Hiking and Biking Peru's Inca Trails: 40 trekking and mountain biking routes in the Sacred Valley (Cicerone Guides)

Hike and bike the Inca Trails of Peru's Sacred Valley and explore one of the world's most extraordinary adventure destinations, from the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and the remote ruins of Choquequirao to the high passes and glaciers around Ausangate and the spectacular Salkantay route. Rich in Inca history, Andean culture, and breathtaking high-altitude scenery, the Sacred Valley offers an unrivalled combination of trekking and mountain biking adventure within reach of Cusco.Suitable for walkers and riders with a good level of fitness, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 40 graded day walks, short treks, and mountain bike rides across the Sacred Valley, including routes well away from the tourist trails. Day walks range from 2 hours to a full day, treks from 2 to 9 days, and rides from 1 hour to 7 days, making this the most versatile guide available for exploring Peru's Inca heartland on foot or by bike.Choose from 40 graded hiking and mountain biking routes across six areas of the Sacred Valley, covering the approaches to Machu Picchu, Cusco, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo, the south and west of Machu Picchu, and the spectacular Ausangate massif, with routes including many previously unpublished trails well off the standard tourist circuit.Discover 7 different routes to Machu Picchu, from the classic Inca Trail and the famous Salkantay route to lesser-known alternatives, including the back door route from Ollantaytambo and the Mollepata to Huayllabamba approach, giving you the freedom to choose the experience that suits you best.Explore the wider Sacred Valley beyond Machu Picchu with routes to the remote ruins of Choquequirao, the lost city of Espiritu Pampa (Vilcabamba), the salt mines of Maras and Moray, and the high glaciers and passes of the Ausangate massif at over 5000m.Select routes suited to your ability using clear grading throughout, with advice on whether routes are best undertaken independently or with a trekking agency or local guide, and notes on which routes involve glacier travel and require specific expertise and equipment.Navigate with confidence using sketch maps included for all routes, a comprehensive route summary table, and a full glossary of Spanish and Quechan words to help you communicate and find your way in the field.Plan your Sacred Valley adventure with comprehensive practical information on getting there and around, permits and guides, accommodation, food and health, money, safety, and the best time to visit, with May to September offering the most reliable dry weather.Explore the trails, ruins, and high passes of Peru's Sacred Valley with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From the classic Inca Trail to the remote heights of Ausangate and Choquequirao, this is the essential companion for hiking and biking adventures in one of the world's great mountain destinations. Read more