Machu
Picchu Mo!
Biking the Inca Empire
trip itinerary and details

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Machu Picchu Mo!
Biking the Inca Empire

8 days:
US$2145 Currency Converter
12 days
(with Cloud Forest Adventure add-on):
US$2725

Bike the Land of the Incas and visit Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.  Our trip includes massive downhills, cross-country adventures and uphills if you want 'em.  And a support vehicle is of course always on hand. 

Depart any day and customize your tour at no extra charge.

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Day

Location

1

Arrive Lima.  City tour if time allows

2

Cuzco area biking and walking tour

3

Sacred Valley - downhills, markets, ruins and the train to Machu Picchu

4

Full day Machu Picchu guided visit

5

Cross-country to Moray Inca Terraces and Maras Salt Pans

6-7

Lares Valley two-day bike excursion - stunning views and thermal baths!

8

Departure day OR beginning of Cloud Forest Adventure

9-11

Nature walks, cloud forest lodges and many miles of all kinds of biking terrain.  Return to Cuzco evening of Day 11.

12

Early morning flight to Lima. Intl. flights may depart any time after noon.

 

MACHU PICCHU MO! TRIP ITINERARY

Day

Activity/Location

1

Arrive in Lima and transfer to our hotel. If arriving during the day, your hotel will be in the neighborhood of Miraflores, with good shopping and restaurants, and you'll have an included city tour in the afternoon.  If arriving late at night, you'll be close to the airport for a bit more sleep before your next day's flight, and you'll have a tour of Lima upon your return.
 

2

Today we fly over the Andes to Cuzco, old capital of the Inca Empire.  Our tour of the area today will begin high above Cuzco at the site of two Inca ruins.  After a visit to each site, we'll begin our first, mostly downhill, ride through the open valleys and eucalyptus groves above Cuzco.  We'll visit the massive Inca fortress of Sacsayhuaman before cruising down to Cuzco's main plaza.  Here we'll end our first biking excursion and explore downtown Cuzco's colorful sites and sounds on foot.
 

3

This morning we're off to the Sacred Valley, and then on to Aguas Calientes, just below Machu Picchu, on the evening train.  Fifteen hundred feet lower than Cuzco, the warm and fertile Sacred Valley was of immense strategic and agricultural importance to the Incas.  We'll visit two sites today: Ollantaytambo and Pisac.  First we'll set off on another long, beautiful downhill through the Andes to Pisac, a small village with a great handicrafts market.  After shopping and bargaining for Andean goods, we'll climb by van over 1000 feet up to the imposing Inca complex.  After a tour of the ruins, we'll bike back down on an insanely fun set of paved switchbacks.   Then on to Ollantaytambo, Ollantaytambo is the only Inca village still inhabited in the present day.  Peer through ancient, trapezoidal doorways into courtyards where life has changed little in 500 years, then explore the huge ruins which loom above the town.  Finally we board an evening train to Aguas Calientes, below Machu Picchu, where we'll spend the night.
 

4

We can spend many hours today visiting the Sacred City of Machu Picchu with our guide. After the visit, you may have time to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain, hike to the Sun Gate or do other walks in the area. In the afternoon we'll take the train back to Ollantaytambo where we will spend the night.
 

5

Today offers off-road excitement, culture and spectacular scenery. On this route, situated less than an hour away from Cuzco, you will visit the impressive terraces of Moray (an ancient Inca agricultural experimentation area) and the Maras Salt Pans. Today you will not only cycle up and down hill through defined paths, but you will feel the excitement of following very fast and fun downhill single tracks towards the Sacred Valley. A picnic lunch will be served in a nice spot, overlooking beautiful scenery, then back to Cuzco for the evening.
 

6

It's the beautiful Lares Valley today with thermal baths at the end!  Your transportation picks you up early in the morning from the hotel in Cuzco to take you on a 3 hour trip to the highest point on the way between Cuzco and the Lares Valley (4470m / 14665f). Depending on how fit you feel today, we will drive you all the way to the mountain pass, or do some uphill cycling to reach it on your bikes. Once on the pass, you begin what will be a relaxing day of mild dirt road downhill.  From time to time you will find some fun shortcuts to bike through. A light picnic lunch will be served in a nice spot overlooking the river.

