Cusco for Connoisseurs with Biking Tour

Bike through the beautiful Cusco region!

Our “Cusco for Connoisseurs with Biking Tour” is ideal for anyone hoping to fill a day in Cusco with adventure and excitement! Our full-day tour to Chinchero, Moray, Maras, and Salineras de Maras takes you to some lesser known Inca archeological spots situated near Cusco, including some fascinating salt mines and agricultural sites. You’ll even have the chance to participate in a textile workshop that also gives you the opportunity to meet and interact with local Andean community members.

Enjoy a day full of culture and history as well as some introductions to artisan crafts and adventures, off the beaten tracks, getting to explore the real Peru by viewing the ancient Inca Empire from an alternative, fresh perspective.

If you would like to participate in this tour, but would prefer not to use bikes, let us know. We can replace biking with trekking; we can even plan to do the whole tour by car.

Minimum number of participants: 2

Maximum altitude: 12470 (3800 m) above sea level

Tour Itinerary

CHINCHERO

The tour begins at 6:30 am when we drive by private car to our first destination. Upon arrival in Chinchero at 7:30 am, we will visit the town´s stunning ruins before taking part in a lesson about the production of traditional textiles in the Peruvian Andes. This is a great opportunity to take part in a practical workshop and see just how much skill and craft goes into these beautiful pieces!

Mountain biking from Chinchero to Moray

Sometimes the journey is just as exciting as the destination! The next section of our tour has us enjoying one of the best biking trails in the Cusco region. During our adventurous ride through the beautiful Urubamba Mountain Range, we’ll have fantastic views of the snowy peaks of Nevados Veronica 18865 ft (5750 m) and Chicón 18140 ft (5530 m), and will stop en route to learn about the products cultivated in this gorgeous region.
MORAY

The small village of Moray is home to an archaeological complex dating back to the ancient times of the Inca Empire. It consists of several natural circular depressions in the ground that are believed to have formed agricultural terraces. The exact purpose of these structures is unknown, but archaeologists have made many speculations, including the hypothesis that Inca academics conducted research on climate change and its impact on agriculture here! These are truly incredible examples of Inca architecture. Each terrace is placed on a different level, receiving different amounts of sunlight and therefore retaining different average temperatures for cultivating different crops! Each terrace also uses its own irrigation system.
MARAS

For those experienced with mountain biking, the journey continues from Moray to Maras. For others, we have the option to drive by our private car that will be accompanying the tour – depending on how you feel! In the small town of Maras, we will stop for a while to learn about the production of the most popular Andean beverage – chicha de jora (corn beer).
SALINERAS DE MARAS

From Maras we continue biking to another marvel of the Inca Empire: the Salineras de Maras. The Salineras are a complex of 3000 salt ponds used since Inca times to harvest salt used in the region. Here, salt is produced and harvested using exactly the same methods and materials that were used by the Incas. This is a very unique opportunity to see the way in which the ancient Inca civilization still influences and impacts present day life in the region. It is truly spectacular to witness!

Again, if you are not comfortable with mountain biking it’s no problem! We can complete this part of the tour on foot via a gentle path used by locals to reach the salt ponds, complete with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
CUSCO

We will arrive back in Cusco between 6:00 and 7:00 pm, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the city´s food culture and nightlife!

Your “Cusco for Connoisseurs with Biking” tour will end in Cusco. If you would like to stay in the Cusco region or in any other part of Peru longer and explore more, feel free to contact us. We are happy to modify our tours so that they meet your tastes and expectations.