Abra of Lares Biking Tour from Cusco - High-Andes Descent to the Sacred Valley
Start at 4,470 m and descend through high puna, chulpas and grazing alpaca herds on this full-day mountain-biking tour from Cusco. Expect long downhill sections, mixed terrain, a hot-springs stop and close encounters with traditional Andean villages.
The Experience
Before You Go
Acclimatize before you ride
Spend 48–72 hours in Cusco to reduce altitude sickness risk; hydrate and avoid heavy exertion the first day.
Check your bike setup
Brake pads, tire pressure and suspension sag matter on steep gravel descents—confirm adjustments during the pre-ride briefing.
Layer for big temperature swings
Bring a windproof shell and insulating mid-layer—mornings are cold at altitude, afternoons can feel warm on the descent.
Respect local communities
Ask permission before photographing residents and avoid leaving waste; small gestures go a long way in rural Quechua villages.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Machacancha hot springs—an ideal post-ride soak slightly off the main village trail
- •Small chulpas and stone markers near the descent that reveal pre-Inca occupation, often missed by larger tours
Wildlife
- •Alpaca
- •Vicuña
Conservation Note
Stick to established trails to limit erosion on fragile puna grasses; support local guides and village-run services to keep tourism benefits in the community.
The Lares corridor has long been a Quechua travel and pastoral zone with pre-Inca chulpas scattered across the highlands, showing continuous human use before Spanish arrival.
What to Bring
Hydration pack (2–3L)Essential
Keeps water and snacks accessible during long stretches between villages.
Full-finger biking glovesEssential
Protects hands during braking and on rocky sections; guides will also supply gloves in some cases.
Windproof shell and insulating mid-layerEssential
Thermals for the high pass in the morning and lighter layers for the warmer valley below.
Sturdy shoes or flat pedal-specific shoesEssential
Good grip for technical foot-down sections and walking with the bike over rough terrain.
Common Questions
Is a bike provided?
Yes—professional full-suspension Scott mountain bikes are provided along with helmet, gloves and knee pads.
How hard is the ride at altitude?
The route descends from 4,470 m and requires moderate to strong fitness; acclimatization in Cusco beforehand is highly recommended.
Are there restroom stops and food?
The tour includes a typical lunch in a village and basic restroom stops; facilities are rustic in rural villages and may be simple.
Can beginners join?
Riders should have basic mountain-biking experience; complete beginners may struggle with steep, loose sections and high-altitude effects.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
10–12 hours
Location
Cusco, Cusco
Difficulty
challenging
Fitness Level
Good aerobic fitness and leg strength; comfortable with long descents and some short hikes with a bike; must tolerate high altitude.
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