Mountain Biking Tours Cusco Peru:
Epic Trails, Living Culture & Adrenaline in the Andes
Americo Jimenez
May 16, 2024 – 12 MIN. READING
Have you ever dreamed of riding down ancient Inca trails, cycling through remote Andean communities, or crossing into the Peruvian jungle on your mountain bike? Welcome to Cusco and Peru, one of the world’s most exciting and diverse destinations for mountain biking.
Whether you’re into downhill madness, cross-country exploration, or e-bike adventures, this is the complete guide to discovering the most epic mountain biking tours in Cusco Peru.
📍 Why Cusco is a mountain biking paradise
Cusco isn’t just the gateway to Machu Picchu—it’s a full-blown playground for mountain bikers. With elevations reaching over 5,000 m, deep valleys, jungle passes, Inca trails, and high-altitude lakes, this terrain is tailor-made for adventure.
Here, you’ll ride between glaciers, drop into cloud forests, and pass through coffee plantations on the edge of the Amazon—all in one day.
“We offer biking tours from one-day rides to multi-day expeditions across the Andes, local Andean villages, and into the jungle. Modalities include cross-country, enduro, downhill, road, and e-bike adventures.”
It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or pro—Cusco offers options for every level and every riding style.
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🏆 The most epic mountain biking routes in Cusco & Peru
🔥 Sacred Downhill Backdoor
An iconic downhill route starting in Chinchero and dropping into the Sacred Valley. It’s full of switchbacks, Inca terraces, and surreal landscapes. A must for downhill lovers seeking high-speed flow and Andean views.
🏁 Inka Avalancha
Latin America’s most legendary MTB race. Ride 14 km from Abra Málaga down to the jungle village of Santa María, through rocky trails, singletrack, cloud forest and rivers. You don’t have to race to ride it—this trail is available all year with local guides.
☠️ Death Road Peru (Ocobamba)
Forget Bolivia—this is the real Death Road of Cusco. Starting at Abra Yanamayo (~4,500 m) and descending nearly 3,000 m over 65 km into Ocobamba, this wild ride mixes danger, jungle, and high-altitude beauty.
“Explore the Andes and the Peruvian jungle—from Manu to Pongo de Mainique—on routes that offer a once-in-a-lifetime biking experience with BikingPeruTrek.”
🏔️ Sacred Valley to Ausangate
Ride from the Sacred Valley into the mystical world of Ausangate, a glaciated giant. Includes hot springs, alpine lakes, and passes over 4,800 m. Best for advanced riders or assisted e-bike riders seeking a full-on expedition.
🌈 Rainbow Mountain Biking
Yes, it’s real—and yes, you can ride it. From the 5,000 m viewpoint at Vinicunca, descend through red valleys, herds of alpacas, and rainbow-colored rock formations. It’s intense, spectacular, and unforgettable.
🛤️ Machu Picchu by Bike
You can’t ride into the ruins, but you can bike your way to Hidroeléctrica via Santa María and Santa Teresa, then hike or train to Machu Picchu. This journey blends mountain biking with hot springs, jungle trails, and sacred energy.
🚲 Riding styles: XC, Enduro, Downhill, Road & E‑Bike
Cusco supports every type of riding:
E‑Bike: ideal for longer distances, elevation gain, or mixed skill groups.
XC (Cross Country): scenic loops through towns, farms, and Inca ruins.
Enduro: technical climbs + aggressive descents on mixed terrain.
Downhill: fast, intense routes like Inka Avalancha & Sacred Backdoor.
Road: smooth rides linking Sacred Valley towns.
🚲 🧭 One-day rides vs. Multi-day expeditions
Day trips: perfect for acclimatization, photography, and warm-up.
Multi-day tours: complete adventure packages with camping, culture, exploration, and daily route variety.
🌎 MTB + Culture + Nature = the ultimate combo
What sets Cusco apart is its human connection. On your rides, you’ll:
- Visit native villages in the Andes or jungle.
- Ride through cloud forests and coffee farms.
- Soak in hot springs at 4,000 m.
- Dine on traditional “pachamanca” and meet weavers and farmers.
- Spot condors flying overhead while descending ancient trails.
This is not just a sport. It’s immersion on wheels.
Cross Country
Enduro
Downhill
🧠 Why mountain biking is the best pre-trek workout
Mountain biking is the perfect warm-up:
Planning to hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay?
- Helps you acclimate to altitude.
- Activates your legs and cardio.
- Gets you out exploring while still in adjustment mode.
It also lets you discover areas you can’t reach on foot. It’s a game-changer.
🧳 Gear tips, safety & weather
Mountain biking is the perfect warm-up:
Planning to hike the Inca Trail or Salkantay?
- Helps you acclimate to altitude.
- Activates your legs and cardio.
- Gets you out exploring while still in adjustment mode.
It also lets you discover areas you can’t reach on foot. It’s a game-changer.
“Discover Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, jungle and high Andes with us. Choose from cross-country, downhill, e-bike or multi-day routes—always guided and personalized.”
We offer:
- Local, passionate guides
- High-end bikes (Trek, Giant, Specialized)
- Routes like Death Road Ocobamba, Inka Avalancha, Rainbow Mountain and more
- All-inclusive logistics (gear, support, permits, transfers, meals)
Whether it’s your first time in Peru or your fifth, we’ll make sure this ride is unforgettable.
✅ Final Thoughts: Peru’s ultimate biking adventure starts in Cusco
If you love mountain biking, Cusco is your dream come true. With some of the most stunning and diverse trails on Earth—combining downhill thrills, cultural immersion, jungle vibes and Andean altitude—it’s more than a tour. It’s a life experience.
Ready to ride into the adventure of a lifetime with mountain biking tours Cusco Peru?
