UJ #9 - Adventure in Peru
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PATHS OF ADVENTURE<br />
Right and Below: The<br />
Sacred Valley offers all<br />
k<strong>in</strong>ds of adventure, from<br />
the risky to a gentle stroll<br />
<strong>in</strong> the fields.<br />
Diego del Rio<br />
MOUNTAIN BIKING<br />
Lima, Cusco and Ancash possess the ideal geography for mounta<strong>in</strong> bik<strong>in</strong>g, as well as adequate and secure<br />
<strong>in</strong>frastructure. Two types are carried out here: downhill and cross country. For the first we earnestly recommend<br />
that you have some bik<strong>in</strong>g experience, especially if the routes are steep and difficult. Cross country is usually<br />
gentler and more agreeable; perfect for those who prefer scenery and tranquillity. The ascents and descents<br />
are not too steep and may even be asphalt or unpaved track. In Cusco, for example, there are beautiful routes<br />
<strong>in</strong> Maras-Moray, Ch<strong>in</strong>chero and the Sacred Valley, where you cross green fields and countryside that is only<br />
accessible by bike or on foot. The views are spectacular. However if you are an expert at the sport, try downhill,<br />
which <strong>in</strong>cludes descents, jumps and natural obstacles. The descent to the Maras salt pans for example, where<br />
the <strong>in</strong>tensity of this sport becomes apparent. In Cusco you can also go bik<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> Ollantaytambo, Ch<strong>in</strong>chero, Huayllabamba,<br />
Patacancha, Lares and Calca. The most popular route for experts is the Malaga pass (4,200 m.a.s.l.)<br />
to Ollantaytambo (2,800 m.a.s.l.)<br />
IMPORTANT<br />
DATA<br />
• Beg<strong>in</strong>ners. Routes<br />
with gentle<br />
gradients and firm<br />
ground.<br />
• Some experience.<br />
Moderate gradients<br />
and a certa<strong>in</strong> level<br />
of risk.<br />
• Experts. Steep<br />
gradients, loose<br />
ground, risk and<br />
high altitudes.<br />
There are also routes <strong>in</strong> Lima, of different degrees of difficulty and <strong>in</strong> different zones. Choose between quiet city<br />
routes beside the sea or ride to the floral village of Antioquia, through Cieneguilla, where the houses are pa<strong>in</strong>ted<br />
<strong>in</strong> different colours and the road also takes you through Santo Dom<strong>in</strong>go de los Olleros to the tuna plantations<br />
at Chilca; a comprehensive route tak<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong> coast and highlands. Other routes run south, through the ceremonial<br />
centre of Pachacamac, Calango and Azpitia where the crayfish come from, and Lunahuana for the pisco. Other<br />
more demand<strong>in</strong>g routes take you to the sacred Marcahuasi and even to the oldest city <strong>in</strong> the world: Caral north<br />
of Lima. F<strong>in</strong>ally, if you are go<strong>in</strong>g north, Ancash offers sea and mounta<strong>in</strong>s on the way: from the mysterious and<br />
little-frequented beaches of Casma to the snowy peaks of Huascaran National Park. It is also possible to visit the<br />
ru<strong>in</strong>s at Chav<strong>in</strong> de Huantar, as well as the sacred Llanganuco lakes.<br />
Diego del Rio