UJ #9 - Adventure in Peru

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