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The Andean Dream offered by supplier M20818 (read about supplier) Key Information: Tour Duration: 16 - 21 day(s) Group Size: 4 - 16 people Destination(s): Peru   Specialty Categories: Bicycle Touring   Season: January - December Airfare Included: No Tour Customizable: Yes Minimum Per Person Price: 1175 Pound Sterling (GBP) Maximum Per Person Price: 1390 Pound Sterling (GBP)

Tour Itinerary:

Days 1-2: Lima - Arequipa. Fly to Lima for an exciting introduction to the bustling Peruvian capital. The next morning we fly to Arequipa and spend a day acclimatising in the beautiful southern highland city, which nestles between spectacular mountains and is dominated by large volcanoes. Accommodation: guest house. Altitude: 2400 m, max 2400 m.

Day 3: Arequipa. The first day's acclimatisation ride will begin on the beautiful El Misti Volcano after a truck ride up to 4,600 m. This ride will be used to find out how the high altitude affects each individual rider, bearing in mind that fitness level is no gauge to who might suffer. Accommodation: Guest house. Cycling distance: 42 km. Altitude: 2400 m, max 4600 m.

Day 4: Arequipa - Chivay. Ride to Chivay, a charming town, where the breathtaking Colca Canyon begins. Visiting the thermal hot springs can soothe early-tired legs. Accommodation: Hotel. Cycling distance: 63 km. Altitude: 3600 m.

Day 5: Chivay. Ride up the Colca Canyon, arguably the biggest in the world, passing pre-Incan terracing. This incredible route passes through unforgettably majestic scenery and a wickedly long tunnel carved out of solid rock. The day will end by camping at the Cruz del Condor. Accommodation: Hotel. Cycling distance: 45 km. Altitude: 3600 m, max 4500 m.

Day 6: Chivay - Lampa. This morning we can watch the majestic condors as they glide on thermals so close to you that you can almost touch them. Then we head off cycling to the small village of Lampa.
Accommodation: Guest house. Cycling distance: 65 km. Altitude: 3000 m, max 4200 m.

Day 7: Lampa - Cusco. Ride through magnificent landscapes over a little traveled back road on the way to Cusco before transferring to Cusco. Accommodation: Hotel. Cycling distance: 40 km. Altitude: 3400 m, max 4300 m.

Day 8: Cusco. Rest day in Cusco. Option to cycle to Pisac, one of the highlights of this region on its marvelously colourful market day. There are also local ruins to visit before finishing the day's ride.

Day 9: Cusco - Ollantaytambo. Cycle up out of Cusco passing the substantial Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman. We then descend through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Cycle to Ollantaytambo visiting the incredible salt plains of Salinas en route. Accommodation: Hotel. Cycling distance: 65 km. Altitude: 3000 m, max 3800 m.

Days 10-13: Inca trail to Machu Picchu. An unforgettable 4-day trek along the ancient Inca Trail, to Machu Picchu with porters, food and camping gear. Despite its popularity with tourists, this walk is still one of the highlights of any South American tour. End day 13 in Cusco.
Accommodation: Camping.

Day 14: Cusco. A rest day in Cusco, time to do some shopping and say goodbye to the group (14 day) who travel back tomorrow. Accommodation: Guest house. Altitude: 3400 m.

Day 15: Cusco - Pisac. Cycle up out of Cusco passing the substantial Incan ruins of Sacsayhuaman before descending into the Sacred Valley of the Incas to Pisac. Accommodation: Guest house. Cycling distance: 50 km or 36 km.

Day 16: Pisac - Lares. We are now well rested and acclimatised for the ultimate challenge. An absolute classic ride up through the Lares valley. For cyclists wanting to get off the well-beaten tourist path and escape to a part of Peru that has changed little over the last 500 years then this ride through the Lares Valley is a must.

With a pass at 4,200 meters this is sure to test our stamina. For a more relaxing day have a lay in then transfer to catch up with those who have cycled. After lunch we will start on a two-day descent, reaching our campsite hopefully with time to spare to soak our tired limbs in one of three hotsprings. Accommodation: Guest house. Cycling distance: 52 km or 30 km. Altitude: 2700 m, max 4200 m.

Day 17: Lares - Quebrada. Another huge descent, leaving behind the high mountains we enter the sub-tropical valley on our way to the jungle. The warmth of the tropical jungle climate is in sharp contrast to the chilly nights in the Andes. This remote and rarely visited region has a number of small Indian settlements. Camp overnight next to the village of Quebrada. Accommodation: Guest house. Cycling distance: 74 km. Altitude: 1150 m, max 2700 m.

Day 18: Quebrada - Quillabamba. We are still descending deep in the jungle through groves of citrus and banana trees in this tropical fruit growing area. Over the past two days we will have descended from 4200 m to a mere 500 m. We will have had a great chance of seeing some of the amazing variety of bird life that inhabits this lush part of the Amazon. We finish today ride in the Village of Quillabamba. Accommodation: Hotel. Cycling distance: 100 km. Altitude: 950 m, max 1150 m.

Day 19: Quillabamba - Hell. Today, those of the group who want some hard cycling have the option of ascending 3400m over 2 days as we commence on the long climb to the Malaga Pass. The others will be transferred from the village of Amaybamba one of the main tea growing regions in Peru, the road is spectacular as it rises rapidly through some beautiful cloud forest, before we reach our camp. Accommodation: Hut/teahouse. Cycling distance: 85 km. Altitude: 2900 m, max 2900 m.

Day 20: Hell - Cusco. Another morning of hard cycling as continue to the top of the Pass. The top lies amidst snow-capped rugged peaks that surround the wind-swept and strikingly beautiful Puna Grassland. The pass is famous among birdwatchers because it is home to some bird species that are near extinction.

From here we start on a astounding descend of 2200m through cloud forest before arriving in Olantaytambo. We will then transfer everyone back to Cusco. We should have time to pack the bikes up before we have a last night out in the town. Accommodation: Hut/teahouse. Cycling distance: 60 km. Altitude: 3600 m.

Day 21: Cusco - Lima - Home. Our tour ends with a free transfer to Cusco airport.

Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.

Price Includes:
- All accommodation will be in hotels or guesthouses, apart from the 3 nights trekking if you choose to do our Inca Trail option (We choose accommodation on the basis of comfort rather than luxury. Our prices are based on sharing a twin room; single rooms are sometimes available at an extra cost. At times you we will be traveling in very remote areas with limited accommodation, often without private toilets or electricity. Having said this they are clean, safe, friendly, owned and operated by local families).
- All food is provided on the tour apart from lunches and dinners in Lima, Arequipa and Cusco
- All transportation and local guides within Peru are included
- Internal flights (from Lima to Araquipa, your Cusco to Lima flight is excluded)
- Trekking and entry to Machu Picchu are included in the overall price.

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Also see tour packages in:
South America   Peru   Outdoor: Land Rambler   Bicycle Touring  

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