About this trip.
From Titicaca to the Sacred Valley
Most of this thirteen-day ride sits above 3,800 metres, on the Peruvian altiplano — the vast, thin-aired plateau between the country's two great Andean cordilleras. The riding itself is rarely technical, but the altitude and the daily distances make it a genuinely demanding trip. What you get in return is a part of South America most travellers see only from a coach window: dirt roads and jeep tracks across empty plains, narrow canyons, far-flung rural communities, and nights spent camping under high-altitude skies.
Acclimatising in Puno
You arrive into Juliaca airport early in the morning, transfer about ninety minutes to Puno on the shores of Lago Titicaca, and don't touch a bike for the first three days. That's deliberate — Puno sits at 3,800 metres and almost everyone needs time to adjust. The first afternoon is for walking the town and looking at alpaca knitwear; the next is given over to a motor-boat out to the Uros floating reed islands, where a guide explains the history, traditions and farming methods of the people who built and still live on them. From the islands, the trip moves on to Llachon for a homestay on the lake's shore before the riding begins in earnest.
The route across the altiplano
Once on the bikes, the days settle into a pattern: rarely-used dirt roads and jeep tracks, with some quiet tarmac in between, linking high passes and remote villages. The standout sections are the trails around Lago Langui and the Cañón de Tinajani; alongside those come a stop at an experimental alpaca breeding station and visits to country schools well off the standard Peru circuit. Several nights are spent under canvas in genuine wilderness rather than in towns. The trip then drops down into the Sacred Valley, following the Urubamba River through Inca terraces towards Machu Picchu itself, visited on foot — for most guests, the high point of the fortnight.
Bookings and what's included
Saddle Skedaddle runs the holiday with local Peruvian guides and a full support crew. Prices start at £3,595 per person, which covers accommodation across hotels, homestay and camps, most meals, in-country transfers and the Machu Picchu visit; international flights are not included. The trip is graded high on the operator's own scale and suits regular cyclists who are happy with long days at altitude rather than first-timers — technical skill matters less here than legs and lungs. For every booking, the company donates to World Bicycle Relief, and clients can add a second Buffalo Bicycle when they pay; the Peru-based partner also runs a Positive Impact Fund supporting reforestation and eco-education in the region.
The shape of the trip.
What's typically in the price, what isn't.
A general guide for cycling holidays of this kind. Check the operator's booking page for the final inclusions on this specific trip.
Typically included
- ✓Hotel accommodation, double or twin en-suite rooms
- ✓Daily breakfast at each hotel
- ✓Luggage transfer between hotels on every riding day
- ✓Bike rental (usually a hybrid), helmet, and panniers
- ✓Detailed route notes with GPX files and emergency contacts
- ✓24/7 support line in English for the duration of the trip
Typically not included
- ×Flights to and from the country of travel
- ×Travel insurance with cycle cover (strongly recommended)
- ×Lunches and most evening meals — eat locally on the route
- ×E-bike or road-bike upgrades (usually a supplement)
- ×Repair kit consumables (tubes, chain lube) beyond what comes with the bike
- ×Any alcohol beyond wine included with set dinners
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard are the climbs?
Grading reflects daily distance, total climbing, and traffic. Moderate routes typically involve 40-60km a day with 300-600m of climbing, on quiet roads or well-surfaced bike paths. If you ride regularly at home and can manage a 40km weekend ride, you'll be fine. Check the daily elevation profile when the operator shares it.
Q2Is bike rental included?
It's usually included, with a hybrid as standard and an e-bike or road-bike upgrade available for a supplement. Helmets and panniers normally come with the rental. Check the operator's booking page for the exact inclusions on this trip.
Q3What if I get a puncture?
Rental bikes come with a small repair kit and a pump. If you can't fix it yourself, the operator's support line can arrange a replacement or a lift to the next hotel — times vary by location. Carry a phone and the support number at all times.
Q4Can I use my own bike?
Yes, most operators are happy for you to bring your own bike — you'll often get a small discount off the trip price in lieu of rental. Check with the airline on how to transport it, and bring basic spares (tubes, multi-tool).
Q5Can I do this solo?
Absolutely — self-guided cycling holidays work well for solo travellers. The route notes, GPX files, and 24/7 support are designed for confident independent riders.
Q6What if the weather is bad?
The route is rideable in rain if you're dressed for it, though some surfaces get slower. The operator's support line can reroute you onto a lower / flatter alternative or arrange a vehicle transfer for any stage if conditions are genuinely unsafe.
Q7How do I get there from the UK?
Fly into the nearest airport, then train or transfer to the start point. The operator will advise — some will book onward trains for a small fee. If you're bringing your own bike, check dimensions and dismantling requirements with the airline in advance.
Q8What about cancellation?
A deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance with cycle cover is strongly recommended.
Three cycling holidays, side-by-side.
Other cycling holidays on Mooch in the same spirit. All prices per person, from the operator.