Once in Lares you have plenty of time to relax in the thermal baths. A great warm dinner is served at night, to finish the day.
 

7

After a healthy breakfast we pack up camp and the private bus will take you back to the Mountain Pass. Once again the Mountain Pass is the departure point of your biking ride, but this time heading to the Sacred Valley. The ancient Inca trail and a quick flowing narrow stream lead you on your way down. Without even noticing it, you go into a small hidden canyon where you may appreciate a few Chulpas (pre Inca tombs) hanging from the walls.

The path leads you to the native community of Totora, where you may decide between following a narrow single track offering breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, or just continue riding on the wide dirt road to the town of Calca.

We return to Cuzco in the afternoon for an included celebration dinner party with a free buffet and drinks!
 

8

Morning flight to Lima for those only doing the eight day trip. International flights may depart any time after 12pm from Lima.   

If you are staying for the four-day add-on, this day begins with a beautiful ride throughout the mountains towards the cloud forest beyond the Sacred Valley.  The cycling trip goes along a downhill dirt road with a few up-hills, leading you to the town of Paucartambo.  On the way we'll visit ancient cave paintings. On arrival in Paucartambo you can rest and enjoy a light energizing lunch. Afterwards, you continue on the private bus to Ajanaco mountain pass (11,810ft). Depending on how you feel at this point, you have the chance to ride your bikes again and pedal the last 14km of flat terrain to the camping site at Tres Cruces (11,745ft).
 

9

Today you get up before dawn to see the fabulous spectacle of the sunrise which comes up between the clouds of the forest and reaches your feet.  After a hot breakfast you take your bikes and start to pedal on what will be a day of down-hill on dirt roads.  You will be surprised by the extreme change in scenery as it gradually changes into the dense vegetation of the jungle.  At about noon you enjoy a picnic lunch in the middle of the forest. A couple of hours later you arrive at the lodge in the cloud forest where you can take a shower.  During the afternoon you can walk around the area and see some of the many species of animals and plants living there.
 

10

You begin the day very early with a short walk.  If you are lucky you may see the cock of the rock, Peru’s national bird.  After breakfast you take the bicycles and get back on the dirt road, which through a combination of descents and flat ground takes you to Pilcopata, where you have the chance to get in the bus, or continue biking all the way to Atalaya. At this point you take a short boat ride to the lodge where you take a refreshing shower. During the afternoon you can walk along the jungle paths and observe some of its incredible flora and fauna.
 

11

In the morning you are taken back to Atalaya, where the bus is waiting to drive you back to Ajanaco, which will take about 4 hours.  From this point you ride descending on a dirt road to Paucartambo.  After lunch you continue by bus to Cuzco. 
 

12

Early morning flight to Lima. International flight may depart any time after 12:00pm

 

TRIP DETAILS

8 days: US$2145 Currency Converter
12 days:
(with Cloud Forest Adventure add-on): US$2725

Depart any day!


Is this trip for me?

Machu Picchu Mo! is an eight or twelve day tour which includes several mountain biking excursions through various terrains, day hiking, and some camping.  As always, a certain patience is required for the inconsistencies and delays of developing-world travel.

Joining the tour
On all Southern Crossings tours, you are met at the airport by one of our representatives (holding a  placard), who will accompany you to our joining hotel.  No bargaining or being ripped off by airport taxis! 


What's included in the trip

Eight day tour:

·        Airport pickup at the beginning of trip and drop off at end of the trip

·        Southern Crossings bilingual guides

·        Internal flights, Lima-Cuzco and Cuzco-Lima

·        Six nights of hotel accommodation, one night of camping

·        Three one-day biking excursions, one two-day biking excursion, including bike, helmet, gloves, meals while on excursions, and camping gear (tent, mat, bag)

·        All entrances on excursions

·        Four wheel drive vehicle support, mechanic and First Aid on all excursions

·        Breakfast every morning with your hotel stay

·        Machu Picchu excursion, including bilingual guide, round-trip train fare, transportation to/from ruins/Aguas Calientes, and entrance to the Machu Picchu sanctuary

·        Lima City Tour

·        Cuzco City Tour

·        The Cuzco Visitor's Ticket, which includes entrance to the ruins in and around Cuzco and the Sacred Valley, and many churches and museums in Cuzco

·        Farewell dinner party in Cuzco!

