OVERVIEW
MACHUPICCHU + BIKING
DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – ECO TERRA LODGE – AGUAS CALIENTES
After the very early pick-up at 5:30 a.m., we headed towards the Port of Malaga (Abra Malaga). On the way, we pass through the amazing Sacred Valley of the Incas. Upon reaching Abra Málaga, which is the highest point of the Machupicchu + Biking tour (4,350m / 14,272ft), we prepare for mountain biking.
Downhill by bicycle for about 3 hours accompanied by an emergency car in case someone gets tired. Later, we go over a suspension bridge and continue by bicycle to the archaeological remains of Inca Tambo. Our Tourist Guide makes a stop there to explain to us about this site. Then, we cycle through a rooster-of-the-rock and orchid habitat in an impressive residential area.
When we arrive at Huamanmarca (1,575 m / 5,167 ft), the Guide shows us around this “last Inca refuge”. Then, we continue in our vehicle to the Eco Terra Lodge where we are served a delicious buffet lunch. Then, we continue by vehicle for 1 hour until we reach the Hidroeléctrica railway station (a hydroelectric power station; 1,890 m / 6,200 ft). From there, we hike around 2 and a half hours (9 km) through the lush subtropical forest to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,040 m / 6,693 ft). This small town that is located just below Machupicchu is our final destination today. We settled into a comfortable hotel, showered, and prepared for dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, we could visit the local thermal baths (optional). We spend the night in our hotel.
Maximum altitude: 4,350 metres/ 14,272 feet
Minimum altitude: 1,575 metres/ 5,167 feet
Duration of the bike: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 9 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Cold to humid-warm
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – HIDROELECTRICA – CUSCO
At 4:30 am (maximum), we need to have breakfast since this day’s program is very busy. At 5 am, we are picked up by the Guide and we start an ascending hike up to the sacred city of the Incas. The hike is very steep and it takes approximately 2 hours. However, our effort rewards us with stunning views of the surrounding subtropical landscape. Upon arrival, we pass through the checkpoint of the National Historic Sanctuary of Machupicchu (2,430 m/7,972 ft). Afterward, the Guide shows us and explains to us about all sectors of this overwhelming Inca city. You discover various places such as the Sun Clock, the Three Windows Temple, the Sun Temple, the main square, and many more.
Then, we are given time off to explore the city on our own, take more photos or just relax. Around noon, we get on a shuttle bus descending to Aguas Calientes (20 minutes). We have lunch there (not included in the price) and get ready for return travel. This time, we go by train back to Hidroelectrica. Our private vehicle awaits us there at 3:30 pm. The return journey to Cusco takes about 6 hours. So we reach it at around 9 pm. Upon arrival, we are transferred back to our hotel where the Guide tells you goodbye.
Maximum altitude: 2,430 metres / 7,972 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,040 metres / 6,693 feet
Duration of the bike: 2 hours
Trekking distance: 9 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Humid-warm
OPTIONAL:
- Shuttle bus up and down to Machupicchu: USD 12 – one way.
- Climb to Machupicchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadel accessible by a 1.5-hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machupicchu. It costs USD 15 extra. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 1 month in advance due to a limited number of tickets!
- Waynapicchu – a mountain situated above the Inca citadel accessible by the 45-minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machupicchu. It is an extra USD 25. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 3 months in advance due to a limited number of entrances!
ITINERARY
MACHUPICCHU + BIKING
DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – ECO TERRA LODGE – AGUAS CALIENTES
- 5:30 am – a hotel pick-up.
- Transfer by bus to the Abra Malaga (4,350 m/14,272 ft).
- 3-hour downhill biking on mountain bikes from Abra Malaga (Malaga Pass) to Huamanmarca.
- Visit the archaeological remains of Inca Tambo on the way.
- Stop at Huamanmarca and an explanation from our Tour Guide about the valley.
- Transport by private vehicle to “Eco Terra Lodge”.
- Buffet lunch at “Eco Terra Lodge”.
- 1-hour ride to the railway station Hidroelectrica (a hydroelectric plant).
- A 9-km walk along the trails amidst cloud forest (2 and a half hours).
- Arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes (just below Machupicchu).
- Check-in and getting settled in a hotel.
- Dinner at a local restaurant.
- Optional: you can visit the local thermal baths (it is not included in the tour price).
- Overnight at your hotel.
DAY 2 MACHUPICCHU + BIKING: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – HIDROELECTRICA – CUSCO
- 4:30 am – a buffet breakfast at your hotel.
- 5 am – a pick-up at the hotel by your Tour Guide.
- 2-hour ascend to Machupicchu by foot (for a bus ride – see the Optional section).
- Private guided tour of the Inca citadel Machupicchu (2 and a half hours).
- Leisure time at Machupicchu to take pictures, meditate or walk around.
- Descend to the Aguas Calientes Town.
- Lunch at a local restaurant up to you (not included in the price).
- Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica.
- Private vehicle transport from Hidroelectrica to Cusco.
- 9 pm (approx.) – arrival at Cusco.
- Drop-off at your hotel.
- The end of the Machupicchu + Biking 2D/1N tour.
INCLUDED
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE MACHUPICCHU + BIKING TOUR:
- Pick-up from your hotel.
- Private vehicle transportation Cusco/Hidroelectrica/Cusco.
- A professional bilingual Tour Guide.
- Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
- 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
- Front suspension mountain bikes.
- Helmets, gloves, elbow pads, and knee pads.
- First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
- A return train from Aguas Calientes to Hidroelectrica.
- Machu Picchu Private Tour.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner, soft drinks during main meals – a vegetarian option available upon request.
- Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
NOT INCLUDED
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE MACHUPICCHU + BIKING TOUR:
- A one-way train Hidroelectrica-Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu).
- Shuttle bus up and down to Machu Picchu.
- Lunch on the second day.
- Beverages (apart from the main meals).
- Climb to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (see the Optional section please).
- Tips to local staff.
- Entrance fee to the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes (10 Soles).
- Accommodation in Cusco.
- Any flight.
- Travel insurance.
RECOMMENDATIONS
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE MACHUPICCHU TOUR + BIKING?
- Original passport!!! (Please note: It will be checked at the gateway! If you fail to bring it, you will not be allowed to enter!)
- Pocket money (to buy souvenirs or refreshments).
- Backpack with necessary clothes for 2 days (we recommend light clothes, e.g. shorts and T-shirts),
- Insect repellent (we recommend DEET 30),
- Sun protection cream,
- Sunglasses,
- A cap/hat,
- Jacket,
- Raincoat or poncho (especially, from November to April),
- Trekking shoes and sandals;
- Camera,
- Bottled water,
- Snack (eg. cookies, chocolates, candy),
- Toiletries,
- Toilet paper,
- Small towel,
- Flashlight,
- Swimsuit (in case, you like to visit the splendid thermal baths at Aguas Calientes),
- Personal medication (if applicable).
PRICE
MACHUPICCHU + BIKING
The price depends on the number of participants, accommodation availability, travel dates, and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.