Forest

Early sunrise at Tres Cruces viewpoint, then begin descent by bike toward San Pedro. Optional longer ride (63.9 km) for stronger riders. Arrive at lodge; short walk in the afternoon in cloud forest ecosystem.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: San Pedro to Ecomanu Lodge (Manu Jungle)

After breakfast, drive to Pillcopata, then bike toward Atalaya. From there, boat ride down the Madre de Dios River to EcoManu Lodge. Jungle hike in the afternoon to explore forest trails and wildlife.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: EcoManu to Cusco

Early morning boat ride along rivers and oxbow lakes, birdwatching and wildlife observation. After lunch, return by boat and vehicle to Cusco; arrival in late afternoon.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Farewell!

Post-Night in Cusco & Departure Morning at leisure in Cusco. Private transfer to airport.

• Meals: Breakfast

• Airport transfers in Cusco
• 5 nights’ accommodation (Cusco + camps + jungle lodge)
• All meals except Day 1 (none) and Day 6 (only breakfast)
• Mountain / e-bike with helmet & safety gear
• Professional bilingual guides
• Support vehicle & logistics
• Boat transfers, jungle excursions
• Entrance & permit fees
• Snacks & drinking water during rides

• International / domestic flights
• Single supplement (if hotel upgrades)
• Travel / adventure insurance
• Personal expenses (drinks, tips, laundry)
• Meals not covered (Day 1 dinner, Day 6 lunch/dinner)

• Bike clothing (jerseys, padded shorts)
• Rain jacket & wind shell
• Warm layers (fleece)
• Lightweight clothes for jungle
• Knee/elbow pads optional
• Gloves, helmet (provided)
• Sturdy shoes
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Daypack (20–30 L)
• Water bottle / hydration pack
• Personal meds & toiletries
• Power bank / charger
• Camera / phone in waterproof bag

Weather & Climate Conditions

• Andes / High Passes (Cusco, cordillera): Cold mornings and nights (0–5 °C), crisp days with possible rain or hail. Weather can change quickly.
• Cloud Forest: Misty, humid, 10–20 °C, with frequent drizzle and fog.
• Amazon Jungle (Manu): Hot and humid (28–32 °C), with regular afternoon rains and high insect activity.
• Seasonality: Dry season (May–Oct) is more stable with clearer skies and easier travel. Wet season (Nov–Apr) brings heavier rains and more difficult access.

Hotels:

• 2 nights at Tierra Viva Centro or similar
• 2 nights Eco lodges
• 1 night camping

• Fly into Cusco (CUZ).
• Private transfer airport to hotel in Cusco (included)
• Overland transport, support vehicle and boat transfers during the journey.

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

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.