·        Southern Crossings T-Shirt or Cap

Twelve-day tour:

·        All of the above plus a four day/three night excursion by bike and private transport to the Peruvian cloud forest.  Includes bike, helmet, gloves, meals while on excursion, one night camping (gear included), and two nights cloud forest lodge.  One night hotel in Cuzco is also included

 

What's not included
International flight to/from Lima, airport taxes (approx. US$44), pre- & post- tour accommodation, visas, vaccinations, personal insurance, meals except where specified above, drinks, laundry, souvenirs, tips while on optional excursions and other items of a personal nature. Medical travel insurance is not included through Southern Crossings though we do require that you have a policy. Check www.travelguard.com to purchase a policy for your trip.

 

Extra Accommodation
We will gladly arrange additional accommodation for you before or after your trip:
In Lima: $110 double/$90 single
In Cuzco: $120 double/$100 single

 

Single Supplement: $780
Please add this to your total payment if you will be travelling alone or wish to have private accommodation

 

PRE-TRIP PLANNER

 

Required documents

All travelers to Peru are required to have a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry. Visas are not required for E.U., U.S., Canadian, Australian or New Zealand passport holders. For other nationalities, please consult the nearest Peruvian embassy or consulate.  An onward ticket and proof of funds may also be required at entry and should be available to show to immigration. Traveler’s checks, currency, or a bank statement, from the bank or printed off the internet, are sufficient for proof of funds.

 

Required immunizations

No immunizations are required of travelers to these areas of Peru.  Travelers may wish to receive hepatitis vaccinations and should be current on all other standard vaccinations.  There is no yellow fever or malaria in the areas you will be visiting.  Please consult your physician or local health department for more information. 

 

Things to bring

One should come well prepared for outdoor activity at temperatures ranging from 30 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and for extremes of sun and the possibility of rain. Please note: We provide a sleeping bag, foam mat, and of course tent.  While on excursions, each passenger is allowed 15 pounds of personal items to be carried in our transport.  Such items would include warm clothing for camping, toiletries, a book, CD player, or other entertainment, etc.  During the day we’ll be using a daypack and will just need to carry water, snacks, rain gear, and a layer or two for changing weather conditions.  Most people also carry a camera.

Suggested list of things to bring:

 

·         Passport and, if necessary, visa

·         Traveler’s checks and/or cash card

·         Airline ticket

·         Photocopies of airline ticket and documents

·         Wearable pouch for documents and money

·         Large, sturdy backpack or suitcase

·         Smaller, comfortable day pack

·         Trekking/walking boots, comfortable and worn-in

·         Sandals or flip-flops 

·         Rain poncho or jacket

·         Waterproof pants

·         Sun hat

·         Hat for cold weather

·         Good, warm clothing for cold weather (think layers!)

·         Scarf and gloves

·         T-shirts

·         Socks (thin wool or biking socks are best), undergarments

·         Towel and swimsuit for hot springs

·         Camelback or Nalgene bottle (optional)

·         Flashlight (head lamps are very handy)

·         Sunscreen

·         Insect repellent (15% DEET recommended)

·         Lip balm

·         Earplugs

·         Alarm clock or watch

·         Sanitizing hand wipes or gel

·         Camera and film/digital memory cards

·         Camera batteries

·         Playing cards, games, reading material

·         Prescription medications

·         Toiletries
 

Note that common clothing, batteries, film, medications, and such toiletries as toothpaste, toothbrush, toilet paper, deodorant and feminine hygiene items are available in Peru.
It is best to bring from home such items as prescription meds, eyewear and care, extra large clothing, shoes, unusual film and camera batteries. Also note that most digital camera memory cards can be downloaded and burned onto a CD in internet cafes in any large city.

