Biking trip from the highlands to the amazon jungle
CUSCO TO PUERTO MALDONADO 310 KM
6 Days / 5 Nights
SUMMARY
Biking from the mountains to the jungle is an unforgettable experience. From a high point of 4960m on the Hualla Hualla pass we descend from the Andes through the cloud forest into the jungle to 300m, making for a fantastic cross section through eastern Peru. Not only does the altitude and scenery change dramatically but also the local beliefs, traditions and dress.
Our route follows the road connecting Peru to Brazil, soon to be the “Pan Oceanic Highway,” presently a dirt road but will be paved over the next few years. This is a wonderful way to follow this interesting route before it turns into a main highway. Along the route we stay in small locally run “hospedajes” and eat in some of the numerous small cafes to give you an authentic taste of the local dishes.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco to Ocongate over the Cuyume pass. After picking you up from your hotel in Cusco, we travel by 4 x 4 through Urcos to the Cuyume pass (53km from Cusco) The journey takes roughly 3 hours and passes through numerous rural villages and hamlets. As the road winds its way out of the Cusco valley the view expands into a patchwork of small fields which cover the surrounding mountains. At the top of the pass unload and give you a short safety briefing before getting on our bikes to for the first downhill of the trip. This short ride takes us roughly two hours and follows the dirt track down into a shady valley towards the village of Ocongate where we spend out first night. The village is typical of the region having a small plaza where markets are regularly held.
Level of difficulty: Easy, a mild introduction taking approximately 2 hours.
Distance: 4x4 63km – Biking 38km.
Day 2: Ocongate to Marcapata over the Hualla Hualla pass. Starting early we drive to the top of the 4950m Hualla Hualla pass (thought the adventurous may decide to cycle up part of the way). Climbing up we see spectacular views of Mt Ausangate (6340m) and the glacier (Caravaya range) which is the focus of the Qoylluriti festival where thousands of pilgrims flock each year to pay homage to the ‘Apu’ or spiritual mountain, and pass grazing flocks of Alpacas watched by shepherds in traditional Andean dress. Once over the pass the eastern side of the Andes fills the view. Deep glacial valleys strewn with giant boulders and remote hamlets surround us we start to descend. There are many opportunities here to take exciting off road shortcuts and further down the mountainsides are covered in steep terraces before the high scrubland gives way to cloud forest. We finish the day at Marcapata (2900m), a mysterious town cloaked in cloud by afternoon but offering spectacular views in the clear mornings. Hot springs wait to loosen your aching muscles, and a hearty meal to replenish your energy levels.
Level of difficulty: Difficult, with steep downhill and optional single track routes, taking 4 - 5 hours downhill with an optional 2 - 3 hours if you choose to cycle up to the top of the Hualla Hualla pass.
Distance: 4x4 12km – Biking 47km
Day 3 Marcapata to Quincemil, from then cloud forest to the high jungle.
After an energizing breakfast in Marcapata and a quick look around the town we start our rapid descent through the cloud forest. Dramatic green mountain sides meet in the valley bottoms where streams turn into rivers and waterfalls run like ribbons down the slopes. Coffee beans can be seen drying next to the road, while early morning fresh forest smell and fantastic views make this a beautiful downhill ride. As our road winds down the cloud forest flattens out and we enter the jungle. The second half of this day is spent fording streams and cycling on more of an even road. Giant ferns and cliffs hug the roadside and hundreds of butterflies flutter around you. We finish the day at Quincemil (755m), a small gold mining community.
Level of difficulty: Medium, mostly downhill with sharp rocky bends and some flat sections, 5-6 hours.
Distance: 4x4 0km – Biking 70km.
Day 4 Quincemil to Mazuko through the high jungle
Leaving bright and early to make the most of the cool morning we follow on the left bank of the river out of town and spend the first three hours alternating between fairly steep up and downhill sections. The road is fairly smooth on this day offering some lovely descents and some interesting stream and small river crossings which is a lovely way to cool off in the heat of the day! We pass through several small jungle villages including San Lorenzo and Inambari, constructed out of wood and raised off the ground to avoid the flooding in the rainy season. Though we obviously cannot promise wild life the sorts of animals that can be seen include Squirrel monkeys, Macaws, Wild boar, Orapendulas, Parrots, snakes and Vultures. Toward the end of the day the road flattens out and we finish the day in the lively town of Mazuko (440m).
Level of difficulty: Medium, but a long day and hard work on the uphill sections. The jungle is hot and humid from midday. 6 - 7 hours biking, if you don’t want to continue pedaling you can stay in the 4x4 to end of the day.
Distance: 4x4 0km – Biking 68km.
Day 5 Mazuko to Puerto Maldonado, into the low jungle
Staying in the jungle gives you many opportunities to taste fresh fruit drinks and dishes such as fried bananas and a jug of papaya juice for breakfast. This day we take our 4WD vehicle until Santa Rosa pass, from where we get nice view of the low jungle and the dirt road disappear in hug canopy. From Santa Rosa jungle village we have the last opportunity to continue pedaling on even dirt road to hundred ten (110km village). From here we normally use our 4x4 to do last hundred kilometers to Puerto Maldonado.
Level of difficulty: Easy, taking approximately 3 hours on the flat and deep low jungle.
Distance: 4x4 131km – Biking 40 km.
Day 6 Puerto Maldonado to Cusco. This day you are free to choose how you want to come back to Cusco by plane (40 min) or by bus (30h hours). After breakfast all our camp staff will back driving our 4x4.
PS. We suggest you to stay more days in the jungle and explore with organized boat trip to Tambopata reserve, you can do trip from 2 up to 5 days with everything included, check our jungle programs for itineraries and details.
INCLUDED: Experience English speaking guide + Private 4x4 vehicle support + 5 nights of basic accommodations + All the meals + Mountain bikes + Helmet + Gloves + Free T-shirt.
Contact us info@peruadventurestours.com
