An hour drive from Cusco, this ride combines some lovely cross-country traversing, incredible 5000 foot downhill, and two different fascinating Inca ruins.  We begin with a gentle pedal along the shore of the higland Lake Huaypo.  We ride cross country on smooth dirt roads and mule tracks to the ancient archaeological site of Moray, a very interesting agricultural experimental center.  Along the way we will enjoy impressive views of the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.  We will be passing through farmland and admire the Quechua at work in the fields, farming the same land as their Inca ancestors.  We continue through small villages, stopping mid-day for a delicious picnic.  We carry on downhill with both gentle, dirt road options for those who want to take it slow, and, high adrenaline single-track for those who want the challenge.  We eventually reach the salt mines of Pichingoto.  This is a fascinating conglomerate of over 3000 evaporation troughs carved into the hillside where the salt-laden silt gathers and becomes gradually distilled into rock salt.  This site is very ancient, was perfected by the Incas, and is still in use to this day.  The descent continues all the way to the Sacred Valley floor. 

 

Option:  We can return to Cusco after the ride, or spend the night in a hotel in the Sacred Valley and enjoy another mountain biking adventure the following day. 

 

Our tour begins with a drive from Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Calca and from there continues over a high pass until reaching the community of Lares (elev. approx. 14730 feet).  Lares represents an authentic example of rural life in the Andes of Peru. Along the way we will observe traditional dwellings and structures, local people wearing typical homespun clothes, and many llamas and alpacas. After reaching Lares, we will bike down through the Lares Valley (elev. 10,492 feet) until reaching the topmost fringes of the jungle.  Geographical and microclimatic transformations take place in rapid succession. The high and midlands very soon give way to greener, warmer and densely forested surroundings. While we ride, our support vehicle is constantly with us, which means you can decide how much, how long, and when or not to bike.  After the ride we return by vehicle to Lares and enjoy a well-deserved soak in the hot springs.