Peru Multisport
Biking & Hiking from Cusco to Machu Picchu
A tapestry of history, culture and extraordinary natural delights blankets the diverse country of Peru. Beneath lofty Andean peaks and shifting clouds lie the remnants of an ancient civilization. Here the fascinating archaeological ruins and traces of Inca architectural heritage are found at every turn. Setting off with our local guide, this Backroads journey takes you from Cusco - the former religious center and capital of the Inca empire - to humble Quechua villages, and finally to the stunning ruins of Machu Picchu. Following trails built by the Inca, we hike through the ancient city on foot and glimpse the ruins from Intipunku, the "Gate of the Sun." It's a spectacular way to experience the "Lost City of the Incas."
Permits to hike the Inca Trail are extremely limited. We recommend booking a minimum of 4-6 months prior to departure in order significantly increase your chance of securing a permit. If permits are unavailable during some seasons we will take a train to Aguas Calientes, bus to the entrance and hike into Machu Picchu.
Trip Planning Links
- Aurelio, our local guide, shares deep insight into Peru's culture and ancient civilizations
- Machu Picchu: the incredible "Lost City of the Incas"
- Cusco, alive with the energy of the Inca and history of the Spanish conquistadors
- Hike to impressive ruins: Tambo Machay, Temple of the Moon and others
- Experience Quechua culture at an off-the-beaten path weaving community
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 cusco
Meet in Cusco, set at a lofty 11,200 feet 
With our local guide, take a walking tour of the town, rich in Inca and Spanish-Colonial architecture Hike to Inca archaeological sites, including Tambo Machay, Sacsayhuaman and the Temple of the Moon Admire the superb collection at Cusco's Museum of Pre-Columbian Art.
Days 3-5 urubamba
Amid a panorama of snowy peaks, bike along the altiplano past small farming villages In Moray, learn how the Inca experimented with farming techniques using high-altitude terraces Visit the scenic salineras (salt pans) and ascend the enigmatic ruins of Ollantaytambo Journey into a quiet river valley to a Quechua community, where we visit local families and see master weavers at work Bike along the floor of the Sacred Valley to the ruins and market town of Pisac.
Days 6-8 aguas calientes
After a train ride, hike the "Gate of the Sun" trail for a bird's-eye look at the "Lost City of the Incas" (you may also have the option to hike the famed Inca Trail up to Machu Picchu) Spend another full day exploring Machu Picchu, contemplating its exquisite stonework and mysterious astrological designs Return to Cusco by train.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The trip was fabulous! As one who has done very little in the way of group travel, I must tell you that it surpassed my hopes and made me want more! Our leaders were extremely accommodating to our needs, and helped us achieve our individual and group goals. Having different levels of each activity really allowed each of us to do what we wanted to do. It would only have been better if we could have added more hours to each day, so that we could have had more time to enjoy each of the beautiful places we stayed.- Lutz, FL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Peru tour experts. For multisport tours in Latin America, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Latin America multisport tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Latin America walking and hiking tours click here.
Peru Multisport
HIGH-ALTITUDE ELEGANCE: Premiere Inns
Hotel Monasterio
Cusco (2 nights) A 17th-century monastery transformed into a graceful five-star hotel and member of the Leading Hotels of the World.
Willka T'ika
Urubamba (3 nights) Meaning "sacred flower," this guest house has Spanish-Colonial garden suites - plus a yoga room, herbal baths and massage facilities. Or, Sol y Luna Hotel, located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, with beautiful garden bungalows and a pool.
Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel
Aguas Calientes (2 nights) The savvy traveler's preferred choice at Machu Picchu: adobe cabanas adorned with regional weavings and surrounded by tropical gardens, where Peru's leading botanist Dr. Isiais Rolando has created a refuge for rare orchids.
Peru Multisport
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Walking Tour of Cusco 3.5 hours
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 3 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.4, 5.2, 5.8 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 6, 14, 19 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.8, 4.7 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.6 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 14, 19, 27 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 1 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2.2, 6.8 miles
- 500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.5, 2.2, 3.7 miles
- 500 - 2000 feet elevation gain
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip
Please note that altitude will increase the level of difficulty of some route options.