 

Climate

Rain is possible at any time of year, especially in high mountains and cloud forest, and one should always be prepared. The climate in sites we will visit is as follows:

Cuzco area: days are warm if sunny, slightly chilly if cloudy.  Nights are cold in Cuzco.

Lima: warm to hot days, cool evenings, almost never any rain.  Often overcast.

Machu Picchu: lower and warmer than Cuzco, with rain possible all year round.

Cloud forest: hot days, mild evenings.  Always a chance of clouds and rain.

 

 

Baggage
For your international flights, please check with your  airline.  Within Peru, you are allowed 20 kilos (44 lbs) of checked baggage, as well as one carry-on and another small, purse-like item.  The carry-on size regulations are the same as international carry-on size regulations.

 

 

Money guide

The unit of currency in Peru is the nuevo sol. Current currency conversion
 

Currency Converter
 

Automatic cash points are available in Lima and Cuzco. Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus are the most common usable types of cards. Traveler's checks (American Express is best!) or a Visa or MasterCard for cash advances are also options.  Do not bring MoneyGrams or International Money Orders, as they are extremely difficult to exchange. Banks and exchange houses are available in Lima and Cuzco.  For currency, U.S. dollars are recommended and most easily exchanged.  Please note that cash must be untorn.  It can be older-looking, but even the slightest tear on an edge will make it un-changeable.  Acceptable bills come out of the ATMs in country.
 

Expect to spend about US$3-10 on a meal, US$2 on a beer, water or soft drink in Peru.  Shopping prices are usually lower than people expect.  Alpaca sweaters, for example, run between $5 and $30.

 



info@southerncrossings.com

 

 

 Consultants and
participants in the

Kids TV Series
Are We There Yet?
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Visit the social project we support in Cuzco

 

 

 

"Amazing tour, well packed; made changes as necessary… superb new bikes, new tires, very safe and comfortable… I would very highly recommend the tour and guide to all mi friends and family. Very professional all the way"

Saul Wiesel, USA,
Peru Mountain Biking, June 2007


 



 


It was a great pleasure working with Doug Newton and Southern Crossings on our National Geographic family travel TV series ‘Are We There Yet?’.  Doug showed a great flair for coming up with fun things for kids to do at Machu Picchu, and put a lot of thought and time into working with our specific needs.  He was reliable, organized and thorough, plus he was so friendly and calm that he was a pleasure to work with!  Thanks again, Doug!

- Stacey Jenkins, Associate Producer, Sinking Ship Entertainment

 

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"This is the first package tour we have taken. Karen made our trip personal, packed in all we asked for, and kept us worry-free. Competant friendly guides met us at every stage, with tickets and any other time savers and we were whisked off to the next stage of our trip. Without Southern Crossings we would never have been able to fit in all we did, and time is our most precious commodity! It is the first time we have had a hassle free holiday - any issues were not our concern and were resolved by Karen before they effected us - THANK YOU!"

- Julie and Greg Rapley, UK, Amazon Adventure, August 2007

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"I found Southern Crossings to be wonderful. I went to Peru in October, 2006 (alone) and and then went again in May, 2007, to Brazil (with my adult daughter). I really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed working with Doug and the crew...They are highly recommended!!!!! Hope you have a wonderful, wonderful trip."

- Helen Vanston, USA, Inca Heartland October 2006 and Brazil Custom Tour May 2007

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"The whole trip was a fantastic experience and I'd like to thank Doug and Juan especially, for making the Cuzco/Machu Picchu part of the trip so memorable. We were very well taken care of and felt in safe hands throughout. We managed to pack in a great deal in a short time thanks to the fine schedule. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company to my friends. Thanks once again and remember you are welcome to drop by any time you find yourself in England!

- Edna and Michael Crone, UK, Nazca Express, April 2007

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Thank you so much for organizing our trip to Peru. The personal attention and care you took of us made this vacation one of the best we have ever had.  We couldn't have had a better time and have thoroughly recommended Southern Crossings to our family and friends.  We look forward to taking another trip with you very soon.

- Paul Murray and Elizabeth Mathias, UK, The Sun Gate, August 2008 

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info@southerncrossings.com