WHY THIS TRIP
An epic bike ride from the high Andes Mountains down to the Amazon basin. Along the way you see incredible wildlife, amazing views, and experience the diverse ecosystems and cultures of Peru. The bike ride is nearly all downhill, with few technical sections, so it’s a total blast for anyone who can ride a bike and is up for an adventure!
TRIP DESCRIPTION
The Manu Road snakes from the arable Sacred valley of the Incas, llama farms of the high Altiplano, across the continental divide, and down through fascinating cloud forest, to the bio-diverse hotspot of Manu’s temperate rainforest.
The famous Manu Road is revered by birders and naturalists around the world for its diverse fauna and flora. Apart from the extensive bird list of quetzal, toucans, trogons, humming birds, there are clouds of butterflies, herds of peccary, troops of woolly monkeys are also frequently seen.
The dirt track road makes classic mountain biking and to experience the noises and smells of the rainforest from a full-suspension bike is an honor and privilege. The route is mostly dirt road, with some pavement and a little single track. The route is mostly easy riding when dry, and a lot of fun when wet and muddy. It’s nearly all downhill, with very few technical sections. It’s a total blast for anyone who can ride a bike and is up for an adventure!
At the end of your ride, you stay for a couple of nights at Amazonia Lodge, soaking up the sights, sounds, and wildlife of the Amazon. You’ll go on walks near the lodge, climb to the top of the canopy tower, and birdwatch from the lodge porch.
The trip back to Cusco takes a full day, but you’ll break up the drive with breaks to go biking, if you’re up for it! Once more back in Cusco, you’ll have the night and the next day in the city, and you can either depart from here, or head towards Machu Picchu to see these magnificent ruins.
LOCAL PROVIDER: AMAZONAS EXPLORER
For more than 30 years Amazonas Explorer has used a different approach in leading high-quality trips and adventures in South America. While the company had its beginnings in adventure tourism, its success in building a strong team of knowledgeable guides has enhanced its ability to offer a range of innovative cultural tours. By raft, bike, foot, horse and even paddleboard, travelers are immersed in their surroundings to explore in unique ways the highlights of southern Peru, the company’s home turf. Every adventure with Amazonas Explorer is treated with impeccable care and top-notch services, all focused on the client’s comfort and safety.
The current owners, while originally from the United Kingdom, have lived and played in the Cusco region for more than 20 years. The itineraries they’ve crafted are based on places they love and activities they enjoy. Their obvious love for Peru shines through in the company’s efforts to maximize benefits to local economies and to promote responsible tourism across the country.
Beginning in the home office, its professionally trained guides, cooks and support crew are well cared for as they build rewarding careers for themselves within the hierarchy of the company. With more than 20 office staff and a Peruvian team total of nearly 200, Amazonas Explorer prides itself on being a great place to work.
On an Inca Trail hiking trip, for instance, it is likely you will have the support of porters who have been with the company more than 10 years. Amazonas has a porter protection policy in place and all employees enjoy the provisions of proper working conditions, fair wages, quality gear, and insurance.
Dedicated to sustainable tourism projects in alliance with local communities, Amazonas Explorer purchases local food and, when available, local equipment and gear. Its exceptional cultural experiences include engagement with local people and opportunities for travelers to purchase local crafts and weavings directly from their source.
The largely paperless company takes significant steps to further reduce its carbon impact by minimizing its impact to the environment with small group sizes, smart transportation choices, recycling whatever it can, cooking with gas not kerosene or firewood and carefully disposing of all waste generated on trips.
Above all, the entire crew of experts holds collective focus on safety and on providing memorable experiences that are equal to none. Amazonas Explorer is also a member of One Percent for the Planet, donating annually its time and money to reforestation efforts in Peru’s Lares Valley